Table of contents for July 20, 2015 in ABC Soaps In Depth

The In Depth Story: Jake’s asked Sam for her help in taking down Nikolas, and even though the prince is her cousin, she agrees. After all, Nikolas has sneakily taken over her son’s legacy, and Sam doesn’t like it one bit! Of course, there’s also the possibility that Sam simply feels a natural pull to Jake, even though she’s unaware that he’s actually Jason. Whatever the case, their working together means that Sam is spending more time with him and less with Patrick! “Patrick and Sam are good for each other right now, but,” the doctor’s portrayer, Jason Thompson, says, pausing for dramatic effect, “I don’t know where that’s going to lead. There are going to be some changes to that in the next six months to a year, I…

The In Depth Story: While the show had no comment on the star’s departure, photos from her good-bye party shared on Twitter by Collins and her coworkers confirmed the news. “One of the happiest times of my life [has been] playing this role. Thank you all for your love and support,” the actress said in her first statement directly addressing her exit, a tweet that included a “last day” hashtag. The next morning, Collins wrote again to the “best fans ever,” thanking them “for taking this amazing ride with me.” The LOVING alum (she played Dinah Lee) joined the soap in August 2011 as Phyllis’ estranged sister but soon found her own footing in Genoa City, partaking in several frontburner tales over the last four years. And based on her…

The latest comings and goings — and how they will change your shows! The In Depth Story: “I would really love to stick around this time,” confesses the fan favorite, who returned to the soap in early June “for a total of six months.” However, when Anthony Geary makes his last appearance as Luke later this month, Laura will be exiting the canvas as well — albeit briefly. Francis will return to the set in the fall to continue taping scenes. “I’m going to take [off the] summer like I always do,” explains the mom of two college students. “But then I’ll be there September through December.” And that’s not the end of the story! Francis fervently says that if the show wants to keep her as a part of…

There’s no Duke, Shawn or Jason around anymore to keep Sonny’s numerous enemies at bay on GH, and we’ve only heard phone conversations between the don and his trusty bodyguard, Max, lately. But before long, viewers will see the smiling face of Max’s portrayer, Derk Cheetwood, again! “I get to play with my GH peeps today!” the actor announced to his Twitter followers in mid-June. Expect to see Max back on screen in the next few weeks, but where has Cheetwood been since he was last on the soap? The actor has a recurring role on TNT’s hit drama THE LAST SHIP, which began airing its second season in mid-June, and he was working on that.…

This month, Terrell Ransom, Jr. will exit DAYS, where the 11-year-old has been appearing as Theo for the past seven years. While Ransom — who has a recurring role on THE AMAZING WORLD OF GUMBALL on Cartoon Network — will no longer be a part of the cast, buzz is that Abe’s autistic son with his late wife, Lexie, will be hit with a case of SORAS in the coming months. The soap recently issued a casting call for an African-American teen to play the contract role of Elijah, a high-functioning autistic high schooler.…

Steffy has romance on the agenda on Monday, July 6. She surprises Liam with an intimate massage, but when Ivy spies the former lovers reconnecting on Tuesday, July 7, she realizes that everything has changed. Maya bends the ear of her friend, Nick, on Wednesday, July 8, regarding the arrival of her mother, Vivienne. Wyatt blasts his brother for stringing Steffy along on Thursday, July 9, and demands that Liam treat her better. Julius refuses to acknowledge the fact that Maya is a woman on Friday, July 10. As a result, Vivienne suggests that they pay Maya a visit at the Forrester mansion.…

Your favorite stars caught in the act!…

Like most brothers, THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL’s Wyatt and Liam tend not to mince words. So when Wyatt decided to pursue Steffy, he cut straight to the chase with his brother. “We’ll skip the small talk. Are you done with her or aren’t you?” said Wyatt. “You are like a Golden Retriever trying to hold too many tennis balls in his mouth.” Rather than give Wyatt his blessing, Liam instead gave his brother what amounted to a patronizing hug, before assuring him he’d find some other woman some day. Rightfully galled by this, Wyatt got the last word: “Wow,” he said before walking away. “Thank you for reminding me that you’re not as good of a guy as everyone thinks you are.”…

