The Suds Report - Aug29/08

QUOTES OF THE WEEK — TRANSLATED SUDS-STYLE “Luke and Noah aren’t going anywhere. We are just hanging out in the background of Oakdale right now. No one is fired. We are in the studio now, filming a bunch of stuff that will air in the fall.” —ATWT’s Van Hansis (Luke) reassures Soap Opera Weekly Translation: Know anyone who is hiring?

“I’ve started to watch the show again, and my daughter looks different! It’s amazing what a year and a half will do. I’m excited [to be back]. Toward the end, [ex-head writer] Megan [McTavish] had lost her footing with the character, but for the better part of nine years, David was one of the best characters on daytime.”
—AMC’s Vincent Irizarry (David) enthuses about his comeback to Soap Opera Digest
Translation: What he said.

“There was blood on the walls sometimes with [Y&R creator] Bill Bell. It happens when you care deeply. But I will tell you this: Bill Bell never compromised on quality ever. I learned that lesson sitting at the feet of the master, and I will carry it with me always.”
—Former Days co-executive producer Ed Scott to TV Guide’s Michael Logan
Translation: [Screw] you Dena Higley.

“Whoever thinks that I don’t do things when I’m on vacation should take some inventory. Just because I’m not at my desk doesn’t mean I’m not working.”
—Days' executive producer Ken Corday says in a Soap Opera Digest story
Translation: I golf, fine dine, drink fine wines, read trashy romance novels, and sleep while I’m on vacation. I do things, OK!

“I looked him up on YouTube and saw his stuff from Santa Barbara [as Cruz]. I was really impressed.”
—Emmy winner A Martinez (Ray) gets the approval of OLTL’s Brittany Underwood (Langston) in the pages of Soap Opera Weekly
Translation: I have no clue who the hell this old guy is! And for the life of me, I can’t figure out how to spell his first name.

NEWSSTAND CHECKOUT
Lynn Leahey takes over Soap Opera Weekly
Don't expect a new editor-in-chief over at Soap Opera Weekly. Lynn Leahey, editorial director of SPW and Soap Opera Digest tells The Suds Report exclusively, “Carolyn won't be replaced. I'll be assuming control of the magazine while Stephanie Sloane continues to helm Digest as its editor.” Budgetary issues are the official reason Carolyn Hinsey mutually agreed to leave her post as SPW editor last month. This past May, Soap Opera Weekly and Soap Opera Digest were both acquired by Source Interlink when the media corporation purchased Primedia's Enthusiast Media (EM) Division.

All My Children, A/ABC — Cougar waltzing — La Lucci and Dovoloni unite!
• As previously reported, Susan Lucci (Erica) has confirmed she is indeed joining the tenth season of Dancing With The Stars and not American Idol. Whew! We dodged a bullet there, folks!

The Emmy winner released this statement to the press: “I am thrilled to be on Dancing this season. I have always been a big fan of the show. This is going to be an amazing life experience for me. I've already begun to work with my dance partner, Tony [Dovoloni] and could not be more thrilled to be working with him. This is a very exciting time and I look forward to the journey.”

In related Dancing news, Dovoloni has been officially inducted into the cougar-chaser Hall of Fame.

Two years ago, in our very first feature, Suds asked Lucci why the Emmy winner turned down an opportunity to mambo in 2006: She pointed out, “It shoots in L.A. and I have to shoot AMC in New York.” Clearly, geography is Lucci’s strong subject, but did Cameron Mathison’s (Ryan) 2007 Dancing stint alert her to the fact that airplanes existed? Me? I’m thrilled — I think she’s going to kick ass, and perhaps give Dovoloni a real shot at that coveted disco-ball trophy. The only question I have is: will AMC work Lucci as hard as they did Mathison? Of course not. And let’s face it: AMC needs all the mainstream publicity it can buy.

• That abortion gone wrong, Josh leaves Pine Valley on Sept. 9 after he is exposed as an embezzler. Kendall whisks him out of town. Egglesfield will remain on recurring status. Hmmm… why do I smell a possible recast in the near future? No intel here, just a hunch. And guess what?  It wouldn’t be such a bad idea. Sorry, but Egglesfield is not and will never be Erica Kane’s son.

• Melissa Claire Egan (Annie) isn’t going anywhere, so calm down psycho lovers. Sources confirm head writer Chuck Pratt Jr. has fallen in love with the much-improved actress and plans to keep her around indefinitely. I have to admit, I’ve fallen for Egan’s bitchy take on Annie — and I can’t get enough. Yes, it helps that I also despise Ryan, Greenlee, and Kendall with a passion, so I can totally relate to her. However, if Pratt’s smart he’ll take his time redeeming the bitchiest character on daytime. After all, that’s what they do in prime time.

