John Loprieno

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — John Loprieno who, alongside co-star Andrea Evans, recently reprised their roles as Llanview’s former supercouple Cord and Tina Roberts on “One Life to Live,” talks about his return to the show and what the future holds for both him and Cord.

In a new interview with the Ventura County (California) Star, Loprieno comments that when he was asked to come back to the show before it ends production on its ABC run on November 18, he jumped at the chance. “I said, ‘Yes, it would be fun to see everyone and say goodbye,” he reveals.

Unlike his other returns in recent years, which the actors says “More often than not, [were] either for a wedding or a funeral, and I would sit in the back, and they would kind of pan the camera across me” and only lasted a couple of episodes, his most recent stint has proven somewhat more involved.

“It turned out to be a much bigger cameo than I thought it would be. It was fun. It was great to see everybody and work with (actress) Andrea Evans again,” he states in the interview. Since October, Loprieno states that he has already taped 13 episodes, traveling to “One Life to Live’s” New York City studios from his home in California, where he also teaches acting at Moorpark College. He also will be directing auditions for the school’s rendition of the musical “Chicago,” which he will direct, and has several writing projects currently in the works.

As for his future with “OLTL” when the show switches production from ABC to Prospect Park in the near future, Loprieno says that he is open to the possibility of returning to Llanview once again, stating “It will be interesting to see how it evolves. There were a couple of people who asked me if I’d be interested in going back on, and I said, ‘Hey you never know.’ Sure, depending on the circumstances and my school schedule.”

In the meantime, Loprieno assures “One Life” fans that “Cord and Tina fans will be happy,” with the way the show wraps up the characters latest storyline.

Click here to read the full interview.

Donna Svennevik/ABC

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — Even though his character recently wound up on the wrong end of a gun, Trevor St. John is reportedly returning to “One Life to Live” to make one last appearance before the show wraps production on its television run next Friday.

According to Daytime Confidential, St. John, who left “OLTL” in late August when his character Victor Lord Jr. was murdered only weeks after realizing his true identity following eight years of mistakenly believing he was his twin brother Todd Manning (Roger Howarth), will “make some kind of a return appearance to ‘One Life to Live’ before the show goes off the ABC airwaves [in January].”

It remains unclear how Victor will return to the canvas (in the flesh, as a spirit, or figment of someone’s overactive imagination), or when St. John’s next airdate might be.

Radford Studios

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — With only one week left to go until production on its ABC Daytime run is finished, the list of former “One Life to Live” cast members returning to Llanview continues to grow.

Among those rumored to be making their final appearances on the soap before it moves to Prospect Park are Jessica Tuck (Megan), Roscoe Born (Mitch), Susan Batten (Luna), Barbara Garrick (Allison), Ty Treadway (Colin/Troy), and Meghann Fahy (Hannah), many of which were spotted by fans entering and exiting the show’s studios in recent weeks.

Those listed above are in addition to the previously confirmed returns of Catherine Hickland (Lindsay), Fiona Hutchison (Gabrielle), Tonja Walker (Alex), January LaVoy (Noelle), John Rue (Moe), Tuc Watkins (David), and Brian Kerwin (Charlie). Kate Miller is also reportedly coming back for a few episodes as Brody’s (Mark Lawson) sister Nadine Lovett. And, as we previously reported, “OLTL” creator Agnes Nixon will tape scenes on November 17, that will air during the week of January 9. Nixon will play Agnes Dixon, the creator of “One Life’s” infamous soap-within-a-soap “Fraternity Row,” and will be interviewed by Blanca Morales (Carolina Bermudez).

On a related note, Mellini Kantayya, who has played a recurring dayplayer nurse over the years, will also be back in the show’s final weeks. The actress tells Soaps.com that “These last times shooting are bittersweet. I’m sad to see the show go, but I really feel lucky that they’ve had me on so often during the years. I’ve met and worked with so many talented people. It’s been a truly wonderful experience.” Kantayya will tape her final scenes on November 11 and 15.

However, it appears as if two at least three  of “One Life to Live’s” most memorable characters won’t be coming home to Llanview for the show’s ABC finale. Judith Light, who played housewife turned hooker Karen Wolek from 1977-83, is reportedly not reprising her role, despite earlier rumors to the contrary.

