Soap News: Will Guiding Light survive? Y&R’s backstage drama and DAYS alum on Harper’s Island

— All soap fans are still freaking out over Guiding Light’s cancellation. Fans from across the world have been signing a petition urging CBS to keep the soap. You can sign it here. While CBS is axing one P&G soap, they have renewed P&G’s As The World Turns for another year. Rumors are circulating that this would be ATWT’s final pick-up. As reported last week, TeleNext (and Proctor & Gample Productions) are shopping around for another home for GL but they could end up shopping both ATWT and GL as a package deal. Daytime Confidential is reporting that U.S. cable network Lifetime could be interested. The popular soap source is also reporting that P&G/TeleNext are not cancelling their 2009 filming lease with the New Jersey town of Peapack where most of the outdoor filming takes place. Jian Gomeshi spoke with pop culture expert Bob Thompson about the cancellation and some soap stuff on Monday’s Q, click here for the podcast.

— GL starlet Marcy Rylan (Lizzie) is expecting her first child with her boyfriend Don Money. The baby is due this October.

— Looks like the behind-the-scenes stuff is just as juicy as the current on-screen drama over at The Young and the Restless. A few weeks ago, a casting call was placed out to recast the role of Jill Abbott. Initial reports suggested that Jess Walton (who took over the role in 1988) was out sick but it was quickly revealed that Walton walked out after the show asked her to take a paycut. Many primetime and daytime actresses were speculated to take over but the biggest buzz had a trio of Another World favourites taking the lead: Linda Dano (ex-Felicia), Anna Stuart (ex-Donna) and Victoria Wyndham (ex-Rachel). Ultimately, the producers and Walton reached a deal and the “emergency recast” was called off.

— With Walton’s Jess sticking around, there are sure to be some cuts…Nia Peeples (Karen) will leave be leaving the show while Bryton McClure (Devon) has been dropped to recurring status. Now for some good casting news, TV Guide Canada is reporting that Tricia Cast will be returning full-time sometime this May or June as Nina.

— Y&R’s new Mac, Clementine Ford has come out. Check out her exclusive interview with Access Hollywood where she talks about coming out and why she wanted to work on the soap.

— Those worried that Tracey E. Bergman’s Lauren has been missing in action can rest…the actress tells her fans on Facebook that she should be popping back on screen. Expect Lauren to be involved in some Sharon stuff…check out the spoilers below for more.

— And this just in…Daytime Emmy winner David Lago will return as Raul this May for a bit. He should have scenes with Billy and Mac.

— Former Days star Victor Webster will appear on Harper’s Island which premieres tonight at 10:00pm on Global and CBS. Webster, who also starred on the complete Mutant X series and guest starred for the last batch of Charmed episodes plays Hunter Jennings, the ex-boyfriend of the bride on the 13 week mystery-serial. Another familiar daytime alumni is Richard Burgi, who played Chad on Another World in the 80s and is best known as Susan’s ex on Desperate Housewives. Another daytime connection is through Harry Hamlin, who is married to Lisa Rinna (ex-Billie, DAYS).

— One Life to Live has released both Kathy Brier (Marcie) and Chris Stack (Michael). The couple will last air in June.

— The 36^th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards have been picked up by The CW after both CBS and ABC declined to air them. The awards will air live from Los Angeles on Sunday, August 30^th at 8pm. The nominations will be announced on May 14^th on The Today Show. So if The CW wants to air the Daytime Emmy’s why not pick up Guiding Light from its sister network? Especially since The CW has picked up The Tyra Banks Show from syndication. A Tyra/GL lineup could work well…plus it could trump NBC’s Days-only lineup.

— General Hospital goes HD next week, check back in the next few days for some scoop on the new hospital sets. Meanwhile, Rick Hearst (Ric) and Megan Ward (Kate) have been downgraded to recurring status. What’s the point of going HD when the show is making stupid casting and story decisions? They usually get “Scrubs” (Patrick & Robin) stories right but this PPD story is insulting…especially when mobsters/murderers are giving advice to the doctors.

SPOILERS

All My Children: Ryan and Erica get stranded after their car breaks down. Kendall and Zach sign the divorce papers. Krystal causes some drama at Little Adam’s custody hearing while Adam offers to bankroll Scott’s heart valve project.

As The World Turns: Lily and Holden get some bad news while Paul issues a warning to Meg. Henry catches Brad and Vienna in a compromising position while Jade and Casey are forced to work together.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Stephanie begins her new job at Jackie M and celebrates with Pam. James gives Taylor encouraging news about Thomas’ treatment. Ridge and Taylor continue their plan to break up Rick and Steffy…but the couple find an ally. Bridget causes a scene at her Madame X fashion show.

Days Of Our Lives: Sami accuses Rafe of spying on her family. Nicole worries that Stefano and EJ will call off her wedding. Mia wants her baby back. Melanie tells Brady to tell Nicole how he really feels. Bo worries about Hope and Roman after catching them together. Sami wants to tell EJ about their child while Stefano and EJ plan a hit on Philip.

General Hospital: Helena shocks everyone when GH is reopened. Patrick lashes out at Robin in front of everyone and accuses her of cheating on him. Alexis thinks Helena and Rebecca are working together while Jason helps Carly take a pregnancy test.

Guiding Light: Bill tries to recreate the perfect childhood for Lizzie. Frank manages to get Rafe released early from prison. Olivia confesses her true feelings to Natalia but urges her to go through with her wedding to Frank. Edmund steals baby Colin away from Reva.

One Life To Live: Zach uses Starr against Todd. Cole steals pills from Todd. Natalie and Jared are named Chloe’s godparents while John makes a gruesome discovery.

The Young and the Restless: Nick and Sharon have sex at the Abbott cabin…again. A furious Phyllis trashes Sharon’s hotel room and finds all the stolen loot and calls the police. Sharon is later arrested for grand theft. Amber is released on bail but Kevin is sent to a psychiatric facility. Mac will try to get through to Kevin. Jill asks Victor for a job. Billy kisses Mac.