— Last week Entertainment Weekly confirmed what was first reported by Daytime Confidential that Jason Thompson will indeed succeed Burgess Jenkins in the role of Billy Abbott on The Young and the Restless. Thompson wrapped up filming his 10-year-run as General Hospital’s Dr. Patrick Drake last month and will air through the holidays.
The role of Billy Abbott has proved to be a recasting challenge for Y&R’s executive producer Jill Farren Phelps. After letting Billy Miller (now Jason on GH) leave the series in early 2014. The CBS/Global soap brought back David Tom who played the role from 1999-2002 but quickly recast yet again with Jenkins.
Phelps tells EW that “I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to work with Jason again. He’s an exceptional actor and a wonderful human being. He will bring so much to the character and we’re thrilled to welcome him to The Young and the Restless family.” CBS’ head of daytime Angelica McDaniel shared with EW: “Jason Thompson is an incredibly gifted actor and we are thrilled to welcome him.”
While I’m sad to see Thompson and his character go from GH but I welcome what he can bring to Y&R. Unfortunately the writers on GH never made Patrick a lead on the show — which has been a huge mistake as he has the acting chops, the character was a doctor and had ties around the canvas — but Billy Abbott is a lead character on Y&R and perhaps this will give the Canadian actor a better platform. Thompson has had a great run as a supporting player on GH and let’s see what he can work with as a lead on Y&R.
— Sebastian Roché returns as Jerry Jacks this month on General Hospital. Jerry was last seen in Nov. 2014 when he tricked Tracy (Jane Elliot) into giving him ELQ shares in exchange for her “ex-husband” (Larry Ashton instead of Luke Spencer). Jerry is the one holding Robin (Kimberly McCullough) captive yet again.
— The Bold and the Beautiful and General Hospital have been nominated in the Daytime Drama category by the Writers Guild of America. The award ceremony will take place on Feb. 13, 2016.
— About.com was first to report that Judi Evans (Adrienne) and Wally Kurth (Justin) have been taken off contract at Days of our Lives. The ‘80s super couple were recently put on contract for the soap’s 50th anniversary. Such a shame.
— Former B&B and Y&R star Adrienne Frantz (ex-Amber) and her husband Scott Bailey (ex-Sandy, Guiding Light) have welcomed their first child, a daughter named Amélie Irene. The couple have been married since 2011.
— Coming up next week on The Bold and the Beautiful: Sasha’s (Felisha Cooper) unexpected arrival in town leaves some people happy, others uncomfortable on Monday (Dec. 14). Zende and Sasha cross paths the following day. Will Nicole (Reign Edwards) and Zende’s (Rome Flynn) relationship hit a halt? Julius (Obba Babatundé) blames Maya (Karla Mosley) and Rick (Jacob Young) for Nicole’s unhappiness.
— Coming up next week on Days of our Lives: Belle (Martha Madison) shares a big secret with Brady (Eric Martsolf) on Monday (Dec. 14). The next day, old feelings are stirred up when Belle and Philip (John Paul Lavoisier) run into each other.
Abigail (Kate Mansi) receives good news about Thomas on Wednesday (Dec. 16). On Friday (Dec. 18), Abigail is devastated when Chad (Billy Flynn) breaks things off with her.
Also on Friday (Dec. 18): Ava (Tamara Braun) has news that gives Kayla (Mary Beth Evans) pause. Rafe (Galen Gering) bonds with Hope (Kristian Alfonso) as he helps her and Ciara (Vivian Jovanni) get into the holiday spirit.
