Table of contents for January 1, 2018 in ABC Soaps In Depth

The In Depth Story: With the mystery of Faison’s connection to Drew and Jason’s memory swap still looming — and brother Nathan’s pending parenthood on the horizon — there are plenty of story opportunities for The Britch on the canvas. Yet, while Thiebaud herself said that she’d been invited “to come back for a couple of episodes” — seemingly not long-term — GH is remaining mum regarding her current status with the show. As for Montgomery, even though Andre has been transferred to a federal prison, a show rep confirms that viewers have not seen the last of the not-so-good-after-all doctor! Montgomery — who’s loved diving into this new side of Andre since learning about his memory mapping work on the twins — tells In Depth that his character’s secret…

Steffy and Liam receive huge news that causes him excitement (and her concern!) on Monday, December 18. While Liam shares the happy news with Wyatt on Tuesday, December 19, Steffy alerts Bill. He convinces her on Wednesday, December 20, to find out the truth, despite her fears. Katie surprises Wyatt by wearing a special outfit on Thursday, December 21. And on Friday, December 22, a power couple announces their engagement to the rest of the family in the midst of their Christmas celebrations.…

When The Underground went up in flames, so, too, did the dreams of THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS’ Noah, who’d been looking forward to expanding the nightclub into a lucrative franchise with his father, Nick. While the hunk has landed on his feet — as the new manager of grandfather Victor’s restaurant, Top Of The Tower — his portrayer, Robert Adamson, says that he had a twinge saying good-bye to The Underground. “It’s kind of funny because I didn’t know what to think about the bar job for the first two years, but then I became so comfortable there!” he laughs. “I was behind the bar, fixing people drinks, listening to everyone’s problems and having no responsibility! “And it was heartbreaking for Noah when The Underground burned down, because he…

To: Julian From: Alexis A real chance at forgiveness — but only if he works for it! To: Monica From: Tracy A visit. Just one visit. Please! To: Franco From: Elizabeth A girl! True, the GH nurse already has three kids, but can you imagine what having a daughter would do for — or to! — Franco? To: Finn From: Hayden If she’s not going to come back to Port Charles, the least she can do is send him a framed photo of their baby. To: Josslyn From: Oscar A phone her mom knows nothing about so that when Carly inevitably adds the tracking device Kim mentioned, Joss will still be able to sneak away! To: Jordan From: Stella There’s nothing Jordan wants more than a bit of forgiveness and…

There’s been some real cloak-and-dagger spy stuff happening in the Utah home of B&B’s Jacob Young (Rick), who explains that his oldest child, 9-year-old Luke, found the family’s Elf On The Shelf as early as September! “We nicknamed ours Jack,” explains the actor. “Luke managed to somehow get way up on a high shelf in our home, and he said, ‘Dad! I just found Jack! What’s he doing there?’” Young quickly explained to the boy that Santa has a habit of sending scouts even in the off season! “I told him, ‘He comes every once in a while to check on you kids throughout the year, so he can report back to Santa.’” Now that it’s closer to December 25, Young and his missus, Christen, have unpacked boxes’ worth of…

The on-screen drama may be at a high for GH’s Chad Du-ell (Michael) and B&B’s Courtney Hope (Sally), but the real-life lovebirds are gearing up for a busy, festive holiday connecting with family and friends. “I don’t see my family that much, because they’re in Arizona, so the holidays are just about getting to go be with them and enjoying our traditions,” says Duell. “We have a Christmas Eve party every year and open presents at night. “Then on Christmas Day, we just want to go out and spend our gift cards… but everything is closed,” he adds with a laugh. “So we go to the movies or something.” Hope’s family, by contrast, is all about Christmas Day. “In the morning, no one’s allowed to go downstairs until the video…

THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL Unaware that his brother, Thorne, was still carrying a torch for Brooke, Ridge presented Brooke with an engagement ring during a romantic dinner. Having spied Thorne and Brooke during a private conversation, Nicole wondered if they were falling for each other. Thorne told Eric about the European line he’d launched called “Aly,” and suggested that they could oust Ridge from Forrester and run the company together. Steffy was forced to come up with a cover story when Liam caught her in a lie. Bill was wracked with guilt when Liam proved himself to be a most supportive son. One couple is about to receive the kind of news that could forever change lives! THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS Sharon was dismayed when Scott refused to…

