Bit of a cad. CONTRACT ROLE.”
• What is the mark of a great executive producer and head writer? In an ON AIR, ON SOAPS interview with Bradley Bell, Michael Fairman answered the question by explaining it’s “the ability to roll with the punches when the unexpected happens! And that is exactly what B&B's Brad Bell has been doing after the stunning announcements that series stars, Ronn Moss and Susan Flannery made decisions to leave the CBS soap after 25 years.”
Other nuggets in the interview include a tease about Heather Tom’s big story, which could equal Emmy number five for the star!
Bell says, “With Heather, she can basically read the phone book and make it good. But, we have a great women’s issue storyline coming Heather’s way this fall … like a freight train! We are so excited about this. It will give Heather a storyline that she has never had before. Something that affects so many women around the world, and Heather is going to ace it for sure. It’s exciting to have powerful material heading in the direction of an incredibly powerful actress. This is a must-see storyline!”
The big question on everyone’s mind is how Bell plans on writing out Stephanie Forrester when Flannery exits at the end of this year. “We won’t be using Susan’s send-off as a vehicle,” said the Emmy winner. “I think she deserves better than that. So it’s going to be all about Stephanie, and all about Susan. Hopefully, it will be one of the great tributes on daytime, ever!”
Bell admits his relationship with La Flannery hasn’t always been smooth sailing. He offers, “We have a great mutual respect for one another. We have enjoyed locking horns once in awhile. I can be difficult, and she can be difficult, but that is all part of this, and what we really love and how we learn from each other. I will miss her. Susan had made her impact on this show, obviously. She is our matriarch forever.”
As for the much-hated and overplayed Hope-Liam-Steffy love triangle, Bell shares our frustrations, explaining that he realizes he's oversaturated the canvas with the young romantic equation. But, the soap heir defends, he had no choice! “The fans are saying that this triangle is overplayed right now, and they are absolutely right,” he affirms. “We are just about to take a break from that, as they have been front and center for a long time. We are going to take a break and see more families in the fall. I was ready to take a break from them, but then I heard Ronn [Moss]’s decision to leave and there were so many things up in the air. Part of the reason of this extended version of Steffy/Liam/Hope was that I was not sure who I had on the canvas. So now we are gearing up for a new chapter, but all three of them were so fantastic. We are up in the ratings from last year due to them. They have all grown so much as actors. I could not be more pleased. They have all been a hit for us.”
Does Bell listen to the audience? “I have always enjoyed the viewer’s comments,” he says. “They are interesting and great. My dad, Bill Bell was into DAYTIME TV Magazine, when they had a poll in it. He would look at that and have the magazine open on his desk and he would refer to it. And, why not? We are foolish not to pay attention to these people who are specialists and analysts. So I enjoy reading the feedback all the time. I don’t tell story according to it, but if I say it doesn’t have an impact, that is not true either. It does.”
Did you hear that Maria Arena Bell?
What about Brooke? “Yes, there will be a new man in Brooke’s life,” the Emmy winner confirms. “And I do know who that man is. Dr. Meade is cool! But you know Brooke. There won’t just be one man! (Laughs).”
For more B&B tidbits, click here (https://michaelfairmansoaps.com/the-bold-and-the-beautiful/the-brad-bell-interview-the-bold-and-the-beautiful/2012/09/21/) for more of the Bell interview.
DAYS OF OUR LIVES, GLOBAL/NBC — Who Should Hope Be Paired With?
• Nadia Bjorlin is back in Salem this week. Filming, that is. The beautiful actress tells UNCENSORED her first day back is Tuesday! But we’ll have to wait until January 2013 to see Chloe back in action. Check out the star’s most recent interview in SOAP OPERA DIGEST this week where she discusses the magical Broe pairing.
• After four years, Molly Burnett will be leaving her Emmy-nominated role this week. In story 41, Melanie decides to spend some time with her mother, Carly, after learning that Chad beat up Nick and knew about JT and Gabi’s involvement. Not wanting to be involved in any more drama, Mel gives Maggie Chad’s engagement ring and leaves town.
