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(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — Even though viewers have yet to learn the identity of Kim’s (Amanda Setton) comatose friend, look for her doctor to make his first appearance at the Kentucky hospital next month as her conditions takes a sudden change. And it is a face that some soap fans may remember.

Kurt McKinney, best known for his roles as Matt on “Guiding Light,” Ellis on “As the World Turns,” and Ned on “General Hospital,” will make his “One Life to Live” debut in what is believed to be the recurring role of Dr. Fascinella on Friday, October 14. While the show is keeping mum on the details surrounding his debut, we can tell you that the show released an audition script for the role recently. That script, however, was a recycled version of the one released earlier this year for the role of Dr. Pryor, who told Bo (Robert S. Woods) and Nora (Hillary B. Smith) that Matthew (Eddie Alderson) had suffered severe brain trauma, as the show worked to keep the true identity of Kim’s friend a secret.

McKinney isn’t the first employee of the unnamed Anchorage, Kentucky hospital to be cast. Adriane Lenox first aired as Nurse Judy, whom Rex (John-Paul Lavoisier) recently pumped for information, on Monday, September 19. The show also just released a casting call for a receptionist who will be tied to the storyline as well. And on Monday, October 17, Paul Hickert will play “Kentucky Cop #2.”

In a interesting twist, McKinney himself is a Kentucky native, as is Farah Fath (Gigi), who is rumored to be tied to the storyline as well.

In other news…

Want to get a sneak peek at which sets and clothing will be used will be used in some upcoming scenes and episodes? If so, then check out these behind-the-scenes pictures of Jerry verDorn (Clint) giving two lucky fans a tour of the studios back in August.

Broadway World

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — Llanview comings and goings for the month of October.

Thought you’d seen the last of Llanview’s craziest physic, but were hoping that you’d be wrong? If so, then you are in luck. Lea DeLaria reprises her role of Madame Delphina on Monday, October 10 when she encounters someone who is feeling a little guilty over something they’ve done as well as someone that asks her to repeat something in particular that she did for him once in the past.

Wendy Moniz is back as Llanview’s new mayor Kathleen Finn on Monday, October 3, and again on  Thursday, October 20 when she shows the Llanview Police Department some tough love.

David A. Gregory (Ford) has listed his October airdates on his Facebook page as being the 5, 6, 18, 19, 25, 27, and 31. That is 7 out of 21 episodes airing during the month.

Christopher L. Graves will play a Paparazzi on Friday, October 21. Also in that episode will be Nic Robuck (James), according to IMDb.

Expect to see a little more of Barbara Rhoades (Irene Manning) as the calendar changes from September to October. But will that be the last fans will be seeing of her, or will Irene’s reign of terror continue? Tune in to find out!

Don’t look for Kathy Brier (Marcie) or Chris Stack (Michael) to come back to Llanview for a little while longer. Brier tells a fan on Facebook that their return won’t happen until “Toward the end of October.”

It’s Halloween time in Llanview. Sean Ringgold (Shaun) posted this picture on his Facebook page last Friday, along with the comments “Hey Guys I’m in the Studio about to shoot some Halloween scenes . Can anyone guess what I will be ? I’m sure some people will have jokes for this question but what The heck :- )”

If your wondering about when some of your favorite (or not) recurring characters will be getting a little more airtime, no need to fear. Several actors, including Ilene Kristen (Roxy), Kim Zimmer (Echo), Nick Choksi (Vimal), Shenaz Treasury (Rama), Austin Williams (Shane), and Austin Peck (Rick) will all appear on screen at one point or another again in the coming weeks.

Are Farah Fath (Gigi) and John-Paul Lavoisier (Rex) about to leave “OLTL” behind? Fath tweeted on September 21 that “I’ll study twitter slang tomorrow, i gotta go to bed now, ‘OLTL’ at the crack…” And, when asked about how much longer she would be in New York City (where “OLTL” is taped), she responded with “Only for 2 more months.”

What fun place to work. Kristen Alderson (Starr) tweeted on Monday that she was “Working with silly folks today!”

