“I think it is a very good possibility! In fact, I think there is a good probability!” said newly appointed Senior Executive Director of “The 40th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards,” David Michaels, in an interview with Michael Fairman, when asked about the possibility of the awards ceremony possibly being telecast on television next year. ”Malachy Wienges [Chairman, National Association of Television Arts & Sceinces] is working very hard on that as we speak.  That is one of the things that is key … to always keep the Daytime Emmys on the air.  It is what a lot of people look forward to all yearlong, which is that telecast.  I never want to see it go off the air!”

In related news, per a report by Variety back in June, Wienges and NATAS are currently in discussion on ways to combine key elements of the Daytime Emmys, Sports Emmys and News & Documentary Emmys into a new, televised awards event that would “draw upon the added star power that the news and sports events provide.” The site states a new awards program wouldn’t come about for another three or four years. “Those shows are powerhoused with a lot of talent,” said Wienges on the talent appearing at the Sports and News & Documentary telecasts.

Photo Credit: NATAS/CBS

As for the possibility of getting the Daytime Emmy broadcast on the air, Wienges said, “We are wide open. We have two networks that are interested, alphabet networks, and we have three production companies interested, and Turner’s interested. … I’ve already engaged an attorney in Hollywood who’s done probably dozens of these for different venues.”

Considering it is an anniversary year for the Emmys, it would be a crying shame if no broadcast network, particularly ABC or CBS, decided to air the program. Let’s just hope that the next couple of months brings about hope for a brighter future for the telecast.

Despite only four soaps remaining on the air, ABC’s canceled “One Life to Live” is still eligible in all categories relating to Drama Series (Directing, Writing, Series, Hair, Makeup, etc.) due to it airing enough episodes in 2012 based on NATAS eligibility requirements.

Photo Credit: Twitter

Michael Damian just announced on Twitter that he’s returning to CBS’ “The Young and the Restless‘” next month for the soaps 10,000th episode, which is scheduled to air on Thursday, September 27. He also announced that viewers can expect to see lots more of his character, Danny Romalotti, even beyond epi 10,000.

“Yahoo! I’m back playing Danny on Y&R for the10,000 episode and lots more! Thank you so much for your amazing support! Rock On, Michael,” said Damian in his tweet.

Responding to an excited fan, Damian said that it is “because of all of you writing to ‘Y&R’ and tweeting to bring back Danny:-)” as the reason we can expect to see him back on the show a lot more. Damian has appeared on numerous occasions over the years since departing the role full-time in 1998.

The actor promises “some really great story coming up! you guys are going to really enjoy ”

Just a short time ago, the official CBS Daytime twitter account posted a picture of cast members from the networks “The Young and the Restless” as they gathered in celebration of the shows 10,000th episode, which is currently in production.

Photo Credit: CBS Daytime via Twitter

Despite Soap Opera Digest reporting on Tuesday that she was staying, TV Line is now reporting that Monday’s report by CBS Soaps In Depth was correct when it said actress Susan Flannery had informed producers and writers at “The Bold and the Beautiful” that she planned to leave the series at the end of her contract. To compensate, Flannery agreed to sign a short-term deal that would allow her to wrap up Stephanie Forrester’s 25-year storyline.

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Photo Credit: Robert Voets/CBS

Just a little over a week after word broke that Kevin Schmidt (Noah Newman) was being let go from CBS’ “The Young and the Restless,” comes word that the drama series has hit an impasse with actress Christel Khalil (Lily Winters Ashby).

According to Khalil’s official website, “Rumors can be such an ugly thing so here is the answer floating about the internet. Christel Khalil is indeed leaving ‘The Young and the Restless.’ It is not her decision to leave. An agreement could not be reached during contract negotiations. I have confirmed this information with the source.”

As for that casting report we posted yesterday for an African American female, Khalil’s website says it is “indeed a casting call for a new ‘Lily Winters Ashby.’” The drama series is also casting the role of an African American male, which is rumored to be a recast of Devon Hamilton (currently portrayed by Bryton James).

Representative’s for Khalil stated, “we have no comment at this time,” when contacted by Soap Opera Network. A representative for the soap was unavailable at press time, but has previously stated that the show “does not comment on contracts, rumors or storyline information.”

Photo Credit: Rick Rowell/ABC

UPDATE, 11:42 PM ET: E! Online has posted Marcil’s divorce papers, which were filed on Friday, August 17 in L.A. County. According to the documents, Marcil married Giovinazzo on July 11, 2010, and now the actress wishes to dissolve their marriage as of Saturday, August 4, citing irreconcilable differences. The actress also wishes to remove the last name Giovinazzo from her legal name.

PREVIOUS, 12:58 PM ET: After famously denying any marriage following word of her legally changing her name from Vanessa Marcil to Vanessa Marcil Giovinazzo, just before officially returning to ABC’s “General Hospital” back in 2010, Marcil Giovinazzo (ex-Brenda Barrett) is now divorcing her husband Carmine Giovinazzo (“CSI: NY“), according to a report by TMZ.

According to TMZ, Marcil is asking for Giovinazzo to pay her attorney’s fees and the court to award her spousal support.

For more on the matter, visit TMZ‘s website.

Photo Credit: Robert Voets/CBS

Eileen Davidson is returning to NBC’s “Days of our Lives” after Sony Pictures Television opted to transition her off of their soap “The Young and the Restless” and onto “DAYS” to re-create the magic of her character Kristen DiMera. Sony Pictures Television distributes “DAYS,” which is owned by Corday Productions, Inc.

