‘Precious’ Star Barret Helms Joins Cast of ‘One Life to Live’

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — It seems that not even cancellation can stop the long-running ABC soap from introducing new characters. With less than nine months left until the final episode is set to air, “One Life to Live” has cast Barret Helms in the newly created contract role of “Baz.” Fans may remember Helms from his role as Precious’ dream boyfriend in the Oscar-nominated movie “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire.”

According to ABC, the character will have “a unique connection to one of Llanview’s more recently-arrived residents.” Judging by the description, could the “recently-arrived resident” that he is be connected could be James’ (Nic Robuck) ex-girlfriend Deanna Forbes (Nafessa Williams), or could it be someone else?  Stay tuned to find out!

In casting breakdowns, the character was previously listed named “Robbie,” who was described “a sexy and confident college student who interns at a well-known newspaper.” Soap Opera Network recently learned that “OLTL” was in the process of casting that role when ABC Daytime President Brian Frons cancelled the show, along with sister soap “All My Children,” back on April 14. You can read a summary of the “Robbie” audition script, as well watch a video clip of another actor, Marque Richardson, auditioning for the role, here.

A first airdate for Helms has not been announced, although he is expected to begin appearing sometime in mid-June.