New All My Children Head Writers Announced

All My Children has filled the shoes of former head writer Megan McTavish with two well-known writers: Barbara J. Esensten and James Harmon Brown. The two previously have written for Dynasty, Guiding Light, Days of Ours Lives and One Life to Live, to name a few.

According to a statement by ABC's Brian Scott Frons: "We're thrilled to welcome this talented team back to ABC. They're known for telling compelling stories that take characters and viewers on a great emotional ride, and their creative vision promises to continue the show's tradition of cutting-edge storylines. Fans can expect an exciting summer in Pine Valley and can look forward to even more of the romance and intrigue they have come to love and look for on All My Children."

"Combined with their ability to take creative and emotional risks, Barbara and Jim write with commitment to character integrity and honesty," added AMC executive producer Julie Hanan Carruthers. "I look forward to working with them again and welcome them to All My Children."

Farah Fath Coming to OLTL

Farah Fath (ex-Mimi, Days) will be arriving in Llanview in September. According to the actress's Web site: "I was considered for [Sarah Roberts, who will be played by newcomer Justis Bolding] but the execs have decided to write a role just for me, which is why I won't start taping for a few months. I am SO honored and excited."

I am expecially excited for the actress because when I spoke with her last year (after she had announced she was leaving Days), she was eager to try on a new role other than Mimi, which was her first major role in "the biz." And now, only a few months later, Farah has inked a multiyear deal with an awesome show.

Congrats, Farah. We can't wait to see you this Fall!

Days Casting News

On Thursday, May 31, Steve Blackwood returns to the role of Bart, the DiMera's (and my fave) henchman. I love the comic relief he brings to his scenes, especially his interaction with Thaao Penghlis. The exasperated looks Tony gives poor Bart could melt the ice off and Eskimo's igloo!

Trevor Donovan will be coming to Salem on Friday, June 1 as Stephanie's bad-boy boyfriend, Jeremy Horton (son of Mike Horton and Robin Jacobs, cousin to Abby Horton).

Arriving with Jeremy will be Jett Carver, played by Marcus Patrick, who is the son of Abe's dead brother, Theo.

Need More Spoilers?!?! Look Below!

The Bold and the Beautiful
Tomorrow, Stephanie fiercely protects Ridge from Brooke and the two ladies do battle.

Days of Our Lives
Thaao Penghlis returns as Tony DiMera on Thursday, as EJ drugs Sami and brings her right to Tony! Also, on Friday, Belle asks comatose John for a sign of Claire's safety and he gives her one -- he wakes up! Next week, Shawn, Belle and Philip realize that Claire was taken. Sami challenges EJ to propose a truce between the DiMeras and the Bradys.

Passions
Next week, Whitney tells Chad that she hates him, as he begs her for forgiveness. Julian tells Theresa he knows that Ethan is Little Ethan's father. The Half-Man/Half-Woman pulls a gun on Father Lonigan.

SPOILERS! Week of May 21st

Sorry these are a bit late - I completely forgot! Have a good week and enjoy your stories :)

AMC: Zach keeps Hannah's special request a secret from Kendall.
ATWT: Gwen invites Cleo to live with her and Will, a decision she most likely will come to regret.
B&B: Ridge wrestles with his conscience. Will he turn himself in before Nick is sentenced?
Days: A comatose John shows signs of life during Belle's visit.
GH: Carly finds herself a new female rival in Kate, Sonny's new neighbor.
GL: Natalia's son Rafe, the latest juvi inmate, comes to Daisy's rescue.
OLTL: Marty seeks help from a fellow counselor after having a disturbing memory.
Passions: This is the week Whitney learns the truth about Chad!
Y&R: Gloria's dreams -- and nightmares -- come true when Will makes a move.

Casting News!

First off, let me apologize for the scarcity of my posts this past week. I went on my first cruise last Friday through Monday, and have been spending the rest of the time playing "catch-up" at work.

Now, onto the exciting casting news!

I think someone at As the World Turns was reading our blog, because Cady McClain will be reprising her Emmy Award-winning role of Rosanna Cabot later this year. She made the announcement on her Web site: "I am returning to ATWT to play Rosanna Cabot, who will arise from her coma in Switzerland to what deeds we can only imagine. Who is she now?! What did she dream?! How is her hair?! I am very pleased to be returning, and I hope to have a lot of fun."

When I interviewed her last year (while she was on AMC), she spoke VERY fondly of her time on ATWT, and I had the feeling that she would jump at the chance to return if given the chance. Here's what Cady told me back in August 2006: “It was hard to be so mean (as Rosanna), but it was a great experience. I felt slightly stigmatized by the ‘Dixie’ character and stymied by what I was exploring. I wanted to prove I could play something entirely different and I did. I won a Daytime Emmy my third year playing Rosanna. That was very nice and extremely gratifying.”

I am very happy for Cady and wish her all the best in Oakdale. Maybe she'll give Craig Montgomery (newly re-cast Scott Bryce) a run for his money!

Also, as Days of Our Lives has been teasingly hinting to fans for months now, the DiMera's are back -- with a vengeance! Joseph Mascolo will be back starting June 6th to reprise his role of evil-doer Stefano DiMera. Although details of his contract have not been released, he is expected to appear at least through the summer.