Nathan Parsons has had the kind of year that would make him the envy of any actor. Not only did the talented heartthrob land a plum role in the final season of HBO’s TRUE BLOOD, but he starred on the CW’s THE ORIGINALS and won the lead in a big Amazon pilot. But a long time ago, he had made a promise to himself — and to fans of his work as GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Ethan: He would return to the show if his onscreen dad and off-screen friend, Anthony Geary (Luke), ever called it a day. Promise kept, he now says, flashing a huge smile, “I told you I’d be back!” Though Parsons has kept in close touch with Geary, he was still excited to share scenes with the daytime…

The tireless Sonya Eddy (Epiphany) is once again adding a fun project to her resumé, and another name to the already impressive list of stars she’s worked with. She just finished filming a role in Pee-wee’s Big Holiday and couldn’t have been more impressed by Pee-wee’s portrayer, Paul Reubens. “I’ve worked with quite a few people, and no one quite reminded me of Robin Williams… until I met Paul Reubens,” says Eddy, who appeared in the late comedian’s 1998 film Patch Adams. “The thing about Robin was that, when you’re working with that level of genius, you realize at some point during the project that it’s what they were born to do. It’s not just that they’re good at it; it’s their essence. It comes from another place. That is…

“From his first day on GENERAL HOSPITAL, Nathan and I connected like long-lost brothers — never mind the 40-year difference in age. That melted away immediately when we laughed at each other’s jokes and created a sly ‘inside communication’ that defies words. We’re two of a kind with matching sensibilities and mega-warped senses of humor.” — GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Anthony Geary (Luke) on Nathan Parsons (Ethan) “I can never thank Tony enough for all the support and love he has given me over the years. Our time spent together has shown me what it takes to make it in this business — and in this world — and no matter where I go from here, I will never forget it.” — Parsons on Geary…

Taping GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Nurses Ball is usually both fun and totally exhausting for the cast and crew. This year, however, a different wave of emotions swept through the studio, as it was also the last time many would be working with their longtime friend, the overwhelmingly adored Ian Buchanan (ex-Duke). Just days later, his character would be shot and killed. Thankfully, our Soaps In Depth photographer, Jim Warren, captured Buchanan with a few of those who’d miss him most — Finola Hughes (Anna), Lynn Herring (Lucy) and Brooklyn Rae Silzer (Emma).…

Last summer, Gareis went back to her hometown of Lancaster, PA to film Infernal, a psychological thriller set in Amish country. “I play an Amish woman who is still a virgin — she’s saving herself for marriage, but she ends up being kind of kooky in the head,” says the actress. “We filmed it a half hour from where my mom and dad live, so I stayed with them. Two of my brothers and my sister were involved in the film behind the scenes. I remember walking around the set, and some of the kids from the movie would say, ‘Oooh — you’re the creepy Amish woman!’ My character was nothing like my soap roles.”…

When Anthony Geary was originally cast as Bobbie’s brother in 1978, the alumnus of THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS (he’d played George Curtis five years earlier) was only supposed to appear for 13 weeks as a spoiler in the romance of supercouple Laura and Scotty. But viewers were crazy fro — sorry, for — the legend in the making, and before you could say “Sign on the dotted line!” he’d been made a contract player. After leaving GH in the ’80s — and going on to appear in such feature films as Disorderlies, with The Fat Boys, and UHF, with Weird Al Yankovic — Geary returned to the soap in 1991… but not as Luke. Eager to tackle a new challenge, he took on the role of his former character’s…

If you’re frequently distracted during Paige’s DAYS scenes by her long, beautiful, hair, you’re not alone. “ I hear comments about it all the time,” her portrayer admits, adding, “It’s so funny because I’ve been wanting to cut it, and everyone’s like, ‘No! No! Don’t cut your hair!’” Luckily for the actress, the ’do that she’s had since middle school doesn’t require much maintenance; just a little Oribe-brand hairspray and she’s good to go. “I’m spoiled because I can just let my hair dry,” she confides. “It has a natural wave to it, so I don’t have to do very much.”…

