Nelson Branco's Soap Opera Uncensored: Issue 44
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DIGEST does a major cover story with Scott Clifton soon.
As for Moss returning to the show, a source stresses once again to UNCENSORED, “there’s a reason Ronn is re-tweeting all this fan love and tweets from fans refusing to accept a Ridge recast. This is a public, er, pubic, war between Brad and Ronn.”
Moreover, the source reveals that Flannery and Moss are furious over Bell’s fascination with the younger set and decided to walk together.
Katherine Kelly Lang — whew— has re-signed with the show but it’s unclear whether or not John McCook has.
As the original core four (quite the popular phrase these days), Flannery, McCook, Moss and KKL’s contracts all expire at the same time.
Moss had this to say about Flannery’s exit: “I had already known that, and the reason that my leaving got broadcast out was because Susan had blurted out on stage that we were both leaving last week. I knew that, and I knew that she was considering doing this. I think she’s doing it sooner than she even was thinking, but I think that says something. I’ll leave it there because I have to. I can’t really comment on that because her path is there now, too.”
Bullshit.
In fact, I’m hearing from various insiders that B&B workers “are thrilled the bitch is gone!” One mole told me, “Susan has left on awful terms. She’s a cunt among cunts the way she ended [her iconic run on B&B after 25 years] and her reputation on set is that she is cruel and incredibly bossy to everyone, including crew and guest stars. No one is going to miss her.”
Yep, for once on B&B, there is an epic backstage battle between the stars and a Bell.
• Here’s some good news: Sean Kanan is back on B&B, reports this week’s DIGEST. When was the last time B&B had all this bombshell casting news? Oh, right: Never.
• The best writer in daytime history speaks to UNCENSORED next week. Yep, his name is multiple Emmy winner and Doug Marland disciple Patrick Mulcahey. Find out why he loves to write those Emmy-worthy scenes for Don Diamont and Scott Clifton — plus, how the show will survive sans Flannery and Moss. (It will, by the way.)
DAYS OF OUR LIVES, NBC/GLOBAL — Bjorlin’s Back, Baby — But For How Long? Rinna Out?
• From Ashley To Stefano’s Ashes: Eileen Davidson’s first airdate is Thursday, October 11! Can’t wait. Hopefully, DAYS won’t fuck this up.
• Speaking of much-anticipated returns, Nadia Bjorlin is returning to DAYS, reported TV GUIDE exclusively. It’s about time. But, as Bjorlin tweeted, she’s coming back as a guest star and, as of press time, her return is limited. Sorry, Broe fans.
This is funny though: In the interview with Michael Logan, Bjorlin said of DAYS’s failed reboot:
“I did watch a little bit, but not religiously. Hey, it's always a gamble in this business. We all want our last four soaps to remain on the air so you gotta try things. [Laughs] But, hell-ooo, they were missing Chloe so what were they expecting? Without Chloe, you could have put De Niro on Days and nothing would happen! Let's get real here!”
• Why can’t DAYS ever get their superstar returns right? (Let’s pray the show does with Eileen Davidson and Nadia Bjorlin.) According to the HUFFINGTON POST today, Lisa Rinna, who returned to the lone NBC sudser on March 8, is ready to say goodbye to her role as Billie Reed on the soap to focus on her many projects -- including a new talk show. Shocker; not. When I last spoke to Rinna for a HELLO! CANADA interview last spring, she hinted she wasn’t happy with her lack of screen time on the show, so I don’t blame her.
The blog quoted a source, saying, “She's leaving so she can do all of the 500 other things she loves to do. [She's working on] her Belle Gray line for QVC, she’s writing another diet and fitness book, plus she’s developing a vitamin supplement line and lingerie line,” a friend of the actress told me. “She’s also in talks to do a panel-type talk show.”
Considering the author of the blog is BFFs with Rinna, I’d guess that the source is Rinna herself.
“At the moment, she’s with her kids and husband, Harry Hamlin, at their island in Canada,” confirms a pal. “Harry is also very busy, with his recurring role on SHAMELESS this season, where he will be naked all the way through. That naughty boy!”
That island is called Muskoka, Ontario, BTW.
GENERAL HOSPITAL, CITYTV/ABC — The Perfect Storm!
• Hello, Maximista: Kirsten Storms will reappear on our screens September 5. The actress returned to the GH set to film this week. Welcome back, Kirsten! It’s been far too long!