With This Ring: After helping pick the perfect ring with which she thought Jason should propose to Sam, Maxie tried it on… and promptly dropped it off a balcony and into the sewer! (She does, however, get points for retrieving it… and, we presume, having it power-washed.) Baby Be Mine: On the plus side, Maxie helped arrange a lovely wedding for Mac and Felicia. On the minus side, she managed to make the reception all about herself by going into labor and delivering not only baby Connie/Georgie, but a whole lotta custody-related drama! Unhappy New Year: Maxie planned the perfect wedding for herself and Nathan. The only things she overlooked? How she’d react to cold medication… and the fact that her groom-to-be was still married to his previous wife!…

IN This week, Denise Alexander brings Laura’s mother, Lesley, home to Port Charles for the holidays! “I check in periodically to make sure Lesley is still out there,” she tells In Depth. “One day, I got a call asking about my availability. It was nice that the character was still thought of!” While Alexander is tight-lipped about her story arc, she does confess that being back at GH is “delicious. There wasn’t one moment that wasn’t a delight. The storyline was fun, the writing was great, and I got to wear something really pretty!” It’s been four years since Alexander’s last visit — during GH’s 50th anniversary celebration — but the actress felt “really, really comfortable” stepping back into Lesley’s shoes. “It’s like being back in your natural habitat,” she…

When Griffin issues an apology on Tuesday, December 19, who will be on the receiving end? Molly may be the “good” girl, but she majorly unleashes on mom Alexis on Wednesday, December 20. (Anyone else suspect it’ll have something to do with Julian?) Laura is in for quite a surprise on Friday, December 22. (For more on Laura’s big week, turn to News, Page 2.) Anna thinks there’s something very important that Finn really needs to know on Tuesday, December 26. You won’t want to miss Obrecht’s confession on Wednesday, December 27! And what has Lulu so excited on Thursday, December 28?…

Jill’s home, but it’s not just for the holidays! What’s she got up her sleeve on Monday, December 18? The fight for Jabot heats up as Jack and Ashley butt heads on Tuesday, December 19. Lily can’t help but question Hilary’s motives on Wednesday, December 20. Nick and Chelsea find themselves getting into the holiday spirit on Thursday, December 21, while across town, J.T. proves just how charming he can be. And on Friday, December 22, Santa’s not the only one wondering if Paul and Christine are being naughty or nice. Nikki wants to know the same thing!…

Soaps In Depth has 10 Blu-ray™ bundles of these holiday favorites to give away to lucky readers! Elf : This hilarious Christmas film tells the tale of a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts on Christmas Eve and is transported back to the North Pole and raised as an elf. Years later, Buddy learns he is not really an elf and goes on a journey to New York City to find his true identity. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation : This holiday season, Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) vows his clan will enjoy “the most fun-filled family Christmas ever.” Before you can sing “Fa-la-la-la-lah,” he decks the halls with howls of folly in the perennial favorite. Yule love it! The Polar Express : When…

Let’s face it: GENERAL HOSPI-TAL’s Nina knows a thing or two about being duplicitous. Thankfully, portrayer Michelle Stafford excels at playing her alter ego’s duality. This means that whenever Nina puts on her poker face, the audience — who is usually in on her scheme — is in for a good time! Caught In The Act! Having gone behind Valentin’s back and made a date with his nemesis, Nina was downright flustered when he showed up to surprise her. Smiling and laughing just a little too broadly, she tried to keep it casual, but her husband wasn’t buying it. Clearly, Nina was hoping Valentin would scram before her lunch date arrived… and the moment she spotted “Cassie” over his shoulder, her facade cracked. Impressively, it only took Nina a beat…

When Jersey girl Jacklyn Zeman moved to Hollywood for a three-year contract on GENERAL HOSPITAL in 1977, she didn’t know much about the city or her new character, Bobbie… but 40 years later, she’s still in love with both! Life After “Death” Zeman was fading away on a couch as ONE LIFE TO LIVE’s Lana when she got the offer to come to Port Charles — and California! “I never auditioned,” the actress tells Soaps In Depth. “Doug Mar-land, the GH headwriter back then, gave me a call and then came to my apartment in New York, where we sat in my living room talking for hours. He didn’t go into a lot of detail about Bobbie, but I guess he saw something in me, because all of a sudden,…

Noah may be running Top Of The Tower for the moment, but Adamson admits he has a fantasy in which his alter ego dons pinstriped suits — not to work for Victor but to work for Michael! “I always thought it would be really interesting if he became a paralegal for Michael!” he shares. “Noah always tends to be neutral, and it would be a way to play that from a legal perspective. I would say solidifying him in a legitimate career rather than having him floating around is critical to his identity!”…

