fans, literally grew up with Robin. But I absolutely loved seeing Robert and Anna back on-screen together. I think Jason Thompson, Finola Hughes, and Tristan Rogers did some outstanding work. It was an honor for me to write a small chapter in all these characters' legendary history. The storyline I created with them for Robin, Patrick, Robert and Anna on NIGHT SHIFT will always be one of my proudest accomplishments.”
I knew Rao would love Ron Carlivati’s writing because I’ve compared their talents on more than one occasion. The world needs more Sris and Rons.
• He may have booked ABC’s new soap pilot, NASHVILLE, but Emmy winner Jonathan Jackson isn’t discounting a GH comeback! Yep, you read that right! He tells DIGEST, “We are still going to be talking to everyone at GH to see if we can work something out, schedule-wise; do some more with the storyline. I am hopeful that something will work out, but we don’t really know yet.” Hey, after he wins his fourth Emmy Award this summer, he’ll have to go after his fifth, right?
• Guess who is baaack? A reliable on-set source reveals to UNCENSORED that Emmy winner Rick Hearst is headed back to Port Charles. “Alexis is waiting for an elevator at the hospital. When the doors slide open, Ric is there, saying something to the effect of, ‘Hi Alexis, I’m back.’” Fade to black. Thoughts? What a difference a year makes! In a few months, the majority of GH superstars B&B stole may end up back home in Port Llanview!
• It appears the rumours are true: expect Lucy Coe to take Port Chuck by storm once again. Insiders are whispering that Lynn Herring will return to GH sooner rather than later.
• Shocker: Kassie De Paiva confides to SOAPS IN DEPTH that she turned down a role on B&B! Um, you stupid, girl?! Oh, I’m just joshing. She explains, “I’m a loyal girl. I called Frank [Valentini] and said, “What do you think?’ He said [he was already crossing her over to GH]. ‘You can’t do that.’” She adds, “I wasn’t ready to say good-bye to Blair.” Neither are we. FYI: The role was a short stint… four to six episodes. Good move, Kassie!
• Did John and Natalie get married without me knowing on ONE LIFE? In an interview with Michael Logan in TV GUIDE, the journo asks the actor why John’s wife isn’t headed to Port Chuck, too. Did I miss something? But in an interview with DIGEST, Easton relays that John and Natalie are only happily living together with their son, Liam, in Llanview — and not married. I mean, I doubt Ron Carlivati would have robbed Jolie fans of a ceremony! Meanwhile, look for John and Sonny to share a dark past. Shocker.
• Whoohoo! Twitter party on my timeline. Or, what the hell is executive producer Frank Valentini getting himself into? He’s a better — and braver — man than I. Regardless if you’re a psycho or sane fan, follow @valentinifrank. Clearly, Frank and Ron Carlivati realize it’s up to them to do everything — including the show’s PR. Heck, I’m sure they’re also washing the kitchen sinks over at Prospect Studios!
• Is Port Chuck big enough for two superstar rapists? Apparently so! Their victims? Nope! TVLINE reported midweek that Roger Howarth has signed a “long-term” contract with GH. Let’s pray this isn’t the third Howarth kills!
• Music to my ears: Kick-ass showrunner Frank Valentini wisely hired longtime ONE LIFE music director Paul Glass replacing RC Cates. Can’t wait to hear Starr Manning sing a heartfelt, enveloping song with the words GH in it!
• Exiting Nathan Parsons must have bumped his head at Prospect Studios because one of the most improved actors in soaps is losing it. Not only did he defend and herald maligned GH head writer Garin Wolf, but also now he thinks that Ethan is really Luke’s son after the soap revealed that he is Robert’s son. “It’s Holly we’re talking about,” the Aussie stud reminds DIGEST. “So you can’t believe what she says. As for who Ethan’s father actually is, who knows?”
Um, how about the head writer writing your show, buddy?
Parsons does have sweet words for his co-star Anthony Geary. “We’re two peas in a pod, so to speak.” Minus the six Emmys.
However, Parsons does hint he’d love to reprise the role in the near future. Yeah, good luck with that, kid!
He also mentions that Wolf’s firing was the deciding factor in him leaving the show. Memo to Parsons: When you and I are in a life-threatening situation, please run far away from me because your instincts will get us both killed!
• Marc Cherry is an ABC soap fan! Joining Susan Lucci in DEVIOUS MAIDS is Brianna Brown, according to THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER. Brown recently blew me away in HOME LAND.
ONE LIFE TO LIVE — LLanview is Employed, ‘Yo!
• What unemployment crisis? Llanview peeps keep booking work — and there’s a reason why! Soap Opera Spirit Award winner John Brotherton has been cast in a guest star role on USA’s FAIRLY LEGAL. His first episode airs March 23. Congrats, bud!
Not to be outdone, Frankie Faison, who played Destiny’s “daddy,” has been cast in Alan Ball’s new series, BANSHEE.
