Table of contents for June 22, 2015 in ABC Soaps In Depth

“In many ways, Sam is the biggest victim of this situation!” The In Depth Story: While Elizabeth would like to think that she and Jason are finally getting their happily ever after, it’s much more likely to be a happy for now scenario. Because while it would be lovely to imagine a world in which the truth about Jake’s identity never came to light, the secret remaining under wraps seems about as likely as Bobbie Spencerrever ting to her trick-turning ways! With Jake now working at ELQ, imagine how nervous it must make Elizabeth to know that he is in daily contact with Jason’s family! “We thought it would be interesting to move Jake in to the world of the Quartermaines,” explains head writer Ron Carlivati. “We’ve seen him in…

GH fans have been screaming for the return of both Genie Francis and her iconic character, Laura, for what seems like forever. At last, the roars have been heard, and the beloved actress is back in Port Charles — but only for a short visit. During an appearance last month on shopping channel QVC, where the Nutrisystem spokeswoman was presenting the company’s weight-loss products, Francis shared that she began taping scenes the first week in May and would be sticking around until costar Anthony Geary exits as Luke later this summer.…

Should GH revisit the myster y surrounding Nathan’s paternity any time in the near future, it won’t be with a back-from-his-presumeddeath Victor, because his portrayer, Thaao Penghlis, has returned to DAYS OF OUR LIVES! The actor played look-alike cousins Tony and Andre on and offfrom 1981-2009 and is now back on contract with the soap, just in time for DAYS to celebrate its 50th anniversary this fall. Penghlis has announced that he’ll be reprising his role of Andre (that character committed suicide while Tony fell offthe pier and has been presumed dead) and says that he’s thrilled to be back in Salem. “The wonderful writers gave me a great entrance, and the DiMera son disturbed the peace once again,” he shared on Twitter. “Oh, those faces. So much to look…

Steffy makes a big announcement about her future with Forrester Creations on Monday, June 8, but Ivy’s future is far less certain when she receives devastating news from an unexpected visitor on Tuesday, June 9. On Wednesday, June 10, Ivy divulges the details of her predicament to a very intrigued Quinn. Ivy jumps to some major conclusions on Thursday, June 11, when she overhears a conversation between Steffy and Liam. Quinn takes matters into her own hands on Friday, June 12, taking steps to help Ivy’s cause while (she hopes) ensuring her son Wyatt’s personal happiness.…

Better buckle your seat belts, because a lovelorn Nicole is set to take another ride on the romance merry-go-round this summer, and it’s poised to be chock full of the emotional ups and downs that make her portrayer, Arianne Zucker, shine. “If you’ve ever been in a relationship where you have a current boyfriend and then an old boyfriend keeps coming around, then you know how those feelings start to fester,” Zucker relates of the situation with Daniel and Eric. “Nicole’s situation is that she really has to let go and commit to somebody.” Sure, she’s tried repeatedly to do just that with Daniel, but he never quite believes her. Is the fact that she keeps winding up in Eric’s presence just due to Salem being a small town? Or…

Do you believe in signs? GENERAL HOSPITAL’s new Kiki Jerome, Hayley Erin, sure does. In fact, before she was hired to play Silas and Ava’s daughter, she was reconsidering her choice of careers. “It was something I had to think about,” she says, “because I’m a realist.” A Series Of Unfortunate Events You couldn’t blame the actress for starting to have doubts. For a while there, things weren’t going so hot. After THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS replaced her as Abby — ironically, with Emme Rylan (now GH’s Lulu) — she still worked but mainly just guest spots here and there. On top of that, “I actually got dumped at prom,” the knockout insists. “I’m not joking!” Plus, after being home-schooled during her Y&R stint, the ingenue returned to public…

Sonny and Carly’s lives are anything but easy and breezy! But there are times when — despite the heavy emotions being played and the rapid pace of taping — their portrayers get an uncontrollable case of the giggles! “Maurice [Benard, Sonny] and I are good friends and work really well together,” says the other half of the popular couple, Laura Wright. “We have a good time. I mean, I just adore him! I think he’s hilarious.” The actors have a running joke between them whenever Benard stumbles on a line during taping: “He will say, ‘ Well, y o u know?’” she reports with a grin, “and I’ll respond, ‘ No, I don’t know, because you didn’t say your line! I got nothing there, Maurice!’ And then he just starts…

