News Round-up: Edie Dies, James Sutton, Sony

Sony combines TV units
Sony Pictures Entertainment is uniting its domestic and international television divisions under Steve Mosko, president of Sony Pictures Television. The unified division will retain the same name. Michael Grindon will continue as president of international television, now reporting to Mosko.

"The globalization of entertainment makes it possible for us to create movies and television shows with worldwide appeal," said Sony Pictures co-chairman Amy Pascal.

Edie dies on DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES
"Since we all knew it was coming, Edie's (presumed) death truly wasn't that shocking. But — surprise, surprise! — the writers of DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES managed to still make it somewhat of a shocker. That's of course because it came via a sparking, downed power line, which sent an inhuman amount of voltage through her poor, brokenhearted body."

James Sutton joins EMMERDALE
Former HOLLYOAKS actor James Sutton has joined the cast of Emmerdale. The 26-year-old, who starred as John Paul McQueen in the Channel 4 soap, is to take on the role of mechanic Ryan Lamb, son of Faye (Kim Thomson).

Ryan first appears in the village in June and quickly becomes entangled in his mother's revenge plot on Mark Wylde (Maxwell Caulfield), while also catching the attention of many of the local females, most notably Katie Sugden (Sammy Winward). As Mark attempts to prevent the skeletons in his closet from emerging, Ryan's arrival makes the self-made millionaire realise just what his lies could cost him.

Speaking of his signing, Sutton said: "I'm thrilled to be joining a show as respected and well-loved as EMMERDALE. It was always on in our house when I was growing up so I’m excited to be a part of it. I'm looking forward to playing such an interesting character and one so different from previous roles I've played."

ATWT's Beck buys Girl Scout cookies
The Troop 11 Girl Scouts from the Snow Shoe area recently held their annual cookie campaign which netted about $500. The girls were trying to raise $650 to send all 18 girls on a New York City trip. Of the 970 boxes they sold, a dozen went to a special customer.

Actress Noelle Beck — Lily on AS THE WORLD TURNS — sent a $42 check for four boxes each of Trefoils, Samoas and Thin Mints. The deal, it seems, was too sweet to refuse. Nine-year-old Shianne Fults, of Moshannon, made the pitch. She sent Beck an e-mail asking for help to reach New York. The same request went to other celebrities — Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift, Donald Trump, Jessica Leccia from GUIDING LIGHT and Oprah Winfrey.

Only Beck responded. “Hi Shianne, I hope I’m not too late to order cookies, and I’m looking forward to having some,” Beck wrote back. Now they are asking Beck for a photo of herself eating the cookies.


Soap stars were on the Suncoast Sunday to help raise money for Samantha's Friends. The Annual Gala at the Lakewood Ranch Country Club featured a live auction with actors from ALL MY CHILDREN, DAYS OF OUR LIVES and AS THE WROLD TURNS - including Walt Willey, Patrika Darbo, Blake Berris, Austin Peck and Darin Brooks - lending a hand.