Bridget — as played by Ashley Jones — is on her way back to THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL! Last purported to be living with her son, Logan, on the East Coast along with babydaddy Owen and his lady love, Jackie, Bridget hasn’t been seen on the soap since swinging by for a quick visit in the spring of 2014. But the physician will be poking her nose into this summer’s family fray, according to her on-screen pop, John McCook (Eric)! Earlier this month, McCook sent a tweet to Jones saying, “Bridget visiting her family on B&B? Been a long time… Let’s wear name tags.” To that, Jones replied, “I cannot wait!” A show spokesperson confirms for Soaps In Depth that Jones will be appearing in multiple episodes later this…

GH alum Nathan Parsons (Ethan) is a man of his word. When he exited as Luke and Holly’s son two years ago, the popular actor promised that there would be a very particular moment in time in which he’d drop everything and happily return to the soap. “I’ve always said I’d come back when Anthony Geary was leaving — and that day is fin ally up onus,” says Par-sons, who is about to start filming season three of THE ORIGINALS. “No matter where I am, I will honor him.” Although Ethan’s return was a quick visit, Parsons made good on his word to pay tribute to the legendary man he considers a mentor. “I’m glad I was able to do it,” he tells In Depth. For more on Parsons’ GH…

After ABC dispelled rumors that Tristan Rogers would be reprising his GH role of Rober t for Luke’s exit storyline, the actor himself got the soap’s fans riled up all over again when he announced on Twitter that he’d be reporting back to THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS set (where he plays Colin) on June 24 — adding, “Now, back on GH?????” So was Rogers hinting at a GH return as well? The actor clarifies for In Depth exclusively that he has an established date to resume taping at the CBS soap but not “to go back to GH if they were thinking about it.” While the opportunity for Robert to say good-bye to Luke has come and gone, that certainly doesn’t mean that with it goes any hope of…

Jake and Sam decide that they’re going to keep something from everyone else on Monday, July 6, and Patrick gets an update on Hayden’s condition on Tuesday, July 7. Dots begin to connect, leading Jake and Sam to question the link between Nik and Hayden on Wednesday, July 8! Not surprisingly, a conversation Sam has with Nikolas leaves her cousin more than a little shaken on Friday, July 10! Monica swings by for a visit on Monday, July 13, and Nikolas decides his best move is to confess on Tuesday, July 14. Elsewhere, Kiki hopes to convince Michael that he should do her a pretty major favor on Wednesday, July 15. But will he be feeling generous toward his ex? And Julexis fans won’t want to miss their favorite couple…

Nicole can’t help but be shaken following a run-in with Xander on Monday, July 6. That same day, Eric goes to Serena with a request. On Tuesday, July 7, guilt forces Nicole to reject a proposition from Daniel. Clyde might wanna watch his back, because on Wednesday, July 8, Stefano and Victor set out to “handle” their mutual problem! Paul and Will exchange heated words on Thursday, July 9. And Friday, July 10, finds Theresa stepping up her plan to win Brady back!…

Finding out that your hubby locked lips with another woman would tick of f any wife! Cer tainly THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS’ Lily was more than a little peeved when Lauren inadvertently revealed that she and Cane had kissed. Rather than explode, though, Lily kept her rage tightly contained as she spun a tale to her wayward hubby about how a woman had caught her husband checking into the GCAC with an-other lady. “She practically ripped their eyes out. But can you really blame her?” she said, her eyes flashing dangerously before continuing. “We don’t have any secrets from each other. Right, honey?” Sure, plenty of straying spouses have been busted on soaps… but never quite so well!…

A Perfect Match I love Michael and Sabrina! Relationships usually feel forced, and this one is progressing very naturally. I love it! And their chemistry is so darn cute! Rebecca Haynes via Soaps In Depth Facebook page Morgan’s Ladies I’m not loving Morgan with Kiki or Denise, even though Maura [West, Ava/Denise] is doing an excellent job. Krissy Jarboe Kosco via Soaps In Depth Facebook page The Really Odd Couple Franco and Obrecht are weirdly fun together. Is it wrong that I want to see them get romantically involved? If it is, I don’t want to know. Tammy Foster via Soaps In Depth Facebook page No End In Sight! What year or decade will they reveal that Jake is Jason? Janice Schiff man via Soaps In Depth Facebook page Together…

