News Brief

RACHEL MELVIN: "Days'd" and Confused-on a serious note
Melvin blogs: "So as you have all been hearing, (since I basically find out all my info. regarding the show from our DAYS fans anyhow), a lot of changes have been taking place on our set. Most recent being that our shows' executive producer, Ed Scott, was replaced on Friday. I can honestly say I have no idea why or what went down to ignite this decision, but I am sincerely shocked and deeply saddened by it. I really enjoyed working with Ed, which is a feeling greatly shared by the vast majority of our cast and crew.

I chose to write this blog tonight- on a serious note- because so many of you write me and ask me questions regarding my feelings towards all the rumors, changes and decisions being made at D.O.O.L. All I can tell you is that the horrible cliche 'that's show business,' is what it is for a reason. Unfortunately, the entertainment industry can be very unpredictable and seemingly cruel as I'm sure you're all aware. But most of us who have committed ourselves to a lifetime of it, are thick enough skinned to understand that everything happens for a reason, and that we can't take things personally. In the end, business is business, and personal relationships have to be separate, because so many different variables go into producing entertainment- any form of it. We are all taught to learn you must 'fly by the seat of your pants,' because so much can change at any time, in any amount of time. It's unsteady and unpredictable and we gotta roll with it because that's the nature of the beast. And above anything, you must also have enough faith in the powers that be, that the correct decisions are being made in the best interest of the entire production and move forward, which is what we are all doing."

With deal keeping FNL on, Chandler excited about future
Kyle Chandler is hopeful that a partnership between DirecTV and NBC will save his show, the critically-praised FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS.

“To have this opportunity with the third season, I’m very excited for it,” Chandler says. “I think the show will be as strong as ever. I think it’s a new opportunity. As long as they keep it on the air, I can focus on the stories.” This is the first year the show will air on DirecTV first in an arrangement that helped ensure Lights’ survival on broadcast television, where shows are rarely given time to prove themselves and grow in the ratings.

Jesse McCartney is ready to expand career
Just the name of Jesse McCartney's latest album, "Departure," signifies that the former ALL MY CHILDREN star is anxious to grow up.

McCartney, 21, doesn't mince words when it comes to the topic.

"I definitely wanted to make that next step," McCartney said. "I did want to make a musical departure. This is something that had to happen now that I'm no longer a teenager."

How to Cope with Life's Issues Like a Soap Character
Mary Montanari writes: "While reacting to the setbacks we all face in life like a daytime television star does will never work for those of us in the real world, the thoughts of that concept simply has all the ingredients for one cool fantasy. So, the next time you think about sinking into a warm and cozy bubble bath for some ultra relaxation—close your eyes and think about how your problems could simply vanish if you were suddenly transformed into a daytime television character."

Racy new British teen series strives to outpace its American influences
Ted Cox reviews: "If you missed the U.S. premiere of the randy new British series SKINS earlier this week, consider yourself lucky. Now is when things really start to get interesting.

As a show about precocious British teenagers, SKINS is heavily indebted to the chatty DAWSON'S CREEK (which it quoted directly in the pilot) and the more racy and recent GOSSIP GIRL, as well as the issues-oriented Canadian DEGRASSI soap opera and its spinoffs."

Mental illness bravely tackled on HOLLYOAKS
Pete Price praises the soap: "I think it is time to say a big thank you to HOLLYOAKS – the secret success on TV that, day by day, gets better and better.

And at last it has been recognised with awards and big audiences . It has a huge fan base and always has. IThe reason I wanted to mention ithat is that fact that is tackle big issues and does them well. I thought the story line over mental health problems was very bravely done."