FYIFYIFYIFYI Birthday: May 27. Hometown: Honolulu, HI. Canuck Convert: Brooks says his Montreal-born future missus has introduced him to the Canadian delicacy known as poutine, aka fries smothered in gravy and cheese curds. “It’s phenomenal. You can even get it at McDonald’s there.” Eww Factor: After watching Brooks compete in the infamous “cookie race” featured in the first episode of BLUE MOUNTAIN STATE, you may forever lose your appetite for Oreos. THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL’S Darin Brooks (Wyatt) attended college for only one semester at the University Of Hawaii before dropping out to pursue an acting career, but don’t make the mistake of thinking that he doesn’t have a few frat boy antics under his belt. He defines his time playing college quarterback and slacker ladies’ man Alex Moran…

FROM FAYHER TO SON Maurice Benard (Sonny), father Humberto and children Cailey, Cassidy, Heather and Joshua GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Maurice Benard (Sonny) may be a soap opera superstar, but once upon a time, he was just like any other young boy who loved playing catch with his dad and looking up to him for guidance. In a lot of ways, the Daytime Emmy winner is still that boy. “He was my role model,” Benard says of his father, Humberto. “My dad taught me a lot about being who you are and being honest. He taught me how to play baseball. We’d go out, and I’d hit the ball around. I’ve never told anyone this, but when I was auditioning for [the role of Desi Arnaz in the 1991 TV movie Lucy…

Since Lisa LoCicero joined GH as Bensonhurst-born and raised Olivia Falconeri back in 2008, the Emmynominated actress’ father, Vince, has not missed a single episode! “I guess you could call him my ultimate fan,” she says with a laugh. “My dad is the best.” Their father/daughter relationship is as solid as a rock, and it always has been. “My sister and I really, really lucked out,” the knockout soap-hopper says. “He was always so understanding. There was nothing that was too much trouble to do for his kids. He was very generous with his attention and his time and his caring. “That’s what helps a girl find a good life partner, when you have a dad that treats you right,” she adds. “You get high expectations about how you should…

READY, SET… ! GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Kathleen Gati reveals how she prepares to bring Obrecht to life! SKIN-DEEP! GH’s humble legend, Anthony Geary, tells the tale behind Luke’s tattoo! TWO CUTE! Our continuing coverage of the Nurses Ball focuses on Milo and Epiphany! Don’t Miss The Next Issue Of On Sale... June 22 July 6 July 20 August 3 August 17 August 31 September 14 September 28 October 12 October 26 November 9 November 23 ON SALE June 22 HOT TOPICS! GH’s handsome and talented Ryan Paevey (Nathan) sits down for an exclusive one-onone interview!…

The In Depth Story: As head writer Ron Carlivati explains, “For a very long time, Dante and Lulu have been our solid couple. They’ve faced danger and a few challenges, but their marriage has, for the most part, remained unshaken” But Valerie has been spending an awful lot of time with Dante, and Lulu’s ex, Dillon, just showed up in town! Are things about to get rough for Rocco’s parents? “I really don’t think so,” Lulu’s portrayer, Emme Rylan, tells Soaps In Depth. “She and Dante are very solid. It’s like, you’re in a relationship and you’re happy and it’s strong, but someone is flirting. If anything, you would get upset. So Lulu is feeling like it’s a little weird, but I don’t think she’s worried about [Valerie being a…

That’s daytime newbie Rober t Palmer Watkins playing Tracy’s younger son, Dillon, who returned to the Quartermaine mansion last week. Lulu’s high school sweetheart has been offthe canvas since Scott Clifton (Liam, THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL) exited the role back in late 2007 when the aspiring filmmaker took an apprenticeship with a bigwig Hollywood director. As for Watkins, he’s a graduate of The American Musical And Dramatic Academy and has numerous credits to his name — including a Web series launched in May, LAST LIFE — but GH marks the model and actor’s first major TV gig.…

Paul does his best to set a trap for the person who killed Courtney and Austin on Monday, June 8! But will his plan really work? On Tuesday, June 9, Jack — the real one, not his imposter — winds up in a fight for his very survival! Meanwhile, Ashley, too, could be facing dark days thanks to a health crisis that she faces on Wednesday, June 10! Joe thinks that he and Sharon should form an alliance on Thursday, June 11, but are they really on the same page? And it looks as if Victor’s chickens have come home to roost on Friday, June 12, when his plan spirals out of control!…

