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CASTING
Lauren NEWS! Thad
Koslow Back Luckinbill
To DAYS! Visits Y&R

EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW

MAY’S
HOTTEST
MAY 8, 2023

STORIES!
B&B: Hope Fights Feelings For Thomas
DAYS: Nicole Is Pregnant!
GH: Laura And Victor’s Final Showdown!
Y&R: Nate And Victoria Are Busted
Special Section!
A360 MEDIA
Actors Spill Secrets About Their Co-Stars
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contents

SOAP OPERA DIGEST

30

18 54

on the cover 54 Danger Zone

30 Spring Awakening Tony-winner
ws Your exclusive guide to Michael R.
4 Late-Breaking Ne May’s hottest stories! Jackson dis-
11 Early Editions! features cusses his new
ings
12 Comings And Go 18 Behind The Scenes
soap-themed
w musical, White
14 Hot Plots Previe Stars’ snaps of life Girl In Danger.
16 1st Look Photos on set.
20 Extra! Extra! 46 Co-Star May 8, 2023. Vol.
Confidential
22 Record This 48, No. 19. Next
Actors from each issue: May 15,
58 Synopses show dish about their 2023 will be on
castmates. sale May 8, 2023.
contents reader
favorites
24 Editors’
Choice/
Performer Of
The Week
28 It’s Only My
Opinion
36 Roundup
Who is the most
famous person
you ever met?
How did you
react?
40 Scene &
Heard
interview
42 GH’s Ava
Maura West
“Being on this show is an marks her 10th
extraordinary experience and Port Charles
I’m eternally grateful.” anniversary.
42
columns
26 Editor’s Note
35 So Tweet
38 Crossword
Puzzle
39 Sudoku
57 Calendar
66 Ask Us
68 Sound Off
24 36 40 72 Take Five

COVER CREDITS: Annika Noelle (Hope, B&B). Photo: Howard Wise/JPI. Charles Shaughnessy
(Victor, GH). Photo: Craig Sjodin/ABC. Genie Francis (Laura, GH). Photo: Ricky Middlesworth/
ABC. Arianne Zucker (Nicole, DAYS). Photo: Chris Haston/NBC. Sean Dominic and Amelia
Heinle (Nate and Victoria, Y&R). Photos: Howard Wise/JPI. Lauren Koslow (Kate, DAYS). Photo:
Chris Haston/NBC. Thad Luckinbill (J.T., Y&R). Photo: Jill Johnson/JPI.
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 late- breaking
news
JAMES HYDE
6 DAYS: Shawn
Copes With His
ON Y&R EXIT
J
Guilt eremy Stark met his
maker at the hands of
7 GH: Can Victor his new bride, Phyllis,
which means his portrayer,
Be Stopped? James Hyde, has finished his
run on the show. “In the
9 B&B’s Katie

very beginning, I was guar-
To Bill: Pursue anteed just one show,” the
Brooke actor recalls of his October
2022 debut. “I was told they
10 Chene Lawson had no idea what would hap-
pen after that. Since it was a
On Y&R Return brand-new character, I said I
would take the job. Any time
12 B&B’s I can play a new character,
Jacqueline I’m all over it. At first, I
MacInnes Wood came in just to shoot some
Expecting Baby flashback scenes with Susan
[Walters], when Diane was
No. 4 living in L.A. After that,
they brought me back for
some more shows. I guess
[Executive Producer/Head
Writer] Josh Griffith saw
something that he liked and
continued to write for me.
My goal was to do some-
thing to make this character
HOWARD WISE/JPI
HOWARD WISE/JPI
relative became concerned.
“My cousin called me and
asked, ‘What did they do to
your eyebrows?’ ” he chuck-
les. “I told her nothing, that
it was just me having a rea-
son to furrow my eyebrows
because I finally had mate-
rial where I could add a little
physicality.”
As Jeremy’s future
became more fluid, “I knew
that he was gonna dig in
and stick around Genoa City
for a while,” Hyde shares.
“Working with just Susan
and then Peter [Bergman,

memorable, scary but also Jack] was amazing. And

very mysterious, so peo-
ple didn’t know what he’s
capable of and what he’ll
do next.”
12 Lauren Koslow In fact, Hyde did such
Back To DAYS a good job making Jeremy
menacing and smarmy that a
4
when they introduced
Michelle [Stafford, Phyllis]
into the mix, Jeremy’s story
was gaining momentum.”
As the cad’s orbit
expanded, Hyde found him-
self interacting with even
 SOAP OPERA DIGEST
more co-stars. “There cast at that time,” Hyde
was Michael [Mealor, recalls. “It was amazing
Kyle] and Allison to just say hello to people
[Lanier, Summer], who I never met and get to
are lovely, and I even know them. Jeremy had a
had one scene with lot to say.”
Eric [Braeden, Victor], Hyde then got to work
which was great,” he one-on-one with Stafford
details. “I had a chance as Phyllis and Jeremy
to work with Melody played the fallout of her
[Thomas Scott, Nikki] faux demise in their hide-
and also with Josh out. “It was almost like
[Morrow, Nick], which two psychos in the same
was really special. You room,” observes Hyde.
see, I knew Josh back “It went from a threat, to
in the day when I was lying, to almost a sexual
on PASSIONS [as Sam] encounter, to absolute
INSTAGRAM/STAFFORD

Master Class: “As an actress,

and we played on the
same basketball team.”
The more Jeremy was
woven into the fabric of
Genoa City, the more
Hyde became attached
to his new dynamic. “I
was getting to know
everybody and it really
felt like I was part of the
family,” he relays. “From
the actors to the produc-
tion to the people in the
office, everybody has been
so professional, generous
and kind. It became very
bittersweet knowing that
I wouldn’t be coming in
anymore.”
As Jeremy’s finale
approached, the actor found
he had to manage his feel-
ings about it. “I was just
kind of bummed that this
was coming to an end and it
hit me hard,” he admits. “So
I came in one day feeling
off-kilter and I had scenes
with Michelle. We got
together to run lines and we
ended up really talking. She
Michelle [Stafford, Phyllis]
forces you to get into the
moment. She’s amazing,”
praises Hyde of his on-
screen wife.
was so sweet and helped me
to get back on track again.
From that day forward, I
“I was just kind
of bummed that
this was coming
to an end and it
hit me hard.”
understood and accepted
what was happening and
everything was fine. By the
time I got that last script, I
was really excited because
the Jeremy/Phyllis scenes
were going to be electric.”
So were the scenes
after the gala when Jeremy
dropped the bombshell that
Phyllis was his wife. “I had
an opportunity to be around
pretty much all of the
craziness when Phyllis
tried to run for the door
and Jeremy stopped her.
That was his biggest mis-
take because when you
get between a mother and
her children, she becomes
practically superhuman. It
was a real psychological
and robust show to the very
end. It was a total enjoy-
ment to shoot and now it’s
RIP, Jeremy Stark.”
Hyde calls working
with Stafford, Bergman
and Walters “an absolute
delight. As an actress,
Michelle forces you to get
into the moment. She’s
amazing. And I love Peter.
He’s an icon in the soap
world, and he was very
gracious and welcoming
to me from day one. And
whenever I was on set with
Susan, I would just have to
glance at her and we’d have
this inner dialogue going
on. My entire experience
with Y&R will be wonder-
fully unforgettable.”
5

late- breaking news
DAYS: SHAWN STRUGGLES WITH GUILT
Q  Shawn struggles with
having shot Bo, despite the
fact that he thought he was
saving Hope’s life. “Shawn
wasn’t prepared to walk
in on the situation that he
did,” explains Brandon
Beemer (Shawn). “And he
was also told by Harris that
Bo wasn’t the same man
he remembered, that his
father could be dangerous
and could harm his mom. So
when Shawn saw Bo had a
gun pointed at Hope’s head,
he had to act and he shot his
dad. But he realized if he
had walked in 10 seconds
earlier, he would have made
a better choice. He would
have seen Bo was the man
he remembered.”
Filming the scenes was
memorable for Beemer. “It
was great working with Peter
[Reckell, Bo] again and get-
ting to see him,” notes the
actor. “But the second I saw
him, I shot him. I didn’t even
get to exchange any dialogue
with him, so that was a tough
one. But it was really fun to
work with him and also have
him and Kristian [Alfonso,
Hope] back together again.”
The fallout from the
shooting leaves Shawn
“feeling massive guilt,”
shares Beemer. “He just got
his dad back, and now Bo’s
in the hospital in a coma and
he may never come out of it.
6
Fault Lines: Ciara (Victoria Konefal) is one of the
many people who tries to comfort Shawn (Beemer).
That’s what Shawn has to
deal with.”
Harris tries to get Shawn
not to blame himself for
what went down. “Every
single person tries to get
Shawn to not feel guilty,”
says the actor. “But there’s
no way they can convince
him. Nobody can get Shawn
“Shawn’s
greatest fear is
that his dad is
going to die.”
to accept that he’s not at
fault here, that anybody
would have done the same
thing that he did.”
Later, Belle, who’s back
in Salem, calls Shawn for
an update on Bo and offers
comfort to her husband,
but her words fall on deaf
ears. “Shawn’s receptive to
PEACOCK • PEACOCK
XJ JOHNSON/JPI
zero people,” says Beemer.
“Belle tries to convince him
to cut himself some slack
and not blame himself, like
everybody else. Everyone’s
saying, ‘It’s not your fault.
You did what you had to
do.’ But Shawn is like,
‘Nope, nope, nope. I could
have made a better decision.
I could have done some-
thing different.’ Nobody
gets it, because nobody’s in
Shawn’s shoes.”
And, not surprisingly,
he’s having a hard time
keeping the faith. “Shawn’s
greatest fear is that his dad
is going to die, and that he’s
going to be the one to blame
for that,” sums up Beemer.
“The love of his mom’s life
is back and they could have
been reunited, but Shawn
took that away from her. He
took away the possibility
that his whole family could
be able to reunite with Bo.”
late- breaking news

ABC • ABC • ABC

GH: CAN VICTOR BE STOPPED?
Q  Victor’s ter- ing to get access
rifying plan to to this location,
wipe out a mas- which he now
sive percentage has access to,
of the world’s all because he’s
population is trying to knock
closer than ever out 80 percent of
to coming to fru- the population!
ition now that he Drew is invested
has finally found in this whole mis-
He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands:
the all-impor- Drew (Mathison, l.) is shocked to discover the sion on a couple
tant bunker in magnitude of Victor’s (Shaughnessy) plot. of levels. He’s

ABC
Greenland. But trying to bring
unbeknownst to him, Curtis, a problem with his draco- Victor down, of course, but
Drew, Laura and Valentin nian means, they have to take really, most importantly,
are hot on his heels. their chances! Like all the and on a heartfelt level, he
According to Charles best villains, there’s sort of is trying to get Obrecht back
Shaughnessy (Victor), his a diabolical rationale to [his to help save Willow’s life.”
character will stop at noth- thinking]. You kind of see The interlopers know
ing to carry out his wild where he’s coming from; it’s that they need to tread
scheme once the biological just broken. There’s sort of a carefully to ensure the safe
weapon he’s been searching malevolent narcissism to it.” rescue of Victor’s hostages
for — the one he and Mikkos While Victor is savoring — Ace, Obrecht, Spencer
began developing 40 years and Trina — but they don’t
ago — is in his possession.
“In his view, the world is
“There are a fully realize until they are
inside the bunker that the
messed up,” the actor notes. lot of pivotal fate of the planet is also on
“Humanity has made a com-
plete mess of things. Victor
and exciting the line. Reports Mathison,
“Drew is in absolute shock
knows how to turn it around, moments.” at how nuts the whole thing
but in turning it around, there is, how psychotic it is. But
are going to be some massive what he thinks is his moment at the same time, he’s trying
casualties — but the world of triumph, the gang from to figure out a way that he
will be safe for the people Port Charles arrives out- can take Victor down with-
that deserve to survive. He side the bunker. Enthuses out disrupting this pathogen
believes that the ends justify Cameron Mathison (Drew), and releasing it. There are
the means and he is willing “It’s really dynamic and it a lot of pivotal and excit-
to sacrifice [lives] for the sake ties into the past between ing moments, and a lot of
of the planet and for the rest Drew and Victor, and Victor decisions that have to be
of humanity — and those that keeping Drew captive and made. Can we take Victor
disagree, those that worry all of that. He kept Drew in down without taking all of
about the means and have captivity for two years try- us down?”
7
late- breaking news
Y&R: NICK LEARNS OF VICTOR’S BRIBE TO SALLY
Q In her hotel suite, Sally
is stewing over an earlier
conversation with Victor
in which he offered her
a large sum of money to
hand over her baby to
Adam after giving birth
and then leave Genoa City
for good. Nick shows up
and instantly notices that
Sally is troubled. “Nick is
pissed when Sally tells him
about Victor’s payoff,”
previews Joshua Morrow
(Nick). “This is really
crossing a line. Wanting
something and coaxing
everyone to do what he
wants is one thing, but
Victor asking Sally to give
up her baby and leave is
pretty disgusting. Nick has
a lot of respect for the way
Sally has been handling
things, even while Victor
is trying to get her away
from his son, but his offer
is pretty despicable and
Nick certainly won’t allow
that to happen.”
Of course, Nick’s first
instinct is to confront his
dad, but Sally begs her
hotheaded boyfriend to
keep mum. “Sally knows
Nick has a real issue with
his dad butting into situa-
tions,” Morrow explains.
“She’s being a good part-
ner and trying to limit the
potential fireworks. She
knows these two men are
8
CBS • CBS • CBS
Big Talk: Nick
HOWARD WISE/JPI
(Morrow) is upset to
hear about Victor’s lat-
est conversation with
Sally (Courtney Hope).
not going to back down most is for Sally to be
from each other when it comfortable and happy,”
comes to getting what they Morrow points out. “Nick
want, so she’s doing the loves being a father and
best she can to calm Nick he knows Adam is a great
down. So, he responds to father. Nick will never
take this baby away from
Adam. He wants Adam
“The situation to be a part of her life.
is messy and The situation is messy and
complicated, but they’re
complicated.” handling it like adults, so
they don’t need Victor
her because he’s a good interfering.”
boyfriend but eventually Nick urges Sally to rest
he’ll do something about while he runs an errand.
it.” “She’s not stupid, she
Sally is determined knows exactly what Nick
to keep her peaceful but wants to do and that’s talk
fragile co-existence with to his dad,” says Morrow.
Adam intact. “At the core “Sally is very headstrong,
of all of this, the thing so she tells Nick what will
that Nick and Adam want happen next.”
late- breaking news

CBS • CBS • CBS

B&B’S KATIE TO BILL: PURSUE BROOKE
Q Katie and Bill meet for
lunch, where she tries to
gauge his mood. “Katie is
wary of Bill because he has
a habit of wanting her when
he can’t have her,” points
out Heather Tom (Katie).
“She believes him when he
says that he loves her and
he wants his family back,
but at the same time, in the
back of her mind, she will
always hear those words
that he said to Brooke, that

she was the great love of
his life. She is in a bud-
ding relationship with
Carter that she is enjoying.
It’s something that is all
her own. It also helps that
Carter has never been in a
relationship with Brooke,
so that’s a big plus.”
Katie suggests to Bill
that he rekindle things with
Brooke now that she’s
available. “Katie is not
going to delude herself,”
asserts Tom. “She’s like,
‘The last time I told you
Brooke was available, you
hightailed it over there as
soon as humanly possible.
You have an opportunity
here, Bill. Go ahead and
take it. You wanted this
before and now you have
another opportunity, so
don’t let me stand in your
way.’ ”
Bill insists that he only
has eyes for Katie. “Katie
HOWARD WISE/JPI
Meet And Eat: Katie (Tom)
offers Bill (Don Diamont)
some surprising advice.
has to take everything he explains. “She has real,
says with a large grain of true feelings for Carter.
salt,” notes the actress. They’ve all but said, ‘I love
“That is the biggest issue you.’ She is at that moment
where it’s new and fun and
“Katie is wary hot and sexy, and that is
exciting. When you first
of Bill because fall for someone, there is
he has a habit nothing better than that
of wanting her feeling, and she is expe-
riencing that with Carter.
when he can’t A part of her heart will
have her.” always be with Bill. That’s
just the truth, but the nice
Katie has. She has been thing is Carter knows that.
burned so many times. He He knows she’ll always
says things that he means love Bill, but that does not
in the moment, but she has mean she’s in love with
done this dance before.” him. Katie is totally honest
Having Carter in with him, and she does not
the mix makes things have anything to hide —
more difficult for Katie. and that speaks a lot to how
“It’s complicated,” Tom she feels about Carter.”
9
 late- breaking news
CHENE LAWSON ON Y&R RETURN
Q It was Bryton James (Devon,
Y&R) who tipped off Chene
Lawson of a possible return as
his TV mother, Yolanda. “I was
scrolling through Instagram
and saw I had a message from
Bryton,” recalls the actress.
“He said something like, ‘Hey,
Mom! Y&R is having a 50th
anniversary and I recommend-
ed they have you back.’ I was
super-excited since I haven’t
been back since 2005 and I
really enjoyed my time there.
I thought it’d be wonderful to
revisit that character and my old
Y&R family again. I said yes
right out the gate. I just adore
Bryton and would jump at the
opportunity to ‘play’ with him
again.”
Lawson admits to feeling a
bit overwhelmed on the first
day back in Genoa City. “I felt a
bit anxious and excited because
I haven’t seen Bryton since
2006 and Kristoff [St. John, ex-
Neil] had passed away since
then,” she explains. “When
I saw Bryton in the hair and
makeup room, I actually broke
down in tears. It was in part
because of all the time that had
passed, but also because I knew
Kristoff wouldn’t be there to
greet me. And then my first
scene was at Neil’s memorial
event, so I was very emotional
that day. I wasn’t around for
Neil’s original farewell, so the
loss was very present for me. I
10
Mother Load: Bryton James (Devon)
reached out to Chene Lawson about a
return as Yolanda.
was an emotional wreck.”
Thankfully, her mood
soon rallied. “Shemar
[Moore, Malcolm] was there
and he attended the same
scene study class with me for
several years,” she smiles. “I
hadn’t seen him in 18 years,
as well, so it was a reunion for
me. I never had the opportu-
“I was very
emotional that
day.”
nity of working with Christel
[Khalil, Lily] in 2005, she and
Bryton were teenagers then,
so it was a trip seeing her now
all grown-up. During taping
this time around, she had me
cracking up. She’s the comic
relief on set.”
Yolanda has made good
on her promise to leave drugs
in the past, shares the actress.
“She has a career serving
CBS • CBS • CBS
HOWARD WISE/JPI
others in the community,”
Lawson previews. “She’s
taken her life experiences and
turned them into helping oth-
ers moving through similar
circumstances.” However,
Yolanda’s return to Genoa
City will “ruffle some feath-
ers because of some past
mistakes, a.k.a. Tucker. Still,
she wants to be better and is
capable of sharing her heart,
especially with her son. I also
like that there’s a little mys-
tery to her because she’s been
gone for so long. It keeps you
guessing.”
Lawson reports that she’s
always available whenever
Y&R wants to bring back
her alter ego. “I’d love to play
Yolanda again,” she notes. “I
think it’d be wonderful to see
how she’s grown but also to
see what issues she has yet
to heal. Nobody’s perfect,
right?”
 SOAP OPERA DIGEST
late- breaking news
EARLY A preview week’s
of next

EDITIONS! stories.
BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL
QSteffy speaks her mind to Hope.
QThomas and Ridge, Jr. reunite.
Q Hope plans a romantic night with Liam.

