— As the World Turns has let go Austin Peck (Brad). The actor joined the series in January 2007 as Jack’s “de-aged” brother and has been paired romantically with Terri Colombino’s Katie. TV Guide Canada is reporting that Peck was let go due to an affair he was having with one of the show’s leading ladies. With Peck free, could DAYS ask him and Christie Clark to reprise their roles as Austin and Carrie?
— Lesli Kay will be returning to As the World Turns this fall as Molly Conlan McKinnon. Kay is also expected to continue appearing on The Bold and the Beautiful as Felicia at the same time…which is great because B&B barely used the phenomenal Emmy winning actress. Kay originated the role of Molly on ATWT in 1997 and left in early 2004 after she was offered the role of Lois Cerullo on General Hospital. GH barely used to actress and she ended up on B&B the following November. Kay also crossed over to The Young and the Restless last year as Felicia where she flirted with Nick. Kay is married to her former ATWT co-star, Keith Coulouris who played David Stenbeck.
— Dan Gauthier will briefly reprise the role of Kevin Buchanan this fall on One Life to Live.
— Crystal Chappell returns to Days of our Lives on October 2nd.
— Aaron D. Spears is joining the cast of B&B as Justin Barber who will be working with Bill (Don Diamont). Judging by the actor’s race and this being B&B, let’s just assume the obvious – he’s Marcus’ father and Donna’s ex. His last name is intriguing…could he be related to the Genoa City Barbers?
— Speaking of the Barbers…If you missed the exclusive interview with Y&R’s Tonya Lee Williams, here it is.
— Nick (Joshua Morrow) found out that he’s the father of Sharon’s (Sharon Case) baby this week and is livid. Sharon will explain to him that she lied and said that the baby was Jack’s (Peter Bergman) so that Nick could give his complete focus on Summer’s recovery with Phyllis (Michelle Stafford). Nick will understand her excuse but won’t forgive her completely because she should know how much he wanted the baby girl to be his. Nick will struggle with whether or not to tell Phyllis, is getting ready to take Summer to a treatment facility in Switzerland…but what he doesn’t know is that his wife already knows!
— The 36th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards take place this Sunday. The telecast will air on The CW (after ABC, CBS and SOAPnet passed). Sadly, no Canadian broadcaster has been announced, so Canadians fans will have to check out their CW affiliates on digital or satellite. You can check out a complete list of the daytime drama nominees here. The CW will air a pre-show from 7pm to 8pm and the ceremony will air from 8pm to 10pm. Ugly Betty‘s Vanessa Williams — who has nothing to do with daytime — will host. There is a planned tribute for Guiding Light which will end its run next month.
Here are my predictions:
- – I could see Jeanne Cooper (Katherine, Y&R) taking lead actress this year. The woman is a powerhouse. She’s also has a lot of solid material to submit from this past year for – next year’s ceremony.
- – I think DAYS could pull a (much deserved) surprise with Peter Reckell (Bo) winning the lead actor category. If not him, Christian LeBlanc (Michael, Y&R) is another safe bet.
- – The supporting actress category is seriously a toss up this year…I’m leaning towards either Julie Pinson (Janet, ATWT) or Tamara Braun (ex-Ava, DAYS).
- – For supporting actor, I could see either Van Hansis (Luke, ATWT) or Jeff Branson (Shayne, GL) take it.
- – I’m hoping Julie Marie Berman (Lulu, GH) picks up younger actress while Blake Berris (ex-Nick, DAYS) deserves younger actor.
- – I can definitely see Days of our Lives winning for best soap this year. Surprisingly, this soap has never won in this category before – not even in the 90s! I see directing going to DAYS as well while One Life to Live could get writing.