They say that dog is man’s best friend. But as far as one young woman goes, a feline friend wins, hands down! “I am sickly obsessed with my cat,” Hayley Erin (Kiki) laughs. “I mean it! I’m not joking when I say that I love my cat as much as most people love their human children. I am so in love with her.” Erin adopted her fur baby, Cricket, nearly two years ago. “She’s not very big, but she’s got a pudgy belly that I can’t get enough of. She does this thing where she rolls over onto her back and does somersaults!” boasts the actress. Not unlike those people who dress their canine cuties in Halloween costumes or holiday outfits, the GH star has attempted to clothe Cricket! “One…

FYIFYIFYI Birthday: August 28. Birthplace: Sydney, Australia. Coming To America: When he first arrived in the United States, the heartthrob supported himself with jobs in construction and by working in a restaurant. He also did some modeling for Calvin Klein and Dolce & Gabbana. Romantic Surprise: The Aussie thrilled his wife, Rachel, when he made “an iMovie of pictures of when we met, when the kids were born and the progression of our family set to her favorite Beatles songs,” he shares. “That meant a lot to her!” Being one half of a wildly popular soap couple can be a bit of a double-edged sword. Fans love such pairings… and they absolutely hate the possibility that anything might come between them. THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS’ Daniel Goddard (Cane) knows…

Lexi Ainsworth (ex-Kristina, GENERAL HOSPITAL) may still be just a young woman, but already, she’s learned some valuable lessons about her craft. “You have to be doing it for the right reason: because you love it, not because you want to make money or be famous. That won’t get you far,” she suggests. “And if this is your passion, be persistent — you can’t get discouraged.” Ainsworth took a big risk when, at 16, she gave up finishing her high school experience to join GH. And she took an even bigger gamble when she walked away from the soap in 2011 to pursue other projects. However, in the three and a half years since doing so, the chances she’s taken have resulted in unexpected rewards. Most recently, she gained buzz…

GENERAL HOSPITAL’ s Lulu is discovering that by honoring her parents’ request to keep Dante in the dark about Lucky’s disappearance, she’s dishonoring her marriage vows. Making matters worse is the fact that, while her beloved husband isn’t in on the secret, her handsome old flame, Dillon, is! As the situation grew ever more complicated, Mrs. Falconeri’s portrayer, Emme Rylan, pulled out all the stops to give us a glimpse of her character’s inner turmoil! Can You Keep A Secret? The actress’ tour de force began when Lulu woke up crying from a nightmare in which Lucky had died because she had told Dante the tr uth. But of course, the dream only made her more resolute in her decision not to tell anyone that her brother had been kidnapped.…

THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL Ivy’s immigration status continued to complicate her relationship with Liam, especially after she overheard her husband profess his love for Steffy. Wanting to win his love fair and square, Ivy talked to Liam and they agreed to file for an annulment. A volatile Aly blamed Steffy for coming between Liam and Ivy, referencing the fact that her own mom died at the hands of Steffy’s mother, Taylor. Zende arrived in L.A. and spent time getting to know Nicole when they both applied for internships at Forrester Creations. A party at the Forrester mansion took a startling turn when Maya and Nicole’s mother, Vivienne, showed up to take her younger daughter home! When forgiveness is offered, will it be accepted by someone who has felt wronged?…

The In Depth Story: “I’ve always been very aware that Amsterdam is his home, his special place,” explains Warren, whose relationship with the beloved actor literally goes back to Geary’s first day on the GH set. And the photographer has always done his part to protect the sanctuary that his good friend has in Amsterdam. “Prior to this project, I’ve taken pictures of him there only once — for a great photo layout for ABC Soaps In Depth. Otherwise, I’ve never asked him.” But several months ago, Warren was visiting the Dutch capital when he and Geary came up with a concept to film the eight-time Emmy winner in his adopted city. “Not only the Amsterdam that people might be excited — or expect — to see, but the parts…

