Donna Svennevik/ABC

Last week, Soap Opera Network featured a CENTER STAGE interview with “One Life to Live’s” legendary veteran, Erika Slezak (Victoria Lord). She opened up about the future of “OLTL,” working with the fresh, young faces on the show, and what it’s been like to have show creator Agnes Nixon back at the helm. And this week, we’re revealing how she feels about Robin Strasser (Dorian Lord), what it’s like working with Roger Howarth (Todd Manning) versus working with Trevor St. John (Victor Lord), and who she’d like to see return to Llanview!

Read More >>

Photo Credit: David Lang/Investigation Discovery

Next week Investigation Discovery invites you to spend your afternoons with Josh and Reva Shayne (“Guiding Light“), or at least with their portrayers Robert Newman and Kim Zimmer, as the network launches “Days of our Knives,” a programming initiative aimed at Women 25-54.

“With ID being the #4 network in daytime for Women 25-54*, we realized that soap fans already love ‘The Young and the Restless‘ so let’s give it to them ID-style: the young and the reckless!” said Henry Schleiff, president and general manager, Investigation Discovery upon announcing the new daytime lineup earlier this month.

According to the ID network, each week “Knives” will follow a specific theme that introduces soap stars from past and present into the homes of viewers as they introduce the true-to-life programming based on their scandalous soap opera personalities.

The daytime block debuts on Monday, August 20, when Newman and Zimmer host “Tainted Love” week.

“Days of our Knives” will air Weekdays from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM ET/PT on Investigation Discovery.

*Source: The Nielsen Company, NHI Calendar, 12/26/11-7/22/12, Daytime M-F 9a-4p, L+SD data, W25-54 delivery, Time Period Based Dayparts, Ad-supported cable. Excluding kids programming.

via Press Release

Investigation Discovery

BELOVED SOAP STARS OF PAST AND PRESENT HOST NEW DAYTIME PROGRAMMING BLOCK ON INVESTIGATION DISCOVERY: DAYS OF OUR KNIVES

– Daytime Block Launches Monday, August 20 from 1-4 PM E/P –

– Includes First Look at DEADLY AFFAIRS with Susan Lucci, Airing September 3 at 1 PM E/P in the Original All My Children Timeslot –

(Beverly Hills, CA) – Walking in on your beau bedding your best friend… Halting your wedding because your evil twin stole your spot at the altar… Discovering that your mortal enemy is really your long-lost sibling. These may seem like the plotlines of a delicious daytime soap, but sensational stories are anything but fiction on Investigation Discovery. Dishing out the drama of blindsided betrayals, mistaken identities, and deadly deceptions, ID is staking its claim on real-life soap operas with the launch of daytime programming block DAYS OF OUR KNIVES on Monday, August 20 from 1-4 PM E/P. By enlisting adored soap stars to host themed programming each weekday, ID will provide a new alternative to devoted soap fans searching for new “stories” to turn to. Hosting the block each day will be talent hailing from the drama that started it all, Guiding Light¸ to the now-longest running soap currently in production, General Hospital.

“Investigation Discovery is already the home of guilty pleasure programming, but perhaps there is no more popular example of a classic guilty pleasure than the soap opera,” said Henry Schleiff, president and general manager of Investigation Discovery. “With ID being the #4 network in daytime for Women 25-54*, we realized that soap fans already love The Young and the Restless so let’s give it to them ID-style: the young and the reckless!”

Read More >>

Donna Svennevik/ABC

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — When “One Life” fans last saw Charlie Banks (Brian Kerwin) earlier this year, he was leaving town in disgrace after his love affair with Echo DiSavoy (Kim Zimmer) was exposed, ending his marriage to Viki Lord (Erika Slezak). However that isn’t stopping him from creeping his way back into Llanview.

The November 8 print editions of both Soap Opera Digest and Soap Opera Weekly are reporting that Kerwin, who last aired on May 11 after nearly four years on the show, will be returning to the show later this year. While it is unclear what brings Charlie back to Llanview, Kerwin’s scenes are expected to air sometime in December.

In other news…

It looks like Brody (Mark Lawson) may be about to have a little more family joining him in Llanview, as there are reports that Kate Miller will be reprising her role as Brody’s sister Nadine Lovett for a couple of episodes later this fall. Nadine was last seen in 2009 when she was forced to hold her brother hostage under the direction of an unknown man, who turned out to be Mitch Laurence (Roscoe Born).

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.”

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.

Penguin Books

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — Daytime vet Kim Zimmer takes time off her book tour for her new memoir “I’m Just Sayin’: Three Deaths, Seven Husbands and a Clone! My Life as a Daytime Diva” to mention what the future holds for her on “One Life to Live.”

In a newspaper interview, which took place earlier this week Zimmer, who returned to “One Life to Live” as Echo DiSavoy last October, reveals what it is like to work on “Guiding Light” for nearly thirty years, her feelings on how the show ended, and why she feels the soap genre is dying.

