Drew Garrett's "Mentalist" State: The WE LOVE SOAPS Interview, Part 1

Drew Garrett amazed the viewers of GENERAL HOSPITAL when he took on the role of troubled Michael Corinthos Jr. in 2009.  It shocked the entire industry when he was fired less than a year later.  So what happened to this prolific actor, and what is he doing now? In this exclusive new interview, Garrett discusses his upcoming guest appearance in CBS-TV's THE MENTALIST on February 17th at 10 p.m., his confusing departure from GENERAL HOSPITAL, aspirations for the future, and hard-life lessons learned along the way. 

WE LOVE SOAPS TV: Tell me about your role on THE MENTALIST, coming up on CBS, February 17th at 10 p.m.?
Drew Garrett: This is a one episode guest star spot.  I’m playing a guy named Jeff Loomis who is the son of the victim for that episode.  It all revolves around a trailer park community who are all prospecting for gold.  I am in about four scenes and have great camera time.  It’s not like I’m in the background. It won’t be a tease.  I am early on in the episode, and then I come back in later.  Simon Baker, who plays THE MENTALIST, uses my character as a resource because I’m the son of the guy who is dead.  He needs to tap into my psyche and interview me in order to find out the background of the victim.  He basically uses myself and my father’s girlfriend to get clues, as well as some other suspects. 

WE LOVE SOAPS TV: So you are playing the son of a murder victim.  I imagine this will allow us to see even more of your range?

VOTE: Indie Soap of the Week Poll

Which indie soap was your favorite last week? Support your favorite continuing drama and vote in the weekly WE LOVE SOAPS TV poll below. Check back on Wednesday morning for the results (voting ends Wednesday at 9 a.m. ET). Only the shows that aired one or more new episodes from January 23-29, 2011 are listed. Based on release schedules, the shows in the poll will change weekly.

If an indie soap aired this week and is not on the list, feel free to cast your vote as "Other" and add a note in the Comments section of this post.



Watch this week's indie soaps below:
- EMPIRE Episode 3.10 "Consequences" (season finale)
- IN THE MOMENT Episode 12 "Someone Like You"
- MISS BEHAVE Episode 2.7 "The Icing On The Cake"
- ORANGE JUICE IN BISHOP'S GARDEN Episode 3.11 "Best Served Cold"
- PRETTY Season 2 Episode 7 (season finale)
- SECRETS Episode 16
- VENUS SPA S2.16 "TRAINWRECK!"

OPRAH: Are You the World's Biggest Soap Opera Fan?

Oprah Winfrey wants to hear from soap fans:

Are you a devoted soap opera viewer? Do you plan your day around watching soap operas? Do you record the soaps while you are at work and rush home to see what your favorite characters did that day? Do your favorite stars feel like members of the family? Do you live vicariously through their triumphs and struggles? Do you remember where you were when Luke and Laura got married or when Erika Kane walked down the aisle for the tenth time? Who are your favorite characters? Which couples did you desperately want to see together again? Which storylines made you laugh, cry or changed your life? Which soap that is no longer on the air do you miss the most? If you are a fan of the soaps and are willing to share your love of daytime dramas on The Oprah Winfrey Show, we want to hear from you!

Enter here.

RESULTS: Indie Soap of the Week Poll

Here are the results from the WE LOVE SOAPS TV "Indie Soap of the Week" poll for the week of January 16-22, 2011. MISS BEHAVE remained in the top spot for the second week in a row.



If you're a fan of any of these shows, we encourage you to check out some of the other series you may not have watched yet.

Indie soaps that aired one or more episodes last week were eligible.

Watch last week's indie soaps below:
- ANACOSTIA Season 2 Episode 10 "And Justice For All" (season finale)
- DIARY OF A SINGLE MOM Season 3 Episode 10 "Friday"
- EMPIRE Episode 3.9 "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang"
- END RESULT Part 6 "Once You're In, You're In"
- MISS BEHAVE Episode 2.6 "You Can't Always Get What You Want"
- ORANGE JUICE IN BISHOP'S GARDEN Episode 3.10 "Independence Day"
- THE BAY Chapter 3 Webisode 12
- VENUS SPA S2.15 "Locker Room Confessions"

RESULTS: Daytime Soap of the Week Poll

Here are the results from the WE LOVE SOAPS TV "Daytime Soap of the Week" poll for the week of January 24-28, 2011. DAYS OF OUR LIVES returned to the top spot for the week.



Check back on Friday when this week's polling begins.

Today's Soap Star Birthdays

Jessica Walter (Malory, ARCHER; ex-Tabitha, 90210; ex-Julie, LOVE OF LIFE) - 70
Réal Andrews (Agent Trumble, ALL MY CHILDREN; Keith, THE BAY; ex-Walker, AS THE WORLD TURNS; ex-Taggert, GENERAL HOSPITAL; ex-Robert, DAYS OF OUR LIVES; ex-Danny, SANTA BARBARA) - 48
Timothy Stickney (R.J., ONE LIFE TO LIVE) - 46

Larry Carpenter, Martin Scorsese Win DGA Awards

The winners of the Directors Guild of America Outstanding Directorial Achievement Awards for 2010 were announced Saturday night during the 63rd Annual DGA Awards Dinner at the Grand Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland in Los Angeles.

Martin Scorsese won in the Dramatic Series category for BOARDWALK EMPIRE. Larry Carpenter won for the third time in the Daytime Serials category for ONE LIFE TO LIVE.

Click here for a complete list of winners.

VOTE: Daytime Soap of the Week Poll

Which daytime soap opera was your favorite the week of January 24-28, 2011? Vote in the weekly WE LOVE SOAPS TV poll below and check back on Monday morning for the results.

Voting ends at 9 a.m. ET on Monday.

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Dorothy Malone (ex-Constance, PEYTON PLACE) - 86
Bernard Lloyd (Joe, CASUALTY) - 77
Tammy Grimes (ex-Mrs. Haversham, LOVING) - 77
Daphne Ashbrook (ex-Kathryn, FALCON CREST) - 48
Zoe Dawson (ex-Louise, DOCTORS) - 32

VOTE: Indie Soap of the Week Poll

Which indie soap was your favorite last week? Support your favorite continuing drama and vote in the weekly WE LOVE SOAPS TV poll below. Check back on Monday morning for the results (voting ends Monday at 9 a.m. ET). Only the shows that aired one or more new episodes from January 16-22, 2011 are listed. Based on release schedules, the shows in the poll will change weekly.

If an indie soap aired this week and is not on the list, feel free to cast your vote as "Other" and add a note in the Comments section of this post.



Watch this week's indie soaps below:
- ANACOSTIA Season 2 Episode 10 "And Justice For All" (season finale)
- DIARY OF A SINGLE MOM Season 3 Episode 10 "Friday"
- EMPIRE Episode 3.9 "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang"
- END RESULT Part 6 "Once You're In, You're In"
- MISS BEHAVE Episode 2.6 "You Can't Always Get What You Want"
- ORANGE JUICE IN BISHOP'S GARDEN Episode 3.10 "Independence Day"
- THE BAY Chapter 3 Webisode 12
- VENUS SPA S2.15 "Locker Room Confessions"

NEWS: Lucy Lawless, CW Zombies, Lea Michele, SKINS

Zombies Heading to The CW
The CW is developing a script for the hour-long drama AWAKENING, about two sisters who face off against one another just as a zombie uprising begins.