As The World Turns, Global/CBS — Roerig lights up Friday Nights
• Poor Billy Magnussen! The successful recast now has big shoes to follow: Zach Roerig (ex-Casey; ex-Hunter, OLTL) has joined the cast of Friday Night Lights as Cash, a local rodeo star who lassoes Adrianne Palicki's Tyra. And here’s an interesting did-you-know fact: FNL star Scott Porter (Jason) subbed for Roerig as Casey for a week in 2006 when he was out in Hollywood working on a TV pilot. Congrats to Roerig. Once again, another ATWT star finds himself playing in the big leagues.

• There’s a fascinating rumour spreading like wildfire online that hints Laurence Lau’s cougar-chasing Brian Wheatly is a friend of Dorothy’s. And get this: Brian may dig Luke more than the sexy and fabulous tycoon, Lucinda. Brian would be an idiot to choose Luke over Lucinda… because he’ll never get laid. But if you ask me, he does romantically and sexually protest a little too much around La Walsh.  

The Bold and the Beautiful, CTV/CBS — Eric wakes up!
• No news is bad news: this week on B&B, Brooke slaps the living daylights out of Katie when she learns that dying slut slept with the love her life and her daughter’s husband, Nick! Also, Ridge tries to comfort his lover, er, mother, Stephanie, while Nick plans on surprising Bridget with more lies, and Owen and Donna cross the line at the same time Eric wakes up from his coma hornier than ever. Oh, goody!

Days of our Lives, Global/NBC — Scott fires back; Tomlin’s new hire!
• Well, well, well… he speaks. According to executive producer Ken Corday, “a mountain was made out of a mole hill,” regarding head writer Dena Higley’s reported Writers’ Guild of America grievance against co-executive producer Ed Scott in this week’s Soap Opera Digest. When asked about a possible mutiny that pitted Higley against Scott, the WGA issued a telling “no comment.” Two weeks ago, Corday fired Scott shortly after the news story broke on this very website. Corday maintains Scott’s dismissal was not because his right-hand man reportedly violated Writer Guild of America rules, but because he’s “decided that it’s in the best interest of the show’s future to make this change in order to improve Days both visually and emotionally.” Hmmm… didn’t Corday say that very same thing when Scott was appointed to the position last year? Talk about Days-a vu.

After his shocking firing, Scott sat down with TV Guide’s Michael Logan and admitted he was blindsided by his firing. Various sources at the Burbank set inform Suds, “Ed was even escorted out of the building after he was fired. We were all stunned.”

Scott mused over the possibility he was canned to avoid a WGA investigation, shrugging, “Maybe. I don't know.”

Too bad, because everyone else does.

• This season’s patsy, co-executive producer Gary Tomlin has hired Emmy Award winner Christopher Whitesell as co-head writer. Whitesell has written for AW, ATWT, GH, GL — whew — take a breath here — OLTL and Sunset Beach, so don’t be too shocked if you see a turkey baster in Sami’s future. Corday credits Tomlin for “saving Days from cancellation” back in 1981. A year later, Tomlin left the series and was succeeded by Pat Falken Smith, the woman most critics credit with actually saving Days.

• Ross Mathews is back — do you know where your kids are? The Tonight Show intern returns as that lovable freak Chris on Sept. 9, Kate’s new assistant. “Do you know how to head write,” Kate asks in the episode. Rosie O’Donnell’s BFF, who first aired on Days on May 14, shrugs: “Can’t be that hard, right?”

General Hospital, CTV/ABC — Worst news ever — Marcil Wears Lipstick in the Jungle this fall!
• Damn! The most beautiful woman GH has ever hired, Vanessa Marcil has joined the cast of that dreadful show, Lipstick Jungle in the recurring role of Josie, a very attractive up-and-coming music manager. Insiders predicted Marcil would return to her iconic role of Brenda Barrett on GH after Night Shift signed off the air, but now her daytime comeback is up in the air. Unless of course, I find a way to cancel Brooke Shields’ embarrassing attempt at a Sex and the City clone.
 
•If you’re a diehard fan of future superstar, Canadian Graham Shiels (Cody) expect some torture in your near future. Thanks to Shiels, I’ll have to tune into that master flop, GH to catch him in Port Charles on September 3, 11, and 12. Or you can just catch Shiels on Saving Grace on Aug. 25, and in a four-episode arc in HBO’s True Blood on Sept. 7. Yep, I’m guessing the latter is safer.

• Belated best wishes are in order for Julie Marie Berman (Lulu) and her longtime boyfriend, Michael Grady who wed on Aug. 15 in L.A. After hanging out with the lovebirds during the Emmy Awards, I can say easily say these newlyweds are in it for the long haul. Let’s hope Berman waits before starting a family, because then we’ll have to deal with a shrieking pregnant woman on screen. And that can’t be healthy.