DAYS OF OUR LIVES

PHOTOS: HOWARD WISE/JPI

QKayla delivers sur-

prising news to Nicole.
QJada questions
Talia.
B&B’s Liam Q Wendy and Tripp
(Scott Clifton) kiss.
QSloan apologizes
to Eric.

XJ JOHNSON/JPI
DAYS’s Wendy
GENERAL HOSPITAL (Victoria Grace) and
QSonny enlists Diane’s Tripp (Lucas Adams)
help.
Q Ned is in the hot seat.
CHRISTINE BARTOLUCCI/ABC

QTaggert has a warning RATINGS RACE:

for Portia. WEEK OF APRIL 3
The numbers listed after
GH’s Ned
(Wally each show are ratings
Kurth) points. Each ratings point
represents 1,238,000
homes. These numbers
YOUNG AND RESTLESS now reflect DVR playback
QVictor stands his ground. within the same day.
NIELSEN MEDIA RESEARCH

QAshley makes a
confession. •YOUNG AND RESTLESS 2.24
QElena makes a bold •BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL 1.99
Y&R’s
move.
Chelsea •GENERAL HOSPITAL 1.41
Q Chelsea confides in (Melissa * DAYS’s ratings are not
Adam. Claire Egan) available from Peacock.
11
 TOCK
EUGENE POWERS/SHUTTERS
Jimmie makes
a “Dyn-O-Mite”
appearance on B&B.
who’s
coming
BOLD AND
BEAUTIFUL
Tariq Logan (Orville):
TikTok’s popular
“Corn Kid” airs on May
3 and 4. See page 14 for Thad pops up again
on Y&R.
more.
Daniele Uditi (Himself):
The celebrity chef and
L.A.-based master piz-
zaiolo appears in scenes
with Deacon (Sean
Kanan) on May 3. See
REAL-LIFE STATUS
12
the
latest cast
changes
J.J., portrays Orville’s
grandfather, a famous som-
I
PHOTOS: JILL JOHNSON/JP
melier, also in scenes with
Kanan on May 3 and 4. See
page 14 for more.
DAYS OF OUR LIVES
Ramon Fernandez
(Mauricio): This man
page 14 for more. crosses paths with Kate
(Lauren Koslow) on the
Jimmie Walker (Count fishing boat.
Bouche): Walker,
best known as GOOD Lauren Koslow (Kate
TIMES’s “Dyn-O-Mite” Roberts): After a brief
Q Four Score: B&B’s Jacqueline
MacInnes Wood (Steffy) and husband
Elan Ruspoli, already parents to sons
Rise, 4, Lenix, 2, and 11-month-old
Brando, are set to be parents again.
The actress revealed her pregnancy
on her birthday as a guest on THE
TALK. “I feel like every time I’m
INSTAGRAM/WOOD
here, I’m always announcing that I’m
pregnant,” she quipped. “But let me
tell you, when I’m not pregnant, I am
a good time.”

absence in which Kate was
presumed dead, Koslow
returned to the canvas on
April 28.
YOUNG AND
RESTLESS
Chene Lawson (Yolanda
“Harmony” Hamilton):
The actress, who origi-
nated the role of Devon’s
(Bryton James) mom
in 2005, is returning for
several episodes beginning
May 2. “It was like step-
ping into a time machine,
because even after 18
years, Chene looks exactly
the same as she did in the
last scenes we filmed,”
says James. “And she was
just as brilliant in front of
the camera. It was one of
those amazing moments
on stage when you truly
don’t have to act, you just
look at each other and all
of the history and love
comes right to the surface.
It was really a full-circle
experience for myself and
Devon that I couldn’t be
more grateful for.” See
page 10 for more.
Thad Luckinbill (J.T.
Hellstrom): The audi-
ence will see J.T. on May
2 when Elena (Brytni
Sarpy) contacts him via
video call. See page 14 for
more.
who’s
going
GENERAL HOSPITAL
James Ryan (Ethan
SOAP OPERA DIGEST
Lovett): Ryan’s brief take- Stark): The former
over of the role of Holly’s PASSIONS star (ex-Sam)
(Emma Samms) son had wrapped his Y&R
concluded last week. “I’m run after Jeremy met his
thrilled to have worked maker on April 17, cour-
with him,” Samms says. tesy of Phyllis (Michelle
“He reminded me hugely Stafford). “I loved
of my own son; he’s got working with James,”
exactly the same physique! declares Stafford. “He’s
He’s a very good actor. so positive and lovely to
He’s worth keeping an eye be around. He was happy
on.” to be here and do a good
scene. I really appreciated
YOUNG AND RESTLESS his professionalism.” See
James Hyde (Jeremy page 4 for more.
CASTING ABOUT
QMatt Borlenghi (ex-
Anthony, DAYS et al, r.)
has a slate of upcoming
projects. Aside from his
role as COBRA KAI’s
Lyle, he has two com-
pleted pilots to add to
his resumé: TOWNSEND,
with Borlenghi in the
title role of a therapist
who had a hugely suc-
cessful talk show until
his career crashed and
burned, plus LETTERS TO
ADDY, which deals with a town gripped by teen-
age addiction and also stars the actor’s daughter,
Garland. Another TV pilot, ATF, that Borlenghi
wrote, is currently in pre-production. He has also
wrapped two films, Golden Influencer and 90 Days
Past Due, in which he co-stars with David Faustino
(ex-Howard, Y&R).... Billy Magnussen (ex-Casey,
AS THE WORLD TURNS) will star in Disney’s live-
action version of Lilo & Stitch…. Frank Grillo (ex-
Hart, GUIDING LIGHT) will lend his vocal talents
to DC’s upcoming CREATURE COMMANDOS, a
seven-episode animated series about a black ops
team composed of prisoners.... Meredith Hagner
(ex-Liberty, AS THE WORLD TURNS) will play Reese
Witherspoon’s sister in the wedding comedy You’re
Cordially Invited, from Amazon Studios.
13
 BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL
Deacon Plans His Future
Deacon is determined to make Il
Giardino a success, and calls in some
big guns to help him achieve his goal. He
first turns to the previous owner and chef,
Daniele Uditi. “Deacon is very grate-
ful that this is the guy who sold him Il
Giardino,” says Sean Kanan (Deacon).
And on a personal note, “It was great to
speak Italian with him. I loved working
with him, and for a guy who spends a lot of
time in the kitchen, he’s got acting chops.”
Deacon then seeks advice from a
famous sommelier, played by Jimmie
Walker of GOOD TIMES fame. “His
character, Count Bouche, is a very eccen-
tric, flamboyant sommelier to the stars,
but there is more to see here,” teases
Kanan. “And, he comes in with his grand-
son, who is the ‘Corn Kid’ [from TikTok,
Tariq Logan, playing Orville]. You’ll see
that they tend to work in tandem, and it
remains to be seen whether Count Bouche
is more charlatan than sommelier. Jimmie
is perfect for this. It’s going to be fun.”
PHOTOS: HOWARD WISE/JPI
Trading Places: Deacon (Kanan,
l.) gets restaurant advice from
real-life chef Daniele Utiti.
14
Loco Motion?
Elena (Brytni
Sarpy) schemes
to get her rela-
tionship with
Nate back on
track.
YOUNG AND RESTLESS
Elena Contacts J.T.
Audra is able to track down J.T.
and gives his phone number to Elena,
who has her own agenda. “Nate’s bond
with Victoria concerns Elena enough to
take drastic measures,” says Executive
Producer/Head Writer Josh Griffith.
“Elena decides her podcast is the perfect
guise to reach out to J.T. and gauge where
he stands with Victoria.”
Elena makes a video call to Victoria’s
ex-husband and introduces herself. She
explains that she wants to interview J.T
about his brain tumor, which caused
destructive behavior. When he assumes
that Victoria approved the interview, Elena
doesn’t correct him. “Elena is intentional-
ly evasive,” notes Griffith. “Reaching out
to J.T. is a calculated move and she needs
to be careful so her plan doesn’t backfire.
Elena invites J.T. to come to Genoa City
for the interview with the hope that his
presence will distract Victoria from Nate.
However, J.T. must decide if he’s ready to
face his past.”

GENERAL HOSPITAL
Carly Suspects Ned
Carly is left reeling after the SEC hauls
her in for questioning on suspicion of insider
trading related to her Aurora stock purchase.
“She’s really kind of shocked by it all,”
reports Laura Wright (Carly). “[Landing in
hot water with the authorities] wasn’t any-
where on her radar at the time it happened,
while Willow and Michael are getting mar-
ried so quickly because Willow could die. So,
she’s shocked and angry and frustrated.”
All feelings that would probably intensify
if she knew it was Nina who turned her in, but
her suspicions fall on Ned. “Immediately, she
thinks it’s Ned because she doesn’t think that
Nina even knows,” Wright explains. “She
flat-out asks Sonny, ‘Did you tell anyone?’
And he says, ‘No, I didn’t.’ The only person
who knows and who threatened [her and
Drew] is Ned. It’s a business thing, so it’s not
like Carly has Nina in her mind at this time.”
Drew, however, is prominent in her
thoughts. “If Drew gets picked up by the
SEC, then he doesn’t find Obrecht and
Willow can’t have the transplant,” the actress
points out. “She’s hoping that Drew comes
back unscathed, but her focus is on Willow
and Willow’s health, which is pretty dire.”
Financial
Burden:
Carly
(Wright)
thinks Ned
sicced the
SEC on
TROY HARVEY/ABC
her.
SOAP OPERA DIGEST
A Fish Tale: Kate
(Koslow) finds
herself in famil-
iar territory.
XJ JOHNSON/JPI
DAYS OF OUR LIVES
Kate Returns!
Roman, Steve, Kayla and Andrew learn
that Bo didn’t shoot Kate and actually set her
free, prompting them to wonder how Kate
escaped from the island and where she could
be. It turns out she’s on a fishing boat, just like
she was 27 years ago. “I thought it was a Kate
Flashback Friday,” muses Lauren Koslow
(Kate), regarding her reaction to the story
twist. “It was really kind of fun and brought
back my debut on the show. That’s how Kate,
embodied by Lauren Koslow, first came to
DAYS OF OUR LIVES.”
When a henchman appears, Kate begs
him to get her to a phone, which he offers for
a price. “Kate promises him a future reward,
and they have a back and forth over that,”
recounts Koslow. “During the course of that,
he sees her diamond ring and wants that. You
think she’s not going to give it up, but Kate’s
a survivor. She’ll do whatever it takes.”
After Kate gives up her ring, she phones
Roman, but the call doesn’t go through. Yet
she won’t be deterred from finding her way
back home. “Kate is bound and determined,
come hell or high water,” insists Koslow.
“Nothing is going to stop her.”
15
 st sneak
peek
LOOK
photos
HOWARD WISE/JPI
B&B’s Liam (Scott
Clifton, l.) and Wyatt
(Darin Brooks) dine
al fresco.

EJ (Dan
Feuerriegel)
points something
out to Belle
(Martha Madison)
on DAYS.
PHOTOS: XJ JOHNSON/JPI

DAYS’s Leo (Greg Rikaart)

offers a comforting shoulder
to Gwen (Emily O’Brien).
HOWARD WISE/JPI

As Y&R’s Michael (Christian

HOWARD WISE/JPI

J. LeBlanc, l.) looks on, Jack

(Peter Bergman) welcomes
Diane (Susan Walters) back to
the Abbott mansion.

16
 SOAP OPERA DIGEST
HOWARD WISE/JPI
Katie (Heather Tom)
and Carter (Lawrence
Saint-Victor) talk it
out on B&B.

Xander (Paul Telfer) and Brady (Eric

Chloe (Nadia Bjorlin) go Martsolf)
apartment hunting on DAYS. checks out the
view on DAYS.
B&B’s Ridge
(Thorsten Kaye) has
a special smile for DAYS’s Jada (Elia
Brooke (Katherine Cantu) reaches out
Kelly Lang). and touches Rafe’s
(Galen Gering)
hand.

17
 BEHIND the
SCENES!
Social snaps of stars on set.
PHOTOS: HOWARD WISE/JPI

(From l.) Sharon Case (Sharon), Camryn

Grimes (Mariah) and Melody Thomas Scott
(Nikki) were also part of Moore’s welcoming
committee.

Christel Khalil (Lily) and

Bryton James (Devon, r.)
welcomed S.W.A.T. star
Shemar Moore (Malcolm)
back to Y&R.
INSTAGRAM/EVANS

B&B’s
Annika
Noelle
(Hope)
and Tanner
Novlan
(Finn)
appeared on
INSTAGRAM/LOWDER

THE PRICE
IS RIGHT
“It’s Xmas movie film- to mark
ing season,” teased Kyle the soap’s
Lowder (Rex, DAYS). 9,000th
episode.
18
 SOAP OPERA DIGEST
INSTAGRAM/DAMIAN
“Great to be back @cbstv
@youngandrestlesscbs,”
reported Michael Damian
(Danny).

“I love the gen-

erational stories
on Days of our
Lives...,” enthused
Mary Beth Evans
(Kayla, far l.).
“#familyis
everything During the height of the Covid pandemic in 2020, Y&R partnered with the
#TheJohnsons NAACP’s Inglewood-South Bay chapter and the National Action Network to
@abigailklein_ help children in need during the holiday season. The partnership became an
[Stephanie] is the annual tradition, with Michelle Stafford (Phyllis) leading the charge in raising
sweetest.” money among Y&R’s cast and crew to purchase toys that are given to families
in the community. A group of her co-stars help with the shopping and delivery
of the toys to the Salvation Army, which assists with the distribution. “Every
year it gets bigger,” said the actress. “It feels good to give.” An award was
presented by Reverend Fred Shaw from the NAACP, and Reverend Jonathan
Moseley and Reverend Oliver Buie from the National Action Network honoring
Y&R’s 50th anniversary and its contributions to the community.

“This is so meaningful that the two

big civil rights organizations in the
nation wanted to give this to us,”
Stafford marveled. “Y&R has such a
long legacy and a long track record
INSTAGRAM/NOELLE

with diversity. [Co-Creator/former Head

Writer] Bill Bell gave actors of color
compelling stories, not for a certain
group but for inclusivity. This is really
an homage to Bill.”
19
 HOT Bo and Hope Phyllis Is Alive! Charlotte

WARM Steve and Kayla Phyllis Is Dead! Victor

COLD John and Marlena Phyllis Married

Stark!
Spencer

20
 SOAP OPERA DIGEST
STAR SHOTS
OF THE WEEK

GUIDING LIGHT alums Melina Kanakaredes (ex-Eleni,

INSTAGRAM/HEARST
second from l.) and Rick Hearst (ex-Alan-Michael, far
r.) shared a warm reunion along with their respective
spouses, Peter and Donna. “Thank you #guidinglight
for bringing all of us together!!” Kanakaredes posted.
INSTAGRAM/UNDERWOOD
TWITTER/CHAVEZ

“Goat yoga with my little brother

Caleb! Baa-maste!” reported
Nicholas Chavez (Spencer, GH).

“Seeing this girl just makes my yea

r,” beamed
Brittany Underwood (ex-Langsto
n, ONE LIFE TO
LIVE, l.) of BFF Kristen Alderson
(ex-Starr).

“My baby boy has a beard

now!” trilled Emma Samms
(Holly, GH) of son Cameron. “I Matt Cohen
TWITTER/SAMMS

think that means he’s officially (ex-Griffin, GH) and

an adult. That, and the fact that son Mack got into
he’s a doctor..!” character for their
trip to the cinema.

INSTAGRAM/COHEN
21
SNEAK PREVIEW! your handy
guide to
must-see
episodes

Bold And Beautiful

Visiting Hours
PHOTOS: HOWARD WISE/JPI

On Monday, May 1, Sheila receives an unexpected

visit.... Sheila attempts to make an ally of her surprise
visitor on Tuesday, May 2.... On Friday, May 5,
Steffy (l.) witnesses something that she wishes she
had not seen.

Days Of Our Lives

The Trouble With Talia
On Monday, May 1, Roman, Steve, Kayla
and Andrew analyze Bo and Kate’s last encoun-
ter.... Talia feels guilty, and Alex tells Gwen they

XJ JOHNSON/JPI
should stop seeing each other on Tuesday, May
2.... On Wednesday, May 3, Alex opens up to
Maggie, and Talia makes her move on Chanel
(both r.).... On Thursday, May 4, EJ interrupts a
moment between Gabi and Stefan; Jada fears Talia is the one going after Chanel and Paulina;
and Paulina issues a warning to Chanel.... Kayla and Stephanie arrive back in Salem; Kate
comes face to face with her abductor; and EJ and Eric come to blows on Friday, May 5.

General Hospital
Standing Room Only
Obrecht stands her ground; Holly (l.) takes a drastic
measure; and Anna is determined on Monday, May 1.... On
CHRISTINE BARTOLUCCI/ABC

Tuesday, May 2, Robert runs interference; Valentin makes

an offer; and Josslyn and Dex are hopeful.... Michael is fran-
tic on Wednesday, May 3, while Laura makes a bold move,
and Tracy and Brook Lynn band together.... On Thursday,
May 4, Spencer and Trina are alarmed; Felicia goes to bat
for a loved one; and Nina tries to distract Sonny.
22
 SOAP OPERA DIGEST
Young And
Restless
Here We Go
On Monday, May 1, Ashley
and Billy do damage control
against Diane; Michael crosses
the line to help a client; and Nate
has a change of heart.... Summer
struggles with keeping secrets
from Kyle (both r.) on Tuesday, May 2.... On Wednesday, May 3, Jack shares shocking
news with Diane; Devon and Lily take on a new endeavor; and Summer comes clean with
Daniel.... Victoria and Nate receive a reality check on Thursday, May 4, while Diane
receives a second chance, and Tucker works to regain Devon’s trust.... On Friday, May 5,
Abby questions Ashley about Tucker, and Devon receives a surprise visitor.

