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The latest casting shocker is coming from THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS, where E! News is reporting that they're hearing from a source that Michelle Stafford (Phyllis) is leaving the soap!

Stafford joined Y&R in 1994 and racked up nine Daytime Emmy nominations over the years, taking home the trophy twice — once in 1997 for Supporting Actress and once in 2004 for Lead Actress.

UPDATE: We still have no details about when Stafford will last air, or how Phyllis will be leaving the canvas, but sadly, the reports are true. CBS Daytime vice president Angelica McDaniel even tweeted: "[Michelle Stafford] has been a huge part of the Y&R family. Respect her decision to move on, but will miss her. Wish her the very best always."

THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL is shoring up its cast with some heavy hitters of late. On the heels of the news that DAYS OF OUR LIVES alum Darin Brooks would be joining the soap as Wyatt, TV Guide is now reporting that Rena Sofer will be playing his mother, Quinn Fuller!

Sofer had roles on ANOTHER WORLD and LOVING before landing her Emmy-winning role of Lois on GENERAL HOSPITAL. She since went on to appear in various primetime series like 24 and HEROES. But now she's back on daytime and playing the mysterious mom who is full of secrets (naturally!). Look for Sofer to make her B&B debut on Friday, July 12.

The Steffy/Liam/Hope triangle over on THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL is about to become a quad with the introduction of Darin Brooks as Wyatt Fuller! According to TV Guide, Brooks — who won a Daytime Emmy in 2009 for his role of Max on DAYS OF OUR LIVES — will be introduced as a potential love interest for Hope, who catches him naked in the shower at the Forrester cabin up at Big Bear! Look for the troublemaker to debut on Friday, June 21.

There's another high-profile exit coming over at THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL following on the heels of Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (Steffy) taking a little break. Hunter Tylo (Taylor) announced on her Web site that she is also off-contract.

"I am getting bombarded with questions to quell rumors, and here in my forum, I will clarify that Jackie and I are (coincidentally) off our contracts," the actress posted at HunterTylo.com. "I have been very successful outside of B&B and I have no doubt she will be too. And more so, because she is free and single to travel all over the world.

"For me, contract talks ended four weeks ago," she continued. "I am moving forward and opening back up to the thousands of acting roles available, writing and pursuing my skin care line. My friends and B&B fans will be sorely missed. But don't worry! I'll keep you posted of my every new adventure."

Tylo also revealed that Taylor's final appearance would be on her own birhtday, Wednesday, July 3. However, Taylor has come and gone from B&B in the past, so there's no telling just how permanent this exit might be.

They tweet each other quite regularly, and she has been by his side at events. But former THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL co-stars Ashley Jones (ex-Bridget) and Jack Wagner (ex-Nick) have never commented on their rumored relationship... until now! The two actors have confirmed to Soaps In Depth that they are a couple! "We've been dating probably about a year, maybe more," Wagner shares. "We worked together for years but never dated [at B&B]."

We'll have more on the couple's real-life romance in an upcoming issue of Soaps In Depth!

Contrary to reports published elsewhere, Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (Steffy) is not leaving THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL.

"Jacqueline MacInnes Wood is taking a short break, as she has done in the past, from B&B," says a spokesperson for the soap. "She remains as the character of Steffy Forrester and is continuing to tape, currently, with episodes airing through July of 2013 and then beyond."

In fact, the actress is due in the studio later this week to tape scenes. We have no details about exactly how long her break will be, but it isn't a permanent one!

When THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS' Nick recently found himself staring at one particular envelope, we could almost hear fans draw in their breath in anticipation. After all, this isn't just any envelope, but the one that contained Summer's paternity results all those years ago. For Y&R newbies — or for anyone who needs their memory refreshed — we thought it would be helpful to fill in the backstory!

Years ago, Nick was devastated when his adopted daughter, Cassie, died after a tragic automobile accident. With his life and marriage to Sharon spinning out of control, the hunk began a torrid affair with Phyllis. Of course, Nick wasn't the only one cheating — Phyllis was also stepping out on her man, Jack.

Just when the couple's affair was exposed, Phyllis discovered that she was pregnant. Unfortunately, she wasn't entirely certain if Nick or Jack was the babydaddy! A paternity test was done, and when the results were mailed back, Nick picked up the envelope, viewed the contents, and then announced that he was the father of Phyllis' child!

