The 2016 Daytime Emmy Awards pre-nominations have been announced. As always, there were a few conspicuously missing performers and some interesting category choices. Here are 8 surprises about this year’s contenders.

Former “Days of our Lives” actress Taylor Spreitler (ex-), who is probably best known for her starring role on ABC Family’s “Melissa & Joey,” has been cast as the daughter in the upcoming “Untitled Kevin James Project,” starring comedian Kevin James.

As we get closer to daytime’s biggest night, taking place on Sunday, May 1, the industry is abuzz today over which actors were submitted for a pre-nomination for the “The 43rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards,” presented by The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS). With at least two actors per show for each category (exception being Supporting Actress) several of daytime television’s biggest and brightest stars are looking to vie for the coveted trophy that celebrates their hard work during calendar year 2015.

In addition to “The Bold and the Beautiful” becoming the sole nominee and de facto winner in the category of Outstanding Daily Drama, nominees for the “The 27th Annual GLAAD Media Awards” were announced today by the organization which recognizes and honors media published, released or broadcast during calendar year 2015 for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and the issues that affect their lives.

Nominees for “The 27th Annual GLAAD Media Awards” were announced today and CBS’ “The Bold and the Beautiful” is the sole nominee in the category of Outstanding Daily Drama. Historically, when there is only one nominee in the category, the series becomes the de facto winner.

“General Hospital’s” Jake (James Nigbor) hasn’t been the same since he was rescued from the Cassadine compound. There’s something off and menacing about Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) and Jason’s (Billy Miller) son. What happened to the boy, while he was in captivity that caused the personality shift? And, more importantly, is Sam (Kelly Monaco) safe from ‘The Bad Seed’ Helena (Constance Towers) created?

“General Hospital’s” Sonya Eddy (Epiphany Johnson) is taking a break from her Port Charles nursing duties to guest star on ABC’s “Castle” on Monday, February 8.

Congratulations are in order for “General Hospital” star Teresa Castillo (Sabrina ) and her husband, Shane Aaron. The two welcomed a new addition to the family with the birth of their second child, a son.

On the Tuesday, January 26 episode of Freeform’s “Pretty Little Liars,” entitled “The Gloves Are On,” former “Days of our Lives” actor Blake Berris (ex-Nick Fallon) makes his debut as Damian Hayes. While you won’t be seeing “General Hospital’s Kimberly McCullough (ex-Robin Scorpio) on camera, you might want to pay special attention to the opening and closing credits as the actress directed the episode.

On Wednesday, January 27, we’ll finally get our first glimpse at what the “43rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards” nominees could potentially look like when the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) releases pre-nominations in the categories of Outstanding Lead Actress, Lead Actor, Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress, Younger Actor and Younger Actress. Before the potential prospects are released, why not think about joining the judging panel, who collectively votes the pre-nominees into the final selection process? There’s still time to do so!