TV On Monday, May 1, on ALL AMERICAN, the

GAU football team experiences growing pains and
TIME Spencer is challenged to bring them all together;
Asher and Jaymee are ready to share their news
but not everyone is supportive; Coop is stumbling
with new challenges in class; and Olivia learns that Jayden
stirred up more than just the football team, which sends her
in a new direction. Kate Mansi (ex-Abigail, DAYS) stars in
CASA GRANDE, a five-episode limited series on Amazon
Freevee.... On Tuesday, May 2, look for Tamara Clatterbuck
(ex-Alice, Y&R; ex-Barb, DAYS) on the season finale
of WILL TRENT. “It’s a very intense episode and role,”
she teases. It’s also the season finale of THE ROOKIE,
starring Nathan Fillion (ex-Joey, ONE LIFE TO LIVE, above) and Eric Winter GILLES MINGASSON/ABC; AMANDA MAZONKEY/THE CW

(ex-Rex, DAYS). On GOTHAM KNIGHTS, Duella

(l.) seeks answers about The Talon.... On Wednesday,
May 3, on RIVERDALE, Mary is at her wit’s end over
Archie’s recent actions and turns to Uncle Frank to
get him back on track; Betty asks Veronica for help in
understanding her sexuality; Jughead takes action after
he discovers plagiarism taking place at Pep Comics; and
Cheryl and Toni’s budding attraction catches the attention
of some River Vixens.... On Sunday, May 7, on RIDE,
Missy heads to Denver to host the Miss Rodeo Mountain
County Pageant, and Isabel and Hank realize selling the
town on the stadium deal will prove harder than expected.

Please Note: These are the scheduled air dates, released to us by the networks and TV production
companies at press time. Due to last-minute pre-emptions, actual air dates may vary.
23
editors’
Digest Salutes
The Best In
Soaps
Show
Stopper,
GENERAL
HOSPITAL
T he climax of the
2023 Nurses’ Ball
brought several long-
ABC
percolating tales to a
riveting and emotional
boiling point, largely cour-
tesy of someone who wasn’t
even in attendance: Victor
Cassadine.
As the glitzy event got
underway with rollick-
ing performances and
tender moments (Elizabeth’s
speech dedicating the fes-
tivities to Epiphany was a
particular highlight), not
everyone in Port Charles
was having the time of their
lives. Lucy, in forced exile
from the ball she had hosted
since its inception, was stuck
at a safe house with Anna
and Valentin, attempting to
micromanage the gala from
afar (via an earpiece worn by
a most reluctant Maxie) and
fuming over the injustice
that Bobbie, of all people,
would be enjoying the spot-
light in her stead. Then there
was Spencer, for whom
the evening ping-ponged
24
Let Her Rip: Lucy
(Lynn Herring, r.)
made an unplanned
entrance during
Bobbie’s (Jackie
Zeman) speech.
between high highs (he and
Trina agreed that they were
officially together) and low
lows (his jerky behavior
toward Dex led to “Sprina’s”
first fight as an official cou-
ple) before he ducked out
at Victor’s behest for what
he assumed was a tête-à-tête
about wresting custody of
Ace from Esme.
Turns out, Victor’s agen-
da was far more expansive
— and far more menacing.
Lucy’s carelessness about
sneaking out of the safe house
caught up to her when Victor
got a bead on the location
where his far-from-doting
son, Valentin, had been hid-
ing out with Lucy, Anna and,
most critically, the necklace
comprised of Ice Princess
diamonds that he had been
hunting down for months,
if not years. Lucy fled as
Victor’s henchmen burst in,
followed shortly by the dash-
ing villain himself. Valentin
refused to hand over the gems,
so Victor calmly threatened to
have one of his minions break
Anna’s neck. Val capitulated,
but once he had the necklace in
hand, Victor decided to teach
his insubordinate son a lesson
anyway. Without flinching, he
shot Anna in the abdomen,
then sped off. Valentin tended
to her wounds, anguished and
afraid, and before losing con-
sciousness, Anna managed
to choke out her first “I love
you”. (Maybe not the most
storybook way to hit this soap
couple milestone, but some-
how, it was perfect for them.)
Opposite this, Lucy arrived
at the Metro Court and, with
an assist from Sonny, fought
off another one of Victor’s
goons. In the ballroom, Carly
paid tribute to Bobbie’s (and
portrayer Jacklyn Zeman’s)

45 years of service to G.H.,
accompanied by a chef’s-kiss
tasting menu of flashbacks
(Bobbie learning she’d aced
her nursing exam; Bobbie
and Felicia mourning for B.J.;
Bobbie ministering to Liz
after her rape) that highlighted
not only the importance of
Bobbie’s role on the canvas
through the years, but some of
GH’s finest eras.
The action came to an apex
in the final act. While doctors
worked to save Anna’s life,
Valentin warned Jordan of
the grave and imminent threat
his father posed (“Whatever
insane plan he has been
hatching, he will be unleash-
ing on all of us very soon”);
Spencer realized he’d made
a big mistake by throwing in
with Vic as The Haunted Star
pulled out of Port Charles
to some unknown but cer-
tainly dangerous destination;
and Bobbie began a speech
in kinda-loving memory
of Lucy. Lucy, hearing
Bobbie’s words from back-
stage, flew into a huff, lost
her balance, and ended up
crashing through her own
memorial portrait. The reac-
tion shots were priceless as
the crowd was gobsmacked
into silence, then burst into
thunderous applause and rose
to their feet as Lucy lapped up
their adulation.
This funny, romantic and
suspenseful crescendo ended
the ball — and GH’s anniver-
sary week — on a high note,
offering a poignant and potent
reminder of the richness of the
show’s 60-year legacy and the
bright promise of its future. 앮
SOAP OPERA DIGEST
performer of the week
Allison Lanier
(SUMMER, Y&R)
Q Summer reeling from
the agonizing aftermath of
her mother’s “death” was
brought to searing life in
a heart-wrenching perfor-
mance by Allison Lanier.
HOWARD WISE/JPI
Sick with worry after Phyllis
collapsed at the GCAC and was
whisked away in an ambulance, Summer was at once
staggered and appalled when Stark referred to Phyllis as
his wife, sputtering at his claim with scorn.Though panic
swept over her when Chance announced that Phyllis’s
ambulance had exploded, Lanier played Summer as
determined not to submit to it, clinging to her dwindling
hope of Phyllis’s survival, desperate to believe her mom
could somehow have emerged unscathed. She barely
repressed a proud smirk as Daniel got in Stark’s face,
tearing up his marriage license.
As a somber Chance re-entered the room with con-
firmation of Phyllis’s demise, Lanier took Summer
from bravely stoic to near-collapse within seconds, her
knees buckling, her face twisted in pain as she sank
against Kyle, the anguished sounds of her weeping
filling the room. She was helped into a chair, her words
of denial tumbling out in a distraught rush. As she was
ushered out of the club, she fixed Diane with a poison-
ous stare. Once at home, the heartbreak in her voice
was palpable as she briefed Ashley on the tragedy (“My
mom is dead”). Ash and Kyle attempted to console her,
but Lanier played Summer as lost in her own tortured
thoughts, a battle between grief and guilt taking place
within her.
Summer’s sorrow transformed into fury when Diane
offered her condolences. Disgusted at Diane’s audac-
ity, her eyes narrowed and her voice boomed as she
worked herself into an indignant rage, jerking away from
Kyle’s touch, daring Diane to admit she’d wanted Phyllis
dead. Kyle led her away and her defenses collapsed
entirely; Summer broke down in tears as she gasped, “I
just miss her so much.”
Lanier owned these scenes, channeling Summer’s
pain, anger and vulnerability with artistry and precision,
and delivering Summer’s whirlwind of emotion with raw
intensity.
editor’s soap OPERA

Dear Readers,
digest
VP, Editorial Director
It’s May, a month where shows

JIM WARREN
STEPHANIE SLOANE
ramp up their storytelling and set
the stage for summer tales. This Deputy Editor
year is no different. All four soaps STELLA BEDNARZ
we
have big moments planned for the month ahead and
have all the info you need, beginnin g on page 30. Executive Editor
Our special section in this issue is one of my favorite MARA LEVINSKY
ones we do all year. It’s where actors dish about their Senior Copy Editor
co-stars — in a good way, of course — and tell us who MICHAEL KAROL
in
has the best dressing room, who’s the most chipper
ce, who is an expe rt
the morning, who gives the best advi Senior Writers
listener and more. Get the inside scoop straight from the DEVIN OWENS
sources, beginning on page 46. TOM STACY
I mentioned in a recent column that Mara Levinsky Senior Photo Editor
i-
and I attended a special presentation of the new mus BRYAN BECKLEY
, I spok e to its
cal White Girl in Danger. For this issue
Tony-winning creator, Michael R. Jackson, who grew Contributing Editors
on
up heavily influenced by the soaps. Check that out JANET DI LAURO
page 54. CAROLYN HINSEY
Last month, I had the great pleasure of attending DONNA HOKE
a
a Bruce Springsteen concert in New York City. I’m
big fan of his, but an even bigger fan of The Beat les, Art Director
on
so when I heard Sir Paul McCartney was in the secti GEORGIA BENARDOS
next to me, I was pretty thrilled. I never expe cted that
Associate Art Directors
I would get to meet him that night, but I did, and our STEPHANIE ABRECHT
exchange will stay with me forever. He’s definitely the GARY WALSH
on
biggest celebrity I’ve ever met, and in our Roundup
page 36, stars share their biggest celeb enco unte rs. Production Manager
MARKO BARLOVIC

FOR SUBSCRIPTION
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26
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It’s
Only
By
Carolyn
Hinsey
QSoaps twist themselves into
pretzels creating elaborate
obstacles for couples when the
simplest ones often work best.
QI’m not a fan of brainwash-
ing or hallucinogenic biscuits
so it was refreshing to watch
DAYS’s Brady and Chloe
run into a perfectly plausible
hurdle: His daughter hates her.
Chloe: “She thinks of me as
the evil stepmonster!”
It didn’t help when Chloe
responded to Rachel’s nasty
behavior by admitting she
hates the kid, but Brady mak-
ing excuses for the bad seed
just pushes Chloe further into
Xander’s arms.
Xander: “You daughter has
been horrible to Chloe.”
Brady: “Shut up. Her mother
is in prison.”
Big deal. Every kid in
Salem has a parent who’s died
multiple times so Rachel is
lucky to be able to Uber to
Statesville to visit Kristen.
Styling the little urchin like
Wednesday Addams adds to
the humor, as does Brady’s
utter haplessness with how
to discipline her. Paging Dr.
Marlena Evans ...
28
Follow Carolyn on Twitter @carolynhinsey
Brady: “I want to put my
kid first but if I don’t fix this
thing with Chloe, I’m going
to be miserable.”
Marlena: “I had the same
problem with John and
Sami.”
A logical barrier rooted
in history! “Broe” goes back
20 years (Last Blast any-
one?), so we’re invested in
those crazy kids working it
out. Contrast that with all
The main obstacle for couples
on GH is pacing.
the people having sex with-
out love on what sometimes
feels like ONE-NIGHT-
STAND OF OUR LIVES:
Alex/Allie, Alex/Gwen,
Sloan/Eric, Sarah/Rex and
Leo/anybody do not give us
the warm fuzzies we love
about daytime drama.
Thank the soap gods for
Patch and Kayla, together
at last.
Patch: “My sweetness. I
thought I was going to have
to miss you forever.”
With death and brain-
Daytime’s
most
outspoken
columnist!
washing behind them, they
were free to reunite in Victor’s
childhood home where the
only problem was the very
believable smell of goats.
Patch: “You know what
got through to me and John
when Megan messed with our
heads? Love.”
Let’s have more of that.
Q Right, B&B? Steffy and
Finn are the money couple,
having battled his murderous
mother together instead of let-
ting her rip them apart. (Sheila
has been a reliable thorn there
for years.) With Brooke and
Taylor insisting the single life
is for them, B&B is trying to
make fetch happen with Hope
and Thomas despite her mar-
riage to Liam.
Steffy (to Hope): “Are you
attracted to my brother? Do
you think he’s hot?”
Considering that Thomas
stalked her, she shouldn’t, but
that’s where they’re going. We
even got the old soap trope of

(little) big problem for Chloe
Hope tripping and falling onto
Thomas as Liam walked in.
Liam: “What the hell is going
on here?”
Guess. It’s curious that the
side buddy comedies (Ridge
and Bill!) are getting better
dialogue than the duos, but
I’ll take it.
Wyatt: “Thomas caught Hope
as she fell?”
Liam: “Hope and I are never
going to agree because I don’t
see a better man. I see a better
liar.”
Now, that’s an obstacle.
I’d love to see Liam gravi-
tate toward Steffy (who he’s
wed three times) during his
marital woes since it’s her
brother causing them. Pull
their daughter Kelly out of
mothballs and let’s make that
family affair even messier.
Q The main obstacle for cou-
ples on GH is pacing, so wake
me when Chase/Brook Lynn,
Carly/Drew, Alexis/Gregory,
Austin/Ava move forward.
But Spencer and Trina finally
got together and took a page
from Luke and Laura’s suc-
cessful playbook to go on the
run — with Victor Cassadine
no less! There’s a certain creep
factor when Victor talks of
a “stirring in his loins” for
SOAP OPERA DIGEST
about him being unfulfilled
in retirement and going to
Portugal followed. If there’s
a less fulfilling breakup of a
legacy couple please show
it to me. Ironically, Chris
Growing Pains: Rachel did get to share juicy scenes
XJ JOHNSON/JPI
(Finley Rose Slater, l.) is a
with Michael, who once
(Nadia Bjorlin) and Brady tunneled through a wall in
(Eric Martsolf) on DAYS. her apartment to hold her
captive.
Obrecht, and he’s obviously Christine: “The one person
lost his mind thinking he who is supposed to bring jus-
can keep his kidnapped fam- tice for Phyllis is me, her worst
ily with him forever, but it’s enemy.”
clever to tie all those crimes Michael: “It’s almost as if
to one man and his twisted Phyllis planned this.”
love for his family while Phyllis faking her death to
also shipping the hottest frame Diane will cause solid
young couple the show has ripples for Jack/Diane as well
had in years. as Nick/Sally.
Spencer (discovering Trina Summer (to Sally at Phyllis’s
has stowed away to save memorial): “You don’t belong.
him): “For once I need you You’ve glommed onto my
to be a coward and not a father. I hate that he’s still with
superhero.” you when you’re pregnant
Trina: “The risk was worth with Adam’s baby.”
taking.” Carrying his brother’s
That’s supercouple talk. child is a much better hurdle
The whole town working than Nick’s grown daughter
together to find them gives not liking his girlfriend, but
me all the feels from when they didn’t play that. Honestly,
Luke saved the world, as give me an exchange like
does the added irony of this between long-marrieds
Spencer Cassadine being where Victor accused Nikki of
the good guy in this tale. manipulating him into leaving
Trina: “This is not the end Victoria alone.
for us.” Nikki: “That’s what marriage
QThe end for Y&R’s Chris is: A series of gentle sugges-
and Paul came suddenly and tions.”
without warning. Victor: “What if I have a sug-
Lauren: “Are you ready to gestion?”
talk about what happened Nikki: “I don’t need it because
with Paul?” I’m already perfect.”
Chris: “Paul and I had some- Victor: “I forgot.”
thing really special but that Sarcasm: Simple, but
time has come to an end.” always effective.
Huh? Some nonsense QHey. It’s only my opinion. 앮
29
BOLD AND
BEAUTIFUL
“This May, romance
takes the spotlight, love
entanglements get messy,
family members return
to the scene, everyone
gets down to the business
of fashion, publishing
and hospitality, schemes
are plotted, and drama
is everywhere,” dishes
Executive Producer/Head
Writer Bradley Bell.
Bill/Katie/Carter: “Bill’s
extensive setup of Sheila
Carter with the help of Ridge is still being
actively buzzed about by everyone. As his
family and friends continue to try to wrap
their heads around his crazy scheme that
worked, Bill gets back to the business
of Spencer Publications with Wyatt and
Liam and, more importantly, wooing back
Katie’s heart. This May, the Katie/Carter/
Bill triangle gets complicated as Katie
affirms her love for Carter, and Bill pro-
fesses his love for his ex. What lengths will
Bill go to reunite his family?”
Steffy/Finn: “After a very stressful year,
Steffy and Finn finally have time for their
romantic relationship. This supercouple is
on top of the world now that they are reunit-
ed and especially now that Sheila is back in
prison where she belongs. As they solidify
their love and commitment to one another,
Steffy returns to the business of being
CEO and running Forrester Creations,
and Finn remains committed to medicine.
30
Can’t Fight This Feeling:
Hope (Annika Noelle) is
drawn to Thomas (Matthew
Atkinson) romantically.
HOWARD WISE/JPI
But how long will their relationship status
stay ‘uncomplicated’? Liam is pulling both
of them into his concerns about Hope and
Thomas, and unbeknownst to them, Sheila is
plotting a way out of jail.”
Liam/Hope/Thomas: “Liam’s intuition tells
him something is amiss with Thomas and
Hope working together, but he can’t seem
to place it or prove it just yet. Meanwhile,
Thomas continues to work on himself and
step up to the plate to coexist with Hope in
a platonic way, unaware of her burgeoning
feelings for him. This brings us to Hope.
She’ll have quite a month trying to navigate
her love, commitment and her marriage to
Liam while simultaneously attempting to
fight off her own amorous emotions she’s
feeling for Thomas. Hope worries that she’s
more like Brooke than she realizes when it
comes to men and needing the drama of a bad
boy. This story takes exciting turns in May,
especially when Thomas and Steffy realize

