Frances not in Salem for Christmas (Soaps.com)
* Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I've gotten word that Deidre Hall (Marlena) and Drake Hogestyn's (John Black) last airdate is January 23rd. Let the countdown begin.
* In our recent interview right here on Soaps.com with Sandra Robinson (Ferguson), we found out that she's not on contract. Find out why by reading the whole interview!
* Though scenes were written for Frances Reid for Christmas, Alice Horton will not be seen this Christmas episode. I am told by a contact at the show that this is "Due to her fragile state." There will also be no pre-empt this year, so don't forget to watch, at Christmas!
* On Christmas Day Doug and Julie (Bill Hayes and Susan Seaforth Hayes) return for Christmas and pay a visit to the sick kids at University Hospital!
The children this year, will be played by friends and family of the cast and crew:
Candy Stripers:
Nekia Jackson, Alexis Quasarano, Caitlin Brogdon,
Fabienne Wente
Children:
Jaclyn Griffin, Cortney Brogdon,Hannah Talavera, Victoria Talavera, Mikayla Flora, Jackson Penfold, Briana Johnson, Nathan Weber, Ryan Weber, Matthew Grzeskowiak, Jack Tassis Daggenhurst (Kristian Alfonso's son!)
* Some gals asked....Who were the ladies in the Salem jail with Nicole? Robin Coleman played Tanya (American Gladiator girl), Roxana Ortega played Doreen, and Davenia McFadden was Candy. They did a fantastic job, didn't they?
* According to Ken Corday, with the show being picked up for another 18 months and possibly another year after, we can expect more changes to the cast as they downsize production. More on that to come.
* Say goodbye to Blake Berris, who plays Nick. He'll be leaving in January 2009, when he goes off to jail or to a psychiatric ward for his crimes. Read more here.
* Welcome back Hilda! Diane Delano, who will first air Wednesday, October 29th, makes another appearance. Read the update here - Hilda the Hun!
* The role of “Kelly” will be played by Tina Ivlev. She'll first air on Friday, December 12.
* Another two casualties of a budget cut leaves Deidre Hall (Marlena) and Drake Hogestyn (John) out of the show. Read the full story here.
* Jay Kenneth Johnson was said to have quit the show, but he is actually staying! Read full story here. We'll have more for you in a few days....
* Philip Boyd will be seen playing Arthur at the Cheatin' Heart. (Bartender, I think.) Coming up next few weeks.
* Staying...Days Of Our Lives. They've signed for an 18 month deal, which means we'll be watching through September 2010! Read the story here.
* The role of "Sister Theresa" will be played by Marsha Waterbury. Marsha
will first air on Wednesday, November 26. She'll interact with Sami at a convent.
Bill & Susan to return! (NBC)
* A reader, Jill, asked us about Nicole's dog, Pookie. We spoke with the show, who tells us that Pookie's real name is Daisy (so cute) and she's a long haired Chihuahua.
* As you've asked in the boards, yes, the show has gotten a new co-head writer. Check credits...The show does not send out releases about this type of thing. So as we know, the head writer is Dena Higley, Christopher Whitesell is now co-head writer, associate head writers are Rick Draughon, Renee Godelia, script editor is Fran Myers, and dialogue writers are Cydney Kelley, John Newman, Jodie Scholz, Linda Poindexter-Brown - all can be found in credits!
* John Callahan, to come to the show as Nicole's doctor on November 24. He actually has been on the show before, playing Artie in 1989. Read more about John here.
* Stacey T asked about the reporter who confronted Lexi at the park, Wednesday Octobr 15 - It was William Charlton (Eric Lee).
* Matthew Borlenghi is making a quick exit, after only being on the show a few short episodes. Anthony Marino, the Mayor of Salem will be exiting in a final way with a new murder storyline. Matthew contacted Soaps.com today with a plea! "I'd like to let viewers know that if they enjoyed what I've been doing on the show, to go ahead and contact the exec producers / writers and tell them so..."
* "Darrell", Sami's guard, will be played by Nick Turturro. Nick will first air Monday, October 27th. He won't be seen long when he grows tired of Sami's whining!
* Also, "Hilda", who is another of Sami's guards, will be played by Diane Delano, who will first air Wednesday, October 29th. Funny scenes to view!
* The role of the "Killer" will be played by Alex Mendoza. Alex will first air on Friday, October 17.