Since leaving the soap this past June, Burnett has been scoring one gig after another. Besides the ACME online comedy soap, SCANDAL CREST, Burnett landed a film role and an appearance on a new TV series. The actress is keeping mum on the title but does hint that another former DAYS co-star has appeared on said series.
• Kristian Alfonso, who recently visited Toronto again to promote her jewelry line on The Shopping Channel (and stalk me!), is thrilled with the new scripts being penned by “new” co-head writers Gary Tomlin and Chris Whitesell despite the fact that sources conveyed she wasn’t happy the last time they were in charge at DAYS.
She tells MSN.ca, "I have to say, I'm enjoying the scripts! I love the dialog; it's snappy, quick and heartfelt."
The actress confesses that she's also fascinated with storylines across the board, "Something happens with Daniel, so I was talking to Shawn [Christian] about it and said 'Oh my gosh! I can't believe that happens with Nicole!' He's like, 'What?' I haven't read it yet! It tells you how much we're all enjoying the writing and stories."
Alfonso also praises the work of the recently ousted head writers, Marlene McPherson and Darrell Ray Thomas Jr., "I enjoyed their writing. I loved the story that they wrote, keeping Alice Horton very front and center because she was so pivotal in Hope's life.”
Alfonso is bracing herself for the imminent departure of Hope’s love interest, Bo Brady, when Peter Reckell last airs. "He was really emotional on his last day,” she says. “I remember holding him during our last scene, and I could feel the emotion in his body and his eyes filled up a little bit with tears. I said, 'Do you want to take five minutes?' He replied, 'No, I'm good.' So we did our last scenes together and they were beautifully written. Peter did a phenomenal job. I will definitely miss Bo and Hope."
And so will we.
But Alfonso is remaining optimistic to reel and real life without Reckell. "We've worked individually before, without one and another, so I think it's going to be okay. I'm excited about stories that are going to come into fruition [because of Bo's exit]. They have a lot of great ideas. I'm excited to see what lands on the pages."
Could Hope be getting a new leading man?
"I leave the writing to the writers, she says. "They haven't let me down yet! The thing is there's so much history with Bo and Hope. Hope was a teenager when I first started on the show. She was in high school and a candy striper at the hospital. It was so long ago! He was a merchant marine, either in his early or mid-20s. I think that what the viewer struggles with is the history of these characters together and why they wouldn't want to see them with anyone else. Bo has been with other women when I haven't been on the canvas."
My pick for a Hope’s next love interest? Rafe. Or Stefano!
GENERAL HOSPITAL, CITYTV /ABC — RIP John Ingle! Hennesy Returns!
• It’s about fucking time! Carolyn Hennesy is back as Diane, the two-time Daytime Emmy Award-nominated actress tweeted. During her GH hiatus, Hennesy has been busy starring on TRUE BLOOD and COUGAR TOWN.
• Cowboys Vs. Mafia: According to SOAP OPERA DIGEST, GH’s executive producer Frank Valentini met with Jerry ver Dorn recently. Is the Emmy winner bringing ONE LIFE’s Clint Buchanan to Port Chuck?
• Remember Ingo Rademacher’s controversial, viral tweet in which he re-named GH, “ONE HOSPITAL TO KILL?” Well, in this week’s SOAP OPERA DIGEST, the actor clarifies he was making a “go” at the network — not Cartini. He now calls GH, “ONE HOSPITAL YOU CAN’T KILL.” Nice safe, Ingo. And while Jax is headed out of Port Chuck, expect the sexy Aussie to return in the near future for another story arc.
• An end of an era: Emmy winner Steve Burton is scheduled to exit Oct. 22. Personally, I believe Burton’s exit will be a very good thing for GH (especially for those warring Liason and JaSam fanbases) but I hope he returns down the road (perhaps with Brenda on his arm).