The next blast from the past to resurface on GH in connection with Luke’s final adventure will be one of the soap’s most famous alumni, Jonathan Jackson — who was first cast in the role of the Spencers’ son at the tender age of 11. The NASHVILLE star’s soap mom, Genie Francis, tells In Depth that the scenes between father and son are not to be missed (turn to News, page 5, for more), so be sure to tune in because Lucky will be on screen any day now!…

Is Nina being pushed right back over the edge? Franco gets a proposition from Ava on Monday, July 6. But is it one that he will — or even should — accept? Speaking of propositions, Tuesday, July 14, finds Sonny making one to Carly, too! Nina’s new marriage might be in trouble on Wednesday, July 15. Why do we say that? Because that day finds the new groom playing mind games with his beautiful and somewhat unbalanced bride! Nina winds up reaching out to her ex-husband, Silas, on Thursday, July 16. Will he be able to help her figure out the truth of what’s going on? Friday, July 17, finds Nina getting the shock of her life when she discovers Ric and Made-line… how do we put this? Let’s go…

... And 1 Thing We Could Do Without...…

On the surface, it appeared that DAYS OF OUR LIVES’ Chad was being unnecessarily cruel to Abigail in the wake of their tryst. Accusing the beauty of having thrown herself at him, he spat, “It was kind of pathetic how obvious you were. How many times did you come up with some lame excuse to find me or be alone with me?” The deeper Chad’s words cut, the wider Abigail’s eyes grew. Alas, her torment wasn’t over. Chad continued, revealing that he’d taken her to bed to get even with her for bedding EJ. What she couldn’t know was that the words hurt him as much as her, for Chad was only pushing Abby away to protect her from his father, Stefano. She slapped the hunk before leaving, none the…

From the moment they first crossed paths, GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Lucky and Liz were one of those couples who instantly captured the hearts of fans. But when Lucky ran off to Ireland to find himself, leaving a broken Liz behind, more than a few of those fans felt deeply disappointed. Interestingly, his portrayer, Jonathan Jackson, shared some of those same frustrations. “I think there was a possibility for the Lucky and Elizabeth storyline to have a more positive outcome than it did,” he admits. “It’s a tricky thing on soap operas because there’s this rule of thumb where people are only interested in watching tragedies or bad things happen, and when couples are happy, it becomes boring and uninteresting. There’s a danger in that thinking. I don’t think it’s a hard…

Sexy good looks may be the trademark of THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL’s Jennifer Gareis (Donna), but it’s a subject that prompts a sarcastic chuckle from the actress nonetheless. “I don’t even think about that kind of stuff anymore,” insists the former pageant girl who is mom to 5-year-old Gavin and 3-year-old Sophia. “There are more important things in life. I’m so busy in the mornings, I don’t have time to brush my teeth, let alone my hair! My kids’ health and happiness are the most important things, and if I can accomplish that in a day, then I’m good.” In fact Gareis says her appearance only registers on days when she’s due at the B&B set. “I go to work, and they’ll doll me up, and I think, ‘Oh,…

A fast car, a little fiery food and a frightening flick sound like the beginning, middle and end of a perfect date with someone you love. It also happens to be a peek into the mind of GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Marc Anthony Samuel (Felix)! We tossed him a few random questions… and these are the answers that he tossed back! Angel food cake or devil’s food cake? “Devil’s food all the way. Tastes better.” Disney movies or horror movies? “Big fan of both, including my horror film, Avenged, which is out on Video On Demand! Check it out!” Vampire lover or vampire slayer? “Lover. They’re cool… so long as you can point them to the blood bank and not to your neck!” Half-naked or half-dressed? “Half-naked… and at the beach.” THE…

Q: What one event in your life has changed you the most? Rick Hearst (Ric, GENERAL HOSPITAL) “There have been a few, but I think they’re the biggest events anybody can have happen in their lives, and that’s the birth of my children and the death of my father. Death and birth are both signposts for where you come from, where you are and where you’re going.” Sean Carrigan (Stitch, THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS) “When I was 4, I was kicked in the head by a horse. True story! I often think about how much smarter I might’ve been if that hadn’t happened!” Jacklyn Zeman (Bobbie, GH) “Becoming a mother. I learned about real, true, unconditional love.” Judi Evans (Adrienne, DAYS OF OUR LIVES) “Having my son. It just…