And talk about a long day on the set. “OLTL” make-up artist Julia Davis tweeted on September 22 that “They have extended our out time. No cooking tonight. This calls for takeout,” and that she was “Finally headed home after 13 hours on set. Thanks a Good Night to Llanview… In need of some zzzzz.”

Disney/ABC Television Group

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — “One Life to Live” issues casting calls for a pair of new minor characters.

The first script is for the recurring role of Dr. Fascinella. The script is a recycled version of the script for Dr. Pryor, which was released back in March. As you may recall, that script revolved around Bo (Robert S. Woods) and Nora (Hillary B. Smith)Buchanan finding out that their son Matthew (Eddie Alderson) was suffering from severe brain trauma. So who do you think is in need of medical assistance this time around?

The second script is for the dayplayer role of a Receptionist. The scene opens with “Ted” tells a receptionist at an office in Brazil that he has been called in to take care of a bed bug infestation. Horrified and disgusted, the woman tells him that he must be mistaken. However Ted, who claims to be from Winnipeg, tells her that he received a complaint from a woman who encountered the pests while staying at the facility recently. When he asks to speak with the doctor in charge, she tells him that Dr. Fascinella is unavailable because he is with a patient. Ted says that is okay, because the bed bug infestation was confined mainly to the reception area. As the woman screams and runs off, Ted steals some files from his desk. As the scene ends, he states that the infestation must have been a false alarm. Remember that “OLTL” often tries to throw viewers off by changing character names in these scripts.

In other news…

David A. Gregory (Ford) responded to a fan on his Facebook page asking him when “OLTL’s” last television tape date was, saying “we don’t know yet.” He also answers a question about why everyone in Llanview refers to his character only by his last name, commenting “When I first came on the show in 2009, the character was known only as Ford. When they brought the character back at the end of the year, they gave him a first name. Most people in Llandview know him as Ford. His family knows him as Robert/Bobby. My theory is he hates Bobby because it reminds him of his bad childhood and it sounds like a little kid’s name. ‘Ford’ is more mysterious, adult, and masculine.” And he previews Wednesday’s (September 21) episode of “One Life,” teasing that “Wed. on OLTL: All 3 Ford boys are back at one of their favorite places…”

Farah Fath (Gigi) tweeted Monday that it was “Back to OLTL tomorrow..cant wait for JP [John-Paul Lavoisier] to get here Wed.”

And Kristen Alderson (Starr) tweeted on Monday “SO MUCH FUN at work today!!! Hahaha” And then later with, “Can’t stop thinking about how fun my “job”was today.Thank u all for your support! I wouldn’t be able to do what I LOVE if it weren’t for u.”

Donna Svennevik/ABC

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — John-Paul Lavoisier (Rex) is branching out from his daytime role on “One Life to Live.” In addition to co-starring alongside his real and reel life girlfriend Farah Fath (Gigi) in the upcoming E! series “Dirty Soap,” Lavoisier has also landed a guest starring role in the CBS primetime series “The Mentalist.”

“PS Congratulations are in order to my beautiful boyfriend…he’s shooting ‘The Mentalist‘ this week! (booked his first audition in LA!),” Fath tells Soap Opera Digest. It is not known at this time the name of the character Lavoisier will be playing or when his episode will air, although he was said to have been filming his scenes sometime this week.

In the meantime be sure to the soap couple on “Dirty Soap,” which premieres on Sunday, September 25 at 10:00 pm ET on E!. Click here to visit the show’s official website.

Getty Images

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — The “One Life to Live” revolving door will stay busy during the month of September as several new and familiar faces make their presence known in Llanview.

As we previously reported, “Guiding Light” alum Wendy Moniz has been tapped to take over as Llanview’s new mayor following the resignation of Dorian Lord (Robin Strasser), who left town after being appointed a U.S. Senator. On Friday, September 16, look for the former deputy mayor to start exercising her newfound authority around town.