what is happening with Hope.”
Brooke/Ridge/Taylor: “Brooke and Taylor
continue to bond and support one another in
their newfound friendship. They face chal-
lenges when Ridge, Jr. returns from Europe
and is welcomed with open arms by his par-
ents, back into the family and, hopefully, into
the family business. Thomas worries that this
might mean Brooke and Ridge are getting
closer, but Taylor remains steadfast that she
and Brooke are over Ridge. But are they?
This month, we’ll see an exciting shift in the
dynamic between Ridge, Taylor and Brooke,
and how Ridge, Jr.’s return affects everyone
in this blended family.”
Deacon: “Deacon keeps his love for Sheila a
buried secret in his heart and focuses on his
new business. This month, he will engage
with some prominent personalities at Il
Giardino as he works on establishing himself
as the premiere spot to dine in Los Angeles.”
Sheila: “Unhappy to return to prison, Sheila
searches for a way out. Stay tuned; it’s going
to be great!”
DAYS OF
OUR LIVES
Head Writer Ron
Carlivati shares what
he has planned for
Salem and beyond.
EJ/Nicole/Eric: “We
decided to make Nicole
pregnant, with the big
story being, is it going
to be Eric’s? Is it going
to be EJ’s? So that was
the biggest reason we
had Eric and Nicole
get together during the
‘great breakfast biscuit
incident of 2023’, to preserve that possibil-
ity that Nicole might be pregnant. So even
though she’s solidly in this relationship with
EJ and Eric is in this relationship with Sloan,
we have seen Eric and Nicole continue to
dance around each other, and the biscuits
allowed them to really give in to their feel-
SOAP OPERA DIGEST
ings. So now Nicole finds herself pregnant
and it’s a huge dilemma because Nicole,
as we know, found out years ago that she
couldn’t carry a baby to term. So the story
becomes about, a, will she be able to actu-
ally carry the baby to term and give birth to
it, and b, whose baby is it?”
Shawn/Belle: “We chose to have Shawn be
the one who shoots Bo, because obviously
the emotional stakes of a son shooting his
father to save his mother couldn’t be higher.
And while everyone is telling Shawn he
did the right thing and he’s not to blame,
he cannot see it that way. So he plays this
moment over and over again in his mind,
what he could have done differently, what
he should have done differently. While he’s
being consumed by guilt, the person that
he’s pushing away is Belle, who is trying
the hardest to be there for him, the one he
should turn to at this moment for support.
But he doesn’t feel he deserves her support,
so their marriage and their relationship start
to really get tested.”
Who’s The
Daddy? Nicole
(Arianne Zucker)
is pregnant, and
either Eric (Greg
Vaughan, l.) or EJ
(Dan Feuerriegel)
is the pop.
XJ JOHNSON/JPI
Kate: “We very intentionally did not show
Bo murder Kate, but I think we gave the
audience some clues that it maybe didn’t
happen. We learn that Kate did escape and
basically went from the frying pan into the
fire because she falls right into another dan-
gerous situation. We find her imprisoned on
31
a boat and it’s a callback to when Lauren
[Koslow] first took over the part and we
saw her being held captive on a fishing
boat, chopping fish in the middle of the
ocean somewhere. We reveal a familiar
face from the past who is a villain who has
plans for Kate. And other characters start
to realize that there’s a chance that Kate
is still alive and they’re searching for her,
so look forward to a fun adventure to take
place on this vessel.”
Paulina/Chanel/Sloan: “We’ve revealed
that Talia is the person behind these inci-
dents with Paulina and that’s a bit of a
mystery because why is Jada’s little sister
doing this to Paulina and Chanel? So
you’ll see that she has a co-conspirator,
Colin, who is putting her up to this and
the stakes get even higher and more dan-
gerous and more deadly as we reach the
climax of the story.”
Johnny/Wendy/Tripp: “When Wendy
came to Salem from BEYOND SALEM,
we sort of teased a triangle with Joey and
Tripp and that morphed into a triangle
with Johnny and Tripp, who both are
interested in Wendy. She has a connec-
tion to both of these guys and it builds to
a situation in which Wendy really has to
choose. Who does she want to be with?
She can’t have it both ways and ultimately
makes a choice between the two, and we
possibly are going to introduce somebody
else into that little triangle, which may
become a quadrangle.”
Andrew/Paul: “We started a little
romance between Andrew and Paul in
BEYOND SALEM and we wanted to
revisit that a little bit as part of the Greek
adventure. We pulled Andrew into it and
then we pull them into a bigger story
where Andrew finds himself in danger,
needing to be rescued.”
Megan/Kristen: “We had a lot of fun
reintroducing Megan into the DiMera
clan. She was brought to Salem and sent
off to Statesville, where we had a sis-
terly reunion between Megan and Kristen.
32
These two women start to plot together,
each with their own agenda, but kind of
needing each other to get themselves out
of the Statesville mess. The goal is to
integrate Megan back into the family, and
as she schemes to get out of prison, we
do reveal yet another DiMera who enters
the fray.”
Alex/Stephanie/Chad: “We’ve built this
conflict between Maggie and Alex, which
was really fun to see Maggie unexpect-
edly step into the CEO position and run
the company with a surprising amount of
authority and strength. She clashed from
day one with Alex about how the company
should be run and what the direction of the
company should be, and it finally comes
to a head where Maggie fires Alex and he
kind of spins out and turns to Stephanie for
support. She’s there for him as a friend, but
Chad doesn’t like it. So it becomes, what
does Chad do to protect his relationship
when he’s finally opened up to moving on
from Abigail with someone, and it looks
like she could be turning a little bit back
toward Alex?”
Brady/Chloe/Xander: “Poor Brady and
Chloe, who seemed like they were finally
going to be together. Kristen remains a
problem, but the bigger problem is mini-
Kristen, Rachel. Rachel does not like
Chloe and does not want her in this rela-
tionship, and while Brady doesn’t want to
give in to her childish whims, it is a real
problem. Chloe starts to see the relation-
ship as impossible because, bottom line,
Brady needs to put his daughter first and
there may not be a Brady and Chloe that
can happen here. We see Chloe getting
drawn closer to Xander, which was this
very unexpected pair because as we love
to remind the audience, he left her in
the clutches of a Mexican drug lord. And
now they are friends and roommates, so
in addition to Rachel, this Chloe/Xander
connection will also be a threat to the pos-
sibility of a reunion between Brady and
Chloe.”

It Ends With Us: Laura
(Genie Francis) and
Co. team up to take
down Victor (Charles
Shaughnessy).
TROY HARVEY/ABC; CHRISTINE BARTOLUCCI/ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL
The fate of Victor’s hostages — not to
mention the planet — is on the line this
month, say Co-Head Writers Chris Van
Etten and Dan O’Connor.
The Race To Stop Victor: “The Ice
Princess story comes to a dramatic con-
clusion that ties together several of our
storylines and most of our characters in a
desperate bid to save not just each other,
but the entire world. Trina and Spencer
find themselves very much vulnerable as
Victor’s hostages. Curtis, Valentin, Drew
and Laura [go after them], but they may
not be enough by themselves to save
everyone that Victor has taken, while
simultaneously stopping Victor from his
plot to save the world, in his own mind.
Back in Port Charles, Anna and Holly and
Robert face interference from Scott, who
gets the WSB at large involved, which
may pose an even greater danger to our
friends in Greenland. Anna and Holly
team up and race to Greenland in order
to prevent an even greater disaster from
happening, while Felicia works a personal
angle from Port Charles to try to avert
disaster, courtesy of the WSB. Laura will
come face to face with a threat from long
SOAP OPERA DIGEST
ago.”
Michael/Sonny:
“Michael is soon
to be in posses-
sion of the very
damning evi-
dence against
Sonny that could
send him away
for the rest of
his life. This has
obviously been
part of Michael’s
plan for close to
a year now, but
maybe that deci-
sion is not as
easy as it seems,
and Michael will
have to make a tough call about what is
best for his family.”
Nina’s Revenge: “Nina’s act of revenge
has far-reaching consequences when she
learns that the authorities are in search of
Drew, who, in turn, is in search of Obrecht,
who is the one means by which her own
daughter, Willow, may survive her final
battle with leukemia.”
The Quartermaines: “When Drew finds
himself an additional target of the SEC,
trouble hits the Quartermaine family at
large. Ned finds himself with few allies,
but chief among them is his mother, Tracy,
who is back in town with an agenda all her
own, which requires aid from Brook Lynn,
who just happens to owe Tracy for Chase’s
reinstatement at the PCPD.”
Dex/Josslyn: “Dex and Josslyn hope that
they will be free from being forced to work
and live in Sonny’s world, but not every-
thing is as simple as it seems.”
Ava/Austin: “Austin and Ava hope that the
coast is clear, but Mason pops up with a
very dangerous job for them.”
Sasha: “With all hands on deck at
Deception, Sasha needs to return to the set
of her initial mental episode. Will she be
able to triumph over adversity this time?”
33
 manse is at full
occupancy this
spring, there is
still plenty of
room for drama,
thanks to Tucker’s
arrival, which fur-
ther complicates
Ashley and Jack’s
HOWARD WISE/JPI

growing con-
flict over Diane.
Office Romance: Victoria Ashley and Tucker
(Amelia Heinle) and Nate’s (Sean being under the
Dominic) fling comes to light.
same roof will
force her to ques-
YOUNG AND RESTLESS tion her true feelings for him.”
Genoa City will spring into romance Summer/Kyle: “Summer and Kyle’s
and intrigue, according to Executive marriage will no longer be immune to
Producer/Head Writer Josh Griffith. their mothers’ feud with Phyllis’s ‘death’
Victor/Nikki: “Victor fears that Sally possibly being the last straw for the cou-
Spectra will continue to cause damage to ple. Christine returns to the D.A.’s office
his family, so he’ll take matters into his own and teams up with Chance to investi-
hands and make Sally an offer that she may gate Phyllis’s death, which leads to more
not be able to refuse. Nikki will struggle questions than answers. Christine finds
with her own feelings about both Victoria herself in the unique position of seeking
and Nick’s choices in partners as she fears justice for her one-time rival.”
history will repeat itself.” Sharon/Nick/Sally/Adam: “Nick will
Victoria/Nate/Elena: “Nate finds him- be torn between Sally and Sharon when
self in the hot seat when Victor learns of Sharon faces an unexpected crisis and
Victoria and Nate’s affair and grills Nate threat from the past, and turns to Nick
about his intentions for Victoria — and for help. Luckily for Sally, Adam is wait-
Newman Enterprises. Nick, too, grows ing in the wings and more than ready
increasingly suspicious of Nate’s true to reclaim his role in Sally’s life and
agenda. Elena has discovered Victoria’s discredit Nick in the process.”
Achilles’ heel in the form of J.T. Hellstrom Devon: “Devon’s surprise reunions with
and hatches a plan for J.T.’s return to Genoa Harmony and Malcolm lead him to
City and Victoria’s life. Meanwhile, Nate make a life-changing decision about his
and Victoria will deal with the fallout of future. Tucker will have his work cut
their affair as it becomes more public, both out for him as he works to win Devon’s
at home and at the office.” trust back.”
Diane/Jack/Phyllis: “Phyllis will continue Billy/Chelsea/Daniel/Lily: “Romance
to exact revenge on Diane even from the blooms this spring for Billy and Chelsea
‘grave’. Meanwhile, Jack vows to clear as they carefully navigate their future
Diane’s name and finds himself in over his together. Meanwhile, Lily will be a
head when he crosses the line to protect support system for Daniel when drama
Diane.” ensues during the investigation of
Ashley/Tucker: “Although the Abbott Phyllis’s death.”
34
 SOAP OPERA DIGEST
@rebeccastaab1 (ex-Eliza-

TWITTER/STAAB
beth, PORT CHARLES et al)
We hadn’t plannnnnnned on
dressing alike......

@mrcoltonlittle (Andrew, DAYS)

Rewatching #Titanic and...no one
wondered how they got the heavy check it out!
safe w/ the drawing out of the wreck- @krisalderson
age after they carefully squeezed the (ex-Kiki, GH et al)
robot subs through the crumbling Omggggg @supermariomovie
doorways? was INCREDIBLE!!!! Thank you
for so epically bringing our child-
@marcasart (Felix, GH) hoods to life!!! I can’t remember
As I get older, I find that it’s the simple the last time I’ve had that much
things that matter. Am I and my loved fun in a movie
ones happy? Did they cook the plan-
tain right? Do we have coffee in the @thejonlindstrom
house, and will I be able to get out (Kevin, GH)
and do/see some cool sh-- before I 1 of the BEST books I’ve had the
move on. So far that’s a yes. pleasure to narrate. #AlexFinlay
is a top notch Thriller writer in
every way. #WhatHaveWeDone
replying to @marcasart
is RIVETING!
@parryshen (Brad, GH)
*addendum to what you said: Is the @ChristopherSean
noise level of place we’re going to, (ex-Paul,
low enough where I can carry on a DAYS)
conversation? Just watched
@The
MICHAEL MATTES/SHUTTERSTOCK

@Farah_Galfond (ex-Mimi, DAYS) Orfanage by

There are two types of people in this @RealGDT
world. Those who go to Burning Man. and man
And those who will not. oh man it
was good.
@seamusdever (ex-Ian, GH) Beautiful
So, I’m thinking, maybe you shouldn’t story, sad and
look at your phone when you jaywalk? thrilling. A
great film.

35
Q roundup
Who is the most famous person

HOWARD WISE/JPI; FILMS DE L’ASTROPHORE/KOBAL/SHUTTERSTOCK

Judith
Chapman
(Gloria, Y&R)
PHOTOS: JILL JOHNSON/JPI; GREGORY PACE/SHUTTERSTOCK

Brandon “Orson Welles, who

Barash (Stefan, DAYS)
“I was at this Italian restaurant in
Beverly Hills having dinner and
kept hearing this very familiar voice
behind me. I have what I think is a
healthy obsession with Steve Martin.
I turned around and there he was sit-
ting right behind me. I was complete-
ly beside myself. I looked at him and
thought about saying something. He
nodded to me, and I nodded back at
him. Then I turned back around and
said nothing, because it was one of
the coolest moments ever. We’d just
silently said hello to each other and
it was kind of cool.”
was such a genius in the film industry. I was
in a commercial with him for a champagne.
We were shooting in this beautiful home
in Brentwood and Orson, poor thing, was
out of it because he had too much to drink.
They finally told everybody to go out into
the garden, but I remained indoors with him
but I stayed out of his way and didn’t make
a peep. All of a sudden he said, ‘It must
be nice to be beautiful,’ and I ignored him
because we had orders not to talk to him.
And then he said it again so I said, ‘Yes, Mr.
Welles, and it’s even nicer to be told.’ That
was my cue to go over and talk to him and
it’s still one of the biggest highlights of my
life, spending those 15 minutes with him.”

Donnell Turner (Curtis, GH)

“Eddie Murphy. I was an extra on the movie Show-
time and they promoted me to stuntman. I said,
‘Eddie, my man, wow, great meeting you! Thanks
for making me laugh my whole life.’ And he
looked at me like I was crazy. He said nothing. He
looked like he was appalled that I was talking to
him! I don’t know what made me do it, but I said,
‘I refuse to believe that Eddie Murphy is a jerk.’ So
when I saw him again at the end of the day, I said, ‘Okay, Eddie,
you be cool, man,’ and I stuck my hand out and he shook my
hand. We did the half-hug thing and he looked me in the face
and he said, ‘All right, brother, thank you. Take care.’ ”
EARL GIBSON III/SHUTTERSTOCK; IMAGE PRESS AGENCY/SHUTTERSTOCK
 SOAP OPERA DIGEST
n you ever met? How did you react?
Kimberlin
Brown
(Sheila,
B&B)
“I’ve met
so many
famous
people but
one of my
absolute favorites was
meeting Lucille Ball.

AFF-USA/SHUTTERSTOCK; ELISA LEONELLI/SHUTTERSTOCK

Elia Cantu
Way back before I (Jada, DAYS)
started acting, I was in “Muhammad Ali. This had
a fashion show with her to be around 2004. I used
for charity and I’ll never to work at Victoria’s Secret
forget walking into her at the 3rd Street Prom-
private dressing area enade in Santa Monica.
to introduce myself. She was so kind. She The Adidas store was right
was just a joy and a pleasure for me to meet next door. He was doing
because I grew up watching I LOVE LUCY, a branded thing. I got to
and to see Lucille Ball in person was just un- work. I hadn’t clocked in
believable for me. It was a surreal moment.” yet and a co-worker said,
HOWARD WISE/JPI; MEDIA PUNCH/SHUTTERSTOCK ‘Elia, Muhammad Ali is
next door.’ So I went in my
Joshua manager’s office, grabbed
Morrow a disposable camera, and
(Nick, Y&R) went over. There was this
“Tiger Woods; big circle of people, and he
he’s as famous was in the middle. I made
as it gets in the my way all the way to the
world. It was front. He was hugging
pretty exciting people and taking photos.
for me because Finally, I went up and said,
I’m a giant fan ‘Hi. I’m Elia Cantu. I really
of his, but I was wanted to meet you. I don’t
able to stay have a camera phone.’ He
pretty cool about it. I actually hung out with him said, ‘You are beautiful.’ He
a few times and had a lot of fun with him. Great gave me a big hug. It felt
dude. I got to go to his golf academy with him and like forever. I tried to take
we flew home from Vegas together. I’ve lost touch a photo with him, but the
with him as life sort of goes on and stuff happens, camera didn’t work. But I’ll
but I had a nice little window with him.” have that memory forever.”
HOWARD WISE/JPI; DAVID CROSLING/EPA-EFE/SHUTTERSTOCK
37
crossword      
BY DONNA HOKE

   
GO WEST   
ACROSS
1. MOTHER OF 23   
DOWN (two words)
8. Much __ About
 
Nothing
11. DAYS role for
Kassie DePaiva     
12. French friend
13. Jake’s mom     
(GH)
14. Like the Colon-   
nade Room (Y&R)
16. WHEN HE
 
TRAVELED WITH 23
DOWN, HE CALLED
HIMSELF NIALL    
17. “Transfer” and
“messenger” mol-     
ecules; abbr.
18. Free from, with    
“of”
19. As yet unsched-
  
uled; abbr.
20. “Coffee __ __?”
(two words)  
24. Irish ancestor
26. WHERE 23
DOWN WAS LIVING worker’s rights; abbr. WEST
WHEN LUKE FOUND 48. Type of grass or milk 10. Pound divisions; abbr.
HER; abbr. (two words) 49. Actor Alastair 15. Chicago hours; abbr.
29. WHAT 23 DOWN’S 50. Big Apple school; abbr. 18. Time off
JOB WAS WHEN LUKE 51. DESCRIBING THE SUB- 20. Lewis commodity
FOUND HER (two words) JECT OF THIS PUZZLE AS (GUIDING LIGHT)
32. DAUGHTER OF 23 AN EMMY WINNER (two 21. 66, e.g.; abbr.
DOWN, BY BIRTH words) 22. Banks on the runway?
33. Descriptive word; abbr. 23. GH ROLE PLAYED
34. WITH 1 DOWN, THE DOWN BY PUZZLE SUBJECT
HUSBAND PUZZLE 1. SEE 34 ACROSS MAURA WEST (two
SUBJECT MAURA WEST 2. LITTLE MENTIONED words)
MET ON AS THE WORLD BROTHER OF 23 DOWN 25. Angel’s headgear
TURNS 3. A Raisin in the Sun 27. “___-haw!”
36. B&B’s Heather (Katie) grandmother 28. Divine Comedy
38. DAYS’s Starke 4. Laura’s sister (GH) section
40. Jewish month 5. Film actor Gellman 30. Backstabber
43. ALDERSON WHO 6. During 31. “For shame!”
PLAYED 32 ACROSS 7. Suffix with neat 35. ATWT ROLE PLAYED
46. San ___, CA 8. Part of AMC BY MAURA WEST
47. UN body dealing with 9. Y&R ROLE FOR MAURA 37. ___ tai

38 Answers can be found in the next issue.

 SOAP OPERA DIGEST
6 7
3 7 1 4
Q Fill in the
4 1 7 9 6 2
grid so that
every row, 3 1 7
every column
and every 3x3
box contains
9
the digits 1
through 9. 5 3 7
You can’t
change the 7 2 3 4 8 6
digits already
provided in
the grid; you
5 4 8 2
have to work
around them. 4 2

ANSWERS FROM LAST ISSUE

38. Biblical Rachel’s sister
39. ___’acte
9 ( 1
7 8 5 $ & + ( 1
41. First name in ’50s TV
42. ATWT’s Kaba (ex- , ' (
$ 0 $ * * ( (
Aaron) ( ( 1
< 6 3 5 , 1 * ( 5
43. GH’s Shriner (Scott)
44. Chit; abbr. , 1 $
/ , ( 7 $ 6 7 ,
45. Tater __ 5 2 7 ( 5 , , &
46. “Beats” headphones
mastermind Dr. ___ $ / ( 5 7 ( 6 7 5 $ ' $
( 2 8 7 9
+ 2 3 . , 1 6 ( ' ) 5 <
( $ % ( $ / ( $
$ % ( / $ + , / 7 2 1
5 2 % , 1 6 2 1 3 2 / .
' 1 $ < ( : + 2 7 (
2 1 , 7 1 ( 9 , / / (

39
 TAKE YOUR DAUGHTER TO

INSTAGRAM/STORMS
WORK DAY
GH’s Kirsten Storms says she enjoyed
having real-life daughter Harper on the canvas Art imitated life for GH’s Kirsten
and daughter Harper.
as Maxie’s daughter, Georgie, from 2013-14.
“On one hand, I loved it, I loved taking her into
work with me and getting to be around her
as much as possible, especially when she panicking, like, ‘I hope the stage manager
was that age,” Storms shares. “On the other runs over there before she wanders off to
hand, I didn’t think ahead of time about God knows where with all this machinery
how distracted I would be with her on set. around and cameras and other sets and
I remember one time I put her on the floor stuff,’ but I had to just let her keep going
because she didn’t want to be held when and not stop the scene. It just was messing
we were taping and I was working with with my mind, and I can’t even remember
Bradford [Anderson, Spinelli] and Harper if it was me who decided not to have Harper
just walked to the back of the set of Maxie’s do it anymore or they just had Georgie not
apartment and walked down the hallway. really on the canvas, but I was relieved a
We kept the scene going and inside I was little bit, because that was a lot!”