James DePaiva, who portrayed Max Holden from 1987-90 and  from 1991-2003 (and again briefly in 2007), is also not returning. In an interview with TvLine, the actor’s wife and former co-star Kassie DePaiva (Blair), revealed that the show had not approached her husband about returning to the show. “I’m really shocked that they didn’t bring Max back. Jim DePaiva made a huge contribution to the show, and I don’t know if it was intentional, the snubbing… but it doesn’t take [his contributions] away. Women of my generation still think he’s hot, and I’m married to him so I’m the luckiest one here!” DePaiva also talks about the future of Blair and how she hopes that she will reunite with Todd (Roger Howarth). Click here to read the full interview.

And Robin Strasser, who left “OLTL” in August after playing Dorian Lord off and on for nearly thirty years, tweeted earlier this week that “I have NOT declined numerous offers to return. September, I was asked to do 3 shows, I’d just gotten out of hospital. Looked like a wreck.” Strasser also reveals that she has not been approached by Prospect Park about returning yet either.

In addition, Crystal Chappell, who played Maggie Carpenter on “One Life to Live” from 1995-97 is also not returning, despite being spotted outside the show’s studios last week. According to Soap Opera Digest, Chappell “was just visiting good friend (and ‘Venice’ co-star) Hillary B. Smith (Nora). Chappell was in New York for a few days and was sharing Smith’s Manhattan hotel room for some much-needed girl time.”

Disney/ABC Television Group

Developing at Soap Opera Network… a number of actors are privately and publicly confirming they will not be joining “One Life to Live” when it goes online via Prospect Park‘s Online Network.

Joining Terri Conn, who announced her decision via Soap Opera Digest, are John-Paul Lavoisier, Farah Fath, Nic Robuck, Bree Williamson, David A. Gregory, Kristen Alderson and Eddie Alderson.

More news to come…

NewYorkShow.com

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — In an effort to save costs before uprooting the show to more permanent digs, sources have confirmed to Soap Opera Network that Prospect Park and its Online Network (TOLN) division have sealed a deal with the Disney/ABC Television Group to continue filming “One Life to Live” at its current ABC Television Center Studio in New York City located at 320 W 66th Street.

The rental period is expected to last during the early portions of the soaps initial run via theonlinenetwork.com or TOLN.com. The deal goes into effect once the soap completes filming its ABC run, which is scheduled to take place on Friday, November 18, 2011. The soap last airs on ABC in January 2012.

Previously, it had been rumored that the soap would be heading to Brooklyn with “As The World Turns’” former studio, JC Studios, as an option. That studio is still under consideration for the shows permanent home.

FEMA

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — As we first reported back in June, this afternoon (Wednesday, November 9), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), will be conducting their first ever nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System at about 2:00pm ET. During the test, all regularly scheduled programming on television, cable, satellite, and radio will be pre-empted. However, while the test was originally scheduled to last as long as three and one half minutes, it should now last only about thirty seconds. That is good news for soap fans, especially for those of “One Life to Live,” who have seen their soap interrupted countless times over the years for breaking news and weather coverage by both ABC and their local affiliates.

According to FEMA, 2:00 pm ET was chosen because it “will minimize disruption during rush hours, while ensuring that the test can occur during normal business hours across several time zones.” The test will be carried out nationwide across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories.

The agency also reminds viewers what they will see and hear during the test. “During the test, listeners will hear a message indicating that ‘This is a test.’ Although the EAS Test may resemble the periodic, monthly EAS tests that most Americans are already familiar with, there will be some differences in what viewers will see and hear. The audio message will be the same for all EAS Participants; however, due to limitations in the EAS, the video test message scroll may not be the same or indicate that ‘This is a test.’ This is due to the use of the live EAN code – the same code that would be used in an actual emergency. The text at the top of the television screen may indicate that an ‘Emergency Action Notification has been issued.’ This notification is used to disseminate a national alert and in this case, the test. In addition, the background image that appears on video screens during an alert may indicate that “This is a test,” but in some instances there might not be an image at all,” reads a statement on their website.