Y&R’s fans should get used to cranking up the air conditioner whenever Hunter King hits the screen as alter ego Summer — because her hot storyline will only get hotter this season! Not only does Nick and Phyllis’ offspring have to contend with a crazed killer lurking in the shadows, but she’s also dealing with reigniting a relationship with old flame Kyle! “They were ripped apart from each other,” reminds the Emmy winner. “That’s why they bonded so quickly. He’s not a stranger. But I think Summer and Kyle will still have a lot of bumps in the road!” Indeed, Summer continues to reel from hubby Austin’s untimely death — and the unsavory stuffthat has come out about the hunk postmortem. On the positive side, though, the tragedy has propelled…

B&B might just stand for bombshells and back-stabbers this summer, according to executive producer/headwriter Bradley Bell. Let’s let him explain… Will Love Prevail For Maya? Surrounded by her friends and family, Maya’s past finally meets her present in a story Bell describes as one “you won’t want to miss.” Though the love that she and Rick share is powerful and compelling, her disclosure causes their relationship to be complicated by an enormity of emotions. “Whether together or apart, they both learn lessons about trust, honesty, acceptance and what true love really means,” says the scribe. Bill Teams Up With… As Ridge and Rick battle for control of Forrester Creations, the scales may be tipped when one brother makes a deal with the “devil” — Bill! “The Spencers will become firmly…

Michael’s New Crush I like Michael and Sabrina, two nice, sweet people getting together. No lies or deceit. It’s a breath of fresh air. Janet Warren Mumma via Soaps In Depth Facebook page Hating On Hayden There is absolutely nothing redeeming about Hayden. Nothing. Calling her a slut is an insult to sluts. I hope Nikolas has a case of penicillin handy, because I have no doubt that she’s going to give him something nasty. Lauren Bricker via E-mail Batty For Budig If I weren’t already a big fan of Rebecca Budig from the days when she played Greenlee on ALL MY CHILDREN, I sure would be after seeing her as GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Hayden! That woman takes no prisoners! Regina Viera via E-mail Duke’s Senseless Murder I so, so hate…

A few months back, we told you about some adorable bunny rabbits that Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth) and her family found and took in. Unfortunately, the actress is very sad to report that the hares didn’t make it. “We had these two little baby bunnies that were just as cute as can be,” Herbst says. “The kids loved them and we were raising them. They were so excited. Then I got home from work and the one was lying in his food dish and doing weird things with his head. I rushed him to the vet, and they had to put him down because he was gasping for air.” But the bad news doesn’t end there. “By the time I got home 30 minutes later, the second bunny was doing the…

There’s a beautiful, tiny new angel in the world, and that little girl is lucky enough to have GH’s Tyler Christopher (Nikolas) as her daddy: Little Boheme Christopher was born just one month ago. As “Bo’s” famous father puts it, being at wife Brienne’s side and watching their daughter being born was “a total shock. As soon as she comes out, the doctor drops her in your lap. “Literally,” he adds without missing a beat. “Just to have that immediate connection, I guess, is the point behind doing it that way. Then they dried her offright there, cleaned her up and let her hang out with us for a minute. They got all the measurements, and then she was all ours!” Bo’s big brother, Greysun, 5, is both totally astonished…

The latest comings and goings — and how they will change your shows! The In Depth Story: Losing Duke, slaying his killer and then covering up her own crime is more than federal agent Anna can take in one fell swoop! About to crack under the pressure, she decides that leaving town is the best thing to do to save her own sanity. While Anna is offin Scotland for a few months recharging her batteries, Hughes will be there as well, working on her next directorial project, the feature film Byrd And The Bees. “It’s a great romantic comedy about an American in Scotland. I can’t wait!” Hughes tells In Depth of the film in which an aspiring romance writer tracks down the father she never knew on his Scottish…

Remember last issue when we gave you the In Depth staf f’s reasons why a recent GH casting notice for an actor in his 50s could either be a recast of Ned or resident Port Charles shrink Kevin? Here’s another tick mark in the column for the latter: Just weeks after Kevin’s portrayer, Jon Lindstrom, wrapped production on the second season of HBO’s TRUE DETECTIVE series (which bows on Sunday, June 21), he was tapped for a potentially recurring role on an upcoming ABC Family drama! RECOVERY ROAD chronicles a teenage girl’s struggle with addiction, while attending high school by day and living at the Springtime Meadows rehab center at night. Lindstrom will guest star as William Walker, a counselor from the much more posh Destinations Malibu facility visiting several…