PLAYING GAMES
B&B’s John McCook (Eric) appeared on numer-
ous game shows through the years, like HOLLYWOOD
SQUARES and TATTLETALES, and he does admit to hav-
ing a favorite. “You know what? I loved it but it was very
intimidating to me,” he teases of his best game show per-
formance. “It was the $25,000 PYRAMID. I loved watching
that show, I loved doing that show, but I was always worried
that I wasn’t going to be very good. It’s a little nerve-racking
because there is no script [laughs]. But, I faced my fears
and I did it and I was okay. I was pretty good, I think. I also
did FAMILY FEUD [with his B&B castmates], which was just
silly but we had a lot of fun. Game shows have always been
HOWARD WISE/JPI

great entertainment and I loved getting to do that. That said,

B&B’s John has a
if I had to pick a favorite, I think the PYRAMID was a really
love for the game. good game.”

40
 SOAP OPERA DIGEST
GRAND DISCOVERY
Aketra Sevillian (Talia) dis-
covered a familiar face behind
the scenes when she started on

XJ JOHNSON/JPI; HOWARD WISE/PEACOCK

DAYS: Steve Burton (Harris).
The actress had seen his work
on GH, where he played Jason.
“My grandmother [Madeline]
watches the show,” explains
Sevillian. “I just watched it with
her a few days ago.” So imagine DAYS’s Aketra
Sevillian’s surprise when she found a familiar
reported for work at DAYS and face in Steve.
discovered Burton among the
mix of actors. “We have to be in separate
hair and makeup [sections], because believe it, but I grew up watching you on
of Covid [restrictions],” says Sevillian. GENERAL HOSPITAL. And my grandmother
“Every time Steve would come in, of is obsessed with you,’ ” recounts Sevillian
course, I was talking to him. I thought, with a laugh. “He lit up. He was so humble.
‘He looks so familiar.’ When he left, I He turned a little red but was very grateful.
asked Nicole, who does my hair, ‘Where Then he was like, ‘Well, dang. I guess I’m
do I know him from?’ She told me, ‘He kind of old, huh?’ ” Sevillian promptly told her
was on GENERAL HOSPITAL.’ So I grandmother about the encounter. “I told her,
looked him up [online].” The next time ‘Grandma, you won’t believe who I met,’ ” she
Sevillian found herself beside Burton in relays. “She was like. ‘No way.’ She asked if
hair and makeup, she opened up about I met Sonny [Maurice Benard], too. I said,
her GH fandom. “I told Steve, ‘You won’t ‘No, grandma. Just Steve for now.’ ”

PET PROJECT
Shortly after Rory Gibson (Noah) and long-time girlfriend Alicia Ruelas became engaged last
October, tragedy struck when their dog, Chet, died due to an adverse reaction to anesthesia during
a simple procedure. Gibson and Ruelas honored Chet, a rescue with health issues, by adopting a
puppy in need. “Some dude dropped off a litter of newborn puppies at a kill shelter and these type
of shelters only hold on to puppies for
20 hours,” he explains. “Luckily, one
Y&R’s Rory found a got picked up by this foster system in
new puppy love. Orange County. We found him online
and noticed that he was born on the
same day that Chet had passed away
so that was a definite sign.” Gibson
describes his new pup as “a strange
little guy, with one bright blue eye and
one black eye, and he’s got all these
INSTAGRAM/GIBSON

spots everywhere. He’s a very unique

dog with a very unique personality.
We named him Cloud and he’s such a
goofball. We love him.”
41
PERFECT
GH’s Maura West Reflects On
Her Decade In Port Charles.
By Mara Levinsky
On May 8, 2013, Maura West made her GH debut as an art dealer nursing a whopper
of a secret: She was the daughter of late mob boss Victor Jerome and the half sister of the
not-so-dead Julian Jerome. Digest took a deep dive into Ava’s life in Port Charles with the
Daytime Emmy-winning actress.

2013: After nearly 15 years shabby, either, as Franco

on AS THE WORLD and Ava bunked at the
TURNS as Carly (winning Quartermaine mansion.
two of her three Daytime “The mansion and the

RICKY MIDDLESWORTH/ABC
Emmys for Lead Actress in [nurses’] hub — those
the process) and a year on two sets are GENERAL
Y&R as Diane, one might HOSPITAL to me. And
HOWARD WISE/JPI

think Maura West would My Brother’s Keeper: Ava to be there and sort of
have been jitter-free when killed Connie to protect the walk around like she
secret of Julian’s (William
she signed on to her third deVry) identity. was lady of the house, I
soap role. But as her first just thought that was too
day neared, “I was nervous,” she admits. “This good! I just ate it up.”
show is very established and very different She approached Ava’s ruthless, Connie-
from AS THE WORLD TURNS, which was killing side with equal gusto. “My intention
more of a mom and pop show.” Her first scripts with her [look] — always in dresses, and I
included scenes with Anthony Geary as Luke, chose that sort of wavy bob, like a mob moll
which she describes as “one of the thrills of of old — was really making her kind of a
my career. To start my journey on GENERAL throwback to that ’40s kind of mobstress,”
HOSPITAL with Tony Geary and Jane Elliot West shares. “I love this idea that this
[Tracy] — I mean, what actor could have a bet- woman had a gun and she knew how to use
ter gift than to arrive and they say, ‘Welcome, it and she didn’t flinch when it was shot. As
here, work with these giants of the industry!’ ” Maura, I hate violence of any kind, but I can
The reveal of Ava’s off-screen past with set that aside and say, ‘This is the character,
Franco was another early treat for West. “Those this is the world that she lives in.’ ”
were really fun days,” she says. “I got to sort A key player in that world was Ava’s
of be reunited with Roger Howarth [Austin/ brother, Julian, and West was tickled by
then-Franco],” who had played Paul on ATWT, what fans referred to on social media as the
“under completely different circumstances, on “inappropriate chemistry” between her and
a different show, different characters, different William deVry (ex-Julian). “I saw that and I
everything. I loved that.” The digs weren’t too loved it and I leaned into it!”
42
 2014: Ava’s romance

ABC • ABC • ABC

with Morgan hit a
snag when Ava had
sex with his father,
Sonny — in the
Quartermaine crypt,
no less — which
resulted in daughter

PHOTOS: ABC
Avery. “I was defi- Regrets Only: Morgan (Bryan
Craig, l.) was crushed by Ava’s
nitely nervous about tryst with Sonny (Maurice Benard).
that,” West recalls.
“At that time, I didn’t know Maurice [Benard, Sonny] very well.
We had done a lot of scenes together and he was a bit of an
enigma to me, and so I wasn’t really sure what to expect,
and when you don’t know what’s going to happen on
set, you’re always a little tentative. But right away,
we found a rhythm that I was very happy with —
and we still have that today.”

2015: A presumed-dead, fugitiveAva returned

to town in the guise of “Denise DeMuccio”,
supposedly Ava’s identical twin. “In my
history, I had already seen Martha Byrne
play [the dual ATWT roles of] Lily and Rose,
and I didn’t want to be repeating stuff that
people had already done, and done so well.
[But] I didn’t mind playing a second person,
I didn’t mind Ava kind of being in disguise
and going to these great lengths, because I’m
looking at it from Ava’s perspective. Her baby
is in that town, she
can’t go back to that
town as herself, and
she loves that baby, so
she’s got to go back! I
was a little concerned
about [playing]
Denise with the
fingernails and
the wig and blah,
(Ava blah, blah, but you
Jerome) know, I trusted Ron
[Carlivati, then-head
writer], I trusted Frank Departure
HOWARD WISE/JPI

Time: Ava
[Valentini, executive sported a new
producer], I trusted look when
my co-workers — and she posed as
“Denise”.
really, I loved it.”
43

CHRIS D/JPI
Mourning Star: Ava was
an unwelcome guest at
Morgan’s funeral. to end up dead because she’s with this guy.’
make it about her love for her daughter.... Ava was a cog in the wheel that led to the death
of Morgan. And I didn’t love that, to be honest. But I don’t have to love everything Ava
does. I just have to do it as best I can.”
2017: When Carly and Sonny con-
fronted Ava over her pill-swapping,
Ava wound up with devastating burns
from a fire. “That was so cool, wasn’t
it?” the actress says of the blaze.
“That’s in my memory box of episodes
that I really loved.” She is equally fond
of the Ava/Griffin pairing that sprouted
from her misfortune. “Of course, Ava
is going to fall in love with a priest,
because nothing could ever be easy for
her!” West chuckles. “I thought Griffin
was really good for her, and I stay
in touch with Matt [Cohen, his por-
trayer]. In my career, there have been
a handful of true gentlemen that I’ve
worked with, and he is one of them.
He’s a treasure of a human being.”
XJ JOHNSON/JPI
Opposites Attract: Ava
fell hard for doctor/priest
Griffin (Matt Cohen).
44
2016: Morgan got back together with Ava’s
daughter Kiki, and Ava made the fateful
choice to switch his bipolar medication
with a placebo, setting off a chain of events
that led to Morgan’s demise in a car bomb
intended for Julian. West muses, “I had to
focus on one thing in order to make that
work for me, which was [Ava’s conviction
that], ‘I’ve got to protect Kiki. She’s going
That’s how I could sell it to myself, was to
Dangerously In Love: Ava unwit-
tingly slept with the enemy (Jon
Lindstrom’s Ryan).
2018-19: In a devastating blow to Ava, Kiki
was murdered by Ryan — who, posing as
Kevin, seduced an unwitting Ava. “That was
really juicy,” nods West. “Ava falls in love
with this guy she thinks is Kevin, thinks is a
stand-up guy, clean as a whistle as far as mob
ties or any of that, and she can’t believe that
this guy would fall for her. And she was sort
of right to doubt it! Jon [Lindstrom, Kevin/
ex-Ryan] and I go back quite a ways and
played a couple [on ATWT, where he played
Craig], and I was thrilled to work with him
so closely again. That’s the guy you trust
on set, 100 percent. We work really well
together.” The scenes on the bridge in which
Genie Francis’s Laura breaks the terrible
news to Ava that she’s been sleeping with her
daughter’s killer are ones that “I’ll always
remember,” she adds. “It was the first time
that I had worked with her in any meaningful

way on the show, and it was an incredible
experience.” All in all, she sighs, “I felt
devastated for Ava, this character that I’ve
grown to love, warts and all.”
On a more positive note, Ava forged a
beautiful new connection when she hired
ABC • ABC • ABC
Trina as an intern at her gallery, a relation-
ship fans have fallen in love with. “And
I have, too,” West says. “Both Sydney
[Mikayla, ex-Trina] and Tabyana [Ali,
Trina] are wonderful young women, and I
really love that relationship.”

2020-22: Ava began the new decade as the

new Mrs. Nikolas Cassadine. “I love the
Cassadine era and that was such a great
entrance for Nikolas to return — and a
great moment for Ava, when he burst
into the wedding of Nina and Valentin in
his living room at Wyndemere carrying
the dripping Ava!” West wishes Ava had
carried her princess status even further
(“I was hoping there would have been a
moment, a scene, a something, where I
would have had a tiara on!”), but is glad
that even though the marriage didn’t last,
XJ JOHNSON/JPI

Some Day My Prince Will

Come: Nikolas (Marcus her change of address did. “I love that Ava
Coloma) and Ava’s union lives in a castle. It’s perfect for her!”
was born of blackmail. A large cause of the demise of the
“Nava” union? Spencer and Esme join-
ing forces to break them up. While they’re a thorn in Ava’s side, their portrayers,
Nicholas Chavez (Spencer) and Avery Pohl (Esme), are sheer joy for West. “I love
both of those young actors — I mean, they’re stars, 100 percent. Nicholas Chavez,
he’s on a rocket ship. He can do whatever he wants; he’s just magnificent. They
both have the right idea, you know what I mean? They’re on time, they’re good-
natured, they know their lines, they’re prepared. They just get it. I think so highly of
them both as young actors and as people.”

2023: Today, Ava is grappling with hav-

ing killed Nikolas (or so she thinks), and
covering it up with Austin’s help. Says
West of the dynamic between Ava and
Austin (or “#Jolt,” as they are known to
CHRISTINE BARTOLUCCI/ABC

fans hopeful their collusion will lead to

canoodling), “I don’t know where that’s
going, but I love that I’m able to play
with Roger again. He is certainly on the “Jolt” Of Reality: West is
delighted that Ava is inter-
short list of who every actor wants to acting more with Austin
work with. I’m a lucky duck.” (Roger Howarth).
Which she could say about her GH
run as a whole. “I love my job,” she one hundred percent love it. Being on this
declares. “I love being an actor. I love show is an extraordinary experience and
being on set, I love the crew — I just I’m eternally grateful.”
45
CO-STARCONFIDENTIAL
Digest polls actors from each show about their castmates.

& B E A U T I F U L
BOLD MOST EAGER TO REHEARSE
Clifton: “[Katherine] Kelly [Lang, Brooke].”
Panel Of Experts: Kaye: “I’m going to give that to Matthew
Scott Clifton (Liam), [Atkinson, Thomas]. Matthew is always looking for
people to run lines with.”
Thorsten Kaye (Ridge) Mills: “I have to say Susan again. She demanded it!
and Alley Mills (Pam) It was a requirement. She wanted to run everything
three times, and she was fierce about rehearsal.”

