Q: I heard that Sonny on "General Hospital" is going to learn he has a son. Who is going to play the part? — Rachel, Forest Hills, N.Y.

A: The reveal of Sonny's son is the secret shared by his new wife, Kate, and her newly arrived cousin Olivia. When the writers strike was on, the name Olivia was mentioned, but it was never brought up again. When Bob Guza returned to head writing duties he said, "Forget about Olivia. We will not see that mysterious character." Maybe it is a different character and he just liked the name. For a while Sonny will be so busy going head to head with Jason he will not be focusing on his marriage. So he certainly won't be thinking or learning about having another "Sonny Boy." As for who will play the part when he finally arrives, there has been lots of casting talk. At first it appeared that Tom Pelphrey (ex-Jonathan, "Guiding Light") had the role. Now it seems the show wants to go with an unknown actor. No one has asked me, buy you know I am all about advice — want it or not, good or bad — but this is a good idea. David Lago (ex-Raul, "Young and Restless") would be great. The Emmy award-winning actor has the chops, he shares Maurice Benard's (Sonny) dark looks and is the perfect height.

Q: I entered the CBS.com "InTurn" contest. I guess I did not win. So who did? When is the character on air? — Gayla, Elkhart, Ind.

A: Sorry. Congrats go to Nell Mooney. Mooney starts her 13-week stint on "As the World Turns" in October. The character Spencer McKay will be Brad's co-anchor for a new television show. For the three months she is there, look for Spencer to reveal some surprising secrets, create problems for Brad and Katie and stir things up for everyone.

Q: I am new to "Young and the Restless." Who is Billy Abbott? — Charlene, Houston

A: Billy Abbott is the biological son of Jill and the late John Abbott. That would make him Colleen's uncle; and Jack, Ashley and Traci's brother. The character started as an out-of-control high school party boy. Then Billy fell in love with Kay's granddaughter Mac. The love of a good woman changed him. When Jill learned Kay was her biological mother, the wedding was off. Billy (Billy Miller, ex-Richie, "All My Children has been in Hong Kong doing work for big brother Jack and getting into gambling debts. Billy is now back to the not so good boy. Every character he has re-met in the past two weeks has alluded to his bad past — even Kevin (arsonist), Jana (murderer) and Danny (porn freak). Hello, kettles?

To find out more about Lynda Hirsch, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com.

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