GH Fave to DAYS
Stuart Damon (ex-Alan, GH) will make his way to Salem next month. The fan favorite will play Governor Jim Ford. Damon recently appeared as Ralph on ATWT.

ATWT and GL Alums in New Series
Michael O'Leary (ex-Rick, GL) and Scott Bryce (ex-Craig, ATWT) have partnered up to write and direct, respectively, a spankin' new pilot called STEAMBOAT, which is described as a THE OFFICE-inspired mockumentary comedy that gives a behind-the-scenes look "at the desperate, dying days of a daytime soap opera." The series features O'Leary and his fellow GL alums Beth Chamberlin (ex-Beth), Kurt McKinney (ex-Matt), Kim Zimmer (ex-Reva), Justin Deas (ex-Buzz) and Orlagh Cassidy (ex-Doris) with Michael Park (Jack, ATWT), Tuck Mulligan (ex-Theo, THE DOCTORS) and Jacquelina DeMarco. O'Leary is reportedly shopping the pilot to various cable networks. On February 3, O'Leary Twittered, "We will have something on YouTube very soon! We have a thirty minute episode shot that we r shopping around." Check out the STEAMBOAT Facebook fan page for cast photos and other updates or visit O'Leary's Twitter at http://twitter.com/Michael_Oleary.

GH's Reeves on Contract
The doctor is in — and he's not going anywhere. GENERAL HOSPITAL's Scott Reeves, who's been recurring in the role of Dr. Steven Webber since December 2009, is now on contract, a show rep confirms to Soap Opera Digest.

Walters Back to Y&R
Susan Walters is returning to Y&R as Diane Jenkins — Victor's scheming ex-wife and the mother of Jack's son, Kyle — on February 26 and March 1. Walters played the role from 2001-04. Last we saw her, Diane was moving with Kyle to Chicago.

DAYS's Frances Reid Dies at 95
It's the end of an era for DAYS OF OUR LIVES. Veteran actress and beloved matriarch of the Horton clan, Frances Reid (Alice), passed away on Feb. 3 at the age of 95. She died at her assisted living home in Beverly Hills. Reid is survived by her niece, Laurie Rocha, and her great nieces, April, Christie, Leanne and Marie.

There will be a memorial service in April. If anyone wants to donate in her memory, the two charities she and her family were fond of are Habitat for Humanity and Save The Children.

Reid, who also appeared on AS THE WORLD TURNS and THE EDGE OF NIGHT early in her soap career, last aired on DAYS in Dec. 2007.

*Click here for thoughts from Reid's daytime colleagues.*

DAYS Fave Returns
With Wally Kurth (Justin) back in town, it was only a matter of time... Judi Evans (Adrienne) is returning to Salem and will work again with Kurth for the first time on DAYS since 1991. "He's just the greatest sweetheart and a wonderful actor and a little teddy bear," she smiles. "Through the years, I have really missed working with him, so it’s nice to see him on a professional basis." For the full scoop from Evans, check out a future issue of Digest.

DAYS Star on COLD CASE
On DAYS OF OUR LIVES Peggy McCay (Caroline) plays Roman and Bo's devoted mother and pub owner, but she ventures off in an entirely different direction for her upcoming role on the CBS nighttime drama, COLD CASE. McCay will play a circus performer named Zelda Panay when she guest stars on the show's Feb. 21 episode. The episode focuses on the CSI team's investigation of the 1971 death of a teenaged circus aerialist whose mid-act fall may not have been an accident.

Former Y&R Star Guests on NIP/TUCK
Tamara Clatterbuck (ex-Alice, Y&R; ex-Barb, DAYS) appears in the episode of NIP/TUCK, airing on February 5. Check local listings for times. "I'm totally crazy!" she chuckles of her stint. "I think my fans will enjoy it."

Miami Nice
Look for Ted King (ex-Alcazar, GH) to appear on the February 8 episode of CBS's CSI: MIAMI. In the show, "Miami, We Have A Problem," the team investigates a murder aboard a private space shuttle.

Drake Hogestyn: "Never Say Never" to DAYS Return
Drake Hogestyn, who sat down with Digest on the recent Soap Cruise, has no hard feelings toward DAYS, which released him from his contract after 23 years as John. "The Yankees fired me," he grins, "and I still root for the Yankees!" Would he consider a return to the show, even on a guest-star basis? "Never say never," he says. "DAYS gave me a great 23 years." In the meantime, Hogestyn is focused on the producing side of show biz, working on reality/game show ideas. In fact, a project he developed with son Ben (ex-Lucas, GH) was recently given a greenlight. "It’s an exciting time," he enthuses.