Later, Jack actually helped deliver Summer after Phyllis went into labor while they were stuck in an elevator during an ice storm. That, along with the fact that only Nick had seen the results of the paternity test, led some to speculate that maybe Jack was actually Summer's biological dad. Now with Nick freaking out about Summer's increasing closeness to Jack's son, Kyle, and pulling out that old envelope again, will we see a new twist to this old babydaddy storyline? It's certainly looks likely!

We already reported that THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS is planning to air a special episode on Tuesday, May 28, to honor the late Jeanne Cooper (Katherine). The episode will feature cast members past and present sharing memories of the actress as well as clips of some classic Katherine moments from Y&R's history. But what about Katherine's fate?

In an interview with TV Guide, Y&R executive producer Jill Farren Phelps reveals that they will be writing Katherine's death into the show, but as they work so far ahead, it won't be reflected on-screen until after July. She also says that they couldn't leave it open-ended as THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL did with Sally Spectra when Darlene Conley passed away. "We decided, for the sake of the audience and the characters, that it was important to have closure with Kay. And contrary to rumors, we never gave a thought to recasting the role — not for a minute!"

THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS has scheduled a special tribute episode honoring the late Jeanne Cooper (Katherine) for Tuesday, May 28. The episode will have the cast sharing their favorite memories of Cooper as well as archival interviews with the star and classic clips of Katherine in action.

"Jeanne Cooper was a legend and we want to give her the tribute she deserves," said Angelica McDaniel, Senior Vice President, Daytime CBS. "The cast will honor their longtime friend, family member and co-worker in the greatest way possible, as we celebrate her life and vibrant spirit and share it with the audience who loved her as much as we did."

So be sure not to miss this very special episode of Y&R on Tuesday, May 28 at 12:30 pm EST/11:00 am PST.

Back in March we told you about a collaboration between NATAS and the Smithsonian Institute to bring some of the most iconic daytime television memorabilia to the national museum, and today the first donations were presented!

Today's ceremony officially launched a three-year collecting initiative between the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) and the National Museum of American History, aiming to help the museum expand its capacity to tell the story of daytime television and the Daytime Emmy Awards. At the ceremony, the Smithsonian accepted artifacts that reflect the contributions of daytime television programming, including a 1984 JEOPARDY! script from Alex Trebek, objects from the children's series BARNEY, and the gown that Susan Lucci (ex-Erica, ALL MY CHILDREN) wore on the cover of People magazine celebrating her legendary Daytime Emmy win. "They've asked me for [an AMC] script as well," the iconic daytime actress tells Soaps In Depth. "Plus, People is doing a big blow-up of the cover."

The daytime television collection (which will include children's programming, talk shows, game shows and cooking shows) will be part of a larger entertainment exhibit scheduled to open in 2015. "Right now, the area that the museum is going to devote to this exibit on American culture at large is under reconstruction," curator Dwight Blocker Bowers tells In Depth. "We have a very small soap opera collection, and this is an opportunity for us to add to it."

For more on this collaboration, check out an upcoming issue of Soaps In Depth.

Over at THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS, the cast and crew have created a memorial outside the dressing room of the late Jeanne Cooper (Katherine), and more actors have continued to release statements eulogizing their friend:

Eric Braeden (Victor): "She was an absolute joy to work with. We never did a scene without having laughs. After a painful struggle, she has finally found peace. I will miss working with her a lot."

Don Diamont (Bill, THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL; ex-Brad, THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS): "I just love Jeanne and have so much respect for her. She was such a supporter of mine when I started at Y&R as a young, green actor. That always meant so much to me. She was truly one-of-a-kind. This next saying is used far too often but is truly applicable in her case: When they made Jeanne Cooper they broke the mold."

Doug Davidson (Paul): "She was one of a kind and she held my hand for 35 years. She helped me be a better actor, husband, parent, and friend. My life was so enriched having known her. She was such a loving, kind soul. With Jeanne, there was no judgment, no rules. She loved you for you. She always had time for you and was so gracious with her love. For me, she was a personal giant, an sublime example of how to behave on planet Earth. I will miss her more than I can describe. I will say with certainty, that Heaven just got a hell of a lot more interesting! Godspeed, my dear friend. I love you."

While there is no official word from THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS on how the soap plans to address the passing of Jeanne Cooper (Katherine) on screen, the icon's final episode aired on May 3. According to Y&R writer Brent Boyd, Cooper's last scene was (fittingly) with Jess Walton, who plays Kay's frenemy and housemate, Jill.