Lucy Lawless joins NO ORDINARY FAMILY
ABC’s freshman sci-fi comedy has tapped Lawless to join the cast for at least five episodes.

Melissa Reeves: The WE LOVE SOAPS TV Interview, Part Five

In Parts One, Two, Three, and Four of our interview with Melissa Reeves, the beloved and acclaimed actress discussed early career on SANTA BARBARA, Jennifer's romances on DAYS OF OUR LIVES, the Jack & Jennifer phenomenon, and how her faith guided her through public rumor and speculation.  In the final part below, Reeves shares her thoughts on her outspoken exit from DAYS in 2006, saying goodbye to Frances Reid, and her future on and off DAYS.  Which DAYS hunk is Jennifer going to be spending her "days" with? Find out below:

WE LOVE SOAPS TV: You were very candid about your dissatisfaction with your role when you left in 2006.   Jennifer had quickly married Frankie after Jack was presumed dead for the millionth time.
Melissa Reeves: Right [laughs]. Sometimes you just have to laugh.  I don’t mean it in a bad way.  But the audience knows what’s going on. They think they can throw one over on them but the audience knows exactly what is happening.

WE LOVE SOAPS TV: And that speaks to your integrity.  You spoke up when things seemed unjust.
Melissa Reeves: I think we’re so afraid of not being liked that we don’t speak out for what’s important.  Now I don’t want to just be a blowhole because that is ugly.  But when I think something is not right, I definitely want to speak out about it.  You have to.  That’s how we love and protect people.  It is a fine line between that and becoming completely obnoxious about it.  But Scott is my barometer on that.  He keeps the “Jersey” at a level. 

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Nicholas Pryor (ex-Victor, PORT CHARLES; ex-Joel, THE EDGE OF NIGHT; ex-Linc, ALL MY CHILDREN, ex-Ted, ANOTHER WORLD; ex-Paul, LOVE IS A MANY SPENDORED THING; ex-Johnny, THE SECRET STORM; THE BRIGHTER DAY) - 76
John Beck (ex-Bruce, PASSIONS; ex-Sam, DAYS OF OUR LIVES; ex-Mark, DALLAS; ex-Sam, FLAMINGO ROAD) - 68
Keith Hamilton Cobb (ex-Damon, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS; ex-Noah, ALL MY CHILDREN) - 49
Terri Conn (Aubrey, ONE LIFE TO LIVE; ex-Katie, AS THE WORLD TURNS) - 36

NEWS: Minka Kelly, Bob Guza, Ryan Murphy, Kate Walsh

Minka Kelly And Rachael Taylor Close To Angel Gigs in ABC's CHARLIE'S ANGELS
They would join previously cast Annie Ilonzeh to form the new trio of sexy female sleuths - Kelly, whose character will be renamed, Ilonzeh's Kate and Taylor's Abby.

Kyle Lowder Out At THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL

Soap Opera Digest is reporting that Kyle Lowder (Rick) is out at THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL.

"Brad [Bell, executive producer/head writer] called this morning and said he felt terrible that they haven't been able to generate enough story for the character," reveals the actor. "He felt it was in everybody's best interest that we go in different directions. From my standpoint, it's an amicable situation. Obviously, it's their choice, but at the same time, the story has been slow for over a year-and-a-half and like any professional in any line of work would do, you prepare yourself for the next step."

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Carrington Garland (ex-Kelly, SANTA BARBARA) - 47

Austin Peck Joins ONE LIFE TO LIVE Cast

Soap Opera Digest is reporting that former AS THE WORLD TURNS and DAYS OF OUR LIVES actor Austin Peck (ex-Brad, ATWT; ex-Austin, DAYS) has been hired for a new role at ONE LIFE TO LIVE. He first reports to work on January 31.

Florencia Lozano To Appear At The Will Clark Show!

WE LOVE SOAPS TV is thrilled to sponsor a very special event in New York City.  ONE LIFE TO LIVE's Florencia Lozano (Tea) will be making an appearance at The Will Clark Show on Wednesday, February 9th, from 8 p.m.-10 p.m., at Pieces Bar (8 Christopher Street), in Manhattan.   Soap fans are familiar with Lozano's talent not only as the fiery lawyer on ONE LIFE, but also as the playwright of the fabulous play Underneath My Bed, and as one of WE LOVE SOAPS TV's Most Fascinating People of 2010. 

"The Will Clark Show" is a weekly bingo charity event that has raised over $140,000 for GLBT charities in New York City.  All proceeds from this week's event will go directly to God's Love We Deliver, a non-profit that provides free and nutritious meals to people living with HIV/AIDS, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and other life-altering illnesses, who cannot shop or cook for themselves.

So please join Damon and Roger and our WE LOVE SOAPS family and friends at this fun and festive event.  How often do you get to have a great time and help others? We'll see you there!

WATCH: ANACOSTIA Season 2 Finale

The exciting season finale of ANACOSTIA, "And Justice For All," is now online. Watch it below and let us know what you think.

WATCH: EMPIRE Season 3 Finale

After shooting Rodney, Cane learns that Rachel killed Alex on the third season finale of EMPIRE. Elsewhere, Lucy reunites with Colleen and Jake, Theodora's plan has worked, and Evan faces the consequences of selling out Lucy in Empire. Nicholas Rodriguez from ONE LIFE TO LIVE debuts as Landon. Watch below.

SOAPnet's Valentine's Day Marathon

Love is in the air as SOAPnet celebrates Valentine's Day with a romance-themed "Valentine Vows Marathon." Relive ALL MY CHILDREN's Jesse & Angie, ONE LIFE TO LIVE's "Walker" & Blair and GENERAL HOSPITAL's Lucky & Liz's special days as they recite their heartfelt vows to each other. The four hour marathon starts at 3PM ET/PT ON Sunday, February 13.

Episodes:
* 3 p.m. – ALL MY CHILDREN Episode #2008-9878 (Original Air Date: May 21, 2008) – Surrounded by family and friends, Jesse and Angie are re-married. Special musical guest Ne-Yo performs at the ceremony.

NEWS: Larry Hagman, Melissa Claire Egan, Brittany Underwood, Catch VD

Larry Hagman Confirmed for TNT's New DALLAS
"I haven't signed any contract but I gave them my commitment verbally," says the star, who'll turn 80 this year. "I just told them I'd do it and my word's good!"

SKINS creator responds to criticisms
"SKINS is a very simple and in fact rather old fashioned television series. It's about the lives and loves of teenagers, how they get through high school, how they deal with their friends, and also how they circumnavigate some of the complications of sex, relationships, educations, parents, drugs and alcohol. The show is written from the perspective of teenagers, reflects their world view, and this has caused a degree of controversy both in the UK and the USA."

Julianne Moore to Receive Harvard's Hasty Pudding Award
The actress will be roasted by the Hasty Pudding Theatricals -- the nation's oldest undergradaute drama troupe -- on January 27.