Will Nikolas Get What He Wants? It looks as if all the plotting and scheming Nikolas has been up to is close to paying of f! On Tuesday, June 9, he and Rosalie put their heads together to figure out exactly where his plan to take over ELQ stands. On Wednesday, June 10, Sloane pays Nikolas a visit to ask for a favor. Across town on that same day, Sabrina finds herself eyeing Rosalie suspiciously. Might she figure out that Michael’s gal Friday is also on Nik’s payroll? The ever-darker prince takes a moment to share a warm reunion with a loved one on Friday, June 12. (Wonder if whoever it is will wind up proving useful to Nikolas in the long run… or prove to be a roadblock needing…

Eric tells Serena it’s time for her to tell him the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth on Monday, June 8. (Good luck with that, buddy!) Tuesday, June 9, finds John and Paul working on their relationship. You won’t want to miss what happens at Arianna’s party on Wednesday, June 10. Hint: A major secret is blurted out! Something from the past sparks Eve’s latest revenge plot on Thursday, June 11. And JJ’s attempt to help Paige falls flatter than the proverbial pancake on Friday, June 12.…

GH’s sexy do-gooder, Nathan, knows only too well that if it’s not one thing, it’s your mother — or, in his case, mothers. On one hand, guileful Madeline is out of prison and has a con up her sleeve. On the other, dangerous Obrecht is still keeping the secret of his paternity! What’s a boy to do? In the case of Madeline, it’s enforce the law, says the cop’s portrayer, Ryan Paevey. “There’s a little bit of bad blood between them and deservedly so. She’s done some pretty shady things. “With that being said, the bad things she’s done don’t erase the good. I don’t think Madeline is devoid of positive characteristics,” he adds. “Much of what she did, she did for her family. Her motivations were good.” As for…

There’s never really been a doubt that B&B’s Steffy means business, but that turn of phrase has taken on a very literal meaning now that the feisty brunette has swooped back onto the scene to save her grandfather’s company. “This is about her family,” sums up Jacqueline MacInnes Wood, who plays the go-getter. “Enough is enough in her mind. Rick has put Eric through so much, and he certainly doesn’t deserve Eric’s loyalty. She doesn’t want to see her father flip-flopping while Rick terrorizes people anymore.” Though Steffy and Rick were once sweethearts — and even briefly engaged! — there’s no longer any lingering affection between the two. “She came in last time and pushed Rick around a little bit, which I think made him nervous,” says Wood. “This time,…

Being a cuckolded hubby is bad enough. But being betrayed by your own son after you were blinded as THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS’ Neil was… well, it’s not surprising that he might be shedding his halo and embracing his dark side! “Let’s put it like this: Darth Vader was a good guy before he turned bad. He used the force, but he used the dark side of it. Does Neil have a dark side? Yes, he does!” declares his (Neil’s, not Darth’s) portrayer, Krist-offSt. John. “He has these thoughts and feelings that are running so deep, I don’t think even he realizes if revenge is par t of his inner plan. I do know that he’s capable of [it]. He’s capable of being dangerous!” In fact, perhaps his betrayers…

At a recent meet-and greet with GENERAL HOSPITAL fans, Michelle Stafford (Nina) got hit with a weird sense of déjà vu as she talked up her hilarious Web series, THE STAFFORD PROJECT, now available on DVD. “Go buy it! We only have two left!” she shouted to the crowd before catching herself and freezing. “I’m going back to my days when I used to sell vegetable choppers,” she grinned. “That kicks in every time I’m trying to sell something. We’d have the chopper out and I’d go, ‘Ma’am, ma’am! Look at this! It’s a chopper! You get a couple chops! You get your big chunks for the beef stew! Then you’ve got your little chunks… and look at that! H a s h browns!’ Then you’d go and get an…

In our continuing behind-the-scenes coverage of GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Nurses Ball, costume designer Shawn Reeves shares with Soaps In Depth readers his process of creating a visual extravaganza for Port Charles’ biggest night of the year! “I wanted the look to be much cleaner this year,” he shares. “Last year was very colorful and very spangly. We always want the spangles and the rhinestones for the Nurses Ball, but this year, I toned it down a little bit. There were a few more subtle colors, and I wanted to make sure that each woman was in a gown that is appropriate for them and their character.”…

