Ali and Ellen's paractical joke

Alison Sweeney (Samil, DAYS) was on the Ellen show Thursday and faked labor to help Ellen play a joke. Many at home viewers, including Sweeney's parents, thought the actress was actually in labor...

Die Mommie Die!

While searching for clips of one of my favorite plays/movies, "Die Mommie Die" (by one of my favorite playwrights/actors) I stumbled across this gem that Van Hansis (Luke, ATWT) fans might enjoy!

First some backstory... "Die Mommie Die" was a play written and starred in by the AMAZING Charles Busch. He plays the leading lady, Angela Arden, a burned out ex-pop diva... He does so with one-part Joan Crawford, one-part Bette Davis and one-part Rosalind Russell... It was also made into a movie starring Busch... It's my favorite kind of camp and highly recommend a viewing...

In this montage, Van plays Angela's gay son (from a 2007/2008 Off-Broadway production of the play) ... Be sure to check out the short shorts he's in ... and of course pay special attention (for me) to Charles Busch as Angela Arden!

High Drama in the Board Room

With all of the enemies Jill Abbott has been making on Y&R lately, something big is going to go down at the Jabot Stock Holder's meeting. When it comes to hatefulness she's giving DOOL's Sami Brady (even in her glory days) a run for her money. The majority of Genoa City has suffered at the hands of Jill's nastiness and they aren't going to take it any more. With people like Jack and Gloria teaming up to bring her down a few notches (and with people such as Brad and Nikki there ready to watch the fireworks) she had better be careful.

Susan's new bank statement

It looks like DOOL isn't the only soap making drastic decisions due to budget cuts. AMC has reportedly asked Susan Lucci to take a HUGE pay cut. I can't say I feel sorry for her. She's still rich when so many others are barely afloat.

Actually, I'm surprised she bent over and took it... I thought she'd be a diva and storm off that set. Maybe she lost her diva-tude when she got voted off Dancing With the Stars ...

Welcome to the real world Susan.
~Derric

Our favorite aborted fetus returns

It has been reported that Colin Egglesfield is returning to his role as All My Children's Josh Madden. What makes this worth mentioning (beside the fact that he is f***ing SMOKING HOT and will no doubt be a future Liquid Soap Eye Candy feature) is the controversial story around his character's creation...

A little history ... Erica Kane was actually the first person to have an abortion on TV following the Roe v. Wade decision ("Maude" was the first before the ruling). Agnes Nixon's ground-breaking storyline was later shattered when a writer (no doubt a Christian) decided to bring the fetus back from the dead! Thus creating a ground-breaking moment again: a person never even born being resurrected!

Anyway, it turns out the doctor stole the embryo and implanted it in his wife. So she carried Erica Kane's baby to term, delivered him and raised him as Josh Madden. The rest is typical soap story ...

~Branden

PHOTO: Colin Egglesfield (Josh) looks pretty f***ing good for an abortion

Instead of budget cuts, how 'bout hair cuts?

I don't want to sound like a grandparent during the 1960s, but the men on Days of Our Lives should get some haircuts!
Seriously, James Scott (E.J.), Bryan Datillo (Lucas) and Jay Kenneth Johnson (Philip) really need to do something about it... Philip (who I still love mind you) and Lucas have the high school-boy-from-the-90s bowl cut while E.J. has so much hair greased back that it looks like a Ken doll's plastic 'do.

I just wasn't aware those looks were in. I know longer shaggy hair has been a thing for a while, but the bowl cut? Come on! I want my soap studs to look like men! See Daniel Goddard (Cane, Y&R)!

~ Branden

PHOTO, Bryan Datillo (Lucas)

Don Diamont ousted from Y&R

I am pissed about this! Don Diamont has been let go from Y&R. Details of the exit are reportedly hush hush. The character of Brad is just too cool to get rid of! I hope he comes back as quickly as characters that I DON'T like (Tyra and Anna.)
~Derric

Y&R favorites come on down!

In case you didn't see Greg Rikaart and Emily O'Brien on "The Price is Right," here is the clip.