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Leigh Taylor-Young (ex-Katherine, PASSIONS; ex-Elaine, SUNSET BEACH; ex-Rachel, PEYTON PLACE) - 66
George Alvarez (ex-Ray, GUIDING LIGHT; ex-Enrique, THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL; ex-Alex, GENERAL HOSPITAL/PORT CHARLES)
Paul Taylor (ex-Isaac, AS THE WORLD TURNS) - 35
Natalie Hall (Colby, ALL MY CHILDREN) - 23

Melissa Reeves: The WE LOVE SOAPS TV Interview, Part Four

In Parts One, Two and Three of our interview with Melissa Reeves, the acclaimed and beloved actress discussed her early years training to be a professional dancer in New York City, getting hired on SANTA BARBARA, Jennifer Rose's loves and losses on DAYS OF OUR LIVES, and how she coped with personal and professional challenges after Matt Ashford left the show.  In Part Four below, Reeves discusses the "rumors" that followed her 1995 departing from the show, how her faith has helped her survive criticism and gossip, and the highs & lows of her return to DAYS in the 2000s.  Did she ever audition for GENERAL HOSPITAL in the 90s? Find out below!

WE LOVE SOAPS TV: With Peter Blake we saw a more adult side to Jennifer.  She even had a line about him bringing out the “woman” in her.
Melissa Reeves: He was the ultimate bad guy.  And she fell for him knowing he was a DiMera. This was Jennifer’s rebellious side.  It kind of worked because Jack was played by Mark [Valley] instead of Matt [Ashford]. People weren’t exactly accepting of it, but more than they would have been if it had been Matt.  

WE LOVE SOAPS TV: At the end of 1995 you left the show.

NEWS: SKINS vs PTC, Spencer Grammer, David Essex, Eric Martsolf

H&R Blocks Out MTV's SKINS
A source familiar with the company's ad strategy confirmed that the company had placed some ads in the second airing of the premiere episode of the show, but was no longer doing so, saying the issue was the show's content.

PTC Says GM Won't Buy Spots in SKINS
A day after Taco Bell pulled its ads from skins, which depicts the drug and sex habits of teens, GM responded to concerns from a Parents Television Council member about ads for the Chevy Volt that appears on the show. The group is now targeting other companies that advertised on the first episode of Skins. Those include: Schick Hydro, L'Oreal, Subway, Foot Locker, Orbit chewing gum and Extra chewing gum.

RESULTS: Daytime Soap of the Week Poll

Here are the results from the WE LOVE SOAPS TV "Daytime Soap of the Week" poll for the week of January 17-21, 2011. ONE LIFE TO LIVE returned to the top spot for the week.



Check back on Friday when this week's polling begins.

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Steve Silverman (Creator, PRETTY)
Tonya Crowe (ex-Olivia, KNOTS LANDING) - 40
Mischa Barton (ex-Sonja, THE BEAUTIFUL LIFE; ex-Marissa, THE O.C.; ex-Lily, ALL MY CHILDREN) - 24

RESULTS: Indie Soap of the Week Poll

Here are the results from the WE LOVE SOAPS TV "Indie Soap of the Week" poll for the week of January 9-15 2011. MISS BEHAVE returned to the top spot for the week.



If you're a fan of any of these shows, we encourage you to check out some of the other series you may not have watched yet.

Indie soaps that aired one or more episodes last week were eligible.

Watch last week's indie soaps below:
- ALL'S FAIRE Episode the Thirteenthe
- DIARY OF A SINGLE MOM Season 3 Episode 9 "Dream Cart"
- EMPIRE Episode 3.8 "Cover Girls"
- END RESULT Part 5 "The Retirement He Deserves"
- MISS BEHAVE Episode 2.5 "The Calm Before The Storm"
- ORANGE JUICE IN BISHOP'S GARDEN Episode 3.9 "Brought to You by the Letter 'D'"
- TABLE OF CHOICES Episode 79
- THE BAY Chapter 3 Webisode 11

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Richard Dean Anderson (ex-Jeff, GENERAL HOSPITAL) - 61

Paul Picerni Dead at 88

Paul Picerni, a prolific television and screen actor best known as Agent Eliot Ness’s right-hand man in the hit 1960s series THE UNTOUCHABLES, died on January 12 at his home in Llano, Calif. He was 88. The cause was a heart attack, his manager, John Gloske, said.

Among his many credits were the roles of Dr. Dan Garrett on THE YOUNG MARRIEDS from 1964-1966 and Colonel Amir on CAPITOL in 1983.

WLS Interview Archive: Ron Hale

Poor Mike Corinthos on GENERAL HOSPITAL is returning to rehab this week for his never ending gambling problem.  But his portrayer, Ron Hale, is ready to start an exciting new phase of his life! In case you missed it, here is the complete interview from July 2010 with the beloved daytime legend Ron Hale.  

Part One - Hale discussed his pre-RYAN'S HOPE career, including hanging out with Robert Redford.  For what role did he have to gain 40 pounds? Find out here.

Part Two - He shared his experience getting hired on RYAN'S HOPE, and the ingredients that made the show so magical for its cast, crew, and audience.

Part Three - Hale shared what led to the decline of RYAN'S HOPE, and how his "six month" role on GENERAL HOSPITAL turned into a fifteen year legacy.

Part Four - We discussed his role as perpetually broken Mike Corbin on GENERAL HOSPITAL, as well as his perception of Mike's behaviors toward his son Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard).  

Part Five  - He shared his post-GH plans, hopes for his future, and tips on being a "person" before an actor.

Damon L. Jacobs is a Licensed Therapist now accepting new clients in New York City.  He is also the author of the popular book "Absolutely Should-less: The Secret to Living the Stress-Free Life You Deserve," currently available at Amazon.com. For more information about scheduling an appointment, please email him at Shouldless@gmail.com.

Today's Soap World Birthdays

John Wesley Shipp (Eddie, ONE LIFE TO LIVE; ex-Doug, AS THE WORLD TURNS; ex-Kelly, GUIDING LIGHT; ex-Carter, ALL MY CHILDREN; ex-Martin, SANTA BARBARA) - 55
Robert Mailhouse (ex-Brian, DAYS OF OUR LIVES) - 49
Brian Gaskill (ex-Dylan, GUIDING LIGHT; ex-B.J., AS THE WORLD TURNS; ex-Oscar, THE BOLD AND THE BEATIFUL; ex-Rafe, PORT CHARLES; ex-Bobby, ALL MY CHILDREN) - 41

VOTE: Daytime Soap of the Week Poll

Which daytime soap opera was your favorite the week of January 17-21, 2011? Vote in the weekly WE LOVE SOAPS TV poll below and check back on Monday morning for the results.

Voting ends at 9 a.m. ET on Monday.

Melissa Reeves: The WE LOVE SOAPS TV Interview, Part Three

In Parts One and Two of our interview with Melissa Reeves, the beloved actress shared her early "rebellious" determination to be a New York dancer, her year on SANTA BARBARA, and some of Jennifer Rose's highs and lows on DAYS OF OUR LIVES in the 1980s.  In Part Three below, Reeves recalls the Jack & Jennifer phenomenon, how she resisted the pressures that went along with the popularity, and the downside of fame following Matt Ashford's firing.  Why exactly did she cut her hair? Find out below! 

WE LOVE SOAPS TV: In 1989, after three-and-a-half years of being on the show your screen time increased, your popularity increased, your media attention increased.  What was that like?
Melissa Reeves: Matt and I both said the same thing.  We didn’t realize what was happening until after it had happened.  We were so busy working, having so much fun, and enjoying what we were doing, that we weren’t paying that much attention to the status it had become, which is probably a good thing.  I can look back on it now and see people really liked what we were doing and that is great.  That’s what we were trying to accomplish. 

