Ricky Paull Goldin's TLC Project

Today, TLC announced plans to premiere SEEING VS BELIEVING, a one hour special featuring soap star Ricky Paull Goldin and his skeptic friend Jeff Gurtman as they journey across America to seek the truth behind great stories of unexplained phenomena. The one-off will premiere May 2nd at 8PM (ET/PT) only on TLC.

Ricky Paull Goldin is a well-known soap star and is the son of a prominent figure in the spiritual world. Prior to his role on “All My Children” as Jake, he could be seen on “Guiding Light” as Gus Aitoro. Ricky is a life-long ‘believer’ in the metaphysical world, but knows that not every story out there is the real deal. That’s where his skeptic friend Jeff comes in.

Jeff Gurtman, host of shows such as Travel Spies, Frugal but Fabulous and Cube Fabulous, has always been a skeptic- he needs proof before he’ll buy any theory. His analytic thinking allows him to be a perfect, rational companion for Ricky on his quest to discover the truth behind unexplained phenomena.

Armed with a journal from Ricky’s late father and a GPS, Ricky and Jeff travel in search of abnormalities, unexplained phenomena and the paranormal. Their journey across America leads them to a man who refers to himself as a Perceptionist, to Arkansas in search of the devil and finally, they land in Missouri to track down a boy who survived a tornado. Who will prevail in the quest to explain the unexplainable?

Goldin and Budig Guide Daytime Emmys' Fashion Parade

They're no Joan and Melissa Rivers, but that's a good thing. The always hilarious Ricky Paull Goldin (Jake, All My Children) and the charming Rebecca Budig (Greenlee, AMC) will host SOAPnet's 2008 Live From the Daytime Emmys special on Friday, June 20, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Joining them are Finola Hughes (Anna, General Hospital) and Lawrence Zarian, both of whom have a background as fashion hosts and correspondents. To top it off, Jordan Pruitt will kick off the extravaganza with a special musical performance of the single "Her Shoes," which is featured on her upcoming album "Permission to Fly."

Budig, who is best known for her role as Greenlee Smythe on “AMC,” will chat with the stars as they arrive at the red carpet. Budig's credits as a TV host include Full Frontal Fashion, post-show round-ups of The Bachelor on ABC Family and as an occasional co-host of ABC’s The View.

Goldin currently stars as Dr. Jake Martin on AMC but for years was a fan favorite as Gus Aitoro on Guiding Light. Goldin, with his quick wit, has expertly interviewed the stars at the Daytime Emmys before, and I look forward to seeing his encore performance.

Hughes and Zarian will team up to discuss the most important part of the red carpet: Fashion. Featured this year is the “Dr. Scholls’ for Her” shoe cam, and at the end of the show, the fashion experts will announce the winner of the Dove Dark Chocolate “Most Fashionable Moment of the Night.”

Hughes is host of the Style Network’s How Do I Look?, while Zarian has numerous hosting gigs under his belt including TV Guide Channel’s The Fashion Team and co-host of KTLA’s Live from the Academy Awards in 2004.

This year, SOAPnet’s Live From The Daytime Emmys will also go behind-the-scenes with Jack Mackenroth, the season 4 contestant of Project Runway who is HIV-positive and, sadly, had to leave PR early due to a facial infection. He has created a one-of-a-kind gown for Heather Tom (Katie, The Bold and The Beautiful), who is nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress. SOAPnet will reveal the final look on the red carpet, and her gown will later be auctioned off on ClothesOffOurBack.org and the money will go to AIDS-related charities. In addition, Good Morning America’s Sam Champion will review the nominees of the final four categories including Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Talk Show Entertainment, Outstanding Lead Actor and Outstanding Lead Actress.

SOAPnet.com will feature red carpet coverage from fashion expert and Project Runway Season 2 alum Nick Verreos, as well as coverage from SOAPnet.com reporters Sam Sarpong and Jelynn Rodriguez. The website will feature a live blog from the Emmys, red carpet slideshows straight from the event, and streaming video straight from the red carpet — and the show — shot by fan favorite celebrity nominees!

Viewers will also have the chance to see what it’s like to attend the Daytime Emmys. SOAPnet.com will be placing video cameras at 20 of the tables for actors and actresses to capture all the excitement in the Kodak Theater on their big night. The footage will be streamed on SOAPnet.com, giving viewers insider access into the exclusive event.

CASTING NEWS: Beth and Ricky Reunited Again

It didn't take long. Right on the heels of Ricky Paull's Goldin exit from Guiding Light as Gus Aitoro, his friend and co-star Beth Ehlers has chosen to leave the Light as well. Goldin is now the new Dr. Jake Martin on All My Children, and AMC has wisely decided to capitalize on the duo's popularity by hiring Ehlers. Rumor has it she will be the new Liza Colby, last played by the marvelous Marcy Walker who is now a children's minister outside of Charlotte, N.C. AMC won't confirm the role of Liza is now Ehlers' and may, in fact, have another part for her in mind, but either way, I'm sure she will be sharing scenes with Goldin, if not paired up as his love interest.

When Goldin and Ehlers had great story, they were must-see TV. I hope the writers for AMC can do them justice. With a lot of fans and actors disgruntled with GL's new format, I'm worried this might soon be the last of the Light, a soap I've watched since I was 8 years old. Maybe they can use the budget freed up from Goldin's and Ehlers' contracts to return to the traditional 3-camera studio format and hire back some old faves like Grant Aleksander (Phillip), Paul Anthony Stewart (Danny), Jerry ver Dorn (Ross, now Clint on One Life to Live), among others.

Question for GL fans out there, will you be tuning in to AMC just to watch Goldin and Ehlers?

CASTING NEWS: GL Star to Join AMC

OK, I must have been under a rock last week, because I just found out that Ricky Paull Goldin, who has portrayed Gus Aitoro on Guiding Light for the past 7 years, is leaving. And, to top it off, he is soap-jumping to All My Children, where he will be playing Jake Martin. Last we saw Jake, he was leaving for Kenya to go on a mission for Doctors Without Borders back in 2003.

Ricky is slated to start appearing in Pine Valley, and on your TV screens, sometime in April.

He expressed his sadness about leaving GL on his Web site: "My seven years on Guiding Light have been a wonderful experience. Now it's time for a new adventure, a new chapter in my life. I will especially miss working with Beth Ehlers (Harley Cooper), since it doesn't get any better than Gus and Harley."

Like you, I've been frustrated by your waning story line, they fact that your talents have been underused, and just the "can't choose between all these women" scenario that they had thrust at you. All the while, taking you away from your true soulmate, in my opinion, Harley.

Springfield certainly will miss you, but hopefully you'll have more to do over at AMC.