With visions of Gigi (Farah Fath) still fresh on Rex’s (John-Paul Lavoisier) mind, Lea DeLaria again reprises her role as Llanview’s favorite physic Madame Delphina beginning Wednesday, September 14, when she tries to help Rex make sense of what he has been seeing. However, Rex isn’t the only Balsom Delphina will come into contact with.

Apparently porn doesn’t pay the bills. As the calendar turns to September look for X-rated film producer Rick Powers (Austin Peck) to resurface following his attempt to make a name for himself by substituting the film “VickerMan” with his own creation “Hold the Diploma” in late July. Only this time it isn’t smut that he’s peddling. As Rick branches out career-wise, expect him to get tangled up in another storyline playing out on the canvas.

After going MIA since saving his Aunt Dorian while dressed as a pint-sized Spiderman, the youngest Manning child Sam (Patrick Gibbons, Jr.) returns again this month. But how will the recent developments in his family affect the little guy?

Barbara Rhoades will continue to air as Irene Manning through the month of September.

It appears as if Mandy Evans, who made her debut as “Uncanny Annie,” a pole dancer at the Spotted Pony strip club in Kentucky on August 19, may be making another appearance on the show. Evans, who taped her first scenes on July 11, posted the following on her website on August 8: “Recurring Under 5 as Uncanny Annie on One Life To Live.”

Paul Rolfes returns as Dr. Jay Gangemi on Wednesday, August 31, along with a few dayplayer nurses, EMTS, and cops. In the same episode, Helmar Augustus Cooper is back as homeless man Louie, who interacts with several Llanview residents. And on the same date, Frankie Faison also airs again as Destiny’s grandad Richard Evans.

Rumors continue to swirl that Terrell Tilford will be returning to Llanview as Destiny’s (Shenell Edmonds) dad and Shaun (Sean Ringgold) brother Greg Evans this fall. Tilford himself has added to the speculation with this video message to his former “OLTL” fans on his Facebook fan page, teasing about a possible return to the show. However, while it remains to be seen if the actor is actually returning or not, Greg’s name will be mentioned more than once by his loved ones in the coming weeks.

Edmonds tweeted on August 24 that it was a “Good day at #OLTL, one day break and back again to close out the week.” Also be sure to check out her Twitter page to read her earlier tweets from some of Destiny’s scenes from the August 5 episode.

Check out this tweet from Hillary B. Smith from earlier this month: “I would love to do ‘Dancing with the Stars.’ But ABC doesn’t promote us on ‘OLTL.’” She also responds to a fan who asked her on August 22, “Yet, you all are the number one rated soap on their schedule! Word!,” with “we sure are!!! Not their plan! But aren’t we grand!!!” Earlier in the month she commented on slap Phylicia gave Nora recently, saying “The slap was acted. I don’t think my head would have stayed attached if Tonye [Phylicia Evans] connected. She was awesome!”

Robin Strasser  tweeted on August 30 that “GROUND TURKEY E COLI RECALL? didn’t know- ate turkey burgers with gusto. SICK unto death-gotta get better help.Thank you for prayers.” On August 26 she tweeted that “Yes, I was able to watch the ‘last show”. I LUV Erika Slezak, Kassie DePaiva, Kristen Alderson, Gina Tognoni. I’ll miss working with them. Soap Central really cheered me UP. I’m in hospital- 2nd time in 2 weeks for a blood infection (wuh?) Hoping for meds I’m not allergic to.”

A fan commented to Kristen Alderson on Twitter on August 30, saying “LOVED when Starr said Brown Chicken Brown Cow today!tweeting”I added that in cause Kassie always says it hahah.”

And speaking of Shaun, fans can expect to see more of him in September, along with a few of Llanview’s other infrequently used supporting characters like Nigel (Peter Bartlett), Shane (Austin Williams), Echo (Kim Zimmer), Phylicia (Tonye Patano), Roxy (Ilene Kristen), and a certain prized possession of the eccentric hairdresser.

E!/Entertainment Weekly

Entertainment Weekly’s InsideTV posted your first look at the cast of E!’s new reality series “Dirty Soap.”