With the kids growing up, Herbst says, “I have to be trickier… but it’s more fun that they’re able to come up with their own ideas for gifts and wrap their own presents. It’s very sweet.” GH’s Rebecca Herbst (Liz) loves decorating for the holidays — which start the first week of October, if you ask her! “I decorate my house for every season,” she admits. “My mom did that, so that’s what I always do. First it’s pumpkins and skulls and Halloween stuff. Then I disassemble things to get into Thanksgiving — it’s not so ghoulie anymore. And then I bounce right into Christmas.” And the busy mom doesn’t lollygag on the Christmas gear, because she wants to have time to enjoy her efforts. “I keep it up for…

With daughters Cassidy, 27, and Lacey, 25, all grown up, life has shifted for GH’s Jacklyn Zeman (Bobbie)… except over the holidays, when they still observe their time-honored family traditions. It helps that Zeman’s elder daughter married her childhood sweetheart, Cutter. “They’ve dated since she was 14, so we’ve been like family for years,” Mom explains. “We spend every Christmas Eve at his mom’s house. Then Christmas Day, I’m always with my girls. Cassidy and Lacey will come with me, and we’ll do our gift thing.” While Zeman loves her girl time, the family dinner is no small affair. “We’re all foodies in our family,” she confesses. “Everybody contributes something, and we keep it loose, so you can bring whatever you want. But we all know each other very well,…

What was the best gift you ever gave your mom for Christmas? I only give my mom gift cards, so she can spend it the way she wants. She always says that all she wants is what she already has: a beautiful family. She could not ask for more! What are your holiday plans?  year, I m going to spend Christmas in Northern Virginia where my grandma lives. What do you think Oscar should get for Christmas? Oscar should have an amazing bond with his dad to make up for all the years they have missed. He should be accepted in the family and see his mom happy! If you could wake up anywhere on Christmas morning, where would it be? A paradise island with the most beautiful view! Perhaps…

From his signature style and cutting quips to his ability to commandeer every scene he’s part of, THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL’s Dollar Bill is truly one of a kind. His portrayer, Don Diamont, makes it look easy to inhabit such a quick-witted (and, at times, controversial) character, but we suspect there’s a lot more to playing this publishing magnate than meets the eye. To that end, we decided to pick Diamont’s brain about the ins and outs of playing one of daytime’s most dynamic personalities, and the actor was happy to play along with our probing questions! Soaps In Depth: Have you ever accidentally stabbed yourself with Bill’s sword necklace? Don Diamont: Maybe reaching into my little jewelry pouch that the wardrobe department keeps it in but not to…

There were so many spectacular looks worn by the current and former stars of ABC daytime over the past year that we had a lot of trouble narrowing them down to our Top 10… which is where you came in! Via Facebook, you helped select your favorite outfits of 2017, and here are the results! 10 Judith Light (Karen, ONE LIFE TO LIVE) 9 Renée Elise Goldsberry (Evangeline, OLTL) 8 Kelly Monaco (Sam, GENERAL HOSPITAL) 7 Lexi Ainsworth (Kristina, GH) 6 Michelle Stafford (Nina, GH) 5 Kelly Ripa (Haley, ALL MY CHILDREN) 4 Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis, GH) 3 Carolyn Hennesy (Diane, GH) 2 Laura Wright (Carly, GH) 1 Susan Lucci (Erica, AMC) Susan Lucci is an icon of daytime, not only for her time as Pine Valley’s foremost diva, but…

’Tis the season to be jolly… and also to extend a helping hand to those around us who are less fortunate. With that in mind, GH — as part of Disney/ABC Television’s Share The Joy campaign — will be incorporating both Toys For Tots and Feeding America into its storylines. In addition to the network making a $1 million donation to Feeding America, GH’s cast and crew came together to donate over 100 toys that will be distributed this holiday season. “It’s very important to give back to our communities,” says co-headwriter Shelly Altman. “And soaps are all about communities, even if they are fictional. What better time of the year to really celebrate the human soul and spirit than Christmas? If we can do that in real life, that’s…

With Kristina off creating a life with Parker, portrayer Lexi Ainsworth is getting in trouble on TNT’s CRIMINAL MINDS! The Emmy winner’s story arc kicks off with back-to-back episodes which will air on Tuesday December 26, starting at 9 p.m. EST. In her shocking new role, Ainsworth plays a prostitute who finds herself in over her head when she attracts a sexual predator who happens to be in cahoots with the series’ villain, Phillip Stroh. “It’s a character I haven’t done before, and I always enjoy playing people who have had different life experiences than me,” Ainsworth reports. “It makes the discovery process much more fun. Plus, I got to go blonde! Everyone on set was so cool and welcoming. It was a great experience.”…