WE LOVE SOAPS TV: Jennifer had typically been on 2-3 times a week, and then for the next few years was featured 3-4, even sometimes 5 times a week.  Was that pressure on you?

VOTE: Indie Soap of the Week Poll

Which indie soap was your favorite last week? Support your favorite continuing drama and vote in the weekly WE LOVE SOAPS TV poll below. Check back on Sunday morning for the results (voting ends Sunday at 9 a.m. ET). Only the shows that aired one or more new episodes from January 9-15, 2011 are listed. Based on release schedules, the shows in the poll will change weekly.

If an indie soap aired this week and is not on the list, feel free to cast your vote as "Other" and add a note in the Comments section of this post.



Watch this week's indie soaps below:
- ALL'S FAIRE Episode the Thirteenthe
- DIARY OF A SINGLE MOM Season 3 Episode 9 "Dream Cart"
- EMPIRE Episode 3.8 "Cover Girls"
- END RESULT Part 5 "The Retirement He Deserves"
- MISS BEHAVE Episode 2.5 "The Calm Before The Storm"
- ORANGE JUICE IN BISHOP'S GARDEN Episode 3.9 "Brought to You by the Letter 'D'"
- TABLE OF CHOICES Episode 79
- THE BAY Chapter 3 Webisode 11

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Colleen Zenk Pinter (ex-Barbara, AS THE WORLD TURNS) - 58
Lisa Vultaggio (ex-Hannah, GENERAL HOSPITAL) - 38

Melissa Reeves: The WE LOVE SOAPS TV Interview, Part Two

In Part One of our interview with Melissa Reeves, the acclaimed actress discussed her aspirations to be a dancer in New York, and her experience working on the brand new soap, SANTA BARBARA.  In Part Two below, Reeves reflects on Jennifer Rose's trials and tribulations in the 1980s on DAYS OF OUR LIVES, the Jack & Jennifer phenomenon, and offers insights into working with the late Frances Reid and Macdonald Carey.  With which co-star did she share a book club? Find out below!

WE LOVE SOAPS TV: Tell me about working with Frances Reid.
Melissa Reeves: She taught me everything about this business.  We would sit in her room for hours every single day.  Every single day.  She was really the only person I worked with aside from Michael T. Weiss for the longest time.  She would teach me, she would tell me stories.  She was a feisty old bull, and would tell me the realities of life.  I hung on her every word. I still do.  They have Jennifer now living in the Horton house.  The chair that she sat in for so many years is still on the set.  Every time I walk in there I have to hold back the tears.  It is still really hard to even be on that set.  She was like my real grandmother. 

WE LOVE SOAPS TV: Many have described her to me as rebellious and headstrong, as you have described yourself.
Melissa Reeves: Oh yes [laughs], we got along fabulously.

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Anthony Herrera (ex-James, AS THE WORLD TURNS; ex-Dane, LOVING; ex-Mike, SEARCH FOR TOMORROW; ex-Jack, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS; ex-Tim, THE SECRET STORM) - 67
Wendy Moniz (ex-Dinah, GUIDING LIGHT) - 42

WATCH: EMPIRE Season 3 Episode 9 "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang"

Evan learns Marin is married to Thomas and a whole lot more on the latest episode of EMPIRE. Elsehwere, Cane is looking for revenge against Alex's killer. Watch below.

CONFIRMED: Barbara Bloom Out at CBS Daytime

CBS has issued a statement confirming an earlier report from Daytime Confidential that Barbara Bloom is out at CBS Daytime.

Barbara Bloom, Senior Vice President, Daytime, CBS Entertainment, will leave the Network when her contract expires at the end of the month.

CONFIRMED: Rebecca Herbst Let Go From GENERAL HOSPITAL

A rep from GENERAL HOSPITAL has confirmed an earlier Daytime Confidential report that Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth) has been let go from the soap she has starred on since 1997.

ABC issued the following statement: "Storyline dictates the exit of Elizabeth Webber this spring. The next few months promise to be a 'not to miss' story for the character. We at ABC and GENERAL HOSPITAL wish Rebecca Herbst nothing but the best in all of her future endeavors."

Jon Lindstrom Appearing On BLUE BLOODS

As noted in our recent interview, Jon Lindstrom, known by soap fans for his memorable roles on SANTA BARBARA, GENERAL HOSPITAL, PORT CHARLES, and AS THE WORLD TURNS, will be appearing tomorrow, January 19th, on CBS's BLUE BLOODS, starring Tom Selleck. 

In the episode “Little Fish,” Judge Fenton, played by Lindstrom, mysteriously rules against Erin's (Briget Moynahan) legal motions in a case against local mobster, Johnny Vega.

BLUE BLOODS is a drama about a multi-generational family of cops dedicated to New York City law enforcement. Tune in this Wednesday, January 19, 2011 to catch the episode.  The show now airs Wednesday nights on CBS, at 10:00 p.m. Eastern / 9:00 p.m. Central.

Melissa Reeves: The WE LOVE SOAPS TV Interview, Part One

Melissa Reeves is considered by many to be one of the nicest and most down-to-earth actresses working in daytime today.  After a four-year absence, she is now back as Jennifer Rose Horton Deveraux and about to find herself in a whole lot of trouble in Salem.  But how did this aspiring dancer from New Jersey end up moving to Los Angeles, Nashville, and back again? And what does she think about the stories that she has played out on screen and off camera for the past 26 years? Please join us for this very special multi-part interview to learn more about the actress, the rebel, the mother, the survivor.

WE LOVE SOAPS TV: Melissa, it is wonderful to speak with you. You grew up about an hour outside of New York City?
Melissa Reeves: Yes, I grew up in Red Bank, New Jersey.  When I was about 13 years old I started taking the bus and the train daily for dance lessons in New York.  I wanted to be a dancer on Broadway.  My parents couldn’t afford lessons every day so I started doing commercials in order to pay for my dance classes.  Then the interview for SANTA BARBARA came up in New York, oddly enough, and I ended up going to California. 

WE LOVE SOAPS TV: What was it like to be running around New York City as a teenager?
Melissa Reeves: It was so great.  My parents were wonderful.  And this was the time before cell phones! If I needed to call my parents I would have to stop at a pay phone to call them.  Their one criteria was that I had to keep my grades up.  If I didn’t then I couldn’t do it anymore.  That was how badly I wanted to be a dancer.  But that didn’t quite work out, my plans were not good. 

WE LOVE SOAPS TV: But you got hired on SANTA BARBARA instead!

NEWS: SKINS, Comcast, Regis, LUX, Bloom, Hennig & JKJ

More DAYS Exits: Shelley Hennig & Jay Kenneth Johnson
Shelley Hennig (Stephanie) and Jay Kenneth Johnson (Philip) have both decided to leave the show. "It just feels right," says Hennig of why she's taking off after four years. "I have been preparing for this for awhile, so I have said my mental good-byes. I will miss the faces I see here every day, but everybody has been really encouraging and has embraced my decision.... I feel like I'm going out with a bang after last week's air shows and I feel great about it creatively and I am thankful to the writers for giving me that. I am thankful for this role that DAYS has given me and will miss playing this character. I am forever thankful for the fans and this wonderful gift that was given to me. It's been a lot of fun to play and I wouldn't change anything." Hennig's last tape date is February 2.