Premiering Sunday, September 25 at 10:00 PM ET on E! “Dirty Soap” follows the real lives of daytime’s hottest stars including Kelly Monaco (“General Hospital”), Nadia Bjorlin (“Days of Our Lives”), Kirsten Storms (“General Hospital”), Farah Fath (“One Life To Live”), John-Paul Lavoisier (referred to as “JP” in the reality series; “One Life To Live”), and Galen Gering (“Days of Our Lives”). Also appearing in the soap will be Gering’s wife of 11 years, Jenna, who can be seen at top left.

Noticeable scenery, outside of the cast wearing some interesting attire in what appears to be a hallway, include a bar soap inside a small puddle of water, a purse that looks to have lost some items such as lipstick, a cell phone and one other unmentionable.

For a look at what you can expect from the series, here’s the official trailer:

Thomas A. Montalto/MontaltoPhotos.com

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — Back in June at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards, “One Life to Live” executive producer Frank Valentini alluded to Soap Opera Network that we hadn’t seen the last of Farah Fath despite her character, Gigi Morasco, being killed off. In our Twitter posting that night, we stated “according to Frank Valentini, more surprises in store for #OLTL. Have we seen the last of Gigi? Don’t believe what you see!” Come August, that’s never been more certain!

During the “One Life to Live” Fan Club Weekend, Fath herself shed a little light on her storyline when she shared with a fan that “the storyline’s not over.” So how can that be considering Gigi died in June thanks to carbon monoxide poisoning after being locked in a basement by Jack Manning (Andrew Trischitta), his buddy Brad (Frank Dolce), and Llanview High School cheerleader Hayley (Gaby Leyner)? Well Gigi’s heart may have gone to Clint Buchanan (Jerry verDorn), which conveniently occurred off-screen, but Stacy’s (played by Crystal Hunt) body was never recovered.

Interestingly enough, Stacy’s best friend Kim (Amanda Setton), Clint’s most recent ex-wife, returns on Friday, August 19. In the episode, the character will learn some interesting information from Rex (John-Paul Lavoisier) about the goings on in Llanview and shares these tidbits with a certain someone next week.

We wonder what that means? Hmmm…

Lou Rocco/ABC

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — “One Life to Live” fans hoping to catch another glimpse of some of their favorite recurring characters before the show wraps production on its TV run in November, can now breath a collective sigh of relief. In the coming weeks, several of Llanview’s “seen, but not heard” characters will be appearing in upcoming episodes.

Ilene Kristen returns as everyone’s favorite drunken hairdresser, Roxy Balsom, on Wednesday, August 17, when she asks Madame Delphina (Lea DeLaria) to help her make contact with Gigi’s (Farah Fath) spirit. But will the ladies succeed in their efforts, or will their actions do more harm than good?

The following week, on Tuesday, August 23, Peter Bartlett is back as Nigel, despite the fact that he was recently relieved of his duties as the Buchanan’s longtime manservant by the family patriarch’s illegitimate son Rex Balsom (John-Paul Lavoisier). This time around, he is tending to a recovering Clint (Jerry verDorn) at Llanfair. Look for Clint to ask a huge favor of his trusty confident on the anniversary of Asa’s death.

Speaking of Asa, look for Clint’s little brother Bo (Robert S. Woods) to pay his respects at his Pa’s grave site that same day, where he runs into Asa’s grieving widow Renee (Patricia Elliott). Check out pictures of Asa and Gigi’s tombstones, along with a few other spoiler images here (the pictures are from two lucky fans’ studio tour with verDorn).

Also next week, Dorian (Robin Strasser) prepares to leave town to launch her Senate campaign, and the Cramers throw a huge farewell party for her. Among those in attendance will be Dorian’s oft mentioned, now mentally stable sister Addie (Pamela Payton-Wright).  Look for Addie to also interact with her ex-husband and brother-in-law David Vickers-Buchanan (Tuc Watkins).

