Photo Credit: Mitchell Haaseth/NBC

While Soap Opera Digest in its newest issue lists their last airdate being Wednesday, August 15, both Matthew Ashford (Jack Deveraux) and Sarah Brown (Madison James) will actually find their characters departing the world of the living much sooner.

On the Monday, August 13 episode, fans saw Madison speak for the last time as she called out for her fiancé, Brady Black (Eric Martsolf). On Tuesday, August 14, Jack departs Salem for the umpteenth time as the elevator cables snap while daughter Abigail (Kate Mansi) and the love of his life Jennifer (Melissa Reeves) look on in horror. Sadly, it looks like Jack is really dead this time! Also according to Digest, Caleb Hunt (Andrew) last airs on Friday, August 17 despite the character escaping unnoticed on the Monday, August 13 episode while Chad (Casey Deidrick) was tending to Gabi (Camila Bannus). Father Matt (Ralph Waite) is also back on the 17th as he shares words with Nicole (Arianne Zucker).

Soap Opera Network has learned Brendan Michael Coughlin will return on Monday, August 20, when his character Tad (aka: T) has a confrontation with Will (Chandler Massey) that eventually leads to a dangerous one with Sonny (Freddie Smith) later that week. On Tuesday, August 21, Brant Daughtery is back as Brian, and Will is none too pleased when he sees him getting intimate with Sonny.

Blake Berris returns as Melanie’s (Molly Burnett) stalker Nick Fallon, who is up for parole, on Monday, August 27. As previously reported, Nick’s mother Jessica Blake Fallon (Jean Bruce Scott) returns to Salem after a 30 year absence on Friday, August 31.

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 >>

Mitchell Haaseth/NBC

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — The news of changes hitting NBC’s “Days of our Lives” keeps on rolling tonight as one of the soaps outgoing stars, Matthew Ashford (soon-to-be ex-Jack Deveraux), posted a heartfelt message to his fans on his Facebook page just a short time ago in response to the news of his pending departure:

As you’ve probably heard, the news came out today that my character (and I) will be leaving the show. That’s the way it goes in this business. More details later… meanwhile-as always-thank you to everyone for your support.

Today of all days, it was nice to get this expression of support from the fans for Missy and me. It was a sweet thing to do-thank you very much.

Note: See what Ashford is referring to by clicking here.

As previously reported, a “Days of our Lives” spokesperson has not responded to requests for comment.

Mitchell Haaseth/NBC

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) – In an interview posted earlier today by TV Guide‘s Michael Logan, it looked like “Days of our Lives” Co-Executive Producer Greg Meng was alluding to the possible ouster of actress Sarah Brown when he stated “we also brought in the wonderful Sarah Brown [Madison James] and threw her into a lot of material very quickly. Maybe too much too quickly.” Sadly, it looks like he was indeed commenting on Brown’s character on the show in past tense.

Soap Opera Digest is reporting that Christie Clarke (Carrie Brady), Patrick Muldoon (Austin Reed), Matthew Ashford (Jack Devereaux) and Brown are all being let go in what is being now being called phase one of the mass firings expected at NBC’s “Days of our Lives.”

In the case of Clarke, Muldoon and Ashford, the trio returned to “DAYS” in September as part of the soaps big reboot. Brown joined the cast in early October as the first new character introduced by recently ousted head writers Marlene McPherson and Darrell Ray Thomas, Jr.

Last airdates are unknown at this time as a representative was unavailable for comment at press time, however, considering “Days of our Lives” currently films three months ahead of airdate and the new writing teams material is scheduled to hit the air in mid-August, per Meng, look for the quad to last air in August.

Stay tuned to Soap Opera Network as this breaking story continues to develop.

NBC Universal

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — Exclusive! Soap Opera Network has learned that “Days Of our Lives” has fired Marlene McPherson and Darrell Ray Thomas, Jr. as its co-head writers and replaced them with Gary Tomlin and Christopher Whitesell.

McPherson and Thomas were hired in May 2011, replacing Dena Higley, to help shepherd the “DAYS” reboot (the returns of fan favorites Drake Hogestyn, Deidre Hall, Patrick Muldoon, Christie Clark and Matthew Ashford).  Unfortunately, the ratings did not improve and the show recently hit a new low in Women 18-49 Viewers with just 496,000 total tuning in from that ratings category for the week March 19-23, 2012.

Tomlin returns to “DAYS” after being the Co-Executive Producer from September 17, 2008 – September 2, 2011 (on air episode dates) . This will be Tomlin’s first head writing gig in about 27 years – he was Head Writer of “Another World” in the mid-80′s.  Though he was an interim Head Writer for “One Life To Live” (on air episodes dates: February 1, 2008 – May 1, 2008) during the 2007-2008 Writers Strike.