Better than Turkey

This Thanksgiving I am thankful for this picture of Christian LeBlanc. Yum!
~Derric

Days cutie exiting...

Days of Our Lives' Blake Berris (Nick Fallon) was just revealed as Trent Robbins' killer. Looks like the storyline will take him off to prison or the psych ward as the actor will leave the show in January, it has been reported...

Another great actor out at Days... what is up with that? Why get rid of all the really talented ones????

Guiding Light producer wants to rescue soaps.

Guiding Light executive producer Ellen Wheeler is using a controversial method to try and save soap operas. Her new method may be the future of daytime drama. No soap fan can deny that we are afraid of slowly watching our favorite genre fade away. This is a terrifying and sad thought to many. I give Ellen Wheeler credit and would like to personally thank her for what she's doing. If you haven't watched GL for a while and decide to tune in, you may not recognize what you see. Ellen is using a "shaky cam" style of filming and utilizing many outdoor and on location shots to help bring in viewers. This could be the future of soaps. I realize this is upsetting to a lot of fans who want the more traditional soap look, but give the woman a break! She's trying to HELP your show. Now that Passions is history, GL has the lowest ratings of all of the soaps. She's doing what she can to help modernize the look (so people will watch), while keeping the story and history in tact. It may take some getting used to, but I urge you to give it a fair chance. She's doing a lot more to save her show than some other soap producers are doing. Ken Corday anyone?
~Derric

Cyndi Lauper talks about her ATWT appearance

Did you know?

Did you know that The Bold and the Beautiful is the most watched soap world wide and that Katherine Kelly Lang appeared on the Italian Dancing with the Stars?

The role of Stephanie Forrester was originally created for Susan Seaforth Hayes?

Model Actor

I have to brag about Brandon Beemer. With two soap roles under his belt (how we would love to be under his belt),he is a rising force within the soap industry. He's incredibly sexy, a great performer, and a wonderful guy. He seems to genuinely care about his fans. Some other actors could learn a few things from him about how to treat fans.(Yes, we mean you Farah Fath.)Thank you Brandon for setting a good example!
~Derric

Well Said Susan!

In a discussion with Susan Flannery, the interviewer told her that the audience enjoys watching Stephanie and Brooke whether they are fighting (usually) or teaming up (rarely) for a common cause. This was Susan's response:



"The audience likes that. I think they love seeing Brooke being pulled in by Stephanie, them getting along and bonding — and then boom, the explosion happens all over again and they’re in battle yet again."

We agree Susan!

Read the whole interview here:
http://tvguide.sympatico.msn.ca/The+Queen/Soaps/Features/Articles/080304_susanflannery_NB.htm?isfa=1

Here is THE scene where Stephanie met Brooke for the first time! If the two only knew what they were in for after this!

Making a comeback!

"Guiding Light" fans will be seeing some familiar faces returning to Springfield in the coming months ...

Jennifer Roszell will return as Eleni on Dec. 4.
Michelle Ray Smith will return as Ava Peralta on Dec. 19.
David Andrew MacDonald will be returning as Edmund Winslow. His return date is still unofficial.
Grant Aleksander will be returning as Phillip Spaulding in January.

We've Got it Covered

Jay Kenneth Johnson (Philip) Back to Days (for now)

According to SOD, Jay Kenneth Johnson (Philip) returned to Days of Our Lives this week, though he reportedly cleared out his dressing room last week. But that doesn't mean it's for good. "Jay is still under contract," explains a setsider. "He had to come back." Negotiations between Johnson and the show are ongoing.

Springer in Oakdale

The drama has heated up this week on As the World Turns. When Luke's ailing grandma Lucinda gets married to her new man (Brian), he discovers something quite surprising about his new step grandfather. After marrying Lucinda, Brian begins to console an upset and drunken Luke. The comforting soon gets really uncomfortable when Brian kisses Luke! Will Luke tell his grandmother the truth about her new husband's attraction to men? Watch and find out.

BREAKING NEWS: Doc and RoboJohn OUT!

