News Round-up: Bissett, Kanan, NBCU, Largo, GLAAD

Josie Bissett not scheduled to return to MELROSE at this point
It sure seemed like they were setting Josie Bissett up for a lengthy stay on MELROSE PLACE after Tuesday's episode. Well, believe it or not, she’s not scheduled to make any future appearances. “I don’t get it either,” Bissett confesses. “I don’t understand their plans with some of us. My feeling is they’re bringing us in to get the show started. Which is great… I guess the key is they want the young cast to take over and take over the show and not count on the old cast. We’re obviously drawing in a different audience. For me I guess it’s just going to be show by show. I’m kind of in the dark. It’s like, okay. What happened to all that stuff Jane said she was going to do? But that’s typical Melrose. Jane will be back. I just don’t know how or when.”

GLAAD: Broadcast Networks Making Progress in Adding LGBT Characters
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation says that the broadcast networks have made progress in adding lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender characters in scripted series. According to its latest report, there are 18 such characters that account for 3% of the 600 scripted series regular characters, up from 2.6% in 2008 and 1.3% in 2006.

INTERVIEW: Y&R's Sean Kanan (Deacon)
"I’m forever indebted to Brad [Bell] because he created the best character I’ve ever played. Certainly in daytime at least. I’m so touched that Brad never recast the role, because let’s face it, a very competent actor could make this role his own, too. Given the drama in my life off camera, Brad could have easily found another actor to play Deacon. So, in my eyes, Brad can do no wrong. I’m eternally grateful to Brad. Deacon is my Hail Mary."

EDITOR'S NOTE: You can listen to Kanan's appearances on SCRIPTS & SCRUPLES late last year here.

Four soap stars coming to Largo
Walt Willey, Vincent Irizarry, Forbes March and Bobbie Eakes are scheduled to appear at the AHEPA Lodge Home, 1156 Jasper St. W., Saturday, Nov. 7, 2 to 5 p.m. A private seating with the stars, starting at noon, costs $150 a person. Cash bar and raffle are available. Proceeds benefit Our Military Kids.

Wilmington native Martin D. Fahrer wins Emmy
“In the design process you don’t want to call attention to the set, you want it to feel like a real environment,” AMC's Emmy winning set designer Fahrer said in regards to his craft. “I strive not to have any one style that’s recognizable. I just do my best for each project.”

Fahrer has been set designer for ALL MY CHILDREN for nine years.

Comcast, NBC Universal in reported deal talks
Cable giant Comcast is reportedly set to make another splashy media acquisition. A story surfaced on TheWrap website late Wednesday suggesting the cable giant was in talks to acquire NBC Universal from General Electric. Corporate reps for both Comcast and NBC Uni immediately responded that reports of a deal were “inaccurate.” However, neither would not comment as to whether talks were ongoing.