BEST STORYTELLER MOST CHATTY IN THE MAKEUP

Clifton: “John McCook [Eric] is the best
storyteller.”
Kaye: “John McCook because he’s lived
better than any of us.”
Mills: “John McCook. It’s the truth. I have
to say it, even though I know everyone else
will, too.”
BEST LISTENER
Clifton: “Annika [Noelle, Hope]. She’s a
great listener.”
Kaye: “Say what? I’m sorry, what?
Obviously not me.”
Mills: “Believe it or not, Thorsten Kaye,
and you can put in the believe it or not. He
is an amazing listener.”
LEAST LIKELY TO FLUB A
LINE
Clifton: “Me. That’s kind of my thing.”
Kaye: “Sean Kanan [Deacon], because
he does everything with a look.”
Mills: “I have to say that title will forever
go to Susan Flannery [ex-Stephanie].”
MOST LIKELY TO AD-LIB
Clifton: “Darin [Brooks, Wyatt] or Don
Diamont [Bill], but Darin more.”
Kaye: “Dick Christie [Charlie].”
Mills: “Sean.”
46
ROOM
Clifton: “Sean Kanan.”
Kaye: “Alley.”
Mills: “Jennifer Gareis [Donna].”
BEST GIVER OF HUGS
Clifton: “That would be McCook, too.”
Kaye: “I’d tell you but I don’t want them to end
up in HR.”
Mills: “Jennifer Gareis.”
BEST SENSE OF HUMOR
Clifton: “I love Thorsten’s sense of humor. It’s not
for everyone but it’s my favorite of all the cast.”
Kaye: “John McCook again. Cookie makes every-
body laugh.”
Mills: “John McCook.”
MOST CHIPPER IN THE MORNING
Clifton: “Me. It’s because I’m overcompensating
for being tired, but it is me.”
Kaye: “Jacqui [MacInnes Wood, Steffy]. She has
17 kids and she lives in a shoe so she’s up at four
and by the time she gets to us, she’s all wound up.”
Mills: “John McCook, and his shirt is always
ironed.”
LEAST CHIPPER IN THE MORNING
Clifton: “I would say Tanner [Novlan, Finn], but
in a very charming way.”
 CBS • CBS • CBS
Clifton Kaye
Mills
PHOTOS: HOWARD WISE/JPI; JILL JOHNSON/JPI

Kaye: “Kelly. Kelly is pretty quiet in the

morning.”
Mills: “Thorsten.” BEST SECRET KEEPER
Clifton: “Jacqui.”
MOST DECKED-OUT DRESSING Kaye: “I can’t tell you that.”
ROOM Mills: “Thorsten would never [repeat] any-
Clifton: “McCook, for sure.” thing I told him.”
Kaye: “Krista’s [Allen, Taylor] is really
decked out.” BEST ADVICE-GIVER
Mills: “Heather Tom [Katie]. She’s got a really Clifton: “Don.”
cool dressing room.” Kaye: “Lawrence [Saint-Victor, Carter].”
Mills: “McCook.”
MOST MINIMALIST DRESSING
ROOM MOST FUN AT PARTIES
Clifton: “Thorsten.” Clifton: “I’m pretty sure that’s going to be
Kaye: “I don’t know because I don’t socialize, Jacqui.”
but not me.” Kaye: “Jen Gareis and Heather Tom are tied,
Mills: “Thorsten.” depending on what they’re serving.”
Mills: “Jennifer.”
MOST STYLISH
Clifton: “Jacqui.” MOST INTO SPORTS
Kaye: “Jacqui. Wait, no one mentioned me?” Clifton: “It’s full-on Don. I’d say Thorsten,
Mills: “Jacqui. Duh!” as well, but his interests are more narrow.”
Kaye: “Don.”
MOST MATERNAL Mills: “I don’t know about professional
Clifton: “Kimberlin [Brown, Sheila].” sports but when it comes to participating
Kaye: “Alley. She takes care of everybody.” in sports, it’s Kelly. She’s like the Bionic
Mills: “Heather and Kelly are both very Woman. Heather, too.”
maternal.”
BIGGEST GOOFBALL
MOST UP ON CURRENT EVENTS Clifton: “It’s a tie between Don and me.”
Clifton: “Don [Diamont, Bill] is pretty good Kaye: “I’ve got to give that to Don, as well.
about that stuff.” I shake my head when he pulls into the park-
Kaye: “Annika.” ing lot.”
Mills: “Scott.” Mills: “McCook.”
47
 F OUR LIVES
DAYS O
Panel Of Experts:
Raven Bowens (Chanel), Dan Feuerriegel
(EJ) and Stacy Haiduk (Kristen)
BEST STORYTELLER
Bowens: “Jackée [Harry, Paulina]. She does it
in a way that keeps you entertained, because you
don’t expect it to come out of her mouth the way
it does. You can’t guess or try to predict what
she’s going to say.”
Feuerriegel: “Eric Martsolf [Brady]. He makes
every story so amusing. He does it with such
charm that you can’t help but like the story and
like him.”
Haiduk: “Mr. Martsolf. He’s very animated, and
he can also be lying and you still believe it.”
BEST LISTENER
Bowens: “Carson [Boatman, Johnny] is a great
listener. He’s always so open and so available.”
Feuerriegel: “Carson. He’s very chill and the
person that will sit in the corner, listen and pay
attention.”
Haiduk: “Emily O’Brien [Gwen]. She has a
good heart and takes time out of her day to ask
you how you’re feeling. She’s really there to
listen to you and is a lovely person.”
LEAST LIKELY TO FLUB A LINE
Bowens: “Rob [Scott Wilson, Alex] always
knows his lines pretty well. When I have scenes
with him, he’s on it and knows his stuff.”
Feuerriegel: “Brandon Barash [Stefan]. I’ve
seen his notes on the pages of his scripts. He is
so thorough and specific.”
Haiduk: “Deidre Hall [Marlena]. She’s very on
point with her dialogue and [delivers] it exactly
the way it is in the script.”
MOST LIKELY TO AD-LIB
Bowens: “Also Rob. He always throws in little
funny tidbits. I think he does it more now with
the Alex character, because he’s having fun
with him. When I was doing scenes with him,
48
he’d throw in a little something at the end. It
would catch me off-guard because it would be
so funny.”
Feuerriegel: “Ari Zucker [Nicole]. She ad-libs
and paraphrases in moments of quietness or
moments between our actual dialogue; she’ll
add a few lines here or a word there that creates
a more realistic conversation.”
Haiduk: “I think it would be Eric and me.”
BEST ADVICE-GIVER
Bowens: “Deidre, because she’s been doing this
the longest and knows everything. Whenever
I’ve gotten to do scenes with her, and we’ve sat
in her room working through stuff, she’s given
me gold.”
Feuerriegel: “Ari. She’s all about how to be
your best. She just has that kind of instinct.”
Haiduk: “Drake [Hogestyn, John]. He’s been
doing this for so long. When you have a scene
with him, he talks about the history and gives
you advice. He’s a positive, wonderful actor and
human being.”
MOST CHATTY IN THE MAKEUP
ROOM
Bowens: “Dan. Whenever he comes in the
makeup room he always says hi and checks on
how you’re doing. He’s very friendly and so
personable.”
Feuerriegel: “Stacy. She is always positive and
happy. She comes in with this burst of energy
and is a breath of fresh air.”
Haiduk: “Either Dan or Eric. They gab about
everything that’s happened to them over the
weekend or during the week.”
BEST SENSE OF HUMOR
Bowens: “Jackée and Carson. Jackée is just a
naturally funny person [and] Carson and I play

Bowens Feuerriegel
little practical jokes on each other.”
EARL GIBSON III/SHUTTERSTOCK; PHOTOS: SOUL B PHOTOS/SHUTTERSTOCK
Feuerriegel: “Ari has a fantastic sense of
humor.”
Haiduk: “Greg Rikaart [Leo]. There’s a confi-
dence about him, and he’s funny. He lightens
the mood up.”
MOST DECKED OUT DRESSING
ROOM
Bowens: “Elia Cantu [Jada]. She has Sal
Stowers’s [ex-Lani] old dressing room and
some things were already built in. She has inspi-
rational pictures with quotes on the wall. It’s
very warm and friendly and inviting.”
Feuerriegel: “Eric Martsolf by a country mile.
He’s got photos everywhere. He’s got a fantastic
couch. He’s got vinyls and CDs. There’s memo-
rabilia on the walls. It’s a like a bedroom.”
Haiduk: “Probably Martsolf. He’s got every-
thing in there that you could possibly imagine.”
MOST MINIMALIST DRESSING
ROOM
Bowens: “Probably me. There’s no personal
stuff in there.”
Feuerriegel: “Lucas Adams [Tripp]. I’ve
looked in there, and it’s a just a couch and his
bag.”
Haiduk: “Paul Telfer [Xander]. Absolutely
nothing. He’s got a couch, a chair and a picture
that’s been on the wall from probably the ’90s.”
MOST STYLISH
Bowens: “Camila [Banus, Gabi]. She has such
PEACOCK • PEACOCK
Haiduk
a great sense of style. Her clothes are fun, color-
ful and bold.”
Feuerriegel: “Rob Wilson is always looking
cool. He’s got a rock star kind of style.”
Haiduk: “Lauren Koslow [Kate]. She always
looks spectacular.”
MOST MATERNAL
Bowens: “Ari. On my first day, in my first scene,
I had to come in crying. She came over and said,
‘If you ever need another take, ask them for it. It’s
okay.’ She immediately gave me that maternal
feeling. I knew someone was looking out for me.
She’s very loving and looks out for everybody.”
Feuerriegel: “Stacy is pretty maternal. She has
that loving energy. It feels very protective and
motherly.”
Haiduk: “Suzanne Rogers [Maggie]. She always
comes in and gives you a big hug. She fills you
up with love and does it with a big smile. There’s
a very loving demeanor about her.”
LEAST LIKE THEIR CHARACTER
Bowens: “Jessica [Serfaty, Sloan]. In real life,
she is so much fun and so sweet. She’s very
bright and bubbly.”
Feuerriegel: “Stacy’s more not like Kristen than
she is not like Susan. Susan had this motherly
personality. She was quirky and weird, and Stacy
is quirky. But she’s the exact opposite of Kristen.”
Haiduk: “Finley Rose Slater [Rachel]. She’s a
sweetie and spunky. She’s a delight and likes
to play. She’s nothing like Rachel, who is so
conniving.”
49
 AL H O S P ITAL
GENERPanel Of Experts:
Wally Kurth (Ned), Katelyn MacMullen
(Willow) and Cameron Mathison (Drew)
BIGGEST GOOFBALL
Kurth: “I think it’s Josh [Swickard, Chase].
He and James Patrick Stuart [Valentin] get
really goofy together and giggle like schoolgirls
[laughs].”
MacMullen: “Chad [Duell, Michael], obviously.
Out of nowhere, he’ll just start dancing. He’s con-
stantly singing, constantly laughing, constantly
pranking me. I could go on and on! He certainly
keeps things interesting.”
Mathison: “Chad. No one else comes close. He’s
like a Golden Retriever puppy that you’ve got to
rein in.”
MOST CHIPPER IN THE MORNING
Kurth: “Amanda Setton [Brook Lynn]. She’s
always got a smile on her face, even when it’s
early.”
MacMullen: “Josh Swickard, even though
he just had a baby. He always manages to be
chipper and optimistic even at 6 a.m.”
Mathison: “Laura Wright [Carly]. She’s got
really good, positive energy. She’s like a bright
light walking into a room.”
LEAST LIKELY TO FLUB A LINE
Kurth: “Amanda.”
MacMullen: “Either Laura Wright or Cameron
Mathison. They always know their stuff.”
Mathison: “Finola Hughes [Anna] or James
Patrick Stuart. They’re big rehearsers.”
MOST LIKELY TO AD-LIB
Kurth: “Lisa [LoCicero, Olivia].”
MacMullen: “Cynthia [Watros, Nina], which is
why it’s so fun to work with her. She adds in little
things here and there.”
Mathison: “Maybe Maurice [Benard, Sonny],
just because he’s always doing, like, 17 shows a
day [laughs].”
50
MOST DECKED-OUT DRESSING
ROOM
Kurth: “Finola or Cynthia. I’ll say
Cynthia because it has such a nice,
homey feel to it.”
MacMullen: “Eden [McCoy, Josslyn]
has a fantastic dressing room. Hers is
so cool. She has posters up of movies
and musicians and this little couch setup
that’s so cute. I was just in there for the
first time the other day and I was like,
‘Dang, your room is awesome!’ ”
Mathison: “Finola.”
MOST MINIMALIST DRESSING
ROOM
Kurth: “Chad’s is very low-key.”
MacMullen: “He’s not on the show any-
more but Johnny Wactor [ex-Brando]
did. He only had, like, an LED light
strip. It actually made the room look
really cool because it turned different
colors, but that was the only thing he
had up. There was no art or anything.”
Mathison: “I do. There’s literally noth-
ing up on my wall. There’s a couch and
a table that was there before and that’s
about it. It has zero personality.”
BEST ADVICE-GIVER
Kurth: “Kin Shriner [Scott] is always in
the green room spouting advice to all of
us! I don’t know if it’s the best advice
but it’s worth listening to because it
makes me smile and laugh!”
MacMullen: “I actually keep a note sec-
tion in my phone because so many people
I work with give me such good advice
every day, which is so nice. But I’d say
Laura Wright because I work with her

Kurth MacMullen
so consistently and she’s become such an
MICHAEL MATTES/SHUTTERSTOCK; KATHY HUTCHINS/SHUTTERSTOCK; FATI SADOU/SHUTTERSTOCK
incredible advice-giver for me. She’s so
supportive and puts things in perspective
for me.”
Mathison: “Laura Wright. We’ve been
working together for a year and she knows
a lot about me and I feel like we’re really
there for each other in a lot of ways, so I’d
say her.”
FRIENDLIEST
Kurth: “I’ve only worked with her a few
times, but Brook Kerr [Portia]. She always
greets me with a sweet smile and a, ‘Hi!’
She’s lovely.”
MacMullen: “Donnell [Turner, Curtis]!
He’s so lovely.”
Mathison: “Cynthia.”
BEST LISTENER
Kurth: “Jane Elliot [Tracy]. When she asks a
question and people are talking, she’s really
dialed in and present.”
MacMullen: “Cynthia is an incredible lis-
tener. Like, you’ll start talking and she’s just
all about you. You can tell she just wants to
be there for you and [be] present with you
and you feel like you can talk about anything
with her.”
Mathison: “James Patrick Stuart. We’re
not necessarily close, but the moments I’ve
gotten to spend chatting with him, he’s been
super-present.”
ABC • ABC • ABC
Mathison
BEST STORYTELLER
Kurth: “Dominic [Zamprogna, Dante]. He
brings in a lot of great detail.”
MacMullen: “Laura has great stories and I
love listening to them!”
Mathison: “Kin Shriner! The guy’s a legend.
He’s done it all, seen it all and he’s such a
character.”
MOST STYLISH
Kurth: “One of the Michaels — Michael
Knight [Martin] or Michael Easton [Finn].”
MacMullen: “Tajh [Bellow, TJ]. Every time
he comes to set in his own wardrobe, I’m
like, ‘Wow, he has amazing taste in jew-
elry!’ And people are always like, ‘Oh, my
gosh, your shoes are so cool!’ ”
Mathison: “Tabyana [Ali, Trina]. She’s got a
lot of personal style and flavor.”
LEAST LIKE THEIR CHARACTER
Kurth: “Maura West [Ava]. She really
transforms into Ava. Ava has a lot of arti-
fice and Maura is just the opposite. Maura
is so grounded and down-to-earth and
unassuming.”
MacMullen: “Avery Pohl, when Esme was
such a bad girl. Avery is such a sweetheart
and so down-to-earth and when I saw her
playing Esme, I was like, ‘Dang, what a
transformation!’ ”
Mathison: “Charles Shaughnessy [Victor].
He’s such a fun, bubbly guy.”
51
 & R E S T L E S S
YOUNGPanel Of Experts:
Courtney Hope (Sally), Bryton James (Devon)
and Christian J. LeBlanc (Michael)
BEST STORYTELLER
Hope: “Peter Bergman [Jack] always has
the best stories and has a captivating way of
telling them.”
James: “Eric Braeden [Victor] knows how
to set up the suspense and then get to the
good stuff. His Rolodex of stories is insane.”
LeBlanc: “Joshua Morrow [Nick]. He’s
naturally a funny person and just a good
raconteur.”
MOST EAGER TO REHEARSE
Hope: “Mark Grossman [Adam] is always
on it. He loves to run lines and really work
through the scenes.”
James: “Peter. From the second he arrives at
the studio, he’s all about the work and being
prepared for what we’re about to do. If you
look professionalism up in the dictionary,
you’ll find his picture.”
LeBlanc: “Peter. He’s the one to organize
rehearsals, be it with one scene partner or
even a group.”
BEST GIVER OF HUGS
Hope: “Brytni Sarpy [Elena] is such a lov-
ing spirit, and her hugs are so heartfelt.”
James: “Christian always gives 100 percent
of himself when engaging with someone
and that includes his hugs.”
LeBlanc: “Zach Tinker [ex-Fenmore]. He
will hug and pick you up at the same time.”
BEST SENSE OF HUMOR
Hope: “Josh is a natural comedian. He
always has everyone laughing!”
James: “Josh finds humor in everything.”
LeBlanc: “Eric. He will shock you with how
funny he is. He will always go the extra mile
for a laugh.”
52
MOST CHIPPER IN THE
MORNING
Hope: “Christian basically bounces out of
bed, it’s quite impressive!”
James: “Christian, hands down. I don’t
think I’ve ever seen him not be chipper.”
LeBlanc: “Susan Walters [Diane] is so
enthusiastic and ready to go at any time of
the day.”
LEAST CHIPPER IN THE
MORNING
Hope: “Everyone is pretty talkative and
friendly, but some people are more quiet
and keep to themselves. It really depends
on the morning.”
James: “I’m going to say Christel [Khalil,
Lily] just to piss her off.”
LeBlanc: “Some people are professionals
and like quiet in the morning to focus on
the work and center themselves. I am not
included in that group.”
MOST DECKED-OUT DRESSING
ROOM
Hope: “Melody Thomas Scott’s [Nikki]
walls are covered with all of the Soap
Digest covers throughout the years. It’s a
very iconic dressing room!”
James: “Melody. It’s lined with magazine
covers. There’s a lot of history in there.”
LeBlanc: “Melody. She’s in Cher’s old
dressing room and the apple doesn’t fall far
from the tree!”
MOST MINIMALIST DRESSING
ROOM
Hope: “I would say mine! I don’t have
much in it, except for a few crystals, some
pillows and a photo or two on the wall. I