B&B Actor Out
Look for B&B's Justin Baldoni (Graham) to exit the canvas today, Feb. 3, after he's arrested as the rapist who assaulted Sandy years ago.

More LIFE For Woods
Sounds like those ONE LIFE cancellation rumors have been greatly exaggerated: Soap Opera Digest has learned that Robert S. Woods (Bo) has inked a new, four-year deal to stick around Llanview. The popular actor joined the show in 1979 and to the delight of fans was recently reunited on-screen with Hillary B. Smith's Nora.

ATWT Wins Big
ATWT Executive Producer Chris Goutman snagged a Directors Guild of America (DGA) Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Daytime Serials over the weekend. Goutman submitted last year's Valentine's Day episode, "Once Upon a Time," which featured ATWT characters in fairy tales. Congrats! The DGAs honor outstanding directorial achievements in everything from feature film to documentaries to television.

GH Star Injured
Bradford Anderson (Spinelli, GH) injured himself aboard the Soap Cruise (www.soapcruise.com). The actor was playing basketball when he hurt his Achilles' tendon. He is currently in a cast and may require surgery.

Winners of the Sexiest Men in Daytime Poll!
You voted and here are the results:

ALL MY CHILDREN: Ricky Paull Goldin (Jake)
AS THE WORLD TURNS: Michael Park (Jack)
BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL: Don Diamont (Bill)
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: James Scott (EJ)
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Dominic Zamprogna (Dominic/Dante)
ONE LIFE TO LIVE: Michael Easton (John)
YOUNG AND RESTLESS: Joshua Morrow (Nick)

The Feb. 2 issue of Soap Opera Weekly has gorgeous photos of all the men. Would you be interested in buying a poster of the layout? Let us know!

VIDEO: GH Sneak Peek
It had all the makings of a Greek tragedy. Sonny welcomed foot soldier Dominic into his illegal empire, and Dom proved his loyalty by saving both Morgan and Sonny. Sonny's continuing reliance on the newcomer irritated Sonny's "eldest," Michael, who plotted against the interloper. Then, Michael found out that Sonny's new golden boy is an undercover cop who's out to bust Corinthos for the murder of his wife. Stunned and disappointed, Sonny took gun in hand and opted to take his revenge in the usual fashion, though the biggest bombshell was yet to come — the narc is actually Sonny's son with Olivia, Dante.

For the rest of the story, pick up the latest Soap Opera Digest, on sale now!

To watch a clip from today's episode of GH, click here!

Miss the Boat
Jeff Branson (ex-Shayne, GL; ex-Jonathan, AMC) was unable to make it on the Soap Cruise because he is filming an episode of HOUSE. Cameron Mathison (Ryan, AMC) and Jacob Young (JR) also couldn't attend because they had to work.

Psychic Sylvia Browne Returns to Y&R
According to www.yumasun.com, famed psychic Sylvia Browne will soon be making a second appearance on Y&R, where she'll be playing herself. She last visited Genoa City in 2006 when she helped Kay "recall" switching Phillip III with Cane.

DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Read All About It
A new line of books based on DAYS OF OUR LIVES will soon be available to fans of the NBC soap opera. The books will include nonfiction and fiction titles, novelized stories of the show's popular characters, and insider accounts about the origin of the daytime drama. "I am thrilled to be working on such an amazing project that will give our loyal viewers the ability to understand my family's journey through theatre, radio, and television to the creation of DAYS OF OUR LIVES," said DAYS Executive Producer Ken Corday. "These books go one step further into revealing what has made this show, its actors and its characters thrive and survive for 44 years. Not only will readers gain insight into behind-the-scenes stories, but they'll also learn the history of the show." The publications will launch with The Days of our Lives: The Untold Story of One Family's Dream and the True History of The Days of our Lives in May, which will be written by Corday, the son of DAYS creators Ted and Betty Corday.

