News Brief

The Plain Dealer: Can the soap operas on ABC, NBC and CBS survive the Writers Guild strike? Some media pundits would have you believe that the soap opera bubble is about to burst. They say that a long writers strike could be the death of the daytime serial. But anyone hooked for any length of time on a soap opera can tell you it's not wise to trust pronouncements of doom and despair. Begun on radio during the Depression, the daytime serial has survived for more than 75 years. And many TV historians believe the soap is slippery enough to escape the current threat.

New York Daily News: "As the World Turns" treats viewers to a special episode on Friday, inspired by "The Nutcracker." "This Christmas show is a Victorian soap opera reflecting the characters' inner lives, dreams and perceptions," says Cady McClain, whose Rosanna character fi gures in the tale. "The sets, lighting, costumes, hair and makeup couldn't be more beautiful. It's a lot of fun." The premise is that Faith and Natalie go to see "The Nutcracker" with Lucinda and then see a doll-house in a window in Old Town. They make a wish that the magic was real - and then all the dolls in the window come to life.

Jamaica Gleaner: Radio and television host Todd Newton of E! Entertainment Television fame, hosted the 14th annual World Travel Awards (WTA) gala, attended by celebrities such as Canadian actress, Jennifer Finnigan ("The Bold and the Beautiful"); her husband, actor Jonathan Silverman; and Eva LaRue ("All My Children").

SunHerald: Mark your calendars: A "Bold and Beautiful" Fashion Extravaganza, Jan. 12, Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, Biloxi. Star-studded fashion show, cocktails and hor d'oeuvres, and silent and live auctions featuring costumes and other Bold & Beautiful memorabilia. Tickets: $300, includes front row seats, complimentary champagne, private meet and greet with stars and silent auction preview, $150 second row, and $75 for general seating. Details: 868-8686.

Live 5 News: You may recognize her as Drucilla Winters from the Young and The Restless, but Victoria Rowell has put down her script and hit the campaign trail. "At this moment I can do more outside of the tube,” Rowell said. “As I've decided to slip off the cliff of the ‘Young and the Restless’ I wanted to offer what I have to this presidential campaign,” Rowell added. Rowell made a stop at the First Baptist Church in Summerville to talk to a local alumni Delta Sigma Theta chapter about Senator Clinton's bid for the White House.

TV Guide: Mrs. Bachelor Bob is back in the Fusion business. Rebecca Budig will reclaim the role of "All My Children's" Greenlee starting January 16. Also, Daytime Emmy winners Debbi Morgan and Darnell Williams are returning as Angie and Jesse Hubbard on Jan. 18 and 25, respectively — this despite the fact that Jesse famously died in his wife's arms a bazillion years ago and has since made several ethereal visits as a ghost. "We are giving the fans what they’ve been asking for — Rebecca returns as Greenlee and a beloved super-couple have a second chance," says ABC Daytime boss Brian Scott Frons. "Fans can look forward to Greenlee’s storyline developing around her business, her friendships and her love life. Angie and Jesse made an eternal imprint on... viewers, and many fans will not believe he's alive." Seriously — his ghost even gave Pine Valley that "magic box" one Christmas! When Budig returns to the role she created, Greens is suddenly stricken down by a mysterious illness. That brings Angie back to Pine Valley Hospital to consult on Greenlee's case as well as that of a "secret patient." It all leads to what ABC calls "the most shocking reunion of all time: after 20 years, Angie will reunite with Jesse."

Luxist: "General Hospital" actor Sebastian Roche, who recently paid $1,525,000 for a house in Venice, California has sold his 117-acre estate in upstate New York for $2.7 million.

Wisconsin State Journal: This is why "Friday Night Lights " is such a joy to watch -- when Coach Taylor 's wife wakes up in the middle of the night to have a fight with her eldest daughter, she 's not wearing any makeup! Her face looks like, well, a face that 's been sleeping for a while. There 's no eyeliner or lipstick to prettify her midnight countenance, just a flawed, normal woman 's face. Refreshing.

Sunday People: They were plump frumps...now ex-"EastEnder" Natalie Cassidy and "Corrie's" Vicky Binns have transformed themselves into slinky stars after shedding an amazing five stones between them. Both have fitness DVDs out on Boxing Day to tell how they became visions of beauty.

B&B.com Catch William deVry on Wednesday, December 19th at 4pm PST/7PM EST on B&B's Official Message Board where he will be answering viewer questions.