Fashion shows at The Bold and the Beautiful's Forrester Creations have always been the scene for backstage intrigue, celebrities and high profile drama, but imagine everyone's surprise when it was revealed that the actress who played beautiful Forrester fashion model, Ava was actually a secret real-life princess!

Natasha Alam held a recurring role as B&B's Ava from 2004 to 2007, appearing in 19 episodes. From 1998 to 2004, she was married to H. H. [His Highness] Prince Amir Ibrahim Alam Pahlavi, a grandchild of the late, deposed Shah of Iran. Despite their divorce, Natasha retains the title of "H. H. Princess Amir Ibrahim Alam Pahlavi" and is entitled to use it as she chooses.

In 1979, the exiled Shah received medical treatment in the United States, part of a chain of events involving anti-American sentiment in Iran that eventually led to the hostage situation that crippled the Carter Presidency and contributed significantly to Ronald Reagan's election in 1980.

Born Natalia Anatolievna Shimanchuk (Natasha is a common nickname for "Natalia"), she grew up in Uzbekistan, which was then part of the USSR. After leaving aviation school without a degree, she met her husband while working as a model for prestigious fashion houses Dior, Gucci, Versace, and Vivienne Westwood. Those modeling gigs eventually led to the acting world of Los Angeles.

Natasha had no idea her husband was royal until invitations began arriving in the mail addressed to her royal self, from other royal families such as the Windsors of England. "…I found out that I am a princess," she explains. "I couldn't believe it."

Falling into acting a few years after her marriage, Natasha appeared in television shows such as Fastlane, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, and NYPD Blue before landing on The Bold and the Beautiful. She has upcoming roles in Death Warrior, also starring Nick Nolte and Armand Assante, and The Women, a remake of the famous 1939 George Cukor film. The 2008 version also stars Eva Mendes, Meg Ryan, Debra Messing, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Annette Bening.

Natasha also has a spread in an upcoming issue of the men's magazine, Maxim.

All My Children Debbi Morgan returns as Angie January 18.

As the World Turns Sarita Covington reprises her role of Krista January 15 and 16.

Days of Our Lives Tamara Braun (Carly, General Hospital) is scheduled to appear "immediately as a mystery woman from Steve's past." It's been hinted that the character will turn out to be Sarah Horton. Tamara begins her stint on February 8.

Guiding Light Back to mark the first anniversary of Tammy's death and the disappearance of himself, Tom Pelphrey returns as Jonathan.

One Life to Live Christopher Bones will appear in flashbacks as a young Jared January 17. Lia Young will guest as a new doctor at St. Ann's beginning January 23. Ann Hamilton plays Rex's aunt Corrine beginning January 23. Joanna Rhinehart begins as a nun at St. Ann's on February 7. R&B singer (and OLTL fan) Mary J. Blige cameos again singing two songs, Growing Pains and Hurt Again at Starr's Sweet Sixteen Party, airing February 15th and 18th.

Young & the Restless Jerry Douglas is back January 15 and 16. Chris Engen has landed the contract role of Victor Newman Jr. He'll begin February 12.

OUTS

All My Children It's officially a wrap for Stacy Haiduck and Hannah.

One Life to Live January LaVoy and John Rue (Noelle and Moe) are done January 17, as Viki ends her life at the Bon-Jour Cafe.

THIS WEEK

All My Children Kendall grows suspicious. Krystal enlists JR's help. Jack and Erica can't fight their feelings.

As the World Turns Paul and Emily share a moment. Jack spies Carly and Sam together. Susan takes action.

Bold & the Beautiful Jackie tells Bridget of her plans for Nick and Brooke. Nick tests Taylor. Stephanie returns home.

Days of Our Lives Belle collapses. Stephanie confides in the sisters. Shawn and Chloe join forces.

General Hospital Kate and Sonny talk. The killer contacts Sam and Alexis. Jason tells Carly to butt out.

Guiding Light Olivia puts her cards on the table. Marina sets out to make Cyrus her husband. Lizzie mourns Sarah.

One Life to Live Jessica lands in St. Ann's. Ramsey threatens Gigi. Blair has sad news for Todd.

Passions Pilar walks into a trap. Gwen and Sheridan are determined to snag their men. Endora fears for Miguel.

Young & the Restless The judge rules on the divorce. Gloria and Nick find inspiration in Hitchcock. Amber's excitement may threaten her plan.

SPOTLIGHT ON...Mykel Shannon Jenkins (Charlie Baker, Bold & the Beautiful) www.mykelshannonjenkins.com

Mykel recently joined Bold & the Beautiful in the contract role of Charlie Baker, son of Lt. Baker.

Mykel was the winner of season one of I Wanna Be a Soap Star, and most recently guest-starred in Ugly Betty and Saving Grace. His other TV credits include CSI Miami, CSI Crime Scene Investigation and In Justice.

Mykel was born in Biloxi, Mississippi and being the son of a U.S. Air Force officer, he was raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. While in high school, he was a national finalist in drama, speech and debate. Soon after graduation with his bachelor's degree from Loyola University, Mykel became a household name as the host of New Orleans' WB38 Kids' Club, where for over four years he served an an on-air personality introducing kids and parents to a world of knowledge.

Mykel's birthday is July 3. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two children.

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 2008.