— ABC has confirmed to Soap Opera Digest that Kristen Alderson is leaving General Hospital. The actress began playing Starr Manning on One Life to Live in 1998 at the age of 6 and stayed there until OLTL aired its final ABC episode in January 2012. A month later, Alderson crossed over to General Hospital as Starr (along with Roger Howarth and Michael Easton). In 2013 due to a legal dispute between ABC and Prospect Park (the company that tried to resurrect both OLTL and All My Children online), GH was forced to write out Starr and brought back Alderson as Kiki Jerome.
Over the weekend, Chad Duell (Michael), Alderson’s co-star and real life boyfriend tweeted that it was the actress’ decision to exit GH. Alderson is expected to tape her final scenes as Kiki “very soon.”
— Katherine Kelly Lang is set to return to The Bold and the Beautiful on Thursday, January 22. Lang, who took a break from the soap to appear on the Italian version of Dancing with the Stars, recently previewed her return with TV Guide. Look for Brooke to confront Quinn (Rena Sofer) and Deacond (Sean Kanan) when she returns to Los Angeles. For more on Brooke’s return click here.
— Former Days of our Lives star Alison Sweeney (ex-Sami) has lined her first acting gig since leaving the NBC soap late last year. Sweeney, who has since directed General Hospital and currently hosts The Biggest Loser, will star in the Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder film series for Hallmark Channel.
The film series will be based upon the New York Times bestselling book by Joanne Fluke, where viewers will be taken on a mystery that is centered around Hannah Swensen (who will be played by Sweeney) and her Cookie Jar coffee shop where much of the town’s gossip occurs. Look for All My Children alum Cameron Mathison to co-star.
No word yet if the film series has lined up a Canadian broadcaster, but Alison Sweeney’s Canadian fans should note that Hallmark’s other film franchise, The Good Witch, has aired in Canada on Movie Central and the W Network.
— As for Days of our Lives, those hoping for more from Bryan Dattilo’s Lucas – there’s some good news. In a new interview with Soap Central, the actor previews his new storylines. Yes, plural. Not only will Lucas be involved in some of the trouble that Will (Guy Wilson) gets into, look for this year to bring a new woman in Lucas’ life. Check out the interview here.
— Meanwhile, DAYS has cast Lucas Kerr as Clint, someone who crosses paths with Jen Lilley’s Theresa. Hira Ambrosino will play Tori, Paul’s (Christopher Sean) mother. Ambrosino previously appeared on DAYS in 2009 as Dr. Hayden. Adam Mayfield (ex-Scott, AMC) will soon begin appearing as Ted.
— GH Now, General Hospital’s new online talk show hosted by Nancy Lee Grahn premieres Monday, January 12 at ABC.com.
SOAP PLOTLINES
The Bold and the Beautiful (CTV Two/CBS): Maya endeavors to prove those who doubt her wrong. Rick throws Ridge’s romantic failures back at him. Maya lashes out at Carter. Maya questions Rick about his feelings. Ridge discourages Caroline from trying to save her marriage and that they can now be together. Rick tells Maya that they have a bright future together. Maya’s sister, Nicole, arrives at Forrester Creations. Caroline and Ridge made a decision about their relationship.
Coronation Street (CBC): Luke invites Maria round for dinner. Alya admires the basque Sinead’s made for Beth. Tyrone drives Roy to his court hearing. Eva and David search for Kylie. David heads to Callum’s flat. Tyrone is surprised to find Maria in his home. Kirk worries about his wedding costume and speech. Michelle meets a new client. David contacts the police. Chesney struggles to write his best man’s speech. Michael discovers that Max is missing. Beth’s family arrives for her wedding. Michelle attempts to make Steve jealous. Michelle prepares for her date. There’s still no sign of Kylie. Eileen and Andrea go through the Street Cars accounts. Kirk’s stag night takes place.
Days of our Lives (Global/NBC): Paul comes clean to Sonny, hoping to win him back. Victor and Clyde have a tense showdown over business matters. A vengeful Eve is tempted to tell Jennifer that she had sex with JJ. Victor has a business opportunity for Rafe. John also makes a big career change. Clyde drops another bombshell about Jordan. Hope feels that she isn’t getting the full story from Aiden. Melanie and Brady agree not to tell anyone that they are planning to date, but they are caught kissing. Eve suggests to Paige that they leave Salem. Nicole and Serena get into a heated exchange at the opening of the new club. Theresa wants to get Brady out of her system. Adrienne enjoys herself when she spends time with Lucas. JJ confesses to Jennifer.
General Hospital (City/ABC): Will Michael discover Fluke with Luke in the basement of the Spencer family home? Julian has updates for Sonny. “Jake” receives another task from Helena. Anna’s job is in danger. The election results are finally announced – will Felicia be the new mayor of Port Charles? Nikolas and Helena combine forces. Michael presents Rosalie with a job offer. Patrick and Sam patch things up. Sonny gives Shawn instructions. Johnny presents Lulu with a business offer. Rosalie joins forces with someone. Elizabeth interrupts “Jake.” Sam gets ready for a date with Patrick. Dante walks in on Lulu and Johnny.
The Young and the Restless (Global/CBS): Nick asks “Gabriel” about his past. Devon and Hilary plan a secret rendezvous. Ashley warns Stitch about Victoria. Neil asks Cane to keep a secret. Dylan strikes back. Phyllis catches Jack in a compromising position. Paul puts Victor on notice. Billy and Chelsea clash over “Gabriel.” Adam connects with Connor. Jack demands answers from Kelly. Either Phyllis, Jake or Kelly are involved in an accident. Neil discovers something that upsets him.