According to a tweet by the actress posted yesterday, Davidson’s first airdate as Kristen is set for Thursday, October 11. “I start airing on Oct. 11. AND I CAN’T WAIT!!!!!” the actress said.

Davidson, who originated the role of Ashley Abbott on “Y&R” in 1982 and left in 1988, joined “DAYS” in 1993 and portrayed five characters (sometimes simultaneously) over the course of her five year Emmy nominated run. In addition to Kristen DiMera, Davidson portrayed famously Susan Banks, Sister Mary Moira Banks, Thomas Banks, and Penelope Kent. She returned to “Y&R” in 1999 only to find herself let go from the show in 2007 with her character moving to Los Angeles, which is where we found her for a brief time on CBS’ “The Bold and the Beautiful.” Davidson returned to “Y&R” in 2008 until her departure this year.

via Press Release

THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS & SCIENCES
ANNOUNCES
DAVID MICHAELS
APPOINTED SENIOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF
THE 40th ANNUAL DAYTIME EMMY® AWARDS

New York – August 21, 2012 – The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) today announced that David Michaels, Actor, Producer and Founder of TV Cares has been appointed Senior Executive Director of the Daytime Entertainment Emmy® Awards.

“David’s experiences in all genres of daytime television make him the perfect candidate to head up our Daytime Emmy® Awards operations,” said Malachy Wienges, Chairman NATAS. “His long time association with The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (ATAS) will be a valuable asset as the two Academies work closer together sharing the same goal of awarding excellence in television.”

“The Daytime Emmy® Awards remains the favorite annual event for so very many fans throughout the country,” said Mr. Michaels. “In a world where the face of television and especially Daytime is constantly transitioning and changing, we strive to keep the Daytime Emmy® Awards a vital and exciting event. I am very excited and honored to be working with NATAS as Senior Executive Director and about the upcoming awards year.”

David began working as an actor and a model at age 17, appearing in New York, around the USA, Canada and in Europe in productions including Godspell, Jesus Christ Superstar, Purlie and Deathtrap. He worked steadily as an actor until he competed on a game show when an immediate fascination with the “behind the scenes” world of Daytime Television led to his first production job with Bob Stewart Productions. He rose quickly from production assistant to producer, doing over 25 pilots and air shows eventually producing shows such as The $25,000 and $100,000 Pyramids, starring Dick Clark, and garnering multiple nominations and two Emmy Awards. He also produced Pictionary for Dan Enright. Transitioning into the talk show world, David produced such shows as Vicki! (2 nominations), Leeza (2 nominations) and Caryl and Marilyn. He also produced and wrote the primetime special, Lie Detector.

At the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, David served as Co-Chairman of the Daytime Emmy Awards serving on the Board of Governors for 14 years as well as on numerous other committees. He founded TV Cares, ATAS’ AIDS awareness committee, chairing the committee with honorary co-chair, Angela Lansbury for 15 years. He also conceived and produced the annual Ribbon of Hope Celebration honoring programs and individuals for responsible programming in the area of AIDS awareness and education. Along with Tom Viola of Broadway Cares/Equity Fight AIDS, he helped to make the Red Ribbon an international symbol of AIDS Awareness. For two years, he produced and wrote The Ribbon of Hope live event as a Television Special for here! Networks, receiving another Daytime Emmy nomination. In addition, David spent ten years as the Director of Special Events for the Western Region of The Actors’ Fund of America.

David has produced countless star-studded live charity events, including, Tap Your Troubles Away: The Words & Music of Jerry Herman, Something Wonderful: the Richard Rodgers Centennial, Kurt Weill: The Centennial, Sing Happy: the Music and Words of Kander & Ebb, The Best is Yet to Come: The Music of Cy Coleman, Hooray For Love: The Harold Arlen Centennial; and Everything’s Coming Up Roses: The Jule Styne Centennial and Falsettos at the Wilshire Theatre.

About The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) is a professional service organization dedicated to the advancement of the arts and sciences of television and the promotion of creative leadership for artistic, educational and technical achievements within the television industry. It recognizes excellence in television with the coveted Emmy® Award for News & Documentary, Sports, Daytime Entertainment, Daytime Creative Arts & Entertainment, Public & Community Service, and Technology & Engineering. Regional Emmy® Awards are given in 19 regions across the United States. Beyond awards, NATAS has extensive educational programs including the Regional Student Television Awards for outstanding journalistic work by high school students, as well as scholarships, publications, and major activities for both industry professionals and the viewing public. For more information, please visit the website at www.emmyonline.tv

Alicia Minshew (ex-Kendall Hart Slater, “All My Children“) is currently off filming her new movie, “Desires of the Heart” in Savannah, GA and now Soap Opera Network is happy to report the film has unveiled its Facebook page for fans to take a look at the journey to making the film.

Photo Credit: Maryann Bates Photography

In “Heart,” Minshew portrays Madeline, a young artist who catches the attention of a psychiatrist (Val Lauren) visiting from India. While their romance blossoms, her new love is forced to return to India in order to marry the woman chosen as his bride by his parents.

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Frank Ockenfels/E! Entertainment

“Happy Back to Work Day!!!! YAY!!” said Kirsten Storms (Maxie Jones) in a tweet earlier today as she prepared for her first day back on the set of ABC’s “General Hospital.” The actress also tweeted a photo of her script that was tucked away in her purse, saying “Bag packed. Off to work. #excitement.”

Storms re-tweeted a tweet by co-star Jason Thompson (Patrick Drake), who said, “I’m excited about getting back to work today. A healthy chunk is because @teenystweeting is back!! (but shh, we know how her head can swell).” Read More >>