— Looks like Melody Thomas Scott hasn’t been able to work out a new deal with The Young and The Restless. The soap had asked Scott to take a pay cut (the industry norm at the moment) or drop to recurring, but the actress refused. TV Guide Canada’s Nelson Branco is reporting that since the show is writing beyond the contract expiry date, Scott’s character Nikki will be written out of the show. 2009 marks Scott’s 30th year on the soap.
— Lynn Herring will be joining As The World Turns on July 24th as Audrey. Herring is best known for her role as Lucy Coe (the former hostess of the Nurses Ball turned vampire slayer – seriously) on General Hospital (from 1986-1991, 1992-1997) and its spin-off Port Charles (1997-2003). Herring last appeared as Lucy on GH for Lila’s funeral in 2004. In 1991, the actress briefly joined Days Of Our Lives as Lindsay. Herring owns and operates the Raymond Museum in California and is married to Wayne Northrop (ex-Roman, DAYS).
The best part of Herring joining ATWT is that it will actually make fans want to tune in since she’ll be playing Henry’s (Trent Dawson) gold-digging mother. Herring’s new soap will also reunite her with her former Port Charles co-stars: Jon Lindstrom (Craig; ex-Kevin/Ryan, GH/PC), Julie Pinson (Janet; ex-Eve, PC) and Marie Wilson (Meg; ex-Karen, PC)…lets hope the show gives us some good Kevin & Lucy…I mean Craig and Audrey scenes!
Check out Lynn Herring’s interview with Michael Logan at TV Guide Magazine here for the full scoop on her soap comeback.
— The ABC vs. ABC casting wars continue…Martha Byrne (ex-Lily, ATWT) pops up on GH next week as Andrea Floyd next week.
— General Hospital fans are speaking out at the Luke and Ethan being father and son…so much so, that it made the ‘Late Breaking News’ section of last week’s Soap Opera Digest…looks like the only fan of this story is Luke Spencer himself, Anthony Geary. The daytime icon defends the storyline in a new interview with SOAPnet.
— This rumor was way too icky to put in the subject line…but it looks like Devon (Bryton McClure) will start developing feelings for his faux-aunt Tyra (Eva Marcille) on The Young and the Restless. Remember his gross crush on adoptive sister Lily a few years back? Who will Devon develop feelings for next? His Aunt Virginia (Della Reese)?! Why is he falling for Tyra anyway, especially since he’s got a hot girlfriend, Roxanne, played by Tatyana Ali?
— Lauralee Bell (ex-Christine, Y&R) has created a new web series called Family Dinner with her husband Scott Martin. Bell will write, star and produce in the series about an attention-starved mother (Bell). Aaron Lustig (ex-Tim, Y&R/B&B) will play her husband while Phyllis Diller will play her mother-in-law and Dan Cortese (Rock Me Baby, What I Like About You) plays her reality show producer. The debut episode premiered on Funny or Die earlier this week while the second episode debuts on June 17th. Check out it online at http://www.familydinneronline.com.
— Tuc Watkins will return to One Life To Live as David Vickers this summer.
— All My Children’s Ryan (Cameron Mathison) & Erica (Susan Lucci) pairing is getting some mainstream press. I’m all for cougars…but Erica Kane?! Seriously? Ryan and Erica’s daughter Kendall have been married and share a kid! Yuck.
— EJ (James Scott) decides to sue Sami (Alison Sweeney) for full custody of their son Johnny next week on Days of Our Lives because he was so upset she lied to him about being baby Grace’s father. It was sad for the soap to kill off baby Grace…hopefully it will earn Alison Sweeney and other cast members Emmy nods. I can’t wait for Sami to find out that Nicole (Arianne Zucker) switched the babies.
Spoilers for the Week of June 8th, 2009:
All My Children: JR questions Adam’s friendship with Annie. Tad punches David when he tries to stir up trouble at Jake and Amanda’s wedding. Zach agrees to keep Liza’s secret. Amanda has her baby.
As The World Turns: Parker ruins Liberty’s prom. Bonnie and Dusty work together. Casey gives Riley a warning. Rosanna comes to Paul’s defense.
The Bold and the Beautiful: Ridge makes a big announcement as Steffy pleads with Thomas. Owen asks Bridget for a favor and later proposes to Jackie.
Days Of Our Lives: Rafe runs into Arianna. Chloe dreams about Daniel and is angry at Lucas for keeping a secret for Sami. Chelsea surprises Max and asks him to move to London with her.
General Hospital: Luke is knocked out when he confronts Helena about threatening Rebecca. Matt performs emergency surgery on the mayor’s mistress. Jason has to calm Michael down (again).
Guiding Light: Beth is horrified when she learns that James could face jail time. Rafe demands answers from Natalia. Jeffery is surprised to learn that Edmund’s body is missing. Cyrus overhears a clue about the diamonds from Christina.
One Life To Live: Tea recuperates at Todd’s penthouse. Stacy reveals a softer side to Rex. Jessica grieves for Chloe. Marcy surprises Starr with a visit from Hope. Marty takes the stand at Todd and Blair’s custody hearing.
The Young and the Restless: Daniel is held at gunpoint. Paul confronts Mary Jane, who later issues him with a restraining order. Adam receives shocking news. Phyllis refuses to sign divorce papers.