It was a bittersweet end for GENERAL HOSPITAL’s handsome and talented Ian Buchanan. Duke Laver y was killed as a senseless result of Mob warfare. Fans were disappointed, some even angry, about the plot twist. Buchanan, however, was nothing but grateful for the time that GH was his home. “People have been incredibly kind to me over the years,” he says. “There are people that have been part of my life since 1986. It’s so extraordinary. It’s been my American dream.” In celebration of Buchanan, his co-stars and the GH crew gathered on the set for cake and afterwards at a nearby watering hole — where they also said goodbye to popular Wally Kurth (ex-Ned; now Justin, DAYS OF OUR LIVES) — that had become a hangout for many after…

1 The rerun. Memorial Day gave us a chance to relive the show’s recreated flashbacks to the first episode. 2 The gift. We never tire of seeing Heather’s famous egg salad sandwich painting! 3 The confession. Admit it. When Jordan told Shawn he was TJ’s dad, you shouted, “I knew it!” at the screen. 4 The exchange. At last, Patrick and Sam said those three little words: “I love you.” 5 The return. Blonde or brunette, we’ll take Maura West (Ava/Denise) any way we can get her! Hayden’s shooting. Helena would be proud of her grandson, but we fear Nik’s gone too dark. ... And 1 Thing We Could Do Without...…

Fathers frequently take on the role of hero in their daughters’ eyes. But the dad of GH’s beautiful and talented Lynn Herring (Lucy), Col. Alfred “A.D.” Herring, actually is an American hero! “My dad was a base commander and a fighter pilot. He flew B52s in Vietnam,” Herring says proudly. “When you tell people that, they immediately think of a very abrupt, stern man. Growing up, discipline was important, but he loved my two sisters and me so much. We never doubted his love. “We truly missed him when he was on alert or gone on some of his overseas flights,” she continues. “When he went over to Vietnam, it was really devastating to not have him in our lives.” All of these years later, Herring now calls her dad…

DAYS OUR LIVES' Daniel both loves and lusts for Nicole — no doubt about it! Unfortunately, his pride, ego and inability to believe much of anything that comes out of her mouth have kept their relationship on the fast track to nowhere. However, that’s all about to change in the coming weeks, and according to his portrayer, Shawn Christian, you won’t want to miss it! Slippery Slope Ahead! “There’s a test [ahead] to see where Nicole’s loyalties and her true love lie,” the actor previews. “It’s pretty extraordinary that he’s allowing her the opportunity and the space to earn his trust and not compli-cating it with his own emotional issues.” Might the test have something to do with the other bees that are constantly buzzing in the beauty’s orbit? FYIFYIFYIFYIFYIFYI…

Q: Who on your cast would you be willing to drive across the country with? Lynn Herring (Lucy, GH) “I’ve gone with Kin Shriner (Scotty) on many drives, and we keep each other amused. He’d be the comfortable, easy choice because there’s no question that we’d get along and not leave each other in the Grand Canyon. I’d have to have somebody who could keep up with me, because I’d want to hike and do all that. I’d have to get the combo platter of history and hiking lover… who’s not afraid of bears!” Ashlyn Pearce (Aly, B&B) “I would say John Mc-Cook (Eric). I think he would be a blast. I’d be laughing so hard I wouldn’t be able to laugh after that trip!” Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea, Y&R)…

THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL Steffy landed back in L.A. to assist her father’s plot to take over Forrester Creations. Her return left Ivy on guard — especially when her cousin declared that both a professional and personal reunion with Liam was on her agenda. Ivy encouraged Wyatt (who felt increasingly resentful toward Liam) to ask Steffy out. Eric and Rick were floored by Ridge’s takeover gambit, and vowed to fight him tooth and nail. The family feud became much more complicated when one faction formed an unlikely alliance with Bill, whose offer of help came with significant strings attached. Maya’s reversal of fortune left her wondering what her future would hold — and whether or not Rick would ultimately be a part of it. Now that Quinn is happily…

you decide! The winner! 30% 70% Scarlet Woman Although some of you thought that Susan Lucci (Erica, ALL MY CHILDREN) looked fab in the pink strapless number, the majority voted in favor of the pleated red dress with the more demure neckline and gorgeous jewelry! The winner! 25% 75% Shining Star ONE LIFE TO LIVE’s Melissa Fumero (Adriana) is a model of elegant simplicity in this sleeveless burgundy dress. (Though the neckline and asymmetrical seam keep it from being too simple!) Legendary Between these two looks donned by GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Genie Francis (Laura), the blue dress was popular, but in your eyes, that black and gray jacket with the piping was the clear winner!…