"The last image of Jeanne Cooper on Y&R is of her ascending the stairs telling Jill, "I think I can manage. Good night." A fitting end," Boyd tweeted. In the episode, Kay had returned home to the Chancellor mansion after being discharged from the hospital, where she'd undergone surgery for a brain tumor.

In the wake of Jeanne Cooper's (Katherine) passing, her castmates have begun making statements eulogizing the star. Here are just a few that have been released so far:

Jess Walton (Jill): "Sweet Jeanine, for 26 years you were my playmate, my partner in crime. I marveled at your life force time and time again. You are magnificent my friend, and I love you. I can't wait to play with you again."

Lauralee Bell (Christine): "Jeanne was the matriarch of the show in every sense of the word. When you did work you were proud of, you'd hope for approval or a 'good job' from Jeanne as a child would from a parent. When things got too tense, she'd break the tension with her amazing wit. She would teach the younger actors without ever talking down to them. In fact, she would raise them up. She always had my back and my parents (and our whole family) always had hers. I am so grateful that Jeanne and I were on MARIE together last month with my mom — what a gift to sit next to her and hold hands. When she saw me breaking down watching a clip of my late dad, she rescued me on camera by speaking of her gratitude towards him and the ways he had helped her. She squeezed my hand harder and had my back yet again. Like everything else Jeanne did, she was very brave. I know she was the light of her family. I will miss her so much!"

Kate Linder (Esther): My heart is breaking for Jeanne Cooper's wonderful family and for all of us who truly loved Jeanne through the years. Jeanne was my mentor and an amazing actress and friend. We've been through so much together and I loved her like family. She and Bill Bell were the two people most responsible for my career on Y&R and the world is a darker place without them. When Jeanne welcomed you into her life, you knew it and it was a fantastic feeling. This is truly the end of an era, not just for fans of THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS, but for all of the people she touched throughout her long and distinguished career and life. She's always been larger than life and an inspiration to me and so many others. I can't imagine a world without Jeanne Cooper — it won't be the same without her fighting spirit and lust for life and to say she will be missed is an understatement for what we are all feeling today."

The world of daytime was rocked by the passing of THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS' Jeanne Cooper (Katherine). "It is with immeasurable sadness and our deepest condolences to her family that THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS mourns the loss of our beloved Jeanne Cooper," said the soap's executive producer, Jill Farren Phelps.

"Jeanne Cooper was a legend in daytime and a beloved member of our Y&R family," said Steve Mosko, president of Sony Pictures Television. "She touched the lives of millions, who watched her every day over the past 40 years. We send our sincerest condolences to her family as we also celebrate her wonderful life."

"Jeanne Cooper — A genuine person, gifted performer, good friend to all," said Bradley Bell, executive producer and headwriter of THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL. "Never before and never again. A true artist and legend. She will be missed. My thoughts and my love are with her family."

"Jeanne Cooper will be remembered as a daytime television legend and as a friend who will truly be missed by all of us here at the Network," said Nina Tassler, President, CBS Entertainment. "She was the longest-running cast member on daytime's #1 show, bringing indelible charm, class and talent to every episode. On behalf of everyone at CBS, we send our condolences to Jeanne's family, as well as the legions of fans she has amassed during her record 39 years on 'The Young and The Restless,' and throughout her career."

"Jeanne Cooper: Respected colleague, industry icon, woman of passion and grandeur; most important, beloved friend," wrote Y&R co-creator Lee Phillip Bell. "She was a shining beacon. Her love was unexpendable, and was given freely to all, from fans to great celebrities. She was not jaded by success, nor impressed by wealth and fame. Her crowning glory was her family: her children Corbin, Collin and Caren and her grandchildren, whom she adored, and all of whom adored her in return. Her presence resonated in the lives of all those around her. Through her personal and professional journey, she saved hundreds, possibly thousands, from the depths of alcoholism. She embodied compassion and forgiveness. No daytime icon has ever been more influential in the lives of millions. She will be terribly missed, but her light will shine on forever. May angels guide you on your journey, dear Jeanne. I will love you forever."

"A beacon of light guiding us all toward humanity, humility, and equality has been extinguished," said Corbin Bernsen (ex-Father Todd), speaking for her entire family. "But a shimmer of it will always remain as reminder from her to us all of a kinder world that is here for us each to embrace, feed and make flourish. In a way her truest work has just begun: For us to honor her vision and make that her legacy. One of the last great Broads in our business — Jeanne Cooper (84 years old) — Mom — is now stirring up trouble in the great beyond."