Whitesell also returns to the show after being Co-Head Writer from October 13, 2008 – June 13, 2011 (on air episode dates).  This will be Whitesell’s 6th Co-Head Writing stint: he co-head wrote for “General Hospital” (1997), “Sunset Beach” (1998 – 1999), “One Life To Live” (2001-2003), “As The World Turns” (2005-2007).   Whitesell was writing breakdowns for “The Young and The Restless” for the past year.

ABC

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — Add another name to the list of the caravan of returning stars to “One Life to Live.” Fiona Hutchison shocked fans this week by announcing the soap has asked her to reprise her signature role of Gabrielle Medina.

In a lengthy statement on her official Facebook page, Hutchison details her upcoming return to Llanview, stating:

Brace yourselves, I have some wonderful news to share with all of you. I am returning to ‘One Life to Live’ as Gabrielle. I have two shooting dates. Keep in mind, these are not air dates, but shooting dates. The first shoot date is Tuesday, October 25th; the second shoot date is Tuesday November 15th. If you happen to be in New York City {DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT PUT YOURSELF OUT AND FLY IN, I’M SERIOUS!} please, by all means, feel free to stop by the ABC Studios and chat. Obviously, for fire safety reasons as well as security reasons, I cannot bring any of you into the studio. But I do take breaks and I will be sure to slip away as much as I can to come out and ‘hang’ with my ‘posse.’ I Have ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA what they have in store for Gabrielle. She is dead but with daytime, who knows? I swear I would tell ALL of you if I knew what was going to happen. I have no script as of yet.

She goes on to add “Also, feel free to contact the people at Prospect Park as well as my dear friend Executive Producer Frank Valenti(ni) if you’d like to see me on the web version of ‘OLTL.’ I’m not certain what the plans are or if the final deal has been sealed… but I WILL BE heading to Los Angeles to shoot a role on the web series, ‘The BAY!’ Gregori Martin is ‘visionary’ and I could not be surrounded by a more down to earth, brilliantly talented cast! I cannot wait to start!!!!!!”

Hutchison played Gabrielle from 1987-91 and again from 2001-2004 when the character was killed off in a bathroom by Music Box Killer Dr. Stephen Haver (Matthew Ashford). A first airdate has not been announced.

Gilles Toucas

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — Best known for her portrayal of Carly Corinthos and later Claudia Zacchara on ABC’s “General Hospital,” Sarah Brown is returning to daytime for another go after being dropped to recurring status earlier this year by CBS’ “The Bold and the Beautiful,” where she portrayed Agnes ‘Aggie’ Jones. The three-time Emmy Award winning actress has signed with NBC’s “Days of our Lives” to play the contract role of Madison James beginning Tuesday, October 4.

Brown’s new character is described as a “ a powerful and seductive CEO who looks to take on, one way or another, Sami [Brady, Alison Sweeney], Kate [Roberts, Lauren Koslow], Brady [Black, Eric Martsolf], and Victor [Kiriakis, John Aniston].” In a statement, Brown shared that she’s “excited to join such a talented cast as well as to play such a strong yet feminine character that will inspire our female viewer.”

For his part co-executive producer Greg Meng stated “”We are thrilled to have Sarah join our family at ‘Days.’  We needed a strong actress who can mold this character and go toe-to-toe with other strong actresses such as Alison Sweeney and Lauren Koslow. Madison defines a new femininity, displaying confidence, savvy, and elegance.”

via Press Release

THREE-TIME EMMY AWARD WINNING ACTRESS SARAH BROWN JOINS CAST MEMBERS ALISON SWEENEY & DEIDRE HALL ON ”DAYS OF OUR LIVES”

Actress Joins the Newly Revitalized Show in a Provocative & Powerful New Role

Sarah Brown, perhaps best known to fans for her creation of the iconic, tortured troublemaker Carly on “General Hospital,” has joined the cast of “Days of our Lives,” NBC’s longest-running scripted television series.  Brown is considered one of daytime television’s best working actresses, having won a jaw-dropping three Emmy Awards for ” General Hospital,” and delighting fans on “As the World Turns” and “The Bold & the Beautiful.”  She joins “Days of our Lives” as it begins revolutionary changes to focus on heroic love, intrigue, core family values, and the triumphant return of daytime royalty Deidre Hall and Drake Hogestyn as Marlena Evans and John Black.