And Saundra Santigo will be returning soon as Buenos Dias Café owner Carlotta Vega. The actress posted on Facebook on July 14 that she “Ran into Whoopi @ the ABC Studios today while shooting some scenes on ‘One Life.’ Like, I literally almost ran into her, and she was so cool. I love people from the Bronx!”

Chris Haston/NBC

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — Because we were working overtime trying to get the re-designed website up while also transferring servers, we didn’t get a chance to report on this. For those who may have missed out on it all, E! is debuting a new reality series that actually covers the behind the scenes lives of some of your favorite soap stars for a change and not those “Real Housewives” we’ve gotten bored with from network sibling Bravo.

“Dirty Soap,” debuting on Sunday, September 25 at 10:00 PM on E! stars Kelly Monaco (“General Hospital“), Nadia Bjorlin (“Days of Our Lives”), Kirsten Storms (“General Hospital”), Farah Fath (“One Life To Live”), John-Paul Lavoisier (referred to as “JP” in the reality series; “One Life To Live”), and Galen Gering (“Days of Our Lives”).

The series is being executive produced by former “All My Children” supercouple and real-life husband and wife duo Kelly Ripa (ex-Hayley Vaughan Santos; co-host “Live with Regis and Kelly”) and Mark Consuelos (ex-Mateo Santos).

 via Press Release

E! LATHERS UP WITH NEW FALL DOCU-SERIES “DIRTY SOAP” TAKING VIEWERS INSIDE THE REAL LIVES OF TODAY’S HOTTEST SOAP STARS

Executive Produced By Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos, Amber Mazzola and Albert Bianchini, the Eight-Episode, Hour-Long Series Debuts September 25 at 10:00 PM, ET/PT on E!

LOS ANGELES – July 28, 2011 – They’ve been killers, ghosts, homeless, prostitutes, prisoners and even murder victims – but it’s off the set of their famous soaps where the real drama begins. Featuring a drop-dead gorgeous ‘who’s who’ of daytime television – Kelly Monaco (General Hospital), Nadia Bjorlin (Days of Our Lives), Kirsten Storms (General Hospital), Farah Fath (One Life To Live), JP Lavoisier (One Life To Live), and Galen Gering (Days of Our Lives) – “Dirty Soap” is a titillating look at these stunning thespians as they navigate high-profile careers during pivotal moments in the industry and deal with their own real-life drama, which often rivals that of their daytime counterparts. Executive produced by Amber Mazzola of Machete Productions and Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos and Albert Bianchini of Milojo Productions, the eight-episode, hour-long series, “Dirty Soap,” premieres September 25 at 10:00 PM ET/PT only on E!

The “soap bubble” is a small and intimate world and this cast of characters has played extremely significant roles in each others lives for years. They’ve been co-stars, best friends, worst enemies, boyfriends, girlfriends, and everything in between. Working together on set and spending time with each other in their down-time, they have formed substantial bonds and created a pseudo “soap family.” In the series we see them all begin a new chapter in their lives – some have left the soap world, some are doing film, some are focusing on family, and others are simply trying to determine what would be the best next move. Romantic relationships are tested when one person’s career rockets forward and the others is stuck at “go.” Jealousies arise as actors attempt to jump from one soap to another, and arch rivals must find a way to coexist in this sudsy microcosm without ripping each other to shreds. The softer side of these heartthrobs is also exposed as they interact with their families – one beauty meets her biological father for the very first time and another tearfully sends her brother off to the United States Army flight school. All the while their goals are clear – to grow their careers and to keep their hearts and heads above water in Tinseltown – where it’s so very easy to drown.

“The soap industry is at a defining moment and the time is ripe for a series that goes inside this iconic world and explores the unique bond that these actors share,” said Lisa Berger, President, Entertainment Programming, E! “No one knows the inner-workings of the soap community better than Kelly and Mark, and it is exciting for us to work with them, in addition to some of the reigning kings and queens of soap featured in the series.”

“We’re very excited to be behind this show for E!, and having met on the soaps we know all too well how much work and dedication it takes,” adds Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos.

