The soap world is abuzz with the news that Passions has been cancelled - again. Though no official word has come from the show's spokesperson, several of the show's performers have informed their fans that the plug has been pulled on the show for the second time in 12 months. While Passions is currently DirecTV's highest-rated original program, insiders say that the satellite television provider failed to meet the projected total of new subscribers expected to sign up for DirecTV in order to see the show after it left broadcast television. Passions moved to DirecTV in September as part of a $40 million deal designed to bring more original programming to the service. NBC canceled Passions in January 2007 to make way for a fourth hour of its morning news show, Today, but left open the possibility that the supernatural soap could find new life on another network. Before the show ultimately landed on DirecTV, it is widely believed that NBC shopped the show to the Disney-owned all-soaps cable channel, SOAPnet, along with several other cable networks. Passions' low-ratings and high production costs were the reasons cited by NBC for ditching the eight-year-old soap. Ironically, those very reasons are believed to be the rationale for other networks not wanting to pick up the rights to broadcast Passions. The final episode will be taped on or around March 24th, 2008. New episodes of Passions will air through the summer, which would fulfill DirecTV's one-year commitment to the show. It appears unlikely that Passions will move to another network, but there is scant hope that the show could end up on a cable channel such as Oxygen or as an Internet-only soap.

In other news, from All My Children, Sabine Singh (Greenlee) has been fired to make way for -- Rebecca Budig -- the original Greenlee. Rebecca returns January 16. As well, daytime's very first African American supercouple will be returning to AMC as well: Debbi Morgan and Darnell Williams will reprise their roles of Angie and Jesse early next year. Look for Debbi January 18 and Darnell a few days later.

All My Children Cornelius Smith plays Quentin, a mystery man who crosses paths with Aidan December 12.

As the World Turns Harmon Walsh delivers Meg shocking news about her baby December 12 through the 13th. Athena Currey catches Brad's eye December 13. Sara Chase guests as Judy December 14.

Days of Our Lives Jessica Barth plays gun trader Lindy December 10.

General Hospital With the "departure" of Georgie, Kristina Wagner will be back as Felicia to mourn her daughter.

Guiding Light New York City's CBS 2 News This Morning co-anchor Kate Sullivan cameos with the election results December 11. Ian Alda appears as Einstein December 11.

Passions Amy Castle plays Esme's niece Viki December 20.

Young & the Restless Joshua Snyder appears as a public defender December 17. Sumalee Montano returns as Dr. Bagano December 17.

"OUTS"

Guiding Light David Andrew Macdonald "exits" as Edmund December 28; the show promises he will be back.

One Life to Live Tuc Watkins "exits" as David December 11; he will definitely be back.

THIS WEEK

All My Children Zach and Greenlee fear for their lives. Kendall and Aidan comfort each other. JR's memory returns.

As the World Turns Gwen and Will long for what they can't have. Bonnie is warned away from Holden. Oakdale celebrates.

Bold & the Beautiful Stephanie and Ridge share a close moment. Stephanie cancels Christmas. Stephen makes amends with his children.

Days of Our Lives Stefano has a plan. Shawn warns Chloe about Philip. Lucas comes under fire.

General Hospital The killer strikes again. Sonny wants to finish off Johnny. Jason and Elizabeth can't stay apart.

Guiding Light Ava comes to Olivia's aid. A kiss from Mallet catches Dinah off guard. Buzz sees another side of Doris.

One Life to Live Jessica goes after Jared. Ramsey wants to make a deal with Todd. Rex gets a surprise in Texas.

Passions Pilar confesses to Theresa. Julian visits Eve in rehab. Esme and Viki see Santa Claus.

Young & the Restless Sharon and Niki become roommates. The DNA results come back for Victoria's baby. Victor's target decides to sue him.

SPOTLIGHT ON...Vail Bloom (Heather Stevens, Young & the Restless)

Vail plays the Assistant District Attorney and daughter of private eye Paul Williams, Heather. She has been with Young & the Restless since July 2007.

Vail was born in Boston and grew up in Connecticut and Florida. She studied architecture at Princeton University but became interested in acting when a fellow student asked her to star in a short film. She performed on stage with an innovative company called diSiac and continued to star in other student projects while in college.

Before Y&R, she appeared in the film Finishing the Game, where she played a casting assistant who needs to find Bruce Lee's replacement. Vail also appeared on Las Vegas.

She is the real-life daughter of a high school guidance counselor and a businessman/college professor. As a result, she enjoys mentoring young people and tutors middle schoolers and high school kids on her days off. Vail also enjoys hiking and running.

To subscribe to Soaps Update, 92342-subscribe@zinester.com; to unsubscribe, 92342-unsubscribe@zinester.com. To change your subscription preferences, log into your account at Zinester . You can always retrieve your password by clicking the "forgot your password?" link.

This ezine is being distributed by Zinester -- a mailing lists service and ezine hosting provider. You are receiving this newsletter because you are registered subscriber with Zinester.

Zinester.com is a project by AGAVA Software Company. 

Software development -- as it has to be.

Copyright 2007.