Click here to learn more about today’s nationwide EAS test.

Justin Lubin/NBC

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — It was March of this year that word broke out that “Days of our Lives” was planning to have a major character come out of the closet. Almost immediately after the news broke out reports were flying that Will Horton, portrayed by Chandler Massey, would be the one to come out. Eight months since the news first leaked, the NBC Daytime soap has finally revealed that Will will in fact come to the realization that he is gay, but what does Massey think about portraying such a character and how has he managed to keep it such a secret for so long?

“I’m thrilled and honored,” said an energetic Massey on getting the chance to tackle such a topical issue as a teen coming out. “I was told about it in February and now I’m officially allowed to talk about it. I’m thrilled on two levels. It’s an honor and a privilege to be a part of a storyline that is so relevant like this storyline, which is underrepresented in daytime and I think in TV in general. It is a story that needs to be told. It is very powerful and I’m super honored to be a part of that,” the actor stated. “On a personal level it creates a creative challenge. As an actor, I couldn’t be happier with the stuff that I’ve been given and the writing for me just because I get to stretch. I get to grow. I get to really sink my teeth into something.”

In recent months, some of the most shocking headlines in newspapers and television news programming have surrounded teenagers committing suicide because they could no longer handle the pressure and taunting from peers who had constantly teased them and in some cases threatened their lives all because they happened to be different. With soap operas always known as being the most current form of scripted programming when it comes to social issues would it be too much of a stretch to expect “Days of our Lives” to deal with the the issue head on? “It is such a real and tragic issue in the world today. Personally, I would love for them to address that. The wonderful thing about today is there are so many programs like the Trevor Project and It Get’s Better, NOH8…all those programs that are reaching out to those kids who aren’t comfortable with who they are or maybe they are and other people aren’t comfortable or are imposing their hate on them. I think it is terrible. Life is too short for that kind of nonsense,” said Massey. “I personally would love it if they go in that direction. It’s so powerful and such a real problem today that if ‘DAYS’ can do that and do it really well and powerfully it could help people. In the end that’s what we want to do. We want to move people.”

On the web:

• It Get’s Better
• NOH8
• The Trevor Project

Craig Sjodin/ABC

On Monday afternoon, TV Guide Magazine revealed news that “General Hospital” actor Jonathan Jackson has decided to exit the role of Lucky Spencer on the ABC daytime drama. Sources indicate to the magazine that Jackson was denied a lighter schedule following two years of non-stop drama for his beleaguered character and that ultimately played into his decision to get out of Port Charles. Jackson was also apparently disappointed that his character never got the opportunity to properly reunite with his former love interest Elizabeth Webber played by Rebecca Herbst. The four-time Daytime Emmy Award winner will last tape on November 17.

Jackson debuted on “GH” as the first-born child of daytime’s most famous couple, Luke and Laura played by Anthony Geary and Genie Francis, on October 29, 1993 at the tender age of eleven. In 1999, while still filming “GH,” Jackson landed a starring role opposite Michelle Pfeiffer in the film “Deep End of the Ocean.” Jackson excited his role on the popular ABC daytime drama later that year. Other notable film endeavors for the talented actor included starring roles on “Tuck Everlasting” and “Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights.” Jackson returned to “GH” in October 2009, controversially replacing Greg Vaughan who played the role from 2003 to 2009. When not acting, the 29-year old actor performs with the band Enation. Their music has been featured on the television series “One Tree Hill.”

Jackson’s last scenes on “GH” will likely air before the close of 2011. TV Guide reports that the actor has already taped his last scenes with his on-screen father. Jackson may see this move as not postponing the inevitable. ABC affiliates are currently lining up new programming to take over the 48-year old soap operas long-standing 3 o’clock time slot across the country for the 2012-2013 season.

Chris Haston/NBC

Bill Hayes and Susan Seaforth Hayes are two of the longest running current cast members left on NBC’s “Days of our Lives,” but you wouldn’t know it because they are barely on! Thankfully the network hosts its annual “A Day of Days” fan event where fans far and wide can come and meet their favorite stars and catch the rarest of glimpses of those not seen enough on screen at Universal Studios CityWalk in Hollywood, California. Considered one of “DAYS’” premiere couples with their portrayal of Doug and Julie Williams on the drama series, Seaforth Hayes and her husband sat down with Soap Opera Network to discuss fans, what has kept the show going for all these years and where they see things headed in the future and even a whopper surrounding the Horton clan’s near demise from the canvas.