• Vanessa and Brenda have something in common: Marriages aren’t their thing! Emmy winner Vanessa Marcil filed for divorce from her husband of two years, CSI: NY star Carmine Giovinazzo, on August 17, reports E! NEWS. She cited irreconcilable differences in the court documents. The popular actress has a son, Kassuis, 10, with Brian Austin Green. While I’m sad for Marcil, I’m thrilled I don’t have to spell out that last name again!
• Oh, Bobbie: Jackie Zeman opens up to DIGEST about her GH firing in a very revealing and candid interview. She states she’s game to return to the show, horrible facelift and all. I bet Cartini will allow that.
Meanwhile, DIGEST also interviews Lynn Herring about the possibility of a GH comeback. Yep, headlining GH spin-off, PORT CHARLES, was probably her worst career move ever (other than ditching GH for DAYS decades ago). I bet she’ll be back given the Lucy references on the show of late. And given the acting range of Herring, she’s no doubt a favourite of head writer Ron Carlivati. Robin Strasser, who?
Herring and Zeman have something in common: they should have Emmys by now.
• In story 411, it looks like Kristina marries Trey next week. Zzzz…
ONE LIFE TO LIVE — BETWEEN HEAVEN AND HELL Special Price! Is Fath Back on Soaps?
• The recently deceased Al Freeman was honoured for his soapy achievements in various categories in my ONE LIFE Tribute book, BETWEEN HEAVEN AND HELL. Below is the link to purchase your copy for the special price of $3.00; use coupon code KW82F.
• Rumours are swirling that Farah Fath is back on daytime. In an exclusive interview with her dogs, Little Egg and Jack, the pets reveal the truth. “She’s not back on DAYS or joining GH,” barked Little Egg. “Heck,” adds Jack. “She can hardly feed us without drinking a bottle of Bourbon — or cavorting with Prince Harry in Vegas.” So there.
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS — Khalil Out!
• I told you a year ago Y&R/Sony would do everything possible to end Lane one way or another. Now it’s Christel Khalil’s turn to be fired.That sound you hear? Victoria Rowell doing jumping jacks: It appears that recent Emmy winner Christel Khalil is being recast on Y&R! Her contract is up for renewal next month, reports sources.
A spokesperson for Khalil wrote on her titular website addressing rumours that Y&R was recasting Lily after a casting breakdown was leaked, first by me on Twitter, and then by DIGEST: "Rumors can be such an ugly thing so here is the answer floating about the internet. Christel Khalil is indeed leaving Y&R. It is not her decision to leave. An agreement could not be reached during contract negotiations. I have confirmed this information with the source. At this time I do not have an end date for Christel's last appearance on Y&R. The casting call posted by DIGEST yesterday is indeed a casting call for a new Lily Winters Ashby."
Sources tell UNCENSORED that Sony/CBS are furious the casting breakdown leaked. It appears that her exit was news to the actress. Eden Riegel, who? As far as I know, the issue is not money-related. Nor was this a contract ploy. “They wanted her gone when they found a replacement,” says a mole. “If this was a contract ploy, the breakdown would have read Lily Ashby.”
However, Kahlil, whom I hung out with a lot during the weekend she won her long overdue Emmy, is contradicting my sources in her latest interview with MSN.com.
"I want to stay," Khalil said. "I heard a rumor someone said I was deciding to leave, but it's not really working that way. There's something I want that they don't want to give to me. It hurts. I thought I would be worth what I th
ought I was worth to them, but I guess I'm not."
"It would be very weird to see someone brand-new try to come in," Khalil admitted to MSN TV. "It's sad, because this is like my family. I've been here 10 years. I just wanted a few less restrictions, which I feel I deserve. It's mainly about restrictions, and money. I guess they wanted all or nothing."
"From what I've been hearing on the other side, it seems like negotiations are over," she said.
Of course, it's never over in soaps until it's over. And even then, it's not always over. When Khalil's leading man Daniel Goddard was offed in 2011, fans flew an airplane over the studio in protest and Cane was ultimately brought back from the dead.
Fans aren't happy this time, either, and they're rallying behind Khalil, but that kind of fan passion isn't just reserved for hunky leading men: It was completely unprecedented.
"I doubt I'll get the airplane," Khalil said with a laugh, referring to the fans who saved Daniel Goddard’s job by hiring a pilot to fly overhead TV City with a banner. "But it's nice to know the fans actually love me that much and care