Win a Walk-On Role on ATWT
First there was AMERICAN IDOL, now there's BRIGHTEN BAY IDOL. Think you can act? Want to be a part of the drama in ATWT's Oakdale? Viewers have until March 2 to log on to www.BrightenBay.com to upload an acting auction video clip for a chance to win a walk-on role on ATWT. Then starting March 10, visitors to the website can vote for their favorite video. The winner will appear on an episode in August, before the show ends in Sept. 2010.

For more information go to www.BrightenBay.com or www.cheer.com. (BRIGHTEN BAY is the name of the series of soapish commercials set in Brighten Bay, which advertise Cheer laundry detergent and star AMC's Cameron Mathison.)

The Doctor Is In
GENERAL HOSPITAL's Jason Thompson (Patrick) and Kimberly McCullough (Robin) play a different role on THE DR. OZ SHOW — they are patients. Thompson asks Dr. Oz, "I've had a couple family members and friends of the family come down with intestine and colon problems — having to cut sections out and reattach. My question is, what causes it? Is it diet related? Stress? What?" And McCullough asks, "Why do my breasts get bigger when I'm menstruating and how can I keep them like that all the time?" Tune in tomorrow, Jan. 29, to see how Dr. Oz answers. For more information, logon to www.doctoroz.com.

DAYS Actresses Return
Arianne Zucker (Nicole) is back from her maternity leave and on set filming this week. Her on-screen mom, Valerie Wildman (Fay) also taped on Monday, Jan. 25. Look for both to first air in March.

David Lago is Elvis!
Y&R alum David Lago (ex-Raul) is among the new cast of Chicago's rock 'n' roll musical Million Dollar Quartet, inspired by the famed recording session that brought together Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley. Lago, who portrays Presley, starts his new role on Feb. 3. For more information and tickets, click here.

Hennig's Dream Team
When the Saints go marching in to South Florida for the Super Bowl on February 7, Louisiana native Shelley Hennig (Stephanie, DAYS) will be rooting for them big time. "I'm a huge Saint fans and so is my whole family," gushes the actress. "I've been a faithful season watcher for the past two years and was able to make a couple of games this year. So I was really excited for their win last Sunday." Hennig plans on being glued to the championship game, when her team tackles the Indianapolis Colts, although she isn't sure where. "I'm working on getting tickets," says the actress, who has a few connections. However, if that doesn't work out, "I may just go home to New Orleans. I think it would be fun to watch the game on Bourbon Street. Or I may have a party at my place." And Hennig's boyfriend will be by her side cheering on her team. "He's become a fan," notes Hennig. "When he started watching with me I was like, 'You have be rooting for the Saints, or we can't watch football together.'"

Nichols Premieres on Y&R
Today's (Jan. 27) a must-see episode of Y&R for fans of Stephen Nichols. The beloved vet finally begins his Genoa City run as Tucker McCall.

ABC Daytime stars board Stagecoach
If you love country music almost as much as you love your soaps, then you are in luck: ABC Daytime and SOAPnet are sponsoring the 2010 Stagecoach Country Music Festival at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA on April 24 and 25.

As part of the Soap Nation Tour, the festival will see actors from ALL MY CHILDREN, ONE LIFE TO LIFE and GENERAL HOSPITAL introducing musical acts and interacting with fans on the Mane Stage, as well as holding autograph sessions, running giveaways and raffles, and offering visitors manicures and massages at the Soap Nation mini-spa. Talent confirmed to attend (subject to change) include: AMC's Bobbie Eakes (Krystal), Melissa Claire Egan (Annie) and Vincent Irizarry (David); OLTL's Kristen Alderson (Starr), Brandon Buddy (Cole), Kassie De Paiva (Blair), Hillary B. Smith (Nora), Bree Williamson (Jessica) and Robert S. Woods (Bo); and GH's Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Brandon Barash (Johnny) and Laura Wright (Carly).

As a bonus, anyone who purchases tickets by Jan. 29 via ticketmaster.com and uses the special order code SOAPNATION will get a chance to attend a special meet-and-greet with key talent attending the event (space is limited).

Go to www.soapnet.com for details.

James Mitchell Memorial
AMC is gearing up for a moving tribute to James Mitchell (Palmer), who passed away on Friday, January 22, but a source says the memorial won't air until the spring. The show wants to wait until newly anointed head writers Donna Swajeski and David Kreizman have started, and can do actor and character justice. "The memorial will be really beautiful," promises the insider.