They’ll be decking the halls and hanging the mistletoe as the holiday season kicks into full gear this week. Jason lays it all on the line on Monday, December 18, while Sam has a reaction that would indicate she’s been pushed to the edge. On Tues day, December 19, it appears that Drew and his brother have a very common goal. But can they work together to achieve it? (On the plus side, Jason gets a bit of reassurance that same day.) Drew takes a moment to pay his respects on Thursday, Decem ber 21, while Sam seeks the help of someone new to town. And as everyone prepares to ring in the new year on Friday, December 29, Drew’s situation proves less than ideal!…

Eve might get some ammunition for her ongoing battle when she overhears an argument between Brady and Victor on Tuesday, December 19. In fact, that proves to be a busy day for Eve, as she later goes up against Kate, too! Christmas Eve comes early to Salem, where they celebrate by hanging the traditional ornaments on the Horton tree on Thursday, December 21. And on Friday, December 22, Brady moves forward with a plan that he hopes will neutralize Eve! But will the situation finally be resolved… or is he only going to make things worse?…

General Hospital In Depth asked... Do you think Cassandra is a threat to Nina and Valentin? Reader Reaction: 54% NEVER! 46% SHE COULD BE! Cassandra may be formidable in the drug world, but readers are betting Nina won’t stand for any threat to her happiness! This issue’s question... Would you like to see Elizabeth stay with Franco or reunite with Jason? TOP 5 GH COUPLES 1 Maxie Jones & Nathan West 2 Alexis Davis & Julian Jerome 3 Liz Webber & Franco Baldwin 4 Sam Morgan & Drew Cain 5 Carly & Sonny Corinthos TOP 5 ACTORS  (as voted by Soaps In Depth readers) 1 Issue Last : 1 Maurice Benard (Sonny, GH) 2 Issue Last : 5 Steve Burton (Jason, GH) 3 Issue Last : 3 Ryan Paevey (Nathan,…

glad tidings to you from the stars of GENERAL HOSPITAL, THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS, THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL and DAYS OF OUR LIVES! In the pages that follow, some of your favorite actors get into the spirit of the season by revealing to Soaps In Depth their plans for everything from tree-trimming to hall-decking!…

When Soaps In Depth asks Kin Shriner (Scott, GH) about the holidays, he doesn’t sound too focused on tradition… until he mentions the childhood Christmas photo on his wall. “It’s me, my twin brother, my sister and my parents opening presents in the middle of the night,” he shares. “Some kids got up Christmas morning and some got gifts on Christmas Eve, but we got up at midnight! I’d say to my brother, ‘How are we going to go to sleep when we know we’ll get to open all these presents in four hours?’ Somehow we always had to be woken up.” Before the gifts, the Shriners also turned out for Christmas Mass — which was early training for the future actor. “I don’t mean to be braggadocious, but I…

Y&R’s Christel Khalil (Lily) is planning to do something a little different this holiday season with son Michael, 7. Instead of staying in Los Angeles, the pair will be accompanying Khalil’s boyfriend, Sam, to Toronto, Canada, to spend Christmas and New Year’s with his family. And that not only means partaking in the holiday customs of another country, but it will mean dealing with much nippier temperatures than they are used to with the usually balmy weather of southern California! “Michael has never been around snow like that, so it will be fun!” says the Emmy winner. “We’ll go ice-skating and do activities that you can’t do here [in L.A.]. “Well, you can go ice-skating in Los Angeles, but it’s not the same as ice-skating on a real frozen lake!”…

On GENERAL HOSPITAL, Robin has been through everything from an explosion to kidnappings — yes, kidnappings plural — and lived to tell the tale. So it makes sense that portrayer Kimberly McCullough calls her “my hero” and aspires to emulate her strength. “I don’t think I’m as tough as Robin,” says the Daytime Emmy winner, “but I am a tough cookie!” Her, Too Recent exposure of sexual harassment in the entertainment industry rings bells for McCullough, especially with regard to growing up — along with Robin — on camera. “I remember a lot of what I got was ‘I can’t wait until you’re 18’ from other actors,” she confides. “I was incredibly naïve… I didn’t know that what they were saying was, ‘I can’t wait until you’re legal so that…