With regards to “One Life,” the actress previews what lies ahead for her and her character. “I start rehearsals as Norma Desmond in [a Michigan stage production of] ‘Sunset Boulevard.’ I’ll do that for a month and then go back to New York, where I’ll hopefully continue to work on ‘One Life To Live’ for as long as they need me.”

With the show wrapping production on its ABC run in November before switching to an online distribution, Zimmer remains optimistic about the future, commenting that when “OLTL” leaves TV “Then I’m an unemployed actor again, unless something else comes along. I’ve worked a lot in my life and I don’t have any fear that I’ll never work again. I’m in a really good place right now and I’m taking it day by day.”

You can read the full article here.

Weary (far left), pictured with sons and wife Zimmer BroadwayWorld.com

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — When Rex (John-Paul Lavoisier) and Natalie (Melissa Archer) arrive in Kentucky at the Spotted Pony Strip Club later this week, fans may recognize the face of the man tending bar behind the counter. A.C. Weary, the husband of Kim Zimmer, who returned to the role of Echo Di Savoy last October after a nearly thirty year absence from the show, has been cast in the recurring role of Theo, the club’s manager. But don’t expect husband and wife to be sharing screen time anytime soon, however.

Weary first airs on Friday, August 19, when he gets the wrong impression about the Buchanan heiress and has a run-in with the young Mr. Balsom. But that’s not all, look for Theo to also have a Buchanan ex-wife on the payroll of his shady establishment.

This is not Weary’s first stint on “One Life to Live.” In 1978 (and again briefly in 1983) he played Dick Grant, the producer of Pat Ashley’s (played by the late Jacqueline Courtney) TV talk show “The View on Llanview,” whom she turned to after learning of her new husband Adam Brewster’s (John Mansfield) shady financial dealings. In true soap fashion, the personable Dick became obsessed with Pat, going as far as kidnapping her as well as her twin sister Maggie (also played by Courtney).

In addition to “OLTL,” he has also directed episodes of “Another World” and appeared as a paramedic on “Ryan’s Hope” in 1978 and as Gary Shaw in “The Edge of Night” in 1984. Other television credits include appearances on “L.A. Law,” “Jake and the Fatman,” and “Father Dowling Mysteries.”

Donna Svennevik/ABC

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — It appears that not even death can keep Gigi Morasco (Farah Fath) away from Llanview and her beloved Rex (John-Paul Lavoisier). Fath revealed recently that, even after her character’s demise, “I can’t say that I’m 100% done with the show.”  True to her word, the actress brings Gigi back to “Life” in the coming weeks when Rex needs her the most. But is it really her spirit that is seeing, or simply a product of his grieving, overactive imagination?

When viewers last saw Gigi she was brain dead and lying in a coma after suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning as a result of Jack Manning (Andrew Trischitta) and his friends Brad (Frank Dolce) and Hayley’s (Gaby Leyner) actions. Later Rex made a bargain with Clint (Jerry verDorn) to give the Buchanan family patriarch Gigi’s heart. Now with Clint on the mend, Rex is focusing his full attention on seeking revenge on Jack and his millionaire publisher father Todd Manning (Trevor St. John).

The week of August 1, Rex makes an important decision and later receives a visit from beyond the grave. However, things aren’t always what they seem, which leads Echo (Kim Zimmer) to become concerned about her son’s state of mind. But just how far will Rex go to try and prove that what he thinks he is seeing is real? And what will it mean for his family? Tune in to find out!

In other news…

Patrick Allen Cole says on website that he will be returning to “One Life to Live” in September as Rodi’s Manager/Bartender Jeff, and notes on Facebook that he will be taping the episode in August. Fans may recall that in his last two appearances on the show earlier this year, Jeff contacted Viki after finding a passed out Charlie, and shared scenes with Tomas and Téa.

Barret Helms (Baz) tweets that Monday (July 18) was a long day for him on the set, telling a fan that “I wrapped at 7:00 (pm). Long day for me. I saw u out the window but then u were gone when I went out..”

And for those speculating that Austin Peck (Rick), Terri Conn (Aubrey), and Josh Kelly (Cutter) will be leaving “One Life” in the near future, think again. The trio were still taping scenes as of July 12, when Peck tweeted that “On set ‘OLTL.’ Finished my set, now watching Aubrey and Cutter, minuteman hotel.”

Disney/ABC Television Group

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — “One Life to Live” releases a new audition script for the contract role of “Lily” and other casting odd and ends and behind-the-scenes summer tidbits.

