Marston's 'Life' in Danger

Soap issues statement

Friday, October 26, 2007 1:30 PM| This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) -- Four days after being arrested for allegedly attacking three men and resisting arrest, Nathaniel Marston learns his fate with "One Life to Live."

Less than a week after Marston's latest run-in with the law, the soap star's future with "OLTL" has been called into question. An ABC spokesperson released a statement Thursday stating that "We are reviewing the matter internally, and until completion of this review we have taken him off the schedule."

However, while it is clear from the statement that Marston remains on the ABC payroll at the present time, the exact meaning of "off the schedule" is rather vague. It is likely that the network has given him a leave of absence from "OLTL" until their legal team has an opportunity to do damage control, and determine their options. In an odd twist of fate, the timing would be perfect for Marston to take a break from "OLTL," given that his on-screen character Dr. Michael McBain has just been arrested on perjury charges and sent to jail. It remains to be seen if the soap will delete his scenes from recently taped episodes, and if the role would be recast should ABC decide to fire Marston.

When he appears in court on February 4th, Marston will face a number of charges; which include assault, menacing, reckless endangerment, and resisting arrest. On October 23rd he told the New York Post that the "cops arrested the wrong guy," and that he "was mistakenly taken into custody as the attacker." In 1999, Marston was arrested following a fight with an ATM machine. And last November, "OLTL" was forced to recast his character for two episodes for reasons which were never made public.

Stay with Soap Opera Network for more information on this story as it develops.

In minor casting news...

"OLTL" has released an audition script for the role of Greg Copeland. Apparently, Greg has a story posted about Lena without her consent, in an effort to lure Stephen out of hiding. It seems the two have a love/hate relationship. Also mentioned in the scene is a man named Alec Moss. While it is obivious all four names are cover names, it is unclear as to whom they actually represent.

Look for one "OLTL" storyline to becom a drag as several drag queens to appear the week of October 29th. Those actors include Charlie Kevin (Brandon), Andre Wood (Clarence), Benjamin Howes (Harvey), Randy Roberts (Cher), and Jason Zmbos (Liza Minnelli). The drag queens will be involved in the baby Tommy storyline, and will help protect Marcie McBain.

A couple of upcoming airdates have been announced for 10-year-old Austin Williams, who will be portraying Gigi's son Shane. Those airdates include October 29th and November 6th.