As for Johnson, "It feels perfect," he says. "The story ended and there's a lot of stuff going on out there. I thought about it a lot; it just felt like the right time. I want to thank the fans for continuing to watch and following me from my first stint to the other shows I've done and back to here. I hope they keep an eye on me in the future."

SKINS premiere on MTV attracts 3.3 million
Insiders had their fingers crossed for anything above 3 million, so this number comes as a relief.

RESULTS: Daytime Soap of the Week Poll

Here are the results from the WE LOVE SOAPS TV "Daytime Soap of the Week" poll for the week of January 10-14, 2011. DAYS OF OUR LIVES remained in the top spot for the eighth consecutive week.



Check back on Friday when this week's polling begins.

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Jim Davidson (ex-Alonzo, GUIDING LIGHT) - 48
David Lago (ex-Raul, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS) - 32

RESULTS: Indie Soap of the Week Poll

Here are the results from the WE LOVE SOAPS TV "Indie Soap of the Week" poll for the week of January 2-8, 2011. ANACOSTIA was the top vote-getter of the week.



If you're a fan of any of these shows, we encourage you to check out some of the other series you may not have watched yet.

Indie soaps that aired one or more episodes last week were eligible.

Watch last week's indie soaps below:
- ANACOSTIA Season 2 Episode 9 "Sins of The Past"
- BREAK Episode 2.1
- DIARY OF A SINGLE MOM Season 3 Episode 8 "In The Meantime"
- EMPIRE Episode 3.7 "Kiss and Show"
- END RESULT Part 4 "Not As Innocent As You Think"
- I BREATHE THIS Episode 12 "Picking Up The Pieces" (series finale)
- MISS BEHAVE Episode 2.4 "It's My Party And I'll Cry If I Want To"
- ORANGE JUICE IN BISHOP'S GARDEN Season 3 Episode 8 "Even When We Fight"
- PRETTY Season 2 Episode 6
- SIX OF ONE Episode 2 "Speed Dating"

PREVIEW: SKINS Debuts on MTV Tonight

MTV's highly anticipated version of the U.K. hit soap SKINS debuts tonight at 10 p.m. ET. Watch the trailer below. Will you be checking out the show?

NEWS: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Anne Hathaway, Robert Wagner, DGA

Anne Hathaway joins GLEE as Kurt's lesbian aunt
Her guest stint was sealed last night, after the Golden Globes. "She came over and talked to Ryan [Murphy] about wanting to come on the show. And there you have it!" says exec producer Brad Falchuck.

Sarah Michelle Gellar joins CBS pilot
The former ALL MY CHILDREN and BUFFY star, after a failed HBO project, has joined the green-lighted pilot RINGER, in which she plays a pair of twin sisters on the run from the mafia.

THE BAY Series Interviews - Real Andrews Part Four

In Parts One, Two and Three of our interview with Real Andrews, this multi-talented and passionate actor from THE BAY revealed the personal demons that sabotaged his early career, how religion helped him to overcome adversity, and how he is personally taking responsibility to help combat obesity in the U.S. Plus, he made a special offer to WE LOVE SOAPS TV readers to get free assistance from him personally in order to get in shape.  In this final part, we recount his roles on GENERAL HOSPITAL, AS THE WORLD TURNS, and how industry racism contributed to his limited screen time.  

WE LOVE SOAPS TV: You discussed earlier in our interview many of the personal demons you fought before getting hired on GENERAL HOSPITAL in 1998.  Marcus Taggert was a formidable opponent against Sonny Corinthos.  Up until that time, most cops on soaps had been portrayed as heroic.  In his quest to stop violence and crime in Port Charles, Taggert was actually the bad guy!
Real Andrews: It was interesting, but sometimes it was frustrating.  I would say, “But I’m the good guy!” Everyone hated me but I’d point out, “I'm the good guy here.”  But you have fun with it.  And whenever you can be the person people love to hate that is always a good thing. 

WE LOVE SOAPS TV: You held your own with Maurice Benard.

WINNERS: 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards

The 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards were held last night, recognizing excellence in film and television from the prior year. Hosted by Ricky Gervais, it was held at the The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills. Check out the winners list below.

* Best TV Series, Drama: BOARDWALK EMPIRE
* Best TV Series, Comedy or Musical: GLEE

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Betty White (ex-Ann, THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL) - 89
Jane Elliot (Tracy, GENERAL HOSPITAL; ex-Carrie, GUIDING LIGHT; ex-Angelica, DAYS OF OUR LIVES; ex-Cynthia, ALL MY CHILDREN; ex-Madge, A NEW DAY IN EDEN; ex-Linda, A FLAME IN THE WIND) - 64

We Love Soaps TV Is Sudsing Up For 2011

We are already 15 days into 2011 and WE LOVE SOAPS TV has been busy behind the scenes planning a number of new interviews and features for our readers and lining up some great new guests for our web series. We are extremely excited to present the 2nd Annual Indie Soap Awards on February 21. In addition to our daily coverage of daytime, primetime, indie and international soaps, we will be on the scene at all the major industry events and backstage at your favorite shows.  We have a unique new feature that will honor and preserve and the history of network television, while continuing to look forward at the exciting worlds being created on the internet. Perhaps closest to our hearts will be this years AIDS Walk New York which we will provide more details about in the coming days. We want to raise more money than ever this year and will need your support and participation.

So please keep visiting us in 2011 for more interviews, features, opinions, and soapy fun you won't find anywhere else. 

Photo Credit: Gustavo Monroy

VOTE: Daytime Soap of the Week Poll

Which daytime soap opera was your favorite the week of January 10-14, 2011? Vote in the weekly WE LOVE SOAPS TV poll below and check back on Monday morning for the results.

Voting ends at 9 a.m. ET on Monday.

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Count Stovall (ex-Cal, ALL MY CHILDREN; ex-Roy, AS THE WORLD TURNS; ex-Hank, THE DOCTORS) - 65
Mario Van Peebles (ex-Samuel, ALL MY CHILDREN; ex-Doc, ONE LIFE TO LIVE) - 54
Chad Lowe (Byron, PRETTY LITTLE LIARS; ex-Carter, MELROSE PLACE) - 42

VOTE: Indie Soap of the Week Poll

Which indie soap was your favorite last week? Support your favorite continuing drama and vote in the weekly WE LOVE SOAPS TV poll below. Check back on Sunday morning for the results (voting ends Sunday at 9 a.m. ET). Only the shows that aired one or more new episodes from January 2-8, 2011 are listed. Based on release schedules, the shows in the poll will change weekly.

If an indie soap aired this week and is not on the list, feel free to cast your vote as "Other" and add a note in the Comments section of this post.



Watch this week's indie soaps below:
- ANACOSTIA Season 2 Episode 9 "Sins of The Past"
- BREAK Episode 2.1
- DIARY OF A SINGLE MOM Season 3 Episode 8 "In The Meantime"
- EMPIRE Episode 3.7 "Kiss and Show"
- END RESULT Part 4 "Not As Innocent As You Think"
- I BREATHE THIS Episode 12 "Picking Up The Pieces" (series finale)
- MISS BEHAVE Episode 2.4 "It's My Party And I'll Cry If I Want To"
- ORANGE JUICE IN BISHOP'S GARDEN Season 3 Episode 8 "Even When We Fight"
- PRETTY Season 2 Episode 6
- SIX OF ONE Episode 2 "Speed Dating"

Real Andrews Has Been Hired On ALL MY CHILDREN!