Hope
James
just recently got one, so
IMAGE PRESS AGENCY/SHUTTERSTOCK; PHOTOS: JILL JOHNSON/JPI
I haven’t fully personalized it yet.”
James: “Amelia Heinle [Victoria].
It’s no knock on her, she just likes her
dressing room that way. She has Jeanne
Copper’s [ex-Katherine] dressing room
so it’s a big space.”
LeBlanc: “Joshua. He keeps it simple
with his dressing room décor.”
BEST SNACK FOOD STASH
Hope: “Melissa Ordway [Abby] al-
ways has some Nature Valley bars on
her desk and I love those. So I’m going
with her!”
James: “Me, actually. I have quite a
few things in the console under the TV,
because I know where all of the hidden
snacks are on set.”
LeBlanc: “Sean Dominic [Nate]. He
uses my room sometimes so I know
exactly what/where his stash is
hidden.”
MOST STYLISH IN REAL LIFE
Hope: “Tracey Bregman [Lauren],
she’s like a walking rock star!”
James: “Christel and Jason Thompson
[Billy]. They’re both put together very
well in real life.”
LeBlanc: “Sean wore an ascot to the
50th [anniversary] party and it always
stuck with me because he pulled it off
and made it stylish in 2023.”
CBS • CBS • CBS
LeBlanc
MOST
MATERNAL OR PATERNAL
Hope: “Peter and Tracey are always making
sure everyone is okay. They care so much
about people.”
James: “Jess Walton [Jill] is always inter-
ested in our lives, concerned about our
well-being and she takes care of us all when
she’s on set.”
LeBlanc: “Tracey is most maternal and pater-
nal. She is there for whatever you need and
the Rolodex in her brain is AI worthy and
encompasses the world.”
BEST ADVICE-GIVER
Hope: “Tracey, Liz Hendrickson [Chloe]
or Missy Claire Egan [Chelsea]. My girls
always know what to say!”
James: “I go to Eileen Davidson [Ashley] for
advice because I really respect her mind and
she always gives fantastic input.”
LeBlanc: “Michelle Stafford [Phyllis] is
someone who always gives you no-nonsense
advice in a very loving way.”
LEAST LIKE THEIR CHARACTER
Hope: “Amelia. Victoria is quite stoic
sometimes, and Amelia is so giddy and light-
spirited. I love watching her transform!”
James: “Michelle. She’s much more level-
headed than Phyllis.”
LeBlanc: “Amelia is a sweetheart and is much
more relaxed and cheerful than Victoria.”
53
 Tony-winner
Michael R.
Jackson
talks to Digest
about his new
soap-themed
musical, White
Girl In Danger.
By Stephanie Sloane
Soap Opera Digest: How did you become a
fan of soaps?
Michael R. Jackson: I grew up in Detroit,
Michigan, in the city limits, until I was 18
years old and I left and went to NYU for
college and grad school. Both my parents
worked, so before I was old enough to go
to school, my mother would drop me off
at her aunt’s house, my great-aunt Ruth.
She was probably in her late 60s and I was
5 or 6 years old. There were no children
around, so there was nothing else for me
to do but watch television with her. We
would watch SALE OF THE CENTURY
at 10:30, CLASSIC CONCENTRATION
at 11:30. YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
would start at 12:30 and then we would
switch to DAYS OF OUR LIVES at
1, ANOTHER WORLD at 2, SANTA
BARBARA at 3 and then I would go
54
in another room and watch cartoons for
the rest of the afternoon until my par-
ents picked me up. Watching these people
in these fictional towns, I developed an
attachment to them.
Digest: Did you keep watching them?
Jackson: When I got a little older, I
started recording them on VHS. When
ANOTHER WORLD got canceled, which
I was so heartbroken over, I had seen little
snippets of ONE LIFE TO LIVE and I
was very intrigued by Viki and Dorian
and the multiple personalities so I started
watching that at 2 o’clock and that quickly
became my show, show, show. I got mad
at DAYS for the Virtual Eden storyline, so
I punished them by switching to ALL MY
CHILDREN when I was in college. I was
very into Greenlee and Leo, also Vanessa,
played by Marj Dusay, and then I interned
 SOAP OPERA DIGEST
at ALL MY CHILDREN in the produc- always stuck with me, which is go deep
tion office for a semester, and then the in a scene instead of long, and I’m really
next semester, I interned at the network. grateful to him for that.
And then I graduated from undergrad Digest: You made a splash with your first
and I got a 12-week Youth Marketing musical, A Strange Loop, for which you
Consulting job with ABC Daytime and won both a Tony and a Pulitzer Prize. What
we would watch all the ABC shows at the is the genesis of your new show, White Girl
time, including PORT CHARLES, and we in Danger?
would tell the network executives what our Jackson: As I mentioned, I’m a big soap fan,
“young people thoughts” were. And then grew up on them, but also Lifetime movies
I got into grad school for musical theater and Jackie Collins novels. What I learned
writing. I had also applied for a job at CBS about myself as a child and as a young
Daytime. I didn’t get that job but if I had adult was that I was deeply into melodra-
gotten it, I wouldn’t be writing musicals ma. There was something about that mode
today.
Digest: What drew you in to the
genre?
Jackson: It’s so many things. The
big umbrella is that they’re sto-
BEOWULF SHEEHAN

ries without end; you’re part of

these people’s lives every day
and they’re part of your life
every day and they become this
weird extension of your con-
sciousness. But also, especially
in the older days, the pacing of
the shows was much slower, so it Girrl Power: “My hopes are that people will be open
was almost like you were watch- to taking the ride because it’s truly a ride,” says
ing a one-act play every day. Jackson of his new show.
Something about the meticu-
lousness of that, for someone who would of storytelling, and how emotions filtered
eventually become interested in theater, I down through those characters spoke to
just found to be very inspirational. that internally. After NYU for dramatic
Digest: Do you think it informed your path writing, I went to NYU for musical theater
to becoming a writer in a way? writing, and it was there that I had this
Jackson: As a little kid, I was involved funny little idea that I might do a spoof of
in child acting a bit and I also loved to Lifetime movies. One thing I noticed is at
read, so I think I would have gravitated the center of them was always a white girl
toward writing in one way or another. But or woman who was in some sort of peril,
I think what soaps did was really give me either of her own creation or because of
a foundation for storytelling in general. someone else. I came up with this sketch
When I was in undergrad at NYU, I took a with a theme song that went, “White girl
soap writing class with [former soap head in danger, she’s doing drugs but she won’t
writer] Harding Lemay, may he rest in do her homework,” because I had watched
peace. He said something in one of those so many of them that it was impossible for
classes that stuck with me for all writing me not to connect them. And then a couple
that I’ve ever done since then. He said, of years later, these conversations around
“When you’re in a scene, you want to go diversity, equity, inclusion, etc. began to
deep instead of long.” And I think that’s really bubble up in the culture, but very
55
 SOAP OPERA DIGEST
intensely in the
theater world. And
as a Black writer
and someone who
had been writing
stories since I was
11, these ideas
just started to float
together, and thus
the idea for the
show was sort of
Night Moves: “I’m just so thrilled that so many people came

STEVEN BERGMAN
born. And then it
out and it was a celebration of the genre and the form,” says
evolved in many Jackson of meeting ANOTHER WORLD alums Alice Barrett (ex-
ways beyond that Frankie, l.) and Anna Holbrook (ex-Sharlene) at a special “Soap
initial collision of Night” performance.
ideas.
Digest: What is the premise of the show? Digest: Who is the show for?
Jackson: The show is set in a soap opera Jackson: I’m a boring humanist, so I
town called Allwhite. In Allwhite, there do think it’s for everyone, but I will
are two races and classes of people. There say that if you are a soap fan, it will
are the Allwhites, who have these crazy be extra-special, particularly if you’re
storyline lives as far as the eye can see, someone who has watched for a long
and then you have the Blackgrounds. The time, because you’ll understand the
Blackgrounds story happens on the fringes insanity of the universe. What I’m try-
of Allwhite until one day, one of the ing to do in 2 hours and 45 minutes is
Blackgrounds, this girl named Keesha, squeeze down 50 years of a genre, so
is like, “I’m tired of this. Why can’t we it’s more heightened and insane than
ever have an Allwhite storyline?” It just the actual soap world in some ways.
so happens that that day, the Allwhite So if you’re a soap fan, I think it will
writer, who is sort of the Oz-like figure of be extra-special for you, but if you’re
the universe who they never see but hear not and you’ve never seen one, I still
from every once in a while, announces think there’s an underlying story and
that Molly Goodwhite has been killed by message that you’ll be able to track and
the Allwhite Killer. And for that reason, follow that will be funny and thought-
the role of best friend to Meagan, Megan provoking and all of that.
and Maegan, the top Allwhite girls of the Digest: What are your hopes for White
town, will be filled by this Blackground, Girl in Danger?
Keesha Gibbs. So she’s very excited, but Jackson: My hopes are that people will
Keesha soon realizes that it’s not enough be open to taking the ride because it’s
and she’ll never fit in with them, so she truly a ride. I’ve been on Broadway, and
makes a pact with the Allwhite writer to I loved being on Broadway, and I would
beg him to let her have her own Allwhite love White Girl in Danger to be in that
story, and he starts to steal their storylines space, but my secret dream is that I
away from them. And the soap part of it is would really love to see it on television.
that it goes full-throttle into the storylines
changing as Keesha climbs through these White Girl In Danger is playing now at
different tropes and soap staples that are Second Stage’s Tony Kiser Theater. For
sort of refracted through a throwback era. tickets, go to 2st.com.
56
 SOAP OPERA DIGEST
calendar Sunday With
“Sprina”:
Join GH’s
Who: GH’s Finola Hughes (Anna) and Nicholas
Chavez
James Patrick Stuart (Valentin) (Spencer)
What: Personal Appearance and Tabyana

STEVEN BERGMAN
When: Sat., June 3 Ali (Trina)
Where: Punchline Sacramento Comedy for an after-
noon of fun.
Club, 2100 Arden Way, Sacramento,
CA
How: Tickets are $99 for VIP and $49
for general admission and can be pur- Wactor (Obrecht and ex-Brando) and
chased at coastalentertainment.com/ Y&R’s Kate Linder and Jordi Vilasuso
events. (Esther and ex-Rey)
What: Backyard BBQ / Pool Party
Who: GH’s Tabyana Ali (Trina) and When: Sun., June 25
Nicholas Chavez (Spencer) Where: Private residence in Alpharetta,
What: Personal Appearance GA disclosed to ticketholders.
When: Sun., June 4 How: Tickets can be purchased at
Where: Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, campdreamga.org/events.
310 S. Troy Street, Royal Oak, MI
How: Tickets are $85 for VIP and $49 Who: DAYS’s Carson Boatman
for general admission and can be pur- (Johnny), Eric Martsolf (Brady), Dan
chased at coastalentertainment.com/ Feuerriegel (EJ), Mike Manning (ex-
events. Charlie), Jordi Vilasuso (ex-Dario),
GH’s Wactor and Kristos Andrews
Who: DAYS’s Patrika Darbo and (Pete, THE BAY)
Bryan R. Dattilo (ex-Nancy and Lucas), What: Personal Appearance to benefit
GH’s Kathleen Gati and Johnny Samantha’s Friends
When: Sat.-Sun.,
Sept. 9-10
Where: Lakewood
Ranch Golf &
Country Club, 7650
Legacy Boulevard,
Michael E. Knight Lakewood Ranch,
(Martin, GH) 5/7 FL
RICKY MIDDLESWORTH/ABC

How: For ticket in-

formation, call Alice
at 941-518-3906 or
email aaalice1948@
aol.com.

57
bold
SON DAYS
Ridge and Brooke
catch up with Ridge, Jr.
and ask what’s been hap-
pening in his life. The trio
takes a selfie, then Ridge,
Jr. presents his parents
with unique gifts. Ridge,
Jr. expresses his feelings
about the feud between
the Logans and the For-
resters. After, Ridge offers
his son a future at For-
rester Creations.
FAMILY REUNION
Thomas assures Taylor
that his feelings for Hope
are healthy and platonic.
When Charlie tells Hope,
Taylor and Thomas that
Ridge, Jr. is in the build-
ing, Hope goes to see
her brother. Ridge, Jr.
congratulates Hope on
Flash Forward: Brooke (Katherine Kelly Lang) and
Ridge (Thorsten Kaye, r.) snapped a selfie when
Ridge, Jr. (then-Anthony Turpel) came home from
boarding school for an extended visit.
beautiful
JAIL BREAK
Sheila realizes she needs a plan to get out of prison....
Steffy reveals to Finn that she’s going to visit Sheila.
Finn worries about Steffy’s safety as she leaves to see
Sheila.... Sheila and Steffy face off in the prison visiting
room.... Finn confides his fears to Li.... Mike Guthrie
pays a surprise visit to Sheila and laments about how
Bill betrayed her. Sheila makes mysterious comments
to Mike about her plans for the future.
her fashion line success, TALK TO ME
while Ridge pushes Liam interrupts Finn
his son to work for the and Steffy in a playful,
company. romantic moment. Liam
Thomas queries Tay- again asks Steffy why
lor about her thoughts she allowed Thomas
on Ridge, Jr.’s return and back into the fold. Finn
how that might affect and Steffy understand
Brooke and Ridge’s Liam’s concerns about
romantic relationship. Hope and Thomas, but
Taylor avoids Thomas’s Steffy remains adamant
questions regarding her that she made the right
feelings about Ridge, Jr. choice for the business. A
being home. vulnerable Liam admits
to Steffy that he believes
something is pulling
Hope back to Thomas.
TO TELL THE TRUTH
Taylor finally gives in
and opens up to Thomas
about how she feels
about the prospect of a
Ridge and Brooke re-
union now that their son
flashback is home. Taylor advises
Thomas to go and see his
to 2016 brother. Thomas arrives
XJ JOHNSON/JPI
to see Ridge, Jr., and
Ridge is happy that he
is together with both of
his sons.
 CBS • CBS • CBS
How is Thomas really
feeling about Hope
(Annika Noelle)? Mat-
thew Atkinson says:
“Thomas is trying to
do everything right this
time, and he really does
respect Hope’s marriage
to Liam.”

CHANGING TIMES
Steffy assures Liam
that Thomas has changed
and is no longer a threat
to Hope. She questions
Hope’s feelings for
Thomas and wonders if
it’s actually Hope who
has changed. Steffy offers
Liam advice about his
marriage and convinces
him that he and Hope are
strong.
OH, BROTHERS
Taylor joins Thomas in
the CEO’s office. Thomas
explains to Ridge, Jr. how
he has changed. Ridge,
Jr. clarifies to Thomas
that he does not want to
get involved in drama but
will protect his family at
all costs. Steffy arrives
as they move on to the
topic of Brooke and Tay-
lor being friends. Ridge,
Brooke, Taylor, Steffy,
Hope, Thomas and Ridge,
Jr. take selfies together.
HOWARD WISE/JPI
EX MARKS
THE SPOT
Liam shares his WHAT
frustration about Hope WILL
and Thomas with Wyatt
over lunch. Bill dives
HAPPEN
into Spencer business
with Liam and Wyatt, • Steffy breaks
but confides that his real down her visit
goal is to woo Katie back
into his life. Liam cau-
with Sheila to a
tions Bill that he may be concerned Finn.
underestimating Katie’s • Ridge makes
commitment to Carter.
Katie and Carter Ridge, Jr. an
make love. Carter gets offer he can’t
concerned about Bill’s refuse.
request to see Katie.
Bill remembers • Hope is affected
wonderful moments while model-
with Katie, which fuels ing a design for
him to want Katie back Thomas.
even more. Bill readies
the house for Katie’s • Brooke, Tay-
arrival for lunch. Brooke lor and Ridge
attempts to ease Carter’s enjoy spending
fears about Katie spend-
ing time with Bill. Katie time with their
and Bill discuss the status blended family.
of their relationship. 앮
59
days
YOU AGAIN
Stephanie and Chad
rescue Kayla. Kayla and
Stephanie share an emo-
tional reunion.
A guilt-ridden Harris
almost tells Hope that Bo
is alive but loses his nerve.
Instead, he directs her to
Victor’s childhood home,
where she comes face-to-
face with Bo.
Andrew confronts Me-
gan over her lie that Thomas
Banks kidnapped Kayla.
He tells Megan her deal is
off unless she gives him a
name.
IN THE NEWS
Roman returns after
scattering Kate’s ashes in
Ireland. He’s stunned to
learn Marlena is alive as
is Kayla, but Kate didn’t
make it. Later, Andrew tells
Roman, Marlena and John
he got Megan to talk and
she claims that Kayla was
kidnapped by Bo, who is
flashback
to 2022
Police Story: Cop Lani
(Sal Stowers) shot her
father, T.R. (William
Christian).
60
lives
ON THE JOB
Gabi moves in to the DiMera mansion and she and
Stefan wake up together, anxious for their new start
to begin. After coming downstairs, EJ tries to rein in
his displeasure upon seeing them. Stefan reveals he’s
hired Gabi as a DiMera consultant, and her job will be
to evaluate EJ for inefficiency. EJ counters this by hiring
Nicole to evaluate Stefan, and the tension simmers as
all four depart for a new day at DiMera Enterprises.
alive ... and the one who help. Later, Thomas is about
killed Kate due to being to shoot Chad when Harris
brainwashed. Marlena takes bursts in and takes Thomas
an overwhelmed Roman down.
home.
BO KNOWS?
HELP WANTED Hope rushes to embrace
After arriving in Greece Bo, but he reacts coldly. He
to help find Steve and reveals he told Harris to keep
Kayla, Shawn is stunned to his presence a secret since he
learn Bo is alive. doesn’t want her back. Bo
Steve attempts to free pulls a gun on Hope when
himself from captivity while she tries to head down to the
Kayla tells Stephanie and cellar to rescue Steve. After,
Chad that Steve is being Bo marches Hope out to the
held by Bo. They’re inter- cliffs and is about to shoot her
rupted by a gun-wielding when Hope pleads for him
Thomas Banks. Stephanie to remember their love. Bo is
sends off a text to Harris for suddenly hit with a wave of
memories as he finally calls
Hope “Fancy Face”. Hope is
overjoyed until Bo is shot!
Bo drops to the ground as
Hope screams out in horror
while Steve rushes to Shawn
... who holds the smoking
PHOTOS: XJ JOHNSON/JPI
gun. While tending to Bo,
Hope explains to Shawn that
the real Bo came back to her.
Bo is rushed to the hospital,
where he flatlines and is
declared dead. Hope faints
 PEACOCK • PEACOCK
How is Jada feeling
about the possibil-
WHAT
WILL
ity that Talia (Aketra
Sevillian, l.) is involved
with the tainted
biscuits drama? Elia
HAPPEN
Cantu responds:
• Jada questions
“She’s feeling very Paulina.
torn and kind of alone
in this situation. Her • Kayla and
detective sensors are Stephanie return
going off. If Talia has
something to do with
to Salem.
this, why? Jada just • Alex opens up to
wants the truth.” Maggie.

