As previously reported, former “General Hospital” actress Emily Wilson (ex-Ellie Trout) is set to appear in an upcoming episode of ABC’s “Castle,” entitled “Dressed To Kill.”

After fans began speculating on her possibly joining a soap following a January 8 posting on her website, which said, “Good things are ahead this year and I hope to have more to report very soon,” NBC’s “Days of our Lives” made it official: Soap veteran actress Kassie DePaiva is joining the series in the contract role of Eve Donovan (originated by Charlotte Ross).

While he may no longer be portraying the role of Steve Webber on ABC’s “General Hospital” that doesn’t mean fans of the daytime drama series can’t join in the fun with actor Scott Reeves during the upcoming General Hospital Fan Club Weekend taking place from Thursday, July 31 through Monday, August 4 at the Sportmen’s Lodge Hotel and Events Center in Studio City, CA.

There’s so much excitement happening over at “General Hospital,” it’s tough to keep up! And when Soap Opera Network recently spoke with actress Finola Hughes (Anna Devane), she teased that the strong, layered storylines fans have been enjoying as of late will continue to pack a punch throughout 2014. But just what will this year have in store for the lovely lady? Read on to find out!

“Days of our Lives” may be losing actress, Alison Sweeney (Sami Brady) later this year, but an equally powerhouse actress may be swooping into Salem: Former “One Life to Live” actress Kassie DePaiva (ex-Blair Cramer)!

Fans of “General Hospital’s” headwriter, Ron Carlivati, have something to be very happy about today: The scribe announced that he’s signed a new contract with the ABC soap opera!

In a promo for this week’s “General Hospital” ABC highlights the mob war between the Corinthos family and the Jeromes. “In the mob world, where there’s betrayal, there will be blood!” states the announcer as guns are drawn by Sonny (Maurice Benard), Julian (William deVry), Morgan (Bryan Craig) and even Ava (Maura West).

Deadline Hollywood is reporting that Oscar nominated director David O. Russell (“American Hustle” and “Silver Linings Playbook”) has received a straight to series 13-episode order from ABC for his newest drama project, “an upstairs/downstairs soap set at a private country club,” which will be co-produced by ABC Studios and CBS Television Studios.

Several “Days of our Lives” actors have tweeted short congratulatory messages in support of today’s news that NBC has renewed their series until the 2015-2016 season, but they’re not the only people celebrating the exciting news: Major personalities from the rival soaps have jumped aboard to give shout outs to the iconic soap, as well!

While it doesn’t come as much of a surprise, Deadline Hollywood is reporting that ABC is renewing its commitment to “General Hospital” for the upcoming 2014-15 television season. The “GH” renewal follows the recent two-year “Days of our Lives” renewal by NBC, which was announced today, and last week’s renewal of “The Bold and the Beautiful” and “The Young and the Restless” by CBS. Historically, as the network owns “GH” outright, ABC won’t necessarily make an “official” announcement as CBS and NBC have for their daytime soaps.