It is with great sadness that we have to report that Jeanne Cooper (Katherine, THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS) has passed away after her recent health struggles. According to son Corbin Bernsen (ex-Father Todd), she died in her sleep. "I was going to visit this afternoon," he posted to Facebook. "I thought I had time. Reminder to self — time is a precious thing. I, too, am at peace, however. I said my good-byes several times over during the last few weeks. I'll go one last time now for a gentle kiss, a final farewell for this lifetime."

Cooper's career spanned stage and screens both big and small, but became best known for the role of Katherine Chancellor on Y&R. Joining the soap in 1973, she received 10 Daytime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress over the course of her lengthy career, wining once in 2008. She also received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004 and a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame in 1993. Just last year, Cooper published her memoir, Not Young, Still Restless, chronicling her storied career.

Bernsen thanks fans for their love and support during this difficult time. "I will certainly dedicate what remains of my life to continue her purpose of honesty, equality, humility, empathy and love," he wrote. "So many of you have said your prayers for her and right now, today, I can say the best way to honor her is to inhabit your lives with those things she stood for."

Remember the Web series STEAMBOAT, the comedy about the last days of a dying soap opera that featured GUIDING LIGHT's Michael O'Leary (Rick) and AS THE WORLD TURNS' Michael Park (Jack) among other familiar faces from daytime dramas? Well, Studio 47 Productions and ConvergTV's The Venture Channel have announced that STEAMBOAT will now be available on Roku and NetTalk TV as phase one of a global rollout for the network and the show.

Studio 47 Productions is headed up by O'Leary and Scott Bryce (Craig, ATWT), and also has three more comedies in development and a reality show set to begin production this summer. There are currently 2 episodes of STEAMBOAT with 11 more in pre-production.

Of the 23 total Daytime Emmy nominations earned by THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS this year, 11 of them were for the actors in its cast, and Soaps In Depth caught up with them to get their reactions to the big news!

Peter Bergman (Jack) received his Lead Actor nod for the episode where Jack had a confrontation with Billy and then checked himself into the hospital for surgery. "Like everyone else, I had two or three great scenes followed by some run of the mill scenes. Nature of the beast. That's the way it is."

Castmate Doug Davidson (Paul) joins Bergman in the same category for the episode where Paul turns himself into Heather for shooting Ricky. "It's a difficult process to match what we do in daytime with the criteria of the contest," he admits.

In fact, Y&R dominated the Lead Actor category with three of the four nominees hailing from Genoa City. "It's a smaller field," Bergman allows of the current daytime landscape. "I don't want myself, Doug Davidson or Michael Muhney (Adam) to lose our nominations, I'm sorry it wasn't spread out more because it just looks better. But I'm not willing to give up my nomination and I don't think my two co-stars are, either!"

Jeff Branson (ex-Ronan) was nominated for Supporting Actor for Ronan got drunk and broke up with Phyllis, and has every intention of attending the ceremony. "I love this genre," he declares. "I love that show, I love these people. I would never not be there for something like that."

Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea) now has a Y&R nod for Supporting Actress to add to the three she earned while playing Annie on ALL MY CHILDREN for the episode where Chelsea argues with Adam over his hiding Sharon in the cottage. "I really loved those scenes," she confides. "Michael [Muhney, Adam] was really great in them as well. It seemed real and raw."

But she knows she's up against some stiff competition in her category. "Jessica [Collins, Avery], I'm so happy for her. I've known Julie [Marie Berman, ex-Lulu, GENERAL HOSPITAL] for years because of the ABC connection. I don't know Katherine [Kelly Lang, Brooke, THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL] too well, but I loved her stuff on the pre-nom. I'm excited to meet Arianne [Zucker, Nicole, DAYS OF OUR LIVES]. I know it sounds cliché, but I swear it's the truth: Just to be nominated with people who are so great, it's really a win/win. I'm blown away each time."

THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL earned its Outstanding Drama Series nomination with Stephanie Forrester's celebration of life and her good-bye party. "I just thought they were really touching and unique," says headwriter and executive producer Bradley Bell. "And Susan [Flannery, ex-Stephanie] was stellar, as always. Everyone in the room was amazing."

And don't think just because Flannery isn't with the soap anymore that she'll be giving the ceremony a miss! "She'll show up!" Bell insists. "I think this means a great deal to her. It's so significant because it was the end of her time at THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL, which was the biggest chapter of her life. So this means a lot to her."