Daytime superstars Deidre Hall (Dr. Marlena Evans) and Drake Hogestyn (John Black) have been axed. They are the third casualties since NBC announced budget cuts. Executive producer Ken Corday tells Soap Opera Digest "The couple will be happily reunited after a long period of angst and separation and will be off-screen after January for an unknown period of time. It was a very tough decision to make."

(For me) This is the worst day in soaps in a long time...

After reporting that Jay Kenneth Johnson (Philip) has just left his role on Days of Our Lives, I had to share my opinion...

Jay is my favorite daytime actor... and by far the best male lead on Days. When I read the news, I was shocked. I was shocked that Days could not figure out a way to keep one of its best and brightest.

It could've been simple really. Get rid of Melanie, Chloe, Rafe... don't hire Eric Martsolf and Sandra Ferguson. Keep your f***ing vets! Keep your longtime viewers happy! Seriously, Ken Corday, are you REALLY trying to make us stop watching??? Well you've just put me one step closer to that decision.

I am very VERY unhappy right now. The only thing that will make me even more unhappy: bringing back Kyle Brandt (who in my opinion was one of the worst recasts ever) as Philip. No way in Hell...

~Branden

Say it isn't so

From Soap Opera Digest:

"Digest has learned that negotiations between (Days of Our Lives) and Jay Kenneth Johnson (Philip) have broken down and the actor cleared out his dressing room yesterday. Money is said to be the main issue"

Word is they will recast.

Worlds Colliding

I think we've all wondered what it would be like to see a cross over between shows on different networks. How about Days of Our Lives and As the World Turns? Both shows take place in Illinois (Salem and Oakdale.) Both towns are also close to Chicago with characters from each show frequently visiting the windy city. This could work easily. It could bring new fans to both shows. DOOL is filmed in Los Angeles and ATWT is filmed in NYC, so this may be an obstacle. I say it can be worked out though! Come on. Who wouldn't love to see Kate Roberts meet Barbara Ryan?
~Derric

Message board raid: John-Paul Lavoisier (Rex, OLTL)

From John-Paul's imdb:

BJMastersATL says:

J-PL is the hottest guy on daytime!!!

I have been a fan of J-PL since his first day on "OLTL." He is an incredible actor, and Rex is my favorite character, not only on "One Life" but of daytime television! Rex reminds me of a young Tad from "AMC." He is such a cad, but you can't help but like him. J-PL has this awesome wit about him. I wonder how much he ad-libs?? He is not only a gifted actor, but he is also tremendously gorgeous - and hot!! I'm a gay guy, and I think that John-Paul is the hottest man on televison!! I would hate for him to leave the show, but I think he is going to end up being a big celebrity. In addition, I hope that J-PL is not overlooked during the Emmy nominations!! You kick ass, John-Paul, you beautiful dude!!! ;)~

*We won't argue with you, BJMastersATL.

Remember this?

Here's a look back at an awesome scene from The Bold and the Beautiful where the Queen of Pant Suits (No, I don't mean Hillary Clinton) pushes Jackie over the balcony. So much drama in the Forrester home!

They just can't keep her

Rebecca Budig (Greenlee) announced she will be leaving "All My Children" in the spring. In an interview with www.soapnet.com, she says the bi-coastal lifestyle (husband Bob Guiney remained in Los Angeles) has taken its toll. She tells SoapNet:
"Well, my life is in California (where she relocated after leaving "AMC" in '06). I had hoped it would be a lot easier than it was to live bi-coastally. But it's really tough -- our (she and husband Bob Guiney) life is enmeshed there. We put down roots there."

Sounds like her character will be written out. "It's a really, really great exit. The story is amazing. Chuck (Pratt) has done some incredibly stuff so far [like the recent tornado]."

Talking Soaps

With the exception of the now defunct Soap Talk, soap actors are rarely interviewed on talk shows. Today was different. Victoria Rowell was featured on the Today Show this morning and Michael Easton took on the ladies of The View. Let's hope this continues!