and has a fantasy of their
reunion. When she wakes up,
she learns from Nurse Angela
that Bo’s heart started beating
again.
Steve comforts Shawn,
who’s a wreck about shooting
his father. Later, Stephanie,
Chad, and Kayla arrive,
and the Johnson family is
reunited. Bo makes it through
surgery, but he’s now in a
coma. Harris, meanwhile,
drops Thomas Banks off with
the ISA.
IN THE CLEAR
Leo grills Chanel and
Johnny about their engage-
ment, and they insist it was
all because of the drugged
biscuits.
Tripp and Wendy’s first
date takes an unexpected turn.
However, they are eventu-
ally drawn into a kiss, which
is interrupted by a call from
Chanel. Chanel explains to
Tripp that she and Johnny
only got engaged because
they were under the influence
of a drug. Tripp puts Wendy
on the phone with Johnny,
and Wendy finally gets the
full story.
SWEET LITTLE LIES
Rafe and Jada, feeling
pressure from Abe, question
Talia and Chanel again
about the tainted Sweet Bits
biscuits. Later, Jada and
Rafe consult their notes,
and Jada realizes something
Talia said isn’t true.
Melinda encounters
Sloan with Eric, and an
angry confrontation ensues
as Melinda is convinced that
Sloan’s behind the drugged
biscuits debacle. However,
Eric steps up and provides
an alibi for the entire night.
Talia meets up with
Colin, Sloan’s brother, who
is the mastermind behind all
that has happened to Paulina
and Chanel since Sloan’s
civil suit failed. Colin ma-
nipulates Talia into continu-
ing his bidding. Jada calls
to clear up the discrepancy.
Talia’s caught off-guard and
with Colin’s help, she makes
up a story which in the end,
doesn’t sit well with Jada,
and she privately shares this
with Rafe.
Chanel runs into Alex and
tries to rope him into seduc-
ing Sloan to get information
from her. Alex resists, citing
his new relationship with
Gwen.
Sloan asks Leo to write a
column about how Rafe and
Jada were seen kissing, in
direct violation of Abe’s new
policy.
ROOMIE REPORT
Brady tells Eric he’s wor-
ried about Chloe and Xan-
der’s growing connection.
Meanwhile, Chloe and Xan-
der, realizing they both need
a new place to live, agree
to move in together. Later,
Chloe and Xander bump into
Talia leaving Colin’s room.
Talia makes a quick exit
when Xander brings up the
tainted biscuits. 앮
61
general hospital
MAP QUEST PREPARE YE
Victor nabs Trina on The
Haunted Star and threatens Carly tries to make peace with Nina, but their confab
to throw her overboard. devolves into a shouting match, after which a fuming
Spencer pleads with him Nina vows to make Carly pay. On Michael’s wedding day,
to spare Trina’s life, but it Sonny preps Dex for their important meeting with the
is Obrecht who convinces Pikeman group. Dante is surprised to learn that Sonny
Victor that Trina is more scored an invite to the nuptials. Sonny is hopeful that he
useful to them alive. Back and Michael will reconcile fully. Kristina sings Sonny’s
in Port Charles, Portia and praises to Dex, leaving him more conflicted, but he still
Ava share their worry over calls Michael to tell him about the Pikeman meeting.
Trina. Curtis and Drew tell Sonny has mixed feelings about going to the wedding
Portia that they are teaming without Nina. Nina puts on a brave face — but privately,
up to find Trina. In Kim she plans to execute her revenge against Carly.
Nero’s storage unit, the
men find a map that they mom that she is worried ELQ’s stock price. Ned
hope relates to Project she might not be able to wonders if he should
Demeter — and might lead conceive. Alexis reassures throw in with Drew and
them to Victor. They share her, and TJ and Molly keep Michael to oust Valentin
it with Laura. their hopes up about start- from ELQ power.
ing a family.
BABY TALK COAST GUARDS
Molly informs TJ and TAKE THE PLUNGE Locked in a stateroom,
Alexis that she has been Ned vents to Brook Spencer and Trina almost
diagnosed with endome- Lynn about how Valen- give in to passion, but
triosis. She confides in her tin’s latest stunt has hurt their close moment is
broken when
the yacht
flashback arrives at its
mysterious
to 2017 destination.
Opposite this,
The More You Know: Robert helps
An amnesiac Drew Curtis, Drew
(then-Billy Miller) was and Laura
surprised to learn that
he shared a romantic
confirm that
past, and a son, with The Haunted
Kim Nero (Tamara Star is docked
Braun). at an island
XJJOHNSON/JPI

off the coast

of Greenland.
Drew tells the
Quartermaines
 ABC • ABC • ABC
WHAT
WILL
HAPPEN
• Michael makes
an accusation.
How does Willow react when she learns Drew
(Cameron Mathison, r.) can’t attend her wedding to
• Dex must be
Michael (Chad Duell)? Katelyn MacMullen says: discreet.
“At first, she’s massively confused because he’s • Holly makes
always been such a reliable friend and person in a startling
her life. But then to find [that he’s] gone after Liesl discovery.
to try to save her life, that’s obviously a very ac-
ceptable excuse! But it also adds stress, because
Willow doesn’t want Drew risking his life for her.” in on Robert and
they are poised to
kiss when Holly
that he’s missing the conversation only leaves enters. Diane is upset to
CHRISTINE BARTOLUCCI/ABC

wedding to track down
Obrecht and sneaks a pri-
vate good-bye with Carly.
Laura tells Valentin that
they’ve located Victor.
Curtis tries to tell Portia
that he’s leaving town,
but finds her asleep in her
office and decides not to
wake her.
INNOCENT ACT
Gladys tries to con-
vince Sasha that Cody
is nothing more than a
grifter. Sam’s chat with
Gladys solidifies her
belief that Cody was set
up. Cody maintains his
innocence to Brook Lynn,
but can’t fully defend
himself without revealing
his connection to Selina.
He insists to Sasha that
he isn’t guilty, but their
her more skeptical.
GUESS WHO’S BACK
Holly, Ethan, Tracy and
Felicia fly back to Port
Charles. Before they part
ways, Ethan tells Holly
something he learned
while Victor’s hostage. At
the Quartermaines’, wed-
ding prep is in full swing,
but Ned is distracted by
ELQ’s financial troubles.
He phones Valentin and
fumes over what Val
has to say. The family is
thrown by Tracy’s surprise
arrival. Tracy and Carly
clash. Tracy and Brook
Lynn privately connect
about the behind-the-
scenes efforts they made
to ensure that Chase was
reinstated to the PCPD.
Meanwhile, Diane drops
learn that Robert misled
her about Holly’s fate, us-
ing her as a pawn to fool
Victor. She storms out and
vents to Alexis, who can
tell Diane has feelings for
Robert.
COME FLY WITH ME
Valentin insists on
joining Laura, Curtis and
Drew on the plane to
Greenland. Carly breaks
the news to Willow that
Drew went off in search
of Obrecht; Willow asks
her to fill in for Drew
and give her away at the
wedding. Alexis informs
Anna that Valentin left
town. Robert and Holly
approach Anna with dis-
turbing information about
Victor and his master plan
for humanity. 앮
63
young restless
DRAG RACE DON’T STOP ME NOW
In the motel room, Jere-
my declares to Phyllis that Diane rebuffs Jack when he pays her a visit. Michael
they’re going on the run urges Christine and Chance to continue investigating
together and blocks her Phyllis’s death instead of blaming Diane. Jack insists
from escaping. They get to Michael and Christine that Diane must be released
into a physical confronta- on bail. Ashley expresses her exasperation at Jack’s
tion and Phyllis kills Stark, efforts to exonerate Diane and warns her brother that
then drags his body out. Diane will cost Jack everything that’s dear to him.
Ashley vents about Jack and Diane to Abby, who sug-
CRISIS AVERTED gests that her mom move out of the Abbott house to
At Jabot, Billy distracts get away from the drama.
Kyle from his personal
problems by debating about Phyllis’s death. Billy eyes Lily and Daniel
business decisions. Kyle Billy encourages Kyle to and senses a vibe between
and Billy manage a PR be there for Summer. them. Lily notes to Daniel
crisis at Jabot stemming that she feels good about
from Leanna’s article PARTY OF THREE having ended things with
Abby, Noah, Billy. Billy remarks to
flashback to 2003 Sharon and Chelsea that he’s happy
Elena surprise Lily is moving on with
Mariah, Tessa Daniel, which gives him
and Aria with a permission to move on, as
baby shower at well. He and Chelsea then
Corpse Of Society. Sharon make love.
Action: A pan- toasts to the new
icked Sharon
(Sharon Case) family. DONE DEAL
disposed of Audra rejects Tucker’s
Cameron’s SEPARATE offer to leave town with
body after LIVES him and be his right hand
she clocked
him over the Lily comforts again. Tucker inks the
head with a Daniel after he contract signing McCall
champagne wakes up from Unlimited over to Victor.
bottle in a a nightmare. Tucker repays his debt to
motel room.
He tells her that Ashley and she suggests
if she wants, he move in with her. She
she can forget admits she’s not ready to
that they slept let him go and they begin
together. Over to make love.
JOHN PASCHAL/JPI

lunch, Billy and

Chelsea celebrate GIRL POWER
getting their lives After a sonogram ap-
back on track. pointment, Nick feels left
64
 Nate. Nate lies

CBS • CBS • CBS

How does Summer feel to Elena that
about not telling Daniel he’s going to
(Michael Graziadei) L.A. solo. Elena
that their mother is beams to Audra
alive? Allison Lanier that things are
answers: looking up for
her and Nate.
“That’s going to be
really tough. She has OUR LITTLE
so much empathy for SECRET
what Daniel is going Summer
through because she’s heads to the
been going through the park lookout and
same nightmare.”

HOWARD WISE/JPI
is stunned when
Phyllis reveals
herself. Phyllis
comes clean
with her daugh-
out as Adam and Sally Kyle and Summer. Diane ter about her deception
celebrate that they’re hav- speculates to Michael that and implores Summer to
ing a girl. Sally suggests Phyllis may have played not tell anyone that she’s
to Adam that they tell a role in her own murder. alive in order to give her
Connor about his new Michael gets word from time to figure out a way
sister. Victor asks Nick Kyle that Stark is dead. to exonerate herself. Op-
to help Adam run McCall Later, Michael tells Jack posite this, Jack beseeches
Unlimited. Nick declines that Stark’s death appears Diane to marry him before
and accidentally reveals to be a homicide. her trial begins so that he
the gender of Sally’s can support her through
baby to Victor. Victor L.A. STORY the ordeal. 앮
congratulates Adam After Victor
about having a daughter tells Nikki and SUDOKU ANSWERS
and tells him about his Victoria that he
acquisition of McCall. purchased McCall, 8 2 9 6 4 5 7 1 3
Adam says he’ll let Vic- Victoria invites 5
tor know if he decides to Nate to join her on
6 3 2 7 1 9 4 8
run the company. a business trip to 4 1 7 9 3 8 6 5 2
Los Angeles. Nate
DEAD END tells Audra about 9 3 1 8 2 7 5 6 4
Chance gets word his travel plans.
that Jeremy was found Nick updates Vic- 6 7 5 3 9 4 8 2 1
dead. He alerts Jack, who toria about Victor 2 4 8 5
opines that Stark’s demise wanting him to
1 6 3 7 9
should make Chance run McCall with 7 9 2 1 5 3 4 8 6
question Diane’s guilt. Adam and warns
Chance enjoys a dinner his sister that 1 5 6 4 8 9 2 3 7
out with Sharon as Jack she may regret 3 8
reports Stark’s death to going away with
4 7 6 2 1 9 5
65

I’m pretty new to B&B. Who
are the mothers of Bill’s three
sons?
V.F., via email
A Liam Cooper came to town in 2010 and
relayed that his mother, former Forrester
model Kelly, had passed away, then learned
Bill was his dad. In 2013, Wyatt appeared
with his mother, Quinn Fuller, unaware
she’d had a fling with Bill years prior. Katie
gave birth to Will in 2012 while wed to Bill.
I have only been watching GH
for four or five years. On the
anniversary of the show, Monica was
saying something to Liz about her
continuing the tradition of the Hardy
and March families. Could you please
I was reading a recent issue
of SOD and saw a picture of
Reign Edwards [ex-Nicole,
B&B]. I could see a resem-
blance to Whitney Kerr [Por-
tia, GH]. Can you print side-
by-side photos? I recently
resubscribed to the magazine
and so glad I did!
Edwards
Linda S., via email
66
SEAN SMITH/JPI
Boy Wonder: B&B’s Bill (Don
Diamont, l.) was surprised to learn
Quinn (Rena Sofer) had sired
their son, Wyatt (Darin Brooks).
tell me about the history of these two
families, who they’re related to, and
who is currently on the show?
Marcy, Wayne, IN
A Nurse Lucille March was an original
character on the show when it debuted in
1963, and she worked at General Hospital
alongside Dr. Steve Hardy. In time, Lu-
cille’s younger sister, Audrey, joined the
nursing staff and married Steve (multiple
times), linking the two families together.
Steve adopted Thomas, Audrey’s son by
Tom Baldwin (Tom’s brother, Lee, was
Scott Baldwin’s adoptive father), and was
the biological father of Dr. Jeff Webber,
who himself had four children: Steven
Lars, Sarah, Elizabeth and Hayden. Eliza-
beth and her children (Cameron, Aiden
CRAIG SJODIN/ABC
JILL JOHNSON/JPI
Kerr

and Jake), and Hayden’s daughter with
Finn, Violet, are the only characters cur-
rently on the show who are direct descen-
dants of Steve, who was the hospital’s be-
loved chief of staff at the time of his death
in 1996. There are no characters currently
on the show who are biologically related
to the Marches, but Audrey certainly con-
siders Liz to be her granddaughter, even
though they are technically related by mar-
riage, not blood. Audrey has not appeared
on the show in the years you’ve been
watching but is presumably still living in
Port Charles, albeit off camera.
I know that Y&R’s Doug David-
son (Paul) is considered the
longest-running cast member, but
since we haven’t seen him in a very
long time, who’s next in line?
Jeff M., via email
A That would be Melody Thomas Scott,
who took over the role of Nikki in 1979.
Who is the actor who played
Detective Bennett on GH? He
looks very familiar.
Loni B., via email
A If you’re a nighttime soap fan, you may
recognize his portrayer, Kendrick Cross,
from the role of Titus on 2019’s sudsy dra-
ma, AMBITIONS.
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0132.
 WHAT NEXT?
B&B’s Sheila Carter is
finally where she deserves
to be, but only until BOLD
viewers start to miss their
seductive and sinister Sheila.
Her character is addictive
and I, for one, am eagerly
awaiting her return. As the
only female villain on the
show, Sheila has provided
hours of on-the-edge-of-
your-seat entertainment,
thanks to Kimberlin Brown,
who plays the character with
ease and stunning believ-
ability. Who knows what this
HOWARD WISE/JPI
68
fascinating character will do
next? If viewers remember,
Sheila has a few kids lurk-
ing about. Perhaps one of
them, Daisy, could somehow
spring her mom from jail —
they seem to have a knack
for that — team up and con-
spire against Bill. I’m in the
mood for a good kidnapping
storyline. How about you?
Kimberly K., via email
MISSING IN ACTION
I have watched Y&R
from the beginning and
have enjoyed every episode.
“As the only
female villain
on [B&B], Sheila
has provided
hours of on-the-
edge-of-your-
seat entertain-
ment, thanks
to Kimberlin
Brown, who
plays the char-
acter with ease
and stunning
believability.”
The 50th celebration was
spectacular with all the past
actors and actresses coming
back. I loved seeing Gina,
Danny, Mamie and Leanna,
but there was one big hole
in returning faves: Doug
Davidson [Paul]. No one
bought he was in Portugal
visiting Heather. He should
have been there running
the investigation into what
happened to Phyllis. Bought
your special edition booklet
of Y&R and really love it.
Big thank you!!
Robert S., via email
[Ed. Note: Thank you,
Robert!]
THANKS FOR THE
MEMORIES
I’ve been meaning to
write in for a while about
this but for some reason
I haven’t, so here it goes:
I’m so sorry to hear of
Ben Masters’s [ex-Julian,
PASSIONS] passing. That
was so devastating. I loved
PASSIONS and Ben/Julian
were a huge part of that,
whether he was paired with
Ivy, Eve or even Tabitha!
The way he said, “That’s
preposterous!” made for so
many laughs in my house

while watching, so all I
can say is thank you so, so
much for the laughs and
everything, Ben Masters.
We loved you so much, and
thank you for Julian Crane!
May you rest in peace! To
say you were epic is such an
understatement!
C.S. in Canada
QUEEN ELIZABETH
I am writing to express
my deepest condolences to
the family and friends of
Elizabeth Hubbard, who
played Lucinda Walsh on AS
THE WORLD TURNS, and
the entire cast and crew who
worked with her. Elizabeth
nailed it in every scene she
was in. My favorite is the hot
tub scene, where John pulled
her in to the tub. She was a
lovely and talented actress.
Rest easy, Elizabeth. You will
be missed very much. Thank
you for giving us Lucinda.
Michelle M., via email
DOUBLE STANDARD
New Titan CEO Maggie
“[DAYS’s] Maggie
[Suzanne Rogers]
has forgiven the
many sins of Victor
(and Xander!).
Why is she treating
Alex [Robert Scott
Wilson] so
differently?”
on DAYS has been berat-
ing Alex for trying to do
business the same way that
Victor did for decades.
Maggie may not like Alex’s
tactics but she’s spent years
living (very comfortably)
off an empire built on
organized crime, so she’s in
no position to act morally
superior now. She married
Victor with her eyes wide
open — and longtime
DAYS viewers know that
Victor has not always been
the lovable curmudgeon
that we’ve seen of late.
Maggie has forgiven the
many sins of Victor (and
Xander!). Why is she treat-
ing Alex so differently?
Andy in Madison
ICE, ICE BABY
GH writers have out-
done themselves! They
have tied so many story-
lines together and brought
flashbacks and GH history
to us fans! Bravo! Once
again, the Cassadines are in
the forefront with wonder-
SOAP OPERA DIGEST
XJ JOHNSON/JPI
ful flashbacks from the Ice
Princess age of the 1980s.
The writers have miracu-
lously brought characters
together like Anna, Robert,
Diane, Sonny, Portia,
Curtis, Spencer, Trina,
Nina, Laura, Esme, Liesl,
Scotty, Willow, Michael,
etc. Brilliant writing! This
chapter, hopefully, will
tie up so many loose ends
and create new wonderful
storylines!
Valerie L., Aurora, IL
NETWORK ADDRESSES
BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL/
YOUNG AND RESTLESS
c/o CBS-TV
7800 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
DAYS OF OUR LIVES
3000 West Alameda Ave.,
Burbank, CA 91505
GENERAL HOSPITAL
c/o ABC-TV
4151 Prospect Ave.
Hollywood, CA 90027
69
MAILBAG
“SPRINA” AWAKENING
Lisa C. emails, “Thanks
for featuring Spencer and
Trina, GH. This young
couple is beautiful and pas-
sionate and gives me all
the feels of legendary soap
couples like Luke and Laura.
Can’t wait to see what’s next
for them.” S.U. in Florida
adds, “I am so incredibly
thrilled to see that the writ-
ers at GH have chosen to
give Spencer and Trina a
proper storyline to showcase
danger, angst, adventure
and love in the afternoon!
This is exactly what a young
couple should be doing!
The fact that Spencer is
Laura’s grandson and this
is a callback to the original
Ice Princess storyline is
perfection! It has only just
begun but I am seated and
tuning in to see where this
takes the young lovebirds
as they mix it up with all of
the veterans!” D.S. writes,
“Just wanted to write in to
say how much I am loving
‘Sprina’, especially their
adventure on The Haunted
Star as of late. The way
Spencer hugs her, know- attendance. Janice Lynde
ing she’s safe ... and those (ex-Leslie) was also on the
kisses! Please give us more first episode and was at the
of their romance mixed with bash. We regret the error.
adventure. It’s the kind of
fun that’s been missing on YOU SAID IT
GH for some time.” “When [DAYS’s] Alex
walked in to Marlena’s
CORRECTION office, I was thrilled, until
In our “Gold Rush” Marlena asked him if he
coverage of Y&R’s 50th was Alex Kiriakis. Justin
Anniversary party in the and Adrienne were some
4/10 issue, we incorrectly of Marlena’s best friends.
identified Tom Hallick It made no sense that she
(ex-Brad) as the only didn’t know who he was.”
original cast member in — Meryl M., via email
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CBS • CBS • CBS

(Lauren, Y&R)
Q What are your favorite pizza
toppings? “Anything vegan.”
Q What is your go-to comfort food?
“Vegan pizza or curry.”
Q What is on the screen saver of
your phone? “My sons, dressed up
to go to a Dickens Christmas
party.”
Q What is your least
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“Anything and every-
thing.”
Q Do you have an
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particularly good
at? “British
because I
had one
as a
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TAKE
SONJA FLEMMING/CBS

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