• In story 411, Liz faces an ethical dilemma when she gets her hands on the DNA sample from Victor Jr. that John obtained in Llanview. Will she tamper with the results to keep JaSam apart? It’s not shown onscreen what the good nurse does. But this is interesting: Liz tells Carly her sights are focused on reclaiming Jason. In response, Carly apologizes to Liz for treating her like crap all those years ago. Carly explains she was jealous of Liason’s relationship.” I guess Carly is Team Liason now.
• CASTING COUCH: Now that CSI: MIAMI has been cancelled, wouldn’t it be great if GH brought on Dr. Maria Santos as played by Eva La Rue? Or hired as a Connie/Kate recast? Think of the liquid hot chemistry that Mo Benard and La Rue could generate together! Plus, La Rue looks more Italian — and more age appropriate for the ill-received role.
Meanwhile, the former AMC superstar opens up to DIGEST this week to promote her new jewelry line. She also sounds off on why she hated the final episode of AMC (Not enough montages and sad music, she laments), her dream project (AMC: The Movie), and how she’s thrilled that THE REVOLUTION and THE CHEW were/are ratings disasters! “I think it’s gratifying to me and all soap fans,” she declares. “Some part of us says, ‘See? You were wrong!’ I feel like the soaps could have been saved had they been retooled in some way. I feel like they gave up way too soon.”
• Sad news: Last week, John Ingle passed away at the age of 84. He held on long enough to see his last on-air performance as Edward Quartermaine two weeks ago, which drew raves from critics and fans. He’ll be missed.
Fans should be rest assured that head writer Ron Carlivati, who won his first and only Emmy for penning Asa Buchanan’s death on ONE LIFE, will write off the surly but lovable patriarch with class and dignity. I hope GH brings back Wally Kurth (or Kurt McKinney) as Ned for the funeral (which you know will include pizza). Who else should come back?
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, GLOBAL/CBS — Is Tristan Rogers Back? Update: Christel Khalil on Recurring Status — and It’s Her Choice!
• The latest on Christel Khalil: A source close to the actress confirms that the Emmy winner is on recurring status, which is what she wanted, so she could have the flexibility to audition for non-soap roles. In fact, Khalil just booked a gig on TWO BROKE GIRLS on CBS! Congrats.
• Last week, UNCENSORED broke the exciting news that Emmy winner Jess Walton will be returning to Y&R after a six-month summer hiatus. While the comeback is slated for only 4-6 weeks, word is Walton may extend her time in Genoa City when new story permits.
The question on everyone’s minds now is: Will Walton’s super-couple partner, Tristan Rogers, return as Cane’s evil dad, Colin? During Maria Arena Bell’s reign, Rogers announced he would be reprising the breakout role this fall.
UNCENSORED spoke with the Aussie leading man to find out if he’ll be joining Walton, and here's what he had to say: Sadly, there is no news to report at press time.
He tells me, “I spoke with Jess today [and I’m happy she’s back on the show]. But I am in no way connected with her return. If it happens, you will probably know before I do.”
Y&R needs an authentic, bona fide villain and the charming and talented Rogers fits the bill perfectly. CBS would be smart to sign Rogers to a contract before GH inevitably steals the popular star away.
• In story 411, Victor is presumed dead! But alas, it doesn’t last long. The Great Victor Newman rises from ashes once again to interrupt Sharon and Tucker’s last-minute wedding and surprises Nikki, who is mourning her ex-hubby's death, at his grave. Look for Sharon’s mother, Doris, to return to town for another mother-daughter smackdown. “Girl,” Doris says. “You be acting all cray-cray and all…”
• How great was it to see Stacy Haiduk back as Patty Williams last week? I hope the new regime finds a place for the talented actress on this new-and-improved canvas. Haiduk’s the new Kimberlin Brown — minus the crazy and lesbian tendencies!