“The amount of time we have with the fans is kind of limited because it’s a line for the autographs. The Q&A out in the open there at the end of the day is always hysterical. People saying ‘take your shirt off’ and the guys taking their shirts off, so everybody is happy but it’s not a profoundly intimate experience for the actors with the fans,” said Seaforth Hayes of the “Day of Days” festivities. “Oh, I think it is wonderful that we get to see the people that are that devoted that they will give up a Saturday morning or Saturday afternoon and come [here] to see us and talk to us and be with us. I think that is wonderful. Soap audiences are just different from any other audience. They are very involved, they are loyal and they are devoted. They just want to talk and it’s wonderful,” countered Hayes.

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Photo Credit: Quantrell Colbert

Beginning in September 2012, ABC affiliate WFTV in Orlando, Florida will begin airing a new daily syndicated talk show from comedian and radio host Steve Harvey reports the Orlando Sentinel. The affiliate plans to launch the program in the soon to be vacated 3:00 PM timeslot, which will be ceded to affiliates nationally by the ABC Television Network at that time. Does this mean to ultimate demise of “General Hospital,” which currently occupies the timeslot? Before you say yes, let’s take a moment to think rationally.

As previously reported, the Disney/ABC Television Group (herein after referred to as the DATG) announced in June of this year that it plans to launch a new daily syndicated talk show of its own with Katie Couric as host. Appropriately titled “Katie,” the Couric hosted talker is already cleared to air on more than 60% of the country on a number of ABC affiliates including the ABC O&O stations in New York and Los Angeles (WABC and KABC, respectively). Although the initial idea was to give ABC affiliates a new program to air in the current “GH” slot as well as provide DATG with a broader profit share than that of a soap opera, the DATG’s ultimate goal is to make money. With “Katie” syndicated, any affiliate including affiliates from NBC, CBS, FOX, etc could pick up the series. This was confirmed on Monday, October 24 when the company announced that Seattle’s NBC affiliate KING had picked up “Katie” over the ABC affiliate KOMO. With news of WFTV picking up Harvey’s talk show, word leaked that NBC’s competing Orlando affiliate WESH Channel 2 had chosen to pick up Katie’s show, although there is no guarantee the station will air “Katie” at 3:00 PM as planned by the DATG in much of the country. So what does this mean for “General Hospital?” At no point has ABC or the DATG announced that “General Hospital” has in fact been canceled. This has been made ever more clear as a network spokesperson has repeatedly reminded us and our readers of the following:

“The announcement does not mean the inevitable cancellation of ‘General Hospital.’ Rather it means that in September 2012 we will program our daytime block with our three strongest shows. We’ll have options for the Daytime daypart just like we do each year with Primetime. We believe in all of our shows and the ones that our viewers want, will be the ones that continue. There are MANY options that could happen…only time will tell…we are simply giving ourselves options for the future, which is a smart way to do business. The best way to ensure a favorite show stays on the air is to watch it.”

While that statement may not help calm the fears of the fans of “General Hospital” from thinking the end is near, the fact that WFTV has picked up Steve Harvey does not mean that the soap will be canceled just because various ABC affiliates are now announcing their post “GH” at 3:00 PM plans. Remember the affiliates didn’t make the decision to stop airing “GH” in its current timeslot. Disney/ABC, when it announced its deal with Katie Couric in June, informed their stations that as of September 2012 they will no longer be providing a national network product in the timeslot for the first time in more than 48 years. WFTV, by not picking up “Katie,” needed another program to air in the vacated timeslot as all the ABC affiliates will be doing beginning in September 2012. Some stations may find themselves airing other syndicated programs, including that from Steve Harvey, or even programming another hour of their local news. In fact, a North Carolina ABC affiliate is rumored to be putting on Anderson Cooper‘s new show in the “GH” slot beginning in September.