Great news for soap fans!  Immediately after our interview, Real Andrews, formerly of GENERAL HOSPITAL and AS THE WORLD TURNS, has been hired on ABC's ALL MY CHILDREN.  He will begin shooting this week with scenes airing the week of February 18th, 2011.  According to Andrews his new character is named Agent Trumble, and will have interactions with Amanda [Chrishell Stause] and Jake [Ricky Paull Goldin].

Fans of We Love Soaps learned earlier today that Andrews is making an exclusive offer to our readers.  He wants to personally help you get in shape in 2011 and is offering a free personal consultation to make that happen.  If YOU want to have a healthier year, and get support from Real Andrews in the process, read our interview now and learn how to make it happen!

THE BAY Series Interviews - Real Andrews Part Three

In parts One and Two of our interview with Real Andrews, the talented and passionate actor discussed his new role on the Indie Soap THE BAY, his struggles of growing up in a single-parent home, the importance of religion in his life, and concerns about the epidemic of obesity in America.  In this part he discusses his plan to fight obesity and makes a very special offer to We Love Soaps readers.  

WE LOVE SOAPS TV:  It’s now 2011.  We were talking earlier about the epidemic of obesity in this country.  I think so much of that comes from a sense of powerless and defeat in an individual’s mindset.  You are offering a special challenge to people who are feeling that way.
Real Andrews: It is a 24 Day Challenge.  The average weight loss in 10-18 pounds and 7-9 inches.  It is with the world’s best nutrition, Advocare, at Lose Weight Easy and Fast (loseweighteasyandfast.com).  People can put their information in there.  I will get back to them personally and spend time with them to come up with a plan of attack that can help with them.  We offer support, eating plans, menus, we walk them through it.  We are committed to people’s success.  We are results driven, meaning you get results or we fail.  I am working on a site where we can use message boards and chat.  A huge part of this is accountability and letting people know they can do this, they are not alone.

NOMINATIONS: 42nd NAACP Image Awards

The NAACP Image Awards is the nation's premier event celebrating the outstanding achievements and performances of people of color in the arts (television, recording, literature, motion picture and writing & directing), as well as those individuals or groups who promote social justice through their creative endeavors. The nominees for this year's awards have been announced. See the list below.

Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Aaron D. Spears, THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
Cornelius Smith, Jr. ALL MY CHILDREN
Darnell Williams, ALL MY CHILDREN
Rodney Saulsberry, THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL

Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Debbi Morgan, ALL MY CHILDREN
Julia Pace Mitchell, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Tatyana Ali, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Tonya Lee Williams, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Yvette Freeman, THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL

WATCH: EMPIRE Season 3 Episode 8 "Cover Girls"

On the latest episode of Indie Soap Award nominee EMPIRE, Colleen and Valerie's kiss makes the cover of Empire. Elsewhere, Rodney learns that Rachel killed Alex, Theodora shocks Evan, and a wedding occurs.

THE BAY Series Interviews - Real Andrews Part Two

In Part One of our interview with Real Andrews, the actor discussed his new role on the indie soap THE BAY, and revealed how growing up without a father impacted his personal demons.  In this part he shares more about his religious evolution, as well as some shocking statistics about obesity in the United States.  Why are Americans more at risk now than in the past 200 years? Find out below! 

WE LOVE SOAPS TV: Were you raised Christian?
Real Andrews: No.  I was raised Catholic, I went to a private boys school.  My grandma was very Catholic, I went to church with her.  Then I was searching.  I became a Buddhist, I went to Pentecost, I went to Baptist, I was searching.  It was a process.  The closer you get to God, the more you hear his voice.  But you have to respect people where they are.  I’m not a bible thumper by any means.  But if someone wants to listen, if someone wants me to pray for them, then that is different.  It has been life changing for me.  Even for my [step] dad who almost died recently from Parkinson's.  He was in that bed and I asked him if he gave his life to Jesus.  He’s still alive now and he shouldn’t be by medical means.

WE LOVE SOAPS TV: How did Christianity become the religion that fit for you so well compared to all the others?
Real Andrews: There were so many things along the way.  I can remember one particular thing that made a difference.  It happened when I was in the deep trenches of partying, doing drugs, when I should have died twenty times over, hating the world, and blaming all my managers and agents for my lack of success.  It happened when I was in one of my drinking holes.  This guy was sitting next to me in a dive bar.  He was different from everyone else because he wasn’t drinking.  I kept offering him a drink, and he kept saying, “No, I’m good.”  Eventually he asked me some questions.  I did what I would always do, saying, “My manager sucks, my agent sucks, nobody gets me, nobody understands me, the world sucks!” Basically he said, “I used to feel the same as you.  Maybe you’re looking for the wrong manager.  Maybe you’re looking for the wrong agent.”  I was drunk and high, thinking, “Whatever, Dude.”

NEWS: James Franco, Susan Dansby, Y&R to air in Netherlands

James Franco's Next Hosting Dream: The Daytime Emmy Awards'
The 127 Hours and sometime GENERAL HOSPITAL star told The Hollywood Reporter during the Palm Springs International Film Festival that he would love an invite to host the award show.

“Maybe next, I’ll get to host the daytime Emmys," he said. "Hey, if they ask me, I might do it. I would love that."

Y&R will start airing in The Netherlands
The show will debut on January 31.

Wendy Williams To Appear on ONE LIFE TO LIVE in March

How you doin', Llanview? Talk show host Wendy Williams will make her soap opera debut (and Michael Goldberg's life) when she appears on ABC Daytime's ONE LIFE TO LIVE on March 2 and March 28. Williams will play talk show host Phyllis Rose. Paternity switches, kidnapping and incarceration are just a few of the scandals threatening to disgrace Llanview's most prestigious family, and Phyllis Rose will delve into all the gossip and rumors when she hosts "Access Llanview: The Buchanans, A Family Under Siege."

RESULTS: Daytime Soap of the Week Poll

Here are the results from the WE LOVE SOAPS TV "Daytime Soap of the Week" poll for the week of January 3-7, 2011. DAYS OF OUR LIVES remained in the top spot for the sixth consecutive week.



Check back on Friday when this week's polling begins.

VOTE: Indie Soap Awards Fan's Choice Soap of the Year

The nominations for the 2nd Annual Indie Soap Awards were revealed on Monday. One of the categories is the Fan's Choice Award which will allow fans to vote for their favorite web series of 2010 based on the Top 15 vote-getters in the WE LOVE SOAPS TV Indie Soap of the Week poll throughout the year. You may vote below for your favorite up until February 14 at 11:59 p.m. ET. The winner will be revealed at the Indie Soap Awards show on February 21 in New York City.

NOMINATIONS: 2nd Annual Indie Soap Awards

WE LOVE SOAPS TV announced on Monday the nominees for the 2nd Annual Indie Soap Awards, honoring the best in continuing story format web series in 2010.   Last year's winner for Indie Soap of the Year, DIARY OF A SINGLE MOM, received 13 nominations to lead the pack.  In total, 29 web series were nominated for awards, including 15 shows receiving "Fan's Choice" nominations for being one of the Top 15 vote-getters in 2010 in the weekly WLS TV Indie Soap of the Week Poll.

This year's awards show will be a live event in New York City on February 21, hosted by GOTHAM creator and star, Martha Byrne.   You can order tickets here.