And among the other B&B actors who enjoyed Emmy nods is Scott Clifton (Liam), who submitted the episode where Liam has the confrontation with Hope while in his underwear and sporting tattoos and dyed hair, which is followed by the confrontation with Bill where Liam ends up being choked by his dad!

"There were a couple other ones I was proud of," Clifton muses, "Some very small, subtle scenes with Taylor and some other scenes with Bill. But what I think are nice moments are not the kinds of things that other people are going to appreciate when it comes to Emmy voting. People kind of weighed in and said, 'No, you need to do that one in the underwear.' It was much more of an attention-grabber."

And that was important, because this was the first year where the actor was participating in the Supporting category instead of Younger Actor. "I feel like the competition is a little harder in this category and it means more to me to be recognized as a supportive actor," Clifton says. "In the medium we're in, it is an ensemble cast, and there's nothing more important than being recognized as being supportive of other actors. That's really special."

Katie's emotional roller coaster on THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL gave portrayer Heather Tom an embarrassment of riches when it came time to choose what to submit for Emmy consideration. So what did she finally decide on? "I submitted the shows where Katie left baby Will the first time in the midst of her post partum depression," she reveals.

Because B&B is a half-hour, they're allowed to submit two episodes as opposed to the hour-long soaps. "I submitted back-to-back shows," Tom explains. "I still almost did just one episode, but the episode before was short. Casey [Kasprzyk, a producer at B&B] was the one who suggested I consider including the show before which sets it up. I've always felt that it's difficult to find that one episode that's going to encompass your entire year."

Tom is thrilled for fellow Lead Actress nominee Susan Flannery (ex-Stephanie) and Supporting Actress hopeful Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke). "I'm so happy for Kelly," she enthuses. "It's fantastic." Of course, there were some omissions, as far as she's concerned. "I thought Don [Diamont, Bill] did some really nice stuff," Tom says. "It was well-written and told a story. I'm surprised Laura Wright (Carly, GENERAL HOSPITAL) didn't get nominated."

Now it's time for the actress to get in fighting form for the ceremony where she'll see if she can bring home another trophy matching the one she received last year! "I have seven pounds to lose before June!" Tom laughs. "The fun part for me is getting on the treadmill, hiking and biking. Then, I'll think about what I'm going to wear. I had such a great time last year. I'm really excited that HLN is [broadcasting] it again. I'm looking forward to a fun night!"

When the Daytime Emmy nominations were announced, THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS' Michael Muhney (Adam) was actually on his way to the set when he found out he'd been nominated for Lead Actor. "I got a text from an old friend in high school," he reveals. "He was watching GOOD MORNING AMERICA and he cursed me for making him drop his coffee when he heard my name!"

Muhney submitted an episode where Adam had dramatic interaction with Chelsea, Victor, Phyllis and Sharon so there would be a nice blend, but doesn't expect he has much of a chance to take home the trophy on Emmy night. "I'd have to say that Jason Thompson (Patrick, GENERAL HOSPITAL) has an 80% chance of winning," he declares. "Then, it's almost a toss up between Peter Bergman (Jack) and Doug Davidson (Paul) because they delivered some fantastic stuff. I shouldn't win — and I won't — but the most humbling thing for me is to be nominated and to be mentioned with three guys who gave such stellar performances."

For more reactions from Y&R nominees Michelle Stafford (Phyllis), Billy Miller (Billy) and more, make the jump!

Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke, THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL) was awoken this morning at a quarter after five by executive producer and headwriter Bradley Bell calling her with the big news that she had been nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress! After years in the business, the actress is delighted to receive her very first Emmy nomination, and doesn't mind at all that it's in the Supporting and not the Lead Actress category.

"I was supporting last year," she explains. "All my stories... I had no story that was about Brooke. I did a lot of mom stuff, and Brooke supported Susan [Flannery] during Stephanie's cancer storyline. If I'd had a lead story, I would have put myself in lead."

And in fact, both she and Flannery submitted the same episode to earn their nominations. "I used the last scene in which Stephanie passed away," Lang explains. "I submitted the scenes where we're on the bench and she says 'Sing to me' and I sing to her and she passes away."

And Lang was the one who informed her former co-star that their episode had netted them both Emmy nods! "I sent her a text" she reveals. "She said 'I didn't even know [today was the day].' She's so happy!"

Sadly, THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS' Jeanne Cooper (Katherine) is back in the hospital, according to son Corbin Bernsen (ex-Father Todd).

