LYNDA HIRSCH ON SOAPS -- GOSSIP by Lynda Hirsch on Creators.com

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LYNDA HIRSCH ON SOAPS -- SUMMARY BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL: Steffy turns to Taylor for comfort when she tells her mother about Ridge trying to talk her into signing annulment papers so Hope and Liam can get married. Ridge secretly informs Brooke that he doesn't think that Hope and Liam …Read more. LYNDA HIRSCH ON SOAPS -- GOSSIP In the mid 1980s, I received a press release from "As the World Turns." The show was trumpeting that the daughter of gospel singer Cissy Houston and the niece of Dionne Warwick was going to appear on the show. Who was she? I thought. In …Read more. LYNDA HIRSCH ON SOAPS -- Q AND A Q: How did the fundraiser that Bradley Bell, the producer of "Bold and Beautiful," held for President Obama go? — Arleta in Mill Valley, Calif. A: The event was held on Feb. 15 at the main Spanish style house of the Holmby Hills …Read more. LYNDA HIRSCH ON SOAPS -- SUMMARY BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL: Fresh from liberating himself from Steffy, Liam and Hope promise to spend the rest of their lives together. Steffy has not lost hope of a future with Liam, thinking that he just needs time away to realize she is the one for him. …Read more.

LYNDA HIRSCH ON SOAPS -- GOSSIP

NBC has picked up "Days of Our Lives" for its 45th season, keeping the long-running show on the network through the 2010-11 television season, it was announced today by Marc Graboff, chairman of NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios. "'Days of Our Lives' continues to be a favorite of the daytime audience and we are thrilled to keep it going through its 45th season," said Graboff in a statement.

Bruce Evans, senior vice president of Drama Programming for NBC Entertainment, added: "'Days' has shown year-to-year increases in key female demographics and remains both relevant and fresh creatively. The producers, cast and crew have worked tirelessly to make 'Days' the ratings success it is today. Today's renewal is a true testament to all of their hard work. We could not be more delighted for them and for the multiple generations of fiercely loyal 'Days of Our Lives' fans."

Charles Shaughnessy (Shane) heads back to "Days" for 10 episodes in May. It will be nice to see the former "Nanny" star reunited with his on and off screen pal James Reynolds (Abe).

When Frances Reid (Alice) died last month, "Days" Executive Producer Ken Corday said her death would be addressed on the show in a way befitting the woman he called the heart and soul of "Days." Leaning of Alice's failing health, several relatives will appear to say goodbye.

Already set are Lucas, Jennifer, Marie, Mike, Melissa and Kim, with more to follow.

"General Hospital" is bringing back another Quartermaine! A show spokesperson confirms that Adrianne Leon is returning to the canvas in a recurring capacity as Ned and Lois' daughter, Brook Lynn. Leon played the character from 2004-6 before leaving Port Charles to take over as "Young and Restless'" Colleen. Leon did an amazing job in Colleen's final days.

Victor Alfieri (ex-Giovanni, "BOLD & BEAUTIFUL"; ex-Franco, "Days of Our Lives"; Gianni, "Passions") has joined the cast of "All My Children"! He'll be playing a fashion photographer who crosses paths with the ladies of Fusion. Alfieri will debut in the recurring role of Ciro on April 5. Ciao!

Actor Darius McCrary (Malcolm, "Y&R") and former video star Karrine Steffans are divorcing. McCrary sent divorce papers to the New York Times best-selling author along with a bouquet of flowers, according to the Examiner.

McCrary and Steffans married on April 20, 2009. This will be the actor's third divorce. Steffans' first book, "Confessions of a Video Vixen," topped the New York Times best-selling list. "In 2006, Steffans talked about her relationships with popular rappers and producers in the music industry on the 'Oprah' show," the Examiner reported.

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