The Indie Soap Awards were founded by WE LOVE SOAPS TV in 2009 to celebrate the creative talents of the indie web series world, who are blazing a trail into the future for the continuing story format.  Sometimes on a shoestring budget, these producers, writers, actors, crew manage to develop amazing work and are the inspiration for this event.

See the full list of nominations below:

INDIE SOAP OF THE YEAR

8.13
ANYONE BUT ME

CELESTE BRIGHT
CELL

DIARY OF A SINGLE MOM

MISS BEHAVE
PRETTY

THE BEST FRIEND

THE BAY Series Interviews - Real Andrews Part One

You may have loved or despised him as Detective Taggert on ABC's GENERAL HOSPITAL. Either way you are going to be fascinated by what Real Andrews shares in this in depth new interview.  From therapy to religion, from obesity to racism, we sat down and discussed the issues that impact and shape our world. And of course, he opened up about his new role on the current hit indie series THE BAY,  and previous roles on GENERAL HOSPITAL and AS THE WORLD TURNS. So please join me for this revealing multi-part interview, and take notes, we're going to learn a lot!

WE LOVE SOAPS TV: Let’s start with your role on THE BAY.  You play the role of Dr. Keith Campbell, who is described by the character of Colleen as a “smooth operator.”
Real Andrews: I guess I’m smooth!  Colleen and Keith have a very unique relationship.  It is fun working with [Daphne Bloomer].

WE LOVE SOAPS TV: How did you get involved in THE BAY?
Real Andrews: I am a big fan of Gregori Martin.  We became really good friends and kept talking about how we wanted to work together.  I heard he was doing THE BAY and I reached out to him.  Gregori is very loyal, which is an amazing thing.  He had been working with a good buddy of mine named Monti [Sharp].  The part that I am playing was originally written for Monti.  As fate would have it, Monti has another thing going on, and that opened the door for me coming in. 

WE LOVE SOAPS TV: What can you tell us about Keith? His story is slowly unfolding.

PRETTY LITTLE LIARS & SECRET LIFE Renewed

ABC Family has given new season orders to two of the network’s hit series, THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER, which has been renewed for a fourth season, and PRETTY LITTLE LIARS, which was picked-up for a second season. The new season orders were announced today by ABC Family President Michael Riley at the network’s TCA panel at The Langham Hotel in Pasadena.

“We’re incredibly excited to bring viewers new seasons of two of ABC Family’s most successful original series,” said Riley. “Supported by incredibly talented casts and crews, THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER's Brenda Hampton has an unparalleled voice in speaking to today’s Millennials, and our partnership with Alloy Entertainment and Warner Horizon continues to deliver an engaging and heart-stopping show keeping ‘Pretty Little Liars’ audiences on the edge of their seats.”

90210 Writer Padma Atluri Dead at 39

According to Deadline.com, 90210 writer Padma Atluri died on Saturday night from leiomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer. She was 39. 90210 executive producer Rebecca Sinclair called Atluri "an extraordinary woman."

VOTE: Daytime Soap of the Week Poll

Which daytime soap opera was your favorite the week of January 3-7, 2011? Vote in the weekly WE LOVE SOAPS TV poll below and check back on Monday morning for the results.

Voting ends at 9 a.m. ET on Monday.

RESULTS: Indie Soap of the Week Poll

Here are the results from the WE LOVE SOAPS TV "Indie Soap of the Week" poll for the week of December 26, 2010-January 1, 2011. VENICE remained in the top spot for the second week in a row. MISS BEHAVE's latest episode landed the show in second place.



If you're a fan of any of these shows, we encourage you to check out some of the other series you may not have watched yet.

Indie soaps that aired one or more episodes last week were eligible. Check back on Sunday when this week's polling begins and keep supporting your favorite indie shows by voting. But more importantly watch them and spread the word.

Watch last week's indie soaps below:
- ALPHA PLANET Episode 108 "Love Child"
- DIARY OF A SINGLE MOM Season 3 Episode 7 "Paradox"
- END RESULT Part 3 "What I Think Is Right"
- I BREATHE THIS Episode 11 "Turned Up" (explicit)
- MISS BEHAVE Episode 2.3 "Water Under The Bridge"
- VENICE Season 2 Episode 12 (subscription)

NEWS: Billy Miller, Davetta Sherwood, Tonya Lee Williams

Billy Miller admits it: He used to look down his nose at soap operas
"I think my mom watched them a little bit when I was a kid, but I was never super-familiar with any of them," the Arlington Lamar High School graduate says.

"Then I went to film school and my roommate would watch PASSIONS every day. I just remember looking at him and asking, 'Really? You're a 220-pound dude watching PASSIONS?'"

Little did Miller know that a future in daytime television awaited him. "Now that I'm looking back on it," the 30-year-old actor says, "I think I'm a little glad my roommate was watching that show."

Davetta Sherwood on lack of diversity at Y&R
“The experiences that I had with the lack of diversity, the lack of acknowledgment of the Winters family and just our ethnic background, was really disappointing,” she said. Sherwood said people on the show were strategic about choosing her. So, she thought they would treat her “carefully” on the set. But “I felt disregarded at times; I felt unappreciated at times,” she said.

Daytime Emmy Calendar

NATAS released the 2010-2011 Daytime Emmy calendar on Monday which included the date of this year's Emmys, June 19, in Las Vegas again. For those on the cutting edge of entertainment, New Approaches is back and a new Short Format Program category has been added. Check out the calendar below.

February 1, 2011: Deadline to complete online entry data (“paperwork” portion ONLY)
and apply to judge.

ALL MY CHILDREN & HOT IN CLEVELAND Will Cross Over

ABC Daytime and TV Land have joined forces to create an unprecedented network event where characters from ALL MY CHILDREN and HOT IN CLEVELAND cross over to continue a storyline established on last season's HOT IN CLEVELAND. The story revolves around Wendie Malick's character, Victoria Chase, and her industry-nemesis, Susan Lucci. The two-part HOT IN CLEVELAND episodes will air on TV Land on February 16 and 23 at 10:00 p.m., ET/PT, and the "All My Children" episode will air on ABC at 1:00 p.m., ET/12:00 p.m., PT on February 24.

RESULTS: Daytime Soap of the Week Poll

Here are the results from the WE LOVE SOAPS TV "Daytime Soap of the Week" poll for the week of December 27-31, 2010. DAYS OF OUR LIVES remained in the top spot for the sixth consecutive week.



Check back on Friday when this week's polling begins.

VOTE: Indie Soap of the Week Poll

Which indie soap was your favorite last week? Support your favorite continuing drama and vote in the weekly WE LOVE SOAPS TV poll below. Check back on Friday morning for the results (voting ends Friday at 9 a.m. ET). Only the shows that aired one or more new episodes from December 26, 2010-January 1, 2011 are listed. Based on release schedules, the shows in the poll will change weekly.

If an indie soap aired this week and is not on the list, feel free to cast your vote as "Other" and add a note in the Comments section of this post.