Beloved AMC Star Dies
James Mitchell (Palmer) died Friday, January 22, 2010 in Los Angeles of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, complicated by pneumonia, an AMC rep reports. Mitchell joined the cast of AMC in 1979; his final appearance was on January 5th, for the show's 40th anniversary episode. The actor was 89.

Via Facebook, Mitchell's one-time on-screen stepson, Vincent Irizarry (David), said that he was "saddened and sorry to say goodbye to a dear soul, Mr. James Mitchell ... AMC has lost one of its most precious children, indeed. The man was a true gentleman and wonderful talent. I feel honored and grateful to have had the opportunity to work beside him and to be his friend. Light up the heavens as you did the world you walked upon these many years, beautiful man!"

Says Susan Lucci (Erica), "I have so many wonderful memories of James, it's hard to just tell one. There was this one day, we were both on set, waiting to do our scene. There was some kind of delay and so he came up to me, put his arms around me and we started to dance, right there on set. It was such a special moment. I kept thinking, 'Oh, my goodness. I am actually dancing with Jimmy Mitchell.' He was such a special person. He lit up the room with his warmth, thoughtfulness and charm. He was truly authentic." Adds Debbi Morgan (Angie), "James Mitchell was not only an icon, but a deeply sensitive and caring man. He was the utmost professional and it was amazing to watch him work and observe the life he breathed into the shrewd and irrepressible Palmer Cortlandt. I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to be in his presence for so many years." "Jimmy was a very kind, supportive man," echoes Darnell Williams (Jesse). "He was gifted with a generosity toward his acting partner that most of us can only dream of. He'll be sorely missed by us all."

Peter Bergman (Jack, Y&R; ex-Cliff, AMC) on the death of James Mitchell: "James and I began our daytime careers together 30 years ago. He was at my wedding, he was in the hospital when both my children were born, and our friendship continued 20 years after I left ALL MY CHILDREN. He was a man of singular talent, style and kindness — and his death is a powerful event for everyone in my family."

Another GL Alum Heads to Oakdale
That's right! Kurt McKinney (ex-Matt, GL) will be joining his former Springfield co-stars Tom Pelphrey (Mick; ex-Jonathan, GL) and Daniel Cosgrove (soon-to-be Chris; ex-Bill, GL) for a brief recurring stint on ATWT as Craig's shady business partner, Ellis. Look for the actor to begin airing in late February.

OLTL's Born Sings the Blues
In response to Bob Dylan's 2009 Super Bowl commercial featuring Will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas, OLTL's Roscoe Born (Mitch) has posted a YouTube video in which he sings, "Bob Dylan's Pepsi Blues." "I had already written this song about how there's nothing he won't steal, there's nothing he won't sell, because I knew he had done this Victoria's Secret [commercial] a few years ago," explains the singer/songwriter. After seeing the NFL ad, he revised the lyrics to make it more explicitly about Dylan and recorded it with Hugh Pool, a musician friend who played guitar in Nick's band when Born was on THE CITY. "It sounds really good," admits Born of the Dylan ad, "but the whole thing just goes against my '60s ethos." Check out Born's musical response at here.

The Results Are In
Recently you voted in our online poll for the Sexiest Men on Daytime. Did your fave win? The results are in the Feb. 2 issue of Soap Opera Weekly, on sale now. (They will be posted online next Friday, Jan. 29.)

Happy Anniversary!
Tracey E. Bregman (Lauren, Y&R) noted on Facebook this morning that today is her 27th anniversary playing her character (though she was on B&B from 1995-99). "After 27 years, I still wake up grateful every day for my job and Bill Bell, Wes Kenney and Sally Sussman," she praises. "To be able to do what I love with such extraordinary people, whom I love, is not something I take lightly. My heart and love goes out to my entire Y and R family past and present."

Don't Miss!
B&B's Sarah Brown (Sandy) makes a guest appearance on CASTLE this Monday, Jan. 25. She joins former soap vet Nathan Fillion (ex-Joey, OLTL), who stars on the ABC show.

B&B's Jennifer Gareis is Expecting
Eagle-eyed soap viewers might notice BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL's Donna (Jennifer Gareis) holding an awful lot of pillows and bags in front of her tummy. Well, there's a reason: Gareis, and her fiancée Bobby Ghassemieh, are pleased to announce that they are expecting their first child, a boy, in early summer 2010. "It's a very special time in our lives," said Gareis. "Bobby and I would like to thank everyone for all of their support and warm wishes of congratulations."

