News Brief

EASTENDERS' Jim Branning makes brave return to Albert Square in wheelchair after crippling stroke
EASTENDERS actor John Bardon bravely returned to the BBC1 soap yesterday as he recovers from a crippling stroke. The 68-year-old, who has played Dot Cotton's husband Jim Branning for 11 years, has been undergoing an intensive rehabilitation programme since suffering the stroke last summer and is still in a wheelchair. He will appear in a special episode of the show which will be screened in the summer.

Earlier this year producer's said they were delighted that Bardon was eager to return to the show.

"John is doing really well and we're overwhelmed he wants to return," a BBC spokeswoman said.

"Other people who have suffered serious strokes can be given a boost by watching John."

BLOG UPDATE: Tom Casiello
"When I sought this career path, I knew I'd be in for a lot of garbage. But I went after it anyway, because I genuinely love what I do. I love writing rooms, I love sitting down and structuring my episodes, I love finishing the cover page and sending it in, and yes... there's even some sick part of me that loves the debate that happens in weekly notes meetings. But some weeks, the bad definitely outweighs the good (we've all had weeks like that, I'm sure), and I witness bad decision after bad decision, and I want to scream."

Matt Littler's emotional goodbye on HOLLYOAKS
Matt Littler says sharing his final scenes in HOLLYOAKS with Darren Jeffries was "the cherry on the cake". The pair, who hope to become television presenters together, won the Best On-Screen Partnership gong at the 2008 British Soap Awards but have now left the Chester-based soap - with Max's final scenes screened on Friday.

Hot tub firm is hot stuff on TV
A Midlands couple who run a national company that hires out hot tubs could be forgiven for having stars in their eyes. Emma Bray, aged 33, and husband Steve, aged 27, from Kidderminster have found their firm is in big demand. the company, which has 42 hot tubs for hire, has been booked to provide one for the ITV’s EMMERDALE soap opera.

Emma said: “We went up to the EMMERDALE set. Everyone was really lovely – both the actors and production team. The Dingles are as mad off set as they are on the set. They are a lovely bunch. We had to stay with the tub while they were filming because of health and safety. They filmed three scenes with it. We do seem to have captured the market in hiring out tubs."

Speaking of hot tubs, Tony returns to ATWT
Tom Baran will return to AS THE WORLD TURNS on July 3rd as hot tub loving Tony accompanies Noah to the gay pride event at Yo's where Cyndi Lauper is performing.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW: OLTL's Kevin Stapleton
Theatre Aspen's 2008 season, featuring a handful of Broadway performers on a Rocky Mountain high, begins June 26 with the launch of "Little Shop of Horrors," playing in repertory with "Rounding Third," "Seussical" and "Crimes of the Heart." Little League baseball comedy Rounding Third stars Kevin Stapleton (ex-Kevin, ONE LIFE TO LIVE) and recent Yale School of Drama graduate Richard Gallagher.