"An abundance of prayers needed this morning, mom has been taken back to hospital." he posted to Facebook this morning. "Not sure what to pray for at this point or what we even want for her. I know in my heart there is more for her to do in this world, but I also know there is a season for all things. I want more than anything comfort for her. I want her to have peace. This is that tricky place where you start to weigh all things, not what we need to do, actions to take, but instead open ourselves for enlightenment as to what God has planned for her and ultimately what is best for her. She's a fighter and I know she'll continue that. But when you're boxer is in the corner, bruised and bloodied from battle and demands to keep going, what do you do? I'm saying my prayers this morning, asking for guidance. Again, not reporting "the end" here, just that tricky place at the precipice and those moments requiring deepest reflection."

Our thoughts continue to be with the entire family at this difficult time.

Nominations for the 40th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards were announced this morning. THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS leads with 23 total nominations, followed closely by GENERAL HOSPITAL with 19. DAYS OF OUR LIVES earned 17 nods and THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL garnered 15. ONE LIFE TO LIVE, which was eligible for the few episodes that aired at the beginning of 2012 even managed to pick up 3 nominations for itself, including Outstanding Drama Series! The Daytime Emmys will be held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA and broadcast on HLN on Sunday, June 16. The full list of nominees is after the jump!

THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS has snatched up yet another actor from GENERAL HOSPITAL! This time it's Erin Chambers, who will be going from playing the late, lamented Siobhan to Genoa City paralegal Melanie Daniels. And seeing how so many characters on Y&R are often in trouble with the law, she should be kept pretty busy, even though the role is currently only recurring. Look for Chambers to debut on Wednesday, June 5. Daytime Confidential first reported the news.

Congratulations are in order for AS THE WORLD TURNS alum Billy Magnussen, who today earned a Tony nomination for Best Performance By An Actor In A Featured Role In A Play for his performances as Spike Vanya And Sonia And Masha And Spike! The Broadway play by Christopher Durang nabbed a grand total of six nominations, including Best Play.

The Tony Awards are scheduled to take place on Sunday, June 9 in New York City, and will be aired live on CBS.

If you've been missing Ashley Jones on your screen, you're in luck! Not only is the beauty briefly reprising her role as Bridget on THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL beginning Wednesday, May 22, but she's also starring in the Lifetime Original A Sister's Revenge this weekend! In it, she plays the wife of a successful restaurateur whose past as a philanderer catches up to him in an unexpected way. "I'm one of the three leads, and I'm playing opposite Canadian actor Tim Rozon as my husband," Jones reveals of the thriller that she shot last November.

However, the other gal to keep an eye on in this picture is Brooke Burns (MELROSE PLACE, BAYWATCH), whose dangerous character has an axe to grind against the man for wronging her sister. How far might the femme fatale go? Jones promises the kind of "juicy" twists and turns that daytime TV fans love most. "So many of these Lifetime movies are soapy too," she says of the reason everyone should tune in to catch it on Saturday, April 27, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 28, at 12 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST. "You know, you settle in for the evening and it's a great movie to watch with your boyfriend, your family, or with the girls."

For a preview of the edge-of-your-seat film, click here!

Rumors circulating that Maura West (ex-Carly, AS THE WORLD TURNS, ex-Diane, THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS) would be joining GENERAL HOSPITAL in a new role were totally on the money! The Emmy winner is reportedly already on set taping, and should debut as Ava Jerome sometime in May (just in time for sweeps... convenient!).

Longtime fans might recognize the name Jerome from Port Charles history. The Jerome clan was a Mob family that Duke and Anna found themselves wrapped up with. (Remember Tonja Walker as the Duke-obsessed Olivia?) Of course, the last name might just be a coincidence, but then again, headwriter Ron Carlivati is a big fan of GH history!

Ronn Moss may not be planning on returning to the role of Ridge on THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL anytime soon, but he has returned to his band, Player! Moss reunited with former bandmate Peter Beckett, and together they released the fifth Player album, Lost In Reality. And on Monday, June 3, Moss and Player will be performing a special benefit concert in honor of his wife, Devin DeVasquez's 50th birthday, and supporting her favorite charity, Shelter Hope Pet Shop. The show will be held at The Canyon Club in Agoura, CA, at 8:00 pm PST with a red carpet at 7:00. For tickets to this special one night only live event, click here!