• With rumours that Jen Landon could be out at Y&R as Heather, could Vail Bloom reprise the role she originated? Well, considering executive producer Jill Farren Phelps has been absorbing HOLLYWOOD HEIGHTS rejects it seems possible, especially after I spied Bloom on the Sept. 12 episode of the telenovela! FYI: Bloom left the series due to murky personal and backstage issues, claim sources.
• Joshua Morrow and Sharon Case bring the sexy and the cray-cray to THE TALK this Wednesday to celebrate soaps 10 K Episode.
“We’re proud to have reached this milestone,” said Angelica McDaniel, Senior VP, Daytime, CBS Entertainment. “10,000 episodes of a show is almost unheard of in television, and on behalf of everyone at CBS, Sony and the Bell Dramatic Serial Company, congratulations to the wonderful cast, the crew and the fans of Y&R. We have many more stories to tell and are excited for what lies ahead.”
Especially now that we’ve gotten rid of that delusional hack!
• He should just move here: Daniel Goddard is Toronto-bound again. He tells me, “I’m back in mid-October. I’ll give you more details as they happen.” I expect his latest sojourn to Hollywood North will have him further promoting his Aqua Swiss watch line on The Shopping Channel.
• In an interview with SOAPS IN DEPTH, Maria Arena Bell shared with the magazine some of her future story she had planned before her sorry ass was fired: She was going to reunite Danny and Christine! Whew! We may have dodged a bullet there, kids.
• More firings are imminent….
• Say it ain’t so: Is Michael Muhney leaving Y&R? Two weeks ago, the popular leading man tweeted that he had tested for a “phenomenal pilot for primetime. Phenomenal. And yes, I’d have to leave Y&R.”
Do Y&R fans have to worry about losing the future of Y&R? Nope. Sources say Muhney turned down the pilot.
• Last week, UNCENSORED broke news that Lindsay Bushman was let go and the role of Summer would be recast. What I couldn’t say was that Summer had already been recast with HOLLYWOOD HEIGHTS starlet Hunter Haley King before Bushman was told she was let go. “Hunter’s a good little actress,” raves a co-star. Good thing, too, since Summer will be prominently featured in future story. A lot.
Shhh!
SOAP OPERA MYSTERY HOUR
This week’s hottest blind items!
• Which soap opera is set to burn down an iconic piece of on-air real estate?
• Which soap opera is fully aware a star has been buying his Twitter followers?
• Which superstar is not being allowed to change his lines in order for his character to maintain a stranglehold on the show? And he’s not happy about it!
• Which former soap superstar, who is desperate to get back on her show, has been wining and dining former co-stars to help her in realizing her mission?
• Which soap star called in sick to work recently so he/she could audition for other parts?
The Idiot Ratings
NIELSEN MILK: Sept. 10-14
Winners: B&B/GH Up From Last Year!
Losers: All Soaps Decline! Reportedly, KATIE earned .6 nationally this past Friday! Don’t f*ck with soap fans, ABC!
Numbers are based on Live+Same Day ratings
(Compared to Last Week/Compared to Last Year)
Total Viewers
1. Y&R 4,216,000 (-82,000/-33,000)
2. B&B 3,164,000 (-34,000/+522,000)
3. GH 2,528,000 (-33,000/+89,000)
4. DAYS 2,297,000 (-161,000/-25,000)
Households
1. Y&R 3.2/11 (same/same)
2. B&B 2.4/8 (-.1/+.3)
3. GH 1.9/6 (same/+.1)
4. DAYS 1.8/6 (-.1/+.1)
Women 18-49 Viewers
1. Y&R 792,000 (-20,000/-43,000)
2. B&B 655,000 (+47,000/+145,000)
3. GH 587,000 (-21,0
00/-73,000)
4. DAYS 504,000 (+25,000/-77,000)
Women 18-49 Rating
1. Y&R 1.2/8 (-.1/-.1)
Nelson Branco's SOAP OPERA UNCENSORED: Issue 48 Page 4
