Recently in Homepage

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 wait is over! Happy New Year, the poignant, film-festival favorite featuring GUIDING LIGHT's Tina Sloan (Lillian) as the mother of a struggling, injured war veteran (played by Michael Cuomo), is finally coming to your screen. The picture will be available via cable-on-demand and broadband digital platforms beginning Tuesday, May 21, with DVD and subscription-based streaming options to follow this summer. Fans will remember that Sloan made this picture shortly after the conclusion of GL and drew from her experience being a military mom herself! "It's just an absolutely amazing, amazing movie," Sloan enthuses. "Nobody's a star in it, but a lot of people came and did cameos because the script was so good." For more on the film, visit http://happynewyearfilm.com.

THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS' Christian Jules LeBlanc (Michael) and Max Ehrich (Fen) are hitting Vegas, and you can hang out with them! The on-screen father and son are hosting a special Up Close & Personal event at the Dal Toro Ristorante at The Palazzo Resort Hotel and Casino in Las Veags, NV on Saturday, June 29.

For $210, you'll get the "Young Experience," which includes lunch, show, commemorative photo with the actors, autographs and a raffle ticket. For $260, you get the "Restless Experience," which includes the above lunch, photo and autograph, plus two raffle tickets, and attendance at a one-hour private press reception with LeBlanc and Ehrich where hors d'oeuvres and soft drinks will be served.

Plus, two lucky ticketholders will be selected to join the actors at their table for lunch! For more information, and to purchase tickets, click here!

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.

Hunky GUIDING LIGHT Aussie Murray Bartlett (Cyrus) will be back on the small screen next year! The actor has been cast in one of the lead roles in an untitled HBO dramedy about a trio of gay friends living in San Francisco. The eight-episode series will also star GLEE and ONE LIFE TO LIVE alum Jonathan Groff (ex-Henry) and SMASH's Frankie J. Alvarez.

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!

Ron Weaver, a longtime producer of THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL, passed away on Saturday, May 11, at his home at the age of 75. Weaver joined the B&B team in 1986, launching the soap with William J. Bell and Lee Phillip Bell and staying with the show for 27 years.

"I am saddened to learn of the passing of Ron Weaver," said B&B executive producer/headwriter Bradley Bell in a statement. "Ron was talented, a good friend to all of us, and a 26 year producer of THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL. He will be missed, will always be remembered and will forever remain in our hearts."

The networks recently revealed their upcoming primetime plans, and there are quite a few daytime alums who will be gracing our TV screens in these new series!

Wendy Moniz (ex-Mayor Finn, ONE LIFE TO LIVE; Dinah, GUIDING LIGHT) is in the cast of BETRAYAL, a sudsy-sounding drama that also stars James Cromwell and Henry Thomas.

And two of AS THE WORLD TURNS' former Lucys have new primetime gigs: Spencer Grammer will be in NBC's crime-drama IRONSIDE, based on the '60s series, and Peyton List will be starring in The CW's THE TOMORROW PEOPLE, a sci-fi adventure based on a UK series from the '70s about teenagers with powerful psychic powers.

Natalie Hall (ex-Colby, ALL MY CHILDREN) will be featured in STAR-CROSSED, a new CW drama set in a world where an alien race have landed on Earth and been forced to live in an internment camp. But things get interesting when an alien boy and eight others of his kind are integrated in a suburban high school, and a romance develops between him and a human girl.

And AMC's Sarah Michelle Gellar (ex-Kendall) and OLTL's Amanda Setton (ex-Kimberly) will be appearing in CRAZY ONES, a new CBS comedy set in the world of advertising and starring Robin Williams.

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!"

This weekend, Sherry Stringfield, the actress who portrayed Blake Bauer's crazy youth on GUIDING LIGHT, returns to television in a much more maternal role. She's starring in the Hallmark Channel Original, Beverly Lewis' The Confession as the terminally ill birth mother of a young Amish woman (SWITCHED AT BIRTH's Katie Leclerc) who wants desperately to be reunited. "It's a sequel to Beverly Lewis' The Shunning, and both stories are based on these insanely popular books," Stringfield explains. "It's something that you don't see a lot: a young woman's story of innocence, growing up, and learning about the world. I thought it was beautifully told."

Executive produced and directed by Michael Landon Jr. (the half-brother of Jennifer Landon, ex-Heather, THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS; Gwen, AS THE WORLD TURNS), the intriguing tale delves deep into relationships, but it's definitely not all hearts and flowers. "My character [a wealthy socialite] has a husband, and they're going through some things — he's been a total dirt bag," she previews. "As it's turns out, he's tricking her and it's really interesting." For more about the film, which premieres on Saturday, May 11, at 9 p.m. EST, and to hear about what else the popular actress has been up to, check out her Keeping Track feature in the next issue of Soaps In Depth.