Thanksgiving treats

Your favorite ABC soaps might be taking Thanksgiving off, but they're also giving you the chance to re-watch (or catch for the first time!) some great previous episodes. And we all know how hard that is to come by in the soap worlds!

According to ABC Soaps In Depth magazine, here's the line-up:

"ALL MY CHILDREN, tune in to see the tornado hit Pine Valley! Ryan and Greenlee take cover in a shed, and Aidan sees them together just as another tornado hits. After escaping from his demolished car Zach digs through the rubble at his beach house, where he finds Spike, Ian and Bianca but not Kendall. Adam and Erica are trapped in a locked room behind debris. JR and Babe have a makeshift wedding at the Comeback just before the tornado hits and the building collapses. Babe and Natalia are trapped under beams blocking access to Little A! This episode originally aired on October 17, 2008.



On ONE LIFE TO LIVE, Rex and Gigi prepare to tell Shane the truth that Brody is not his father, while Brody picks the boy up at school and takes him to the courthouse to change his name. Rex and Gigi discover that Shane has gone off with Brody. Jared almost finds Natalie in the secret room, but Tess stops him. Todd and Marty kiss! This episode originally aired on September 22, 2008.

On GENERAL HOSPITAL, Kate gets shot at the altar and needs emergency surgery that could leave her paralyzed. Sonny is sure Karpov is responsible for the hit and wants Jason to kill him. Meanwhile, it is revealed to the audience that Anthony was actually the shooter! Lulu finds a note blackmailing her over Logan's death, while Tracy shows Johnny what his girlfriend's future could hold. Liz waits for Jason at the airport, but he never shows up. This episode originally aired on September 29, 2008."

We've got it Covered

Barbara's new hire

Our favorite fashion designer Barbara Ryan (As The World Turns) has hired a mysterious new seamstress that many Oakdale residents don't trust. Is their skeptisism justified? Stay tuned to find out.

Twins?

Check out Maura West (As The World Turns) and Lesli Kay (The Bold and the Beautiful.) I'm convinced the same person is using a different wig for each show.
~Derric

I don't mean to be rude but.....

O.k. I'm being rude. Will someone please explain to me what talent Ronn Moss brings to The Bold and the Beautiful? His acting is.....less than stellar. For someone that has been on a show for many years, he sure isn't the best actor. Actually, he's a terrible actor. His lines are delivered so pathetically that it's hard not to laugh at the screen. He sounds like he is in a high school play.
~Derric

It's only paranoia when they're not out to getcha.

With Eileen Davidson's return to Y&R as Ashley Abbott, will we have more Gloria/Ashley scenes to look forward to? One can hope ...

Yum Yum

Just because we can, here's a taste of Guiding Light's John Driscoll (Coop Bradshaw)

More Days ahead!

Variety.com is saying that NBC and Sony Pictures have come to an agreement to continue airing Days of Our Lives until September 2010. Along with that agreement was the promise if "certain parameters on the show are met" the show will remain on the air through September 2011.

Days of Our Lives tends to be the one soap struggling with keeping a contract, as it's NBC's only remaining daytime drama.

With that said, the not-so-good news is the previous renewal pact between Sony and Corday Productions had a five-year term. Hopefully by 2011 the economy will be looking up and our favorite daytime shows will continue.

Drew gets Desperate

The Bold and the Beautiful cutie Drew Tyler Bell appeared as a theiving employee on Desperate Housewives this past Sunday. This isn't the first CBS soap star to appear on the show. Lyndsy Fonesca (ex Colleen Y&R) portrayed Dylan Mayfair. ABC soap stud Tuc Watkins plays Bob Hunter.

Ratings Race!

(Nov. 11, 2008)
1 The Young and the Restless 3.40
2 The Bold and the Beautiful 2.50
3 General Hospital 2.10
4 As the World Turns 1.90
5 Days of Our Lives 1.80
6 One Life To Live 1.80
7 All My Children 1.70
8 Guiding Light 1.50

Message board raid!