Meet the Cast:

Kelly Monaco, a dazzling brunette beauty, is most famous for her starring role on the daytime drama “General Hospital” and being the first champion on “Dancing With The Stars.” In the mid-90’s, Kelly landed a recurring role on “Baywatch” and after numerous roles in film she eventually was cast as ‘Sam’ on “GH.” Kelly recently ended an eighteen year relationship with her high-school sweetheart and is cautiously getting ready to jump back into the dating pool in LA…but is she really ready to let go of her troubled past? One of Kelly’s best friends is Kirsten, who she met when Kirsten joined “General Hospital.”

Kirsten Storms has been acting since she was a young girl. A star on the Disney Channel, appearing in the hit movie franchise “Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century,” the bubbly blonde has been on set most of her life. Things really took off for Kirsten when in 1999 she landed the role of ‘Belle’ on “Days of Our Lives.” Kirsten is currently enjoying a successful run on “General Hospital.” Happy in her career, she is trying to figure out what happened between her and her former best friend and co-star Farah Fath – the duo hasn’t spoken in over three years. Will they be able to repair their old friendship? Kirsten is also working through some family issues; she has been on the outs with her immediate family for quite some time and just as she begins to make amends, her brother must leave to go to the United States Army flight school.

Farah Fath is a southern gal from Lexington, Kentucky, who was crowned “Miss Kentucky Preteen” in 1995. In 1999, Farah went to LA for her first audition and in less than a month she landed the role of ‘Mimi Lockhart’ (whose character was best friends with Storms’ ‘Belle’) on “Days of our Lives.” After 8 years on “Days” Farah moved to NYC and joined the cast of “One Life To Live.” Now, she is now bi-coastal and back in LA for a few months, looking for her next gig and preparing to live with her actor boyfriend, JP. Though she loves him, Farah needs some answers from JP – is this relationship serious or not? Once back in the sunshine state, the blonde beauty must face her “frienemy” Kirsten Storms, but luckily she has the help of her friend and former colleague, Nadia Bjorlin.

Nadia Bjorlin is a woman of many talents. Besides being breathtakingly beautiful, she is an accomplished opera singer with many accolades under her belt. Nadia didn’t have to wait long for her big break in acting when, just weeks after she secured an agent, she auditioned for the role of mysterious young opera singer ‘Chloe’ on “Days of Our Lives.” She nailed the audition, landed the role and moved out to Los Angeles. She has played ‘Chloe’ on and off since 1999 and has also had guest starring roles on “Two and a Half Men,” “CSI,” and many more. Now, Nadia is leaving “Days” to begin her career in film. Nadia has been living with her boyfriend, Brandon, for the past few years. They are both actors in transition mode – the big question is: what will happen if one of their careers takes off, and the other goes nowhere?

Galen Gering is currently a major character on “Days of Our Lives” playing Alison Sweeney’s love interest. He was raised by hippie parents in sunny southern California and in his late teens he moved to NYC and enjoyed a successful modeling career. Galen landed a role on “Passions” in 1999 and has been melting women’s hearts ever since. The soap star has been married for the past 11 years to his actress wife, Jenna, and the couple has two sons.

JP Lavoisier grew up in small town Pennsylvania and studied at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. His rugged good looks helped land him a role on “One Life To Live” in 2002 and he has been a soap stud ever since. For the last four years he has been dating Farah Fath, though he seems to have no plans to “put a ring on it” any time soon. In fact, he left his last girlfriend because she wanted more than he was able to give. What is going to happen with Farah when she clearly has marriage on the brain?

“Dirty Soap” premieres on September 25th at 10:00 PM, ET/PT on E!.

Disney/ABC Television Group

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — For the past two and a half weeks, I found myself in unfamiliar territory when it came to running the website as I was based out of Los Angeles. Normally, I run things here in New York. What I found unfamiliar, however, was finding out the true stories behind what many soap fans can’t seem to get enough of – the Disney/ABC and Prospect Park connection as it relates to “All My Children” and “One Life to Live” and even “General Hospital.” So what did I learn that I can share with you? Plenty!

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