Brown will play “Madison James,” a powerful and seductive CEO who looks to take on, in way or another, Sami, Kate, Brady, and Victor. “‘Days of our Lives’ is one of television’s historic gems,” Brown says.  ”I’m excited to join such a talented cast as well as to play such a strong yet feminine character that will inspire our female viewer.”  Brown joins former cast members Matthew Ashford, Christie Clark, and Patrick Muldoon, who are returning to the show, in celebrating its 46th season on the air.  Greg Meng,  Co-Executive Producer, commented, “We are thrilled to have Sarah join our family at ‘Days.’  We needed a strong actress who can mold this character and go toe-to-toe with other strong actresses such as Alison Sweeney and Lauren Koslow. Madison defines a new femininity, displaying confidence, savvy, and elegance.”

Thomas A. Montalto/MontaltoPhotos.com

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) – Matthew Ashford returns to NBC’s “Days of our Lives” this September when his character, Jack Deveraux, finds himself back in Salem facing many changes and new challenges. Soap Opera Network spoke with Ashford at the “DAYS” studio about his return to the soap, his work on the web based series “The Bay” and the most pirated movie of 2008!

With details of Ashford’s return still being kept under wraps as the drama gears up for a relaunch on Monday, September 26 with new head writers Marlene McPherson and Darrell Ray Thomas, Ashford wasn’t able to share much about Jacks’s return to Salem, but he did say that Jack “has been through some loss.” The actor also noted what’s to come for onscreen partner Melissa Reeves and her character Jennifer, who along with Ashford portray the popular couple Jack and Jennifer on the soap. “Jennifer has had some significant changes in her life. She’s had to make adjustments in her feelings and now Jack has to deal with that.” he said. Referring to Jack and Jennifer’s daughter Abigail (Kate Mansi), Ashford shared that “Abigail has grown and become quite the young lady.”

For more on what Ashford had to say about his return and how much daytime has changed since we last saw him check out our exclusive interview below.

Paul Skipper/JPI

After weeks of reported firings, hirings and rumors, NBC’s “Days of our Lives” is breaking its silence. In a press release issued to Soap Opera Network, the program has outlined a series of changes that will be reflected on screen beginning in September that includes highlighting romance and the faces of beloved characters once more. Behind the scenes changes include the hiring of “Passions” scribes Marlene McPherson and Darrell Ray Thomas and naming Noel Maxam and Greg Meng as Co-Executive Producers. The duo replace Gary Tomlin, who was fired last week. The behind the scenes changes are effective immediately.

“It’s time to make a more positive, romantic, and intriguing show driven by the power of heroic love. I’m very excited about the new adventure we are about to take which is based on the show that my parents created 45 years ago,” said Ken Corday, Executive Producer and owner of the daytime drama series.

“‘Days of our Lives’” initiated a strong direction of change by appointing a new head writing team consisting of Marlene McPherson and Darrell Ray Thomas. The successful writing duo plan to change the direction of the show as they tell contemporary stories based on the solid foundation of the ‘DAYS’ history of family, romance, and intrigue,” the press release stated. According to McPherson and Thomas, “New fans will find many reasons to stay, and longtime fans will find many reasons to return.”

The big changes taking place this fall begins with a grand event, which was expected as McPherson recently tweeted “The excitement is building! Huge party with many surprises the week of 9/26! You are all invited! We promise you won’t be disappointed!”

“The new writing team has already generated much excitement with the compelling stories they have written, and we plan to translate those stories to the screen with a refreshed look,” said Meng, who for over ten years has served as Executive in Charge of Production for the drama series. Before joining “DAYS,” Maxam for his part had a long and successful run at CBS’ “The Young and the Restless.” He began his daytime career with the drama series in 1997 as an Associate Director. He served in this position until 2002, but directed a number of episodes since 1999 until his departure in September 2007 to join “DAYS.” He was named Supervising Producer in late 2008. Both “Y&R” and “DAYS” are co-produced by Sony Pictures Television.

“I am confident these changes will bring back excitement and anticipation to our family of fans as they tune in each day to see what happens,” Corday promised. “You won’t want to miss a single episode of the new ‘DAYS’ ahead!

As previously reported, actors Crystal Chappell (Carly Manning), Louise Sorel (Vivian Alamain), Bren Foster (Quinn Hudson), Nadia Bjorlin (Chloe Lane), Tamara Braun (Taylor Walker), and Francisco San Martin (Dario Hernandez), head writer Dena Higley and co-executive producer Gary Tomlin are OUT!  It has been reported that Deidre Hall (Marlena Evans), Drake Hogestyn (John Black) and Matthew Ashford (Jack Deveraux) are IN! Rumored to be joining them in the coming months are Mark Hapka (Nathan Horton), Bryan Datillo (Lucas Horton), Christie Clark (Carrie Brady Reed) and Patrick Muldoon (Austin Reed). Reps for Datillo and Muldoon issued a “no comment.”