Good news! THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS star Jeanne Cooper (Katherine) has turned a corner! Her son, Corbin Bernsen (ex-Father Todd), posted the following update on his Facebook page last night:

Good news continues for my mom as I believe she is being moved out of ICU to a more "comfortable" room. I was able to Face Time with her today and I can't tell you how amazing it was to speak to her and hear her voice! Her sense of humor was in tact, the greatest sign of all. I want to take a moment here to express something that - as usual - I'm at a bit of a loss for words for. So much of my reporting to you in the last week has been a sincere effort to convey her status and progress. And with your magnificent, steady prayers she has, day by day, improved. Yet still I feel a bit "guilty," weird. I mean, with all the other suffering going on, it's hard to celebrate this miraculous recovery. Also, about that, her extraordinary recovery... I've looked back over the posts because I wanted to make sure that I have been truthful and accurate. I know for a fact she was in extreme, life threatening danger that was even made more clear to me than perhaps I let on. But then, she did improve, steadily and somewhat defied the extent of the terrible news I was delivering. I want to make sure no one misinterprets this as my "making more of it than it actually was." I can guarantee you that wasn't the case. Her recovery has been nothing short of "miraculous" and very quick considering everything. That will be, if all continues in this fantastic way, the legacy of this... the effect of prayer and the ability for miracles. As always I want to close with making sure I'm accurate once again and letting you know that which I've been told... remain cautiously optimistic. That will most likely last for some time now but in the upcoming days I'll most likely drop it from these posts. I will keep the connection with you both regarding her recovery as well as "what all of this ultimately means" in the bigger picture.

I also want to take a moment to once again thank the INCREDIBLE STAFF at Cedars Sinai hospital who have helped in this miraculous recovery (that involved a lot of non miracle, expertise and kindness.) Also, I haven't mentioned my brother Collin by name, or my sister Caren who have stood by my side, holding me up and shared in your kindness. I love them both and feel closer to them than ever.

Good news for fans of THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL's Don Diamont (Bill) and Scott Clifton (Liam) as Soaps In Depth has learned that both actors have inked new contracts to remain with the soap. While a spokesperson wouldn't divulge details of the contracts, they did confirm that they had been signed!

Over the weekend, Corbin Bernsen (ex-Father Todd, THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS) has been posting updates regarding the health of his mother, Jeanne Cooper (Katherine). While none of them have revealed exactly what she is going through, on the plus side, his most recent updates have been more positive, indicating improvement in her condition.

"Healing is happening," he posted to Facebook last night, "but outward signs are small and only visible in numbers I still don't fully understand."

His most recent update this morning read, "I know that this is happening in small steps, but would be so awesome to see it in plain sight. Please don't mistake that. She's mending, but I"m ready for her to stand up, take over the room and start telling everybody what to do (or what she thinks of them).

Our thoughts are with Cooper and her entire family at this time, and we will continue to keep you up to date with new information as we hear it.

In a move that shouldn't really come as a surprise to THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS viewers, Daytime Confidential is reporting that Jhoanna Flores has already taped her last scenes as Adriana. In fact, she's already made her final appearance! "Her last air date was April 9, and at this time, the role will not be recast," a show rep confirms to Soaps In Depth.

Having lost Nick to Brooke back in the day, Bridget would certainly have a few choice words for her mother upon learning that she's stealing Bill away from her sister, Katie! So it's a good thing that Bridget's on her way back to THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL! According to Zap2it, Ashley Jones is on her way back to shoot about three or four episodes.

"There's some fun stuff with Bridget's mom [Brooke]," Jones told the site. "I specifically didn't want to go back for a wedding or a funeral. I feel like this is too cool a character to come back and just sit in the background."

A rep for the show confirms that Jones will first appear on Wednesday, May 22. There's no telling at this time, though, whether or not this could turn into a longer stint with the soap.

There have been crossovers between THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL and THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS before, some long-term (Ashley, Lauren) and others brief (Eric). And with Y&R's Jabot branching out into fashion, it's only natural that they'd require a gifted photographer to snap some shots of their garments. Which is why Zack Conroy's shutterbug Oliver will be crossing over from B&B to Y&R for two episodes. He's scheduled to start taping his Y&R scenes on Wednesday, April 17, so his episodes should air in late May.

Now that the Daytime Emmy Awards ceremony has been scheduled for Sunday, June 16, the question then becomes what can we expect from this year's celebration. So Soaps In Depth went straight to the source for answers: executive producer Gabriel Gornell and senior executive director David Michaels!