The scene opens with “Lily” and “Josh” at odds. He asks for an answer to the deal he proposed to her earlier. Angry, she reminds him that all he did was leave her with a lot of settlement ideas which favored his client, and tells him to go to hell. Josh responds that he would really like for them to work together on this. When she asks him why, he claims it is because they both like to win and make money. Turned off by his answer, he reminds him that he is already rich, so he doesn’t need more money. Josh fires back that he spends most of his time thinking about winning and her. Lily informs him that she is not settling the case or siding with him. As the scene ends, Lily tells Josh she has never noticed him flirting with her, and that she doesn’t even really care for him. However, Josh refuses to give up easily and tells her that she, like him, is an acquired test, and takes some time to warm up to. Remember that with these audition scripts, the show frequently changes character names to try and throw off viewers.

Look for a couple of seldom used recurring characters and actors to appear again soon:

Saundra Santiago (Carlotta) noted 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!”

And, according to a fan who has his picture taken with several “One Life” cast members outside the studios last week, Patricia Elliott (Renee) was on the set taping scenes recently. The fan noted that “Patricia was unfortunately only at the studio to get her haircut. But, she did say that she filmed scenes with Bo last week. So hopefully we’ll see her in the upcoming weeks.” Click here to read more of his comments on meeting the stars of “One Life to Live.”

In other news…

Click here and here to see some pictures from last Friday’s “One Life to Live” 43rd Anniversary Block Party. You can also see some here.

Remember the “Nurse Judy” audition script that was released late last month? Well one of the characters mentioned in it was Dr. Lawless, who was first seen last week in scenes with Bo and Nora when he told the devastated parents that Matthew would need to be relocated to a medical facility better equipped to handle his condition. The character is played by Nathan Hinton.

Expect to see more of Mr. Baker (Jonathan Earl Peck) in the coming weeks as the ‘Tale of Two Todds’ storyline begins to heat up.

Shenaz Treasuryvala (Rama) writes on Facebook that “For all those in New York- Monday, 18th July at the AMC theatre on 42nd street at 7:30; I’m going with a lot of people from ‘OLTL’ to watch ‘DELHI BELLY’ (my latest film) in the theatre and would love to see you there.” Click here to buy your tickets.

Carlos Gonzalez, who recently played Officer Garcia, posted this picture of himself on Facebook on June 8 reading over a script before taping more scenes.

Kristen Alderson (Starr) tweeted last Thursday that “I can’t even tell you how many times we had to film the last two group scenes on today’s episode that aired.We laughed SO HARD..” The scenes to which is referring to were the ones involving Sam’s Spiderman-themed birthday party. On July 10 she tweeted that “We’re taping a little out of order but we’ve already filmed scenes that’ll air at the end of August.”

Lenny Platt (Nate) tells a fan who asks him about his character’s recent porn storyline by tweeting that “There’s (imo) a big comedic payoff. Stay tuned. Nate will keep doing what he does best: getting himself into trouble…” He also gives fans a link to a site to help them come up with their own porn name.

It doesn’t appear as if Barrett Helms (Baz) may be taping a headshot for the show’s opening sequence, despite the fact that he is on contract with “OLTL.” The same looks to be true of Andrew Trischitta (Jack) was well, who admits he hasn’t taped anything for the opening yet either.

Always the comedian, Bree Williamson (Jessica) talks about Jess’ bitch slap of Natalie last week saying that “About Jessica’s punch: A) Lover not a fighter. B) The only punch I’d ever give MA [Melissa Archer] has rum in it and C) I practiced on my hubby for days!”

Nick Choksi (Vimal) continues to give fans a chuckle with his latest Facebook posts (from the past several weeks) regarding his character’s onscreen antics. Click here to check them out.

“OLTL” Music Director Paul S. Glass is asking his fellow soap fans to help out singer Rachael Yamagata‘s (who appeared on the show in 2009) new project. Click here to see how you can help. He also says that “Her song ‘I’ll Find a Way’ which I used for the montage when Jenn died still haunts me! She is amazing!”

Michael Eilbaum will be credited as the director of the August 11 and 12 episodes of “OLTL.”

Gaby Leyner played Head Cheerleader Hayley, the girl with Jack and Brad, when they lured Gigi (mistakenly thinking it was Shane) to an abandoned old house on June 13 (She also appeared on March 31 and April 1). On July 12 she tweeted that “Still can’t believe I was involved in the killing of Gigi Morasco!”

Austin Peck (Rick) posted this cartoon of Kim Zimmer (Echo) from his “OLTL” dressing room wall, on his Twitter page, and this photo of some fans outside the show’s studios in honor of “One Life’s” 43rd anniversary last Friday. Peck also made several other interesting tweets recently including “Stay the f— out of my way. It’s pizza day on set!!” (on July 13), “On set ‘OLTL.’ Finished my set, now watching Aubrey (Terri Conn) and Cutter (Josh Kelly), minuteman hotel.” (on July 12), and “Going to work early tomorrow. Yaahn!!” (on July 11). And on July 8 he tweeted to Kristen Alderson (Starr) that he was “looking forward to next week…moohaha!!!”

And “OLTL” Make up artist Julia Davis tweeted on July that she was “Back to Llanview. Happy Tuesday! Humming Ledisi ‘Alright’ on set. Love this song.”