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."

Rumors have been flying around Twitter that Dan Gauthier, ONE LIFE TO LIVE's ex-Kevin Buchanan, would be joining the cast of THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL. And while the talented actor would be a welcome addition to the cast of any soap, in our opinion, a rep for B&B reports that those rumors are false. Guess B&B has reached its hunk quota for the time being?

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.

Congratulations to a couple of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS actors who were young and talented enough to nab trophies at the Young Artist Awards on Sunday, May 5. Daniel Polo (ex-Jamie) received the award for Young Actor In A Daytime TV Series and Samantha Bailey (ex-Summer) earned hers for Young Actress In A Daytime TV Series. The other sudsy winner at the ceremony was GENERAL HOSPITAL's Brooklyn Rae Silzer (Emma), who won Young Actress 10 And Under In A TV Series.

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."

*** VOTING HAS CLOSED FOR THIS ROUND ***

Once again, it's time to express your opinions for our Readers' Poll. In the comments section for this article, please respond to the question, and feel free to explain your answer, but remember that any comments here may be considered for publication in the magazine. Any extra comments you have that have nothing to do with this week's poll question should be directed to the Message Boards section of our Web site!

THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL: Do you like Taylor and Eric together?

THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS: Can Jack and Phyllis make it work this time around?

Please note that the cut-off date for your votes to be counted will be Thursday, May 9. And please, only one vote per person!

To vote on your favorite actor, actress and couple currently appearing on a CBS soap, please mail your choices to:

CBS Readers' Poll
c/o Soaps In Depth
270 Sylvan Ave.
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632

Multiple mail-in votes during the same voting period will not be counted, so don't waste our time, your time, or the postage!

VOTES FOR ACTORS, ACTRESSES AND COUPLES CAST IN THE COMMENTS TO THIS ARTICLE WILL NOT BE COUNTED.

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!

Corbin Bernsen (ex-Father Todd, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS) has posted another update on the medical condition of his mother, Jeanne Cooper (Katherine), and unfortunately, the news is still not good.

"Purgatory," he posted on Facebook. "Best way I can describe an indescribable day. Waiting... with swings toward the Peace of Heaven and the Fires of Hell and everything in between. And choices. Choices I never wanted to be faced with. Highs and Lows. At one point mom "left the building" - yes, she was gone, only to come back through the front door, kicking and screaming. A Doctor remarked, "I've been in this situationa thousand times before and have NEVER seen this!" The fighter is out of her corner, amazing us all. Okay, enough with descriptive BS... Long story short, rough, rough day. She's back to square one. I don't want to disclose at this point the specific "illness" though I'm sure many of you are curious. But I don't want a thousand comments about that. Not at this point. In time I will share it all. Just know that she is back in critical condition and needs your continued prayers. As for me. Honestly, I'm a bit lost, in this place - this purgatory - of truly being unsure where we are headed or what is best for her. I also toil with my choices and wonder if they are for me, for all of us... or truly for her. I'm in a haze of uncertainty about that and will be reflecting on it this evening, praying for guidance. In my heart, I see future, I see a fight and though I don't know the quality of that future I can't deny the sanctity of life. A tremendous battle raging inside. I wish I could have better news, or simply be more clear, but these words are a reflection of my state of mind. God Bless you all for your kindness here."

Our thoughts continue to be with Cooper and her family at this troubling time, and we will continue to bring you updates as we have them.

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!

On hiatus since last September, Emmy-winning Web soap opera THE BAY is at long last returning to production. What secrets and lies will be revealed? Will they pick up from where last summer's foray into Bay City's seedy scene left off in the "Darkside Of The Bay" special? Soaps In Depth was the first to know about the series' brand-new promo for the third season, featuring Mary Beth Evans (Sara), Matthew Ashford (Steve), Nicolas Coster (Mayor Madison), Jacklyn Zeman (Sofia), Kristos Andrews (Peter) and more. The spot was shot just last weekend in beautiful Marina Del Ray, CA, on Coster's personal boat. The show's creator, Gregori J. Martin, says that THE BAY is "expected to return by late summer or early fall." To catch up on what you might have missed, visit http://www.thebaytheseries.com/videos2012.html.

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!

AS THE WORLD TURNS' Jesse Lee Soffer (Will) has landed a crucial role in an upcoming Lifetime movie, but let's just say that things won't end well for his character! According to Deadline.com, Soffer is set to play the male lead in Dirty Little Secret: The Jodi Arias Story. LOST alum Tania Raymonde is in negotiations to play Arias, who went on trial for murdering her boyfriend, Travis Alexander (Soffer). Filming is set to begin soon in Los Angeles, although the ending of the script can't be written until after Arias' trial concludes and the true story has a finale!