News Brief

TV Guide Canada: 2008 Fearless Predictions.

The Sun: Lots of UK soap-rises for 2008. Bianca returns in "EastEnders" and is reunited with Ricky at Frank’s funeral. And there’s all-out war between Tanya and Max. In "Coronation Street," Liam is torn between fiancée Maria and Carla, and lovesick Jason takes comfort in the arms of Becky. Donald’s miraculous recovery stuns Nicola in "Emmerdale." And there’s prewedding jitters for Paul and Jonny, while Laurel and Ashley face a heartbreaking tragedy.

Guardian Unlimited: Last night's TV: Compared with the solid block of concrete that is "EastEnders," "Coronation Street" is a filigree worked from the finest threads of humour, drama, camp and plausibility.

AmericaJR: "General Hospital's" Jason & Elizabeth: Daytime's Next Super Couple. Known as Liason, Jason & Elizabeth have been one of "General Hospital’s" most popular pairings since they first met at the bar Jake’s on August 27, 1999. Their fans believe they’re the next super couple since Luke & Laura. “The ‘bad boy’, ‘good girl’ stereotype could just make them perfect for each other” stated one fan to Soap Opera Digest in the summer of 2002.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Back in the day, TV was black and white and more colorful than any peacock. "Pioneers of Television," a monthlong series starting this week, brings the era to vivid life. Five of the pioneers - Betty White ("The Bold and the Beautiful"), Ed McMahon, Dick Cavett, Tim Conway and Tony Orlando - gathered in Los Angeles over the summer to talk about the series with TV critics.

Press-Register: Soap opera stars are often envied for the impeccable style they daily bring to the small screen. We enjoy living the fabulous life through them -- our favorite cast of characters. And when it comes to living lavishly, dressing exquisitely and partying with the pretty people, the cast of CBS' "The Bold and the Beautiful" know how to deliver. On Jan. 12, Gulf Coast residents will have the opportunity to socialize with the socialites, and take a piece of Hollywood home with them, as well.

Inquirer: One look at the guys of “Gossip Girl” and there is no doubt that Penn Badgley - or Dan Humphrey in the show - is the hottest of them all. After appearing in TV shows such as “Will & Grace” and “The Young and the Restless” and movies such as “John Tucker Must Die,” he is all set to appear in a rugby-themed movie called “Forever Strong.” Not just a looker (who owned his own looks when he cut his long curly locks), Penn is also a musically gifted guitar-playing singer who may make his presence felt in the airwaves as well.

Anchorage Daily News: Well, sure, technically it's true ESPN football analyst and three-time Super Bowl champion Mark Schlereth of Anchorage beat the Alaska Wild to the block when it came to daytime serials. Our man Mark landed a gig on "Guiding Light'' as a detective with the straight-outta-porn name of Roc Hoover -- that handle is straight-up mantastic. Still, Schlereth had nothing on our indoor football team when it came to soap operas in 2007, which is why the Wild took win, place and show in our review of the wild, weird and, occasionally, funny moments from Alaska sports in the past year.

Fayetteville Observer: Catch a "One Tree Hill" marathon on Soapnet today on "Serial Bowl V." I suppose they ran out of real soaps to air?