Guiding Light, Global/CBS — Which actor has been fired? And which ABC star is his replacement? • The ABC-CBS war is just heating up, report my sources on the P&G soap. According to insiders, “an actor is about to get his walking papers, and in his place is a former ABC star.” Guess who? • Congratulations are in order for the messiah, Ellen Wheeler, GL’s executive producer, who won top honours at the 2007-2008 Golden Icon Awards. GL took home best soap opera, best actress, and best writing awards back home to Peapack, N.J. Their prize? Sweaty balls. FYI: Y&R’s Peter Bergman (Jack) and GL’s Nicole Forester won best lead acting titles. In Turn was also hailed best reality Internet series.

Here’s the entry information: The Travolta Family Entertainment Golden Icon Awards are selected annually by voting members of the Travolta family. Voting is open to all members of the Travolta family, with varying members contributing votes within their respective areas of expertise throughout the year based on strength of conviction.

Prospect submission is not required for consideration for the Travolta Family Entertainment Golden Icon Awards if voting members of the Travolta Family have other immediate access to said product or service, however product submission is required to guarantee consideration.

Products submitted to Travolta Family Entertainment for the purpose of consideration for the Golden Icon Awards are donated to charity following testing whenever applicable. Members of the Travolta Family have endorsed such charitable organizations as: Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Broadway Cares, and Even Start Family Literacy Program.

With the exception of motorized vehicles, products submitted for awards consideration are not returned unless special arrangements are made prior to submission. Motorized vehicles require a minimum three-month usage term for consideration.

Oh, so what they’re trying to say is GL bought the award, right?

One Life to Live, A/ABC — So You Think You Can Make Nelson Laugh?
• Is Jacqueline Hendy the new Marcy Walker (ex-Liza, AMC; ex-Tangie, GL; ex-Eden, Santa Barbara) or the new Jensen Buchanan (ex-Melissa, GH; ex-Vicky/Marley, AW; ex-Sarah, OLTL)? The former Black Donnellys diva has been cast in the contract role of Vanessa, A Martinez’s (Ray) on-screen spouse. The gorgeous actress first airs in mid-September. And yes, now I’m officially intrigued about Martinez’s arrival in Flanview. Let’s hope Brittany Underwood (Langston) approves of Hendy. Yes, I’m just giving Underwood a hard time.

• From Dena Higley, to Lynn Marie Latham, and back to Dena Higley — is Roscoe Born (Trent, Days) finally going to work with a talented head writer? Soap Opera Digest suggests it’s a possibility now that the veteran soap hopper is leaving Salem. According to speculation, Mitch Laurence could bring his brother, Miles out of hiding with an evil comeback. Can you imagine — Cruz versus Robert/Quinn, Part 2? Count me in!

• Robin Strasser’s (Dorian) hotline has been reactivated. Call 212-414-5300 for your weekly diva fix.

• Greetings From the Shore — which stars David “Imaginary Gladiator” Fumero (Cristian) — will finally debut in New Jersey and Pennsylvania theatres beginning Sept. 12. Congrats!

• ABC has picked up Canadian Nathan Fillion’s (ex-Joey) pilot, Castle. The Canuck stars as a mystery writer who advises the New York City police on particularly difficult cases. Hmmm... maybe he could advise Antonio Vega, too!

• Whatever happened to Andrew Carpenter? Robert Krimmer is now a lawyer at Arnold, Bleuel, LaRochelle Mathews & Zirbel in Oxnard. Hey, it sure beats laying in bed with Marty and Todd.

• So You Think You Can Host a Game Show? Emmy-nominated talk show host Ty Treadway (ex-Colin/Troy) recently taped two special episodes as host of a game show called So You Think You Can Be Shane Morasco's Father? on Oct. 1 and 2. In the story, Rex is shot and conjures up Treadway (hey, who wouldn’t, right?). Apparently heaven is now a game show, not a TV studio. Poor Agnes!

• Soap Opera Digest is echoing what Soap Opera Weekly reported weeks ago: Catherine Hickland (Lindsay) will be off the canvas for the foreseeable future but will remain on recurring status. If my name were Babs Bloom, I’d hire Hickland as a Mindy Lewis recast in a heartbeat for GL. However, if I had better karma and found myself in Catherine Hickland’s high heels, I’d respond, “hell to the no, head sistah! I’m not that desperate for work.” Now if Y&R came calling — that’d be a different story.