Watch this week's indie soaps below:
- ALPHA PLANET Episode 108 "Love Child"
- DIARY OF A SINGLE MOM Season 3 Episode 7 "Paradox"
- END RESULT Part 3 "What I Think Is Right"
- I BREATHE THIS Episode 11 "Turned Up" (explicit)
- MISS BEHAVE Episode 2.3 "Water Under The Bridge"
- VENICE Season 2 Episode 12 (subscription)

Jon Lindstrom Reveals His "High" Ride In Music and Soaps - Part Four

In Parts One, Two and Three of our interview with the beloved Jon Lindstrom, the acclaimed actor discussed his passion for music, returning to his musical roots in The High Lonesome, as well as indelible roles as Mark on SANTA BARBARA, twins Ryan and Kevin on GENERAL HOSPITAL, highs and lows of the spin-off PORT CHARLES, and overcoming pressures as the recast of Craig on AS THE WORLD TURNS.  In this final part Lindstrom discusses his approach to handling cancellations, his future career in films and television, and his insights into the future of soaps. Why do gay audiences want to check their local film festivals in 2011? Find out below!

WE LOVE SOAPS TV: Where were you when you got the news that AS THE WORLD TURNS had been canceled?
Jon Lindstrom: I was at home.  My phone rang, it was Chris Goutman.  He had thought of me for the part [of Craig Montgomery] to begin with and had offered me the job.  He had the good form to call me personally and tell me that the show had been canceled.  This is after I had moved my life to New York from Los Angeles.  But I felt it was coming.  I remember I was offered a three year contract and thought to myself, “It is a three year offer that will only last a year and a half.” And when all was said and done, that is the time I spent on the show.  It was the writing on the wall, I could see what was going on there. 

WE LOVE SOAPS TV: How did you deal with the loss of the show?

NEWS: PLL Ratings, Ellen Greene, Grant Show, Netflix, Lea Michele

PRETTY LITTLE LIARS second season premiere sets ratings records
The winter season debut of PLL notched series highs in viewers and various demos, including ranking as ABC Family's second-best telecast ever among females 18 to 34 and 12 to 34. The Jan. 3 airing averaged 4.2 million viewers, according to Nielsen data, including a 3.5 rating and 1.2 million females 18 to 34 and a 5.3 rating and 2.5 million females 12 to 34.

Ellen Greene on her five episode stint on Y&R
"I read the script. It was so good I was shocked. I just had to do it. I can only tell you this much: Primrose will bring happiness into Billy's life. Anything more and they will have to annihilate me."

EXCLUSIVE: Robin Strasser Responds To Jacqueline Courtney's Passing

Emmy winning legend Robin Strasser played opposite of Jacqueline Courtney on ANOTHER WORLD from 1966-1971, and again briefly in 1972. Their on-screen rivalry as Rachel and Alice set the soap world on fire and sent ANOTHER WORLD to the top of the ratings. In this exclusive statement, Strasser pays tribute to the beautiful Courtney, who passed away on December 20th.

I met Jacquie Courtney when I was cast as Rachel on Another World.

During the years the show was at it's all time height, and set industry-wide standards, it was due in large part to Jacquie Courtney's indelibly romantic incandescence. 

Lucky for me...because, as it turned out Rachel was all about shadow and darkness trying to steal Alice's light.

VOTE: Daytime Soap of the Week Poll

Which daytime soap was your favorite the week of December 27-31, 2010? Vote in the weekly WE LOVE SOAPS TV poll below and check back on Wednesday morning for the results.

Voting ends at 9 a.m. ET on Wednesday.

Anne Francis, a Cult Icon as Honey West, Has Died of Cancer

Actress Anne Francis has died from complications of pancreatic cancer. She was 80.

Francis, who was a sex siren in the 1950s also memorably starred in the science-fiction classic FORBIDDEN PLANET, but her star-turn as a private eye in television show HONEY WEST made her an icon.

Soap fans will remember Francis for her role as Arliss Cooper on DALLAS in 1981.

The stunning blonde died Sunday (Jan. 2) at a Santa Barbara nursing home, said Bill Guntle, a funeral director McDermott-Crockett & Associates Mortuary in Santa Barbara.

PRETTY LITTLE LIARS & GREEK Are Back Tonight!

Be sure to tune in (and have your readers tune in, too!) to the all new season of ABC Family’s PRETTY LITTLE LIARS tonight at a special time, 7:58/6:58c, followed by an all new season of GREEK at 9/8c! ABC Family has been airing a PRETTY LITTLE LIARS Season One marathon today leading up to tonight’s premiere!

Jon Lindstrom Reveals His "High" Ride In Music and Soaps - Part Three

In Parts One and Two of our interview with the musician-actor Jon Lindstrom, the fan favorite shared  his passion for music with The High Lonesome, playing with the band in Hollywood during the wild 1980s, as well as his memorable roles as Mark on SANTA BARBARA and twins Ryan/Kevin on GENERAL HOSPITAL. In Part Three below he shares what happened when Kevin spun off to PORT CHARLES, offers insights into backstage decisions made in daytime, as well as the challenges and vindication of portraying Craig on AS THE WORLD TURNS.  

WE LOVE SOAPS TV: The characters of Kevin and Lucy [Lynn Herring] were so popular on GENERAL HOSPITAL in 1997 that you were spun-off into the new soap PORT CHARLES.  What was that like for you?
Jon Lindstrom: I was thrilled.  Basically they were asking us to come do a show that was half as long for more money.  I said, “Yeah I’ll do that, my momma didn’t raise no dummy!”  At the time they were planning to do a spin off about Ned [Wally Kurth] and Lois [Rena Sofer], and Claire Labine was going to write it.  That would have required the show to be done in New York. ABC did not want to set up a whole other studio in New York when they owned a studio and sound stage in Hollywood.  So Wendy Riche pitched the idea of doing a spin off with Lynn and myself using existing sets.  It was their decision to do it much cheaper.  My character at the time wasn’t working much [on GH], I was only doing about one show every few weeks.  I was ready to leave.  I approached it as a great opportunity out of the blue.  I thought it would be half the work for more money, but it turned out to be twice the work. 

WE LOVE SOAPS TV: Why was it twice the work?

Happy New Year With Matthew Ashford!

You have seen him play roles on daytime that have shocked, amused, and even disgusted fans.  But one thing we can safely say about Matthew Ashford is that he is one of the most fascinating, unpredictable, and compelling actors to ever embrace the soap landscape.  Fortunately, daytime fans can catch him in the new and original indie soap THE BAY.  In this rare interview from August 2010, We Love Soaps TV delves into the thoughts and spiritual beliefs behind the actor's craft, as well as his excitement about the new landscape of indie soaps. 

Part One - This legendary daytime actor discussed the coming together of talent for THE BAY, as well as how Buddhism has impacted his craft

Part Two - Ashford reflected on his unforgettable roles on SEARCH FOR TOMORROW and DAYS OF OUR LIVES.  From what Broadway musical did he draw inspiration during Jack's reign of terror on DAYS?

Part Three - Ashford discussed the impact of his work on DAYS, as well as learning to "play" with his costars.  Which beloved DAYS veteran did he make mad?   

Part Four - Ashford shared his thoughts behind Jack's "quirks," as well as what happened to his character when James Reilly became headwriter of DAYS.  Why was Jack always dying under Reilly's pen?

Part Five - The beloved actor reflected on his post DAYS roles.  What went wrong on GH? Did he know Jack was coming to life on DAYS? And is Jack heading back to Salem now? Find out here.

Damon L. Jacobs is a Licensed Therapist now accepting new clients in New York City.  He is also the author of the popular book "Absolutely Should-less: The Secret to Living the Stress-Free Life You Deserve." For more information about scheduling an appointment, please email him at Shouldless@gmail.com.