This year is the 40th anniversary of the Daytime Emmys as well as THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS, and with GENERAL HOSPITAL celebrating 50 years on the air, it's the perfect time to celebrate daytime's illustrious history. "We'll definitely be looking at past, present and future with regards to daytime television," Gornell promises. "It's our own 40th and that will anchor the theme. It'll work nicely as we honor all the anniversaries that we'll be celebrating at the same time."

And of course, you can't celebrate history without plenty of clips to illustrate it! "We're going to put particular emphasis on the wonderful clips from years past," he adds. "I can tell you everybody is excited to see wonderful clips celebrating 40 years of achievements. This year, more than any other, we're going to be embracing that."

And while ONE LIFE TO LIVE is technically eligible for awards for its final month of episodes, ALL MY CHILDREN will also be included in the show. "Let's just say that a lot of those actors are part of our 40 year history," Michaels teases, "so it's certainly appropriate [to have them there]."

Additional creative elements such as the names of presenters and a host will be announced in the coming weeks, but Michaels wants soap fans to know that the genre will not be lost in the rest of the daytime programming. "The talk shows are huge right now as are the court shows and the culinary shows," he admits. "But all of that said, still, there are no fans like soap fans. People want to see the soap stars, and they will!"

Mark your calendars! The 40th annual Daytime Emmy Awards will once again be broadcast over HLN, live from the Beverly Hills Hilton in Los Angeles. The ceremony will be held on Sunday, June 16, from 8:00-10:00 pm EST.

"Last year, HLN's first-ever presentation of the Daytime Emmy® Awards was the #1 most-watched, regularly-scheduled non-news broadcast in the network's history, and received terrific viewer feedback both on-air and online. Our audiences thanked us for tapping into that vital part of American pop culture," says Scot Safon, executive vice president and general manager, HLN. "HLN is the news channel that focuses on stories at the forefront of the American conversation, and daytime programming often tackles those same themes and stories. We are so happy to again present the program that honors the best work in daytime."

There are plans to include viewer interaction with the broadcast, and the names of presenters and special guests will be announced soon. As more details of the ceremony emerge, we'll be sure to share them with you!

TV Guide Network will soon become the new, exclusive basic cable home for THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS. Beginning this summer, Y&R will move from the Disney-owned SOAPnet to TVGN (co-owned by CBS Corporation and Lionsgate). The soap will keep the same 7 p.m. ET/PT time slot it has on SOAPnet, and continue to air the same-day episodes of its CBS broadcast. The exact date for the change has yet to be announced, but the Y&R acquisition marks the first TVGN programming announcement for the new joint venture between CBS and Lionsgate.

CBS is offering fans of THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL a whole new way to watch the soap with the newly-released CBS Connect App! The second-screen experience lets B&B viewers experience content like historical slideshows, interactive polls, behind-the-scenes trivia and Twitter interaction all while watching the show either live or on your DVR. The app syncs to whichever episode you're watching and gives you all the extra information as you watch!

"The release of THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL synched second screen app is exciting news for CBS Daytime and our audience," said Angelica McDaniel, Senior Vice President, CBS Daytime. "The app marks a first for any daytime television program on network TV and, most importantly, enhances our fans' TV-viewing experience, offering them a deeper connection with the characters and content of each episode."

There are already second-screen experiences for primetime shows like CRIMINAL MINDS, CSI, HAWAII FIVE-O and NCIS: LOS ANGELES, but this marks the first time that a daytime show has been included on the CBS Connect app. The app is available at the iTunes App Store for free, so there's really no reason not to give it a try!

How would you like to celebrate THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS' 40th Anniversary with cast members like Eric Braeden (Victor), Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki), Christian Jules LeBlanc (Michael), Joshua Morrow (Nick), Sharon Case (Sharon) and Daniel Goddard (Cane)? Well, how about celebrating the anniversary with the cast in Monte Carlo?!

All you have to do is watch Y&R daily starting this week (like you weren't doing that already!), then register and sign in at this Web site and answer the daily question about the show! The sweepstakes runs until April 21, so you've got plenty of chances to win! Good luck!

Since leaving AS THE WORLD TURNS, Lamman Rucker (Marshall) has been keeping very busy both on the big screen and small, and this weekend, his newest film, The Undershepherd premieres on TV One. It stars Rucker and GREY'S ANATOMY'S Isaiah Washington as two ministers whose friendship is tested as their careers evolve in wildly different directions.

Continued after the jump