Sometimes, I find it hilarious to read various message boards about some of my favorite actors. SO I thought that could lead to a new feature here at Liquid Soap... so introducing: Message Board Raid. My first raid is Greg Rikaart's (Y&R's Kevin) imdb.com message board...

Message boards aren't always asking if someone's gay or asking if anyone else thinks they "LOOK JUST LIKE" someone else ... sometimes someone asks legitimate questions like this:

"How did you discover Greg?"

imdb.com user ftmprez says:

"I wanted to find out how all of you discovered this amazingly talented actor? For me it was a number of factors. First my sister who started viewing Y&R again would go on and on about "Kevin Fisher". She and I both grew up watchin the show with our mom. I also read some great features with him in the soap mags. Finally last July or August my curiosity got the best of me and I just HAD to see what all the buzz was about. Well after seeing him in one scene I got my answer and I've been a fan ever since.

I find him to be such an exciting actor who can take you through so many emotions. He can make you cry, laugh and want to yell at Kevin with ease and poise. I am so proud to call myself his fan, he is someone who's career I will follow forever!"

Well said, ftmprez

~ Branden

When I'm with you, you take me away ...

... to Another World!

Did you know hulu.com has full episodes of the former NBC soap "Another World"? Here's one from August 1991. Be on the look out for Ricky Paul Goldin (AW's ex-Dean Frame; AMC's current Jake Martin).

Rolling out the red carpet

Take a look at the Day of Days red carpet event!

What if Sami met Carly?

Would they bond over their mutual instability and fear of abandonment, or would their similarities cause them to despise each other?

In need of a storyline

Why won't Days of Our Lives give this performer a storyline? This talent is Salem's sweetheart. What fan doesn't love Maggie? Give her a story already! She really can do more than host at Chez Rouge and babysit Alice. I promise!

Hilarious Y&R opening

How I love the early 90s. I laugh everytime I watch this opening. This is one of the 1991 openings used for The Young and the Restless. It starts off with a very divaish Jill sporting an in your face bouffant hairstyle. The overly dramatic look on her face gets me everytime. I want the current Y&R opening to be more like this. They are in need of an update! Can you imagine Gloria Bardwell being dramatic in the opening? I smile just imagining it.
~Derric

Coming up on The Bold and the Beautiful

A reunion, a test of character, and a goodbye.

This teaser/spoiler is being reported by http://www.soaps.com/boldandbeautiful/spoilers/

High Profile Soap Fans

Every soap fan has experienced the eye rolling, and mocking laughter that occurs when some disapproving person finds out they love soaps. Feel shame no more! Did you know that celebrities are soap fans too? A few years ago, (I couldn't find the clip.) A-lister Julia Roberts was starstruck at the daytime emmys because she was sitting by the cast of Days of Our Lives. The rapper and actor Snoop Dogg is a fan of One Life to Live. He has also appeared on the show to perform his music. Something tells me this probably fulfilled a childhood dream. So, the next time someone gives you grief because of your love of soaps you can tell them that Julia and Snoop wouldn't approve of their attitude.

Know a Guiding Light fan?

Maybe you are one yourself. Either way, I'm sure this book would make a great Holiday gift for any fan of the show.

Dancing with the Stars

Several beloved soap opera actors have appeared on Dancing with the Stars. These include Kelly Monaco (Sam GH), Lisa Rinna (Billie DOOL), Cameron Mathison (Ryan AMC), and Susan Lucci (Erica AMC.) Since the show seems to have a trend of selecting our favorite soap actors, who would you like to see on the show? How about Deidre Hall, Melody Thomas Scott, Robin Strasser, Brandon Beemer, or Austin Peck?

Genoa City meets Paris

Despite my complaints about Sharon, I love Y&R right now! I love that they are actually in Paris rather than using some cheap sets and pretending they are there. It's wonderful to see them do an "on location" show. I enjoyed when B&B went to Sydney but this is even better! I'm also thrilled that Eileen Davidson is back as Ashley Abbott. I also can't hide my exicement about the fact that Jeanne Cooper has a major storyline any longer. She's doing a phenomenal job. Keep up the good work Y&R!
~Derric