• What employment surge? Hunky Ty Treadway received a pink slip from Dallas' ABC affiliate WFAA where he was co-hosting Good Morning Texas after only two months! Um, have you not seen this man shirtless? Your loss… Hey Ty: We hear Kelly Ripa is hiring! And you are an Emmy-nominated talk-show host, to boot!
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS — The Muhney and The Beautiful?
• Do you hear that? What you say? Well, a cricket, I say! Lauralee Bell confesses to DIGEST that Maria Arena Bell is courting her once again to return to Y&R. “Maria’s feeling out my schedule,” says Bell. That can only mean one thing: Chance and Ronan are headed back to Genoa City!
• In story 411, Victor forces Nick and Sharon to create a new cosmetic company for Newman in order to rekindle the couple’s extinguished flame. Good luck with that, Victor. But Adam won’t be without love for long…
• Is Michael Muhney crossing over to B&B? Several press people, who were on the CBS set recently for B&B’s 25th anniversary celebrations, called me to find out what I knew when they overheard Bradley Bell yell at Muhney if he was going to accept his “deal!” UNCENSORED did some digging and contacted Mr. Muhney, who laughed before answering, “No, I’m not B&B-bound. Brad was gracious enough to offer me an opportunity to take a spin in his new car, the Fisker — the same one Justin Bieber bought for his birthday. Of course, I said yes!” Muhney’s no dummy. But, come to think of it, Adam popping up in L.A. wouldn’t be such a bad idea! Thoughts?
THE IDIOT RATINGS: Feb. 27- March 2
Winner: GH, DAYS keeps surging!
Loser: Quick Sand Alert for Y&R!
*Courtesy of Soap Opera Network
(Compared to Last Week/Compared to Last Year)
Total Viewers
1. Y&R 4,353,000 (-231,000/-111,000)
2. B&B 3,099,000 (+15,000/+269,000)
3. DAYS 2,548,000 (+59,000/-98,000)
4. GH 2,403,000 (+49,000/-385,000) *
Households
1. Y&R 3.2/11 (-.2/-.1)
2. B&B 2.3/8 (same/+.2)
3. DAYS 1.9/6 (+.1/same)
4. GH 1.8/5 (same/-.3) *
Women 18-49 Viewers
1. Y&R 870,000 (-86,000/-42,000)
2. B&B 685,000 (-12,000/+113,000)
3. GH 657,000 (+59,000/-154,000)*
4. DAYS 572,000 (+51,000/-122,000)
Women 18-49 Rating
1. Y&R 1.4 (-.1/same)
2. B&B 1.1 (same/+.2)
3. GH 1.0 (+.1/-.2) *
4. DAYS 0.9 (+.1/-.2)
*Ratings for GH could have been higher had the DVR Blackout occurred.
SOAP WHISPERER:
This week’s hottest blind items
• Which actor says he’s not drinking but still is?
• Which iconic producer may be headed back to daytime?
• Which soap starlet is suspected of cutting herself after love scenes?
SOAP PORN: Next Week's Soapgasms
Can’t watch all the soaps this week? No worries — here’s a cheat sheet!
Top Shows to Watch:
1. GENERAL HOSPITAL<
br />
2. DAYS OF OUR LIVES
3. THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
Top Storylines to Watch:
1. Cops and Mobsters, GH
2. Like a Virgin, B&B
3. The Gay Reckoning, DAYS
Top Actresses to Watch:
1. Sarah Brown, DAYS
2. Kassie De Paiva, GH
3. Laura Wright, GH
4. Michelle Stafford, Y&R
5. Lisa Rinna, DAYS
Top Actors to Watch:
1. Michael Muhney, Y&R
2. Michael Easton, GH
3. Maurice Benard, GH
4. Chandler Massey, DAYS
5. Roger Howarth, GH
Top Duos to Watch:
1. Todd and Blair, GH
2. Sharon and Adam, Y&R
3. Nick and Phyllis, Y&R
Top Couples to Fast-Forward Through:
1. Sonny and Kate, GH
—tie— Lulu and Dante, GH
3. Maggie and Steve, GH
Top Dream Couples:
1. Todd and Carly, GH
2. Sam and Patrick, GH
3. Anna and Patrick, GH
Top New-ish Duos to Watch:
1. Billie and Daniel, DAYS
2. Carly and Johnny, GH
3. Starr and Michael, GH
Top Tweeters:
1. Joshua Morrow: @joshuamorrowYR
2. Ron Carlivati: @carlivatiron
3. Nancy Lee Grahn: @nancyleegrahn
Top 3 Best Reads/Buys at the Newsstand:
1. SOAP OPERA DIGEST
2. ABC/CBS/NBC/FOX/BRAVO/TELEMUNDO SOAPS IN DEPTH
*SOAP OPERA WEEKLY was unavailable for purchase today
Top 3 Best Covers (based on art direction):
1. SOAPS IN DEPTH: Y&R’s Nick and Sharon
2. SOAP OPERA
Soap Opera Uncensored: Issue 21 Page 5