Y&R's Schmidt Out
Kevin Schmidt (Noah, Y&R) is taking a break from the show. He reports on Twitter, "Shooting my last Y&R for a couple months. Gearing up for the new Cartoon Network series, UNNATURAL HISTORY. A huge thank you to the incredible cast & crew as well as the dedicated Y&R viewers/supporters. Look for 'Noah' back in G.C this Summer!" Schmidt, who began playing Noah in 2008, has had a busy year. He's currently starring as Ryan in Alvin And The Chipmunks: The Squeakquel, appears as Justin in the Web series POOR PAUL and played Bull in Disney's PRINCESS PROTECTION PROGRAM.

AMC Names New Head Writers
ALL MY CHILDREN has announced that former AW and GL head writer Donna Swajeski and David Kreizman, former GL head writer and current co-head writer of ATWT, will take over the writing reins at AMC. Said ABC Daytime President Brian Frons in a statement, "David and Donna are the perfect team to bring new ideas to ALL MY CHILDREN while remaining true to its core by telling stories with a focus on the integrity of the show's history, its characters and families on the canvas. Having started her career at CHILDREN, she worked firsthand with Agnes Nixon. Donna retains a true sense of the show's heart while continuing to keep relevant with today's environment." AMC EP Julie Hanan Carruthers, who worked with Swajeski at PORT CHARLES, says she "couldn't be more pleased" with the new team.

As for the fate of ATWT in the wake of this move, Brian T. Cahill, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Telenext Media, Inc. noted, "As we wish Dave luck in his future endeavors, we want to assure our fans we still have many stories to tell on AS THE WORLD TURNS and encourage them to tune in every day to see the romance and intrigue continue in Oakdale."

GH Casting News
Dahlia Salem (ex-Sofia, AW) joins the cast in the recurring role of Federal Prosecutor Claire Walsh. Salem's first tape date is January 28, and she first airs on February 24.

It's a Boy!
Greg Vaughan (ex-Lucky, GH) and wife, Touriya, welcomed another son, Cavan Thomas Vaughan. He confirmed the news on his Twitter page. "Exact weight/size of his Big Brother!! 7lbs 15oz - 20 in long," enthused the actor. The Vaughans have a son, Jathan James, who was born May 4, 2007.

Stars Raise Money For Haiti
How did soap stars end up at the Rose Bowl last Saturday, collecting donations for Hope for Haiti? The night before, a reporter from the local NBC station contacted Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis, GH) via Twitter to ask for help wrangling celebs for the fund raiser. "One call and boom, they were there," marvels Grahn of the soap stars who responded. In addition to numerous GH stars, Alison Sweeney (Sami, DAYS) rounded up several of her castmates, who were joined by Sarah Brown (Sandy, B&B) and Stephen Nichols (soon-to-be Tucker, Y&R), among others. "The best part," smiles Grahn, "were these little kids that came up and emptied their piggy banks." Hope for Haiti raised $100,000.

A Baby Girl For Seganti
Paolo Seganti (Damian, ATWT) and his wife Carlotta Chang (ex-Azure C., THE CITY) welcomed the newest addition to their family on December 20. Daughter Lucia (which means "light") was born at 12:13 a.m. "She's lovely and she looks just like me when I was young and good-looking!" chuckles the proud papa. "[She has] fair skin, blue eyes, blond hair." This is the fifth child for the Segantis, who also share Stella, 9, Marcello, 7, Maddalena, 4, and Pippo, 2.

Damian's Busted!
The jig is up for ATWT's Damian this week when Molly learns the truth about what really went down in Kentucky during Holden's presumed death. "Molly is Damian's Achilles' heel," teases Lesli Kay (Molly). Will the truth finally set Meg free? Check out the new issue of Digest for more storyline scoop.

ATWT's Leyden Leaves Again
ATWT's Paul Leyden is headed out of Oakdale. Simon hits the road next week after bidding Katie farewell.

Conroy Makes His B&B Debut
Zack Conroy first airs in the new role of Oliver on January 20, but he tells Soap Opera Digest that he was rattled during the audition process. "Since my audition was going to be with Sarah Brown [Sandy], I didn't know what to expect," he recalls. "She's a great actress, so I went in really nervous about the scene and was basically on the verge of tears." For the whole story, pick up the new issue.