Planet Soap, TVtropolis — Guess who helped produce it? And who's an expert?
• That’s right, moi! On Tuesday, Sept. 2, Planet Soap debuts on Canadian cable channel, TVtropolis (check local listings). This week, it’s all about Relative Insanity: bust-ups, sex-mad husband snatchers and mothers and daughters who scrap it out, tooth and nail. It’s Planet Soap’s version of Happy Families! Jerry Springer joins in on the fun.

Scripts and Scruples, iTunes — Future casting alerts!
• Welovesoaps.com’s Roger Newcomb is not only bringing back the radio soap but he’s also attracting some of daytime’s most popular and talented stars from the joys of the unemployment line. Along with hiring the likes of Kale Browne (ex-Sam, OLTL; ex-Michael, AW), the Scripts and Scruples creator gives Soap Opera Digest his dream casting list. He says, “I would love [Kale] to come back with Anna Stuart [Mary, AMC; ex-Donna, AW]. I would really like to have Michael and Donna reunited on my show. And I've even talked to Philece Sampler [ex-Donna, AW], thinking, ‘Well, I can reunite Michael and fake Donna, as well.’ I would love to have Stephen Schnetzer [Cass, AW/ATWT]. He's my all-time favourite. I would like to get Peter Parros [Ben, ATWT], too.” Hey, Roger: Andrea Evans (Tina, OLTL) isn’t being used on OLTL — you should give her a call and tell her to bring her little dog, too.

The Young and the Restless, Global/CBS — Suds first broke the news this past spring that Davidson was set to return to Y&R!
• I think I speak for every Y&R fan alive when I shout, “Finally — it’s about freaking time!” Actress and author Eileen Davidson is not only free of B&B and its bad writing but the beautiful actress is also returning to reclaim what is rightfully hers when she permanently returns to Y&R on Sept. 26.

In 2006, former head writer and exec Lynn Marie Latham rudely and unjustly fired the Emmy-nominated actress. Luckily, Bradley Bell absorbed the loss by keeping Davidson on the B&B backburner until Y&R came to their senses. And that day has finally arrived.

So the juicy question: is there a long-awaited Ashley-Victor reunion in the works? Bet on it. Davidson will join Eric Braeden (Victor), Sharon Case (Sharon), and Joshua Morrow (Nick) for a Paris location shoot in honour of its 20th anniversary of airing in the country this October. Nikki won’t be sober anytime soon.

• Soaps In Depth is reporting Raya Meddine (ex-Sabrina) has taped episodes in which Victor’s dead wife returns as a ghost. Delicious!

• Stop the presses, Restless Style: Eyal Podell (what’s-his-name) has been bumped down to recurring status. Wow — a soap is actually listening to its fans. How surreal…

• Billy Miller’s first airdate as “sleazy” Billy Abbott? Sept. 19. Hopes are riding high that Miller can reinvent the coveted role and make it his own. Heck, the former AMC baddie tells Soap Opera Digest Peter Bergman (Jack) has already left several messages for him. No pressure, or anything.

• This past week, co-head writers Maria Arena Bella and Hogan Sheffer poured a generous amount of gasoline over the raging fire engulfing Genoa City’s saints and sinners. The result? Some of the most riveting soap opera Y&R has ever produced. Simply put, if you’re not watching Y&R then you’re missing out on a soap fan’s wet dream. And I have a feeling a few more explosions are headed our way — especially when a really pissed-off Victor New Man returns from the dead this week. I pray Lynn Marie Latham is watching. This is how it’s done; hope you’re taking notes!

• Michael Easton (John, OLTL) and Kyle Lowder (Rick, B&B) started a trend! That Aussie punk Daniel Goddard (Cane) is Toronto-bound, appearing at the Toronto National Women’s Show on Nov 9. And it’ll only cost you $14 to see Chloe’s new trophy husband in the flesh. Here’s some advice: Just shout out you’re pregnant if you can’t grab his attention.

Want to dish the soaps with Nelson Branco? Join The Suds Report discussion group today on Facebook.com.

Nelson Branco is a Toronto freelance entertainment journalist, who regularly contributes to Hello! Canada, The National Post, The Los Angeles Times' theenvelope.com, TV Guide USA, tvguide.com, Inside Entertainment, OUT, and fab magazine, along with spearheading the soap coverage for TVGuide.ca's popular daytime TV hub. After graduating from Ryerson University in 1997, he moved from Toronto to New York in 1998 to take on the roles as senior news editor at Soap Opera Update. Branco first freelanced for Soap Opera Weekly as an intern in 1994, and after leaving Soap Update to help create and launch Bauer Publishing's In Touch Weekly in 2003, Branco continued to freelance occasionally for its sister publication, Soaps In Depth. Most recently, he helped create and launch Canada's first celebrity magazine, Weekly Scoop in 2005 as its news and entertainment director. Branco is also a contributor to a new TV show titled Planet Soap to air in Canada and America.