Guiding Light Stars Shine on Stage

Congratulations to Laura Bell Bundy, my favorite Marah, for her Tony Award nomination: Best Performance for a Leading Actress in a Musical. She stars as Elle Woods, the role Reese Witherspoon once made famous, in "Legally Blonde: The Musical." Bundy is no stranger to 42nd Street. After leaving the role of Marah Lewis, which she played on "GL" from 1999-2001, she went on to star as Amber Von Tussell in the hit musical "Hairspray" and then was the original standby for Glinda in "Wicked." While I'd love to see her return to Springfield, or another on another soap, I'm really happy to see her using her musical talents and getting the recognition she deserves.







There's also another (current) "GL" actress who is living her dream on Broadway. Mandy Bruno, who plays Marina Cooper on the soap, has won the role of Eponine in the revival of the classical musical "Les Miserables." It can't be easy juggling a front-burner storyline on daytime with the demands of the stage, but it's an opportunity a theater lover like Mandy couldn't turn down. You can catch her in "Les Miz" from now through October.

For tickets to either or both of these musicals, call 1-800-Broadway, or log on to www.broadway.com

SPOILERS! Week of May 14th

AMC: Jack and Erica get an eyeful when they walk in on Sean and his conquest.
ATWT: Carly lurks in the shadows as Katie visits Jack and the kids at the Snyder farm.
B&B: Storm asks his sister Brooke to coax a confession out of Ridge.
Days: EJ follows Sami on her honeymoon to New Orleans and delivers an ultimatum.
GH: Jax is honest with Sonny about Craig's real identity.
GL: Jeffrey presents a court-ordered DNA test to Alan.
OLTL: Jessica is given bad news about her medical status.
Passions: Chad tells Noah about his affair with Vincent. Is Whitney the next to find out?
Y&R: Jack has no other choice but to sell Jabot to Katherine.

Calling all "Another World" Fans on May 10th!

SOAPnet recently announced they would not be showing anymore episodes of the cancelled classic daytime soap "Another World," and fans are angry. At the very least they were hoping it would air in an overnight slot so they could set their Tivos or VCRs to record it. Fans have created a petition and also written the network pleading for it to return. Now they are trying a Phone Blitz, and they need your help. It's scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, May 10th.

Go to http://soapnot.atspace.com/ to read more about what you can do to help get "AW" back on the air.

SPOILERS for Y&R, B&B, ATWT, Passions and Days!

This week on The Young and the Restless:

• Victor and Michael, armed with damaging secrets, make Ji Min an offer he can’t refuse.
• With the life of her unborn baby in jeopardy, Victoria turns to J.T. for support.
• Phyllis faces blackmail charges as Nikki and Jack try to maneuver the situation to their own advantage.
• Lily secretly investigates Daniel’s computer file, catching him in a lie, and throwing their young marriage into turmoil.
• Amber secretly pulls a stunt to manipulate her way into a life of luxury in the Chancellor mansion.

Tomorrow on The Bold and the Beautiful:
In a heated moment, Nick confronts Stephanie demanding information.

This Week on Passions:
Tuesday, May 8
Ethan begs Theresa not to have Jared's baby.
Sheridan calls on Spike for help.
Miguel is beat up in prison.

Wednesday, May 9
Ethan and Theresa hide from the blackmailer.
Luis plots to get Fancy to come back to the prison.
Julian tells Fox the only way he can win Kay is if Miguel dies.

Thursday, May 10
The Half-Man/Half-Woman finds Little Ethan.
Fancy and Luis come close to making love!
Fox and Julian order Spike to kill Miguel.

Friday, May 11
Theresa learns the Half-Man/Half-Woman has spoken to Little Ethan.
Luis is beaten by other guards while trying to protect Fancy.
Chad decides to get rid of Vincent once and for all!

Next Week on Passions:
Monday, May 14
Spike smothers Miguel!
Whitney thinks she might be pregnant.
Chad meets Vincent at the motel to put an end to their relationship.

Tuesday, May 15
Luis calls for help when he sees Miguel being attacked.
Chad pulls a gun on Vincent.
Endora tries to help her new friend.

Wednesday, May 16
Paloma confronts Vincent about the gunshot she heard.
Ethan tries to fool the blackmailer.
Julian offers Kay a deal for Miguel's freedom.

Thursday, May 17
The Half-Man/Half-Woman discovers Ethan's deception.
Vincent threatens Chad when he discovers he's still been sleeping with Whitney.
Fox eavesdrops on Julian's proposition to Kay.

Friday, May 18
Ethan traps the Half-Man/Half-Woman in the Crane Mausoleum!
Chad confesses his secret to Noah.
Kay agrees to Julian's deal.

Next week on Days of Our Lives:
Bo believes that Steve is in Tinda Lau to kill him and Shawn.
Philip, Belle and Claire are headed straight into a typhoon!
EJ follows Sami and Lucas to New Orleans.
Maggie finds Willow's panties in Nick's room!
TIVO ALERT!
Thursday - Sami and Lucas find themselves in Maison Blanche!
Friday - Wounded Shawn makes a desperate attempt to reach his family.

Tomorrow on As the World Turns:
Maura West returns to Oakdale as Carly. What will this mean for Jack and Katie?