Holy rumor mill! Due to all the rumors this week, the "News & Rumors" section has been extended a little. Check them out for yourself. One of our faves on maternity leave is now a first-time mommy. I've included a news story I found on soap viewers this week in place of "You're Not Alone"; it'll return next week.

Enjoy! Karen

All My Children Edie (LaShawn Welch) is Zach's crony, starting August 5.

Guiding Light Holly (Maureen Garrett) will be back to the show this fall to tie up the storyline with Roger Thorpe (the late Michael Zaslow).

OUTS

General Hospital Mary (Catherine Wadkins) is leaving early this September.

Young & the Restless Cameron (Linden Ashby) goes out like a lion later this fall.

RECASTS

As the World Turns As previously reported, the frontrunner in the race to take over the role of Hal has won. Randolph Mantooth, who had temporarily gained the role last year, begins this fall.

Days of Our Lives The fans have spoken! One day after Charity Rahmer's (Belle) on-screen debut, the actress was fired, due in part to an onslaught of negative fan feedback. In a statement from the show, "The producers felt that the full potential of the role was not being realized and decided it was better to make a change sooner, rather than later." Charity will exit August 9. Martha Anne Madison will take over beginning August 10.

NEWS & RUMORS

Young & the Restless rumors...Is Malcolm (Shemar Moore) coming back? Jack Smith, head writer and executive producer for the show confirms they are in talks to make it happen. No official word yet. Kay Alden signed a new contract to remain head writer. Jack Smith (see above) will assist her in writing duties. An Internet rumor insists the show is creating a new role for Maurice Benard (Sonny on General Hospital). His contract with GH does expire this December. However, there's no confirmation on any side about this one.

More General Hospital rumors...Robin Christopher (Skye) and husband Matt Crane welcomed their first child, a son, August Christopher Crane into the world July 16. Rumors are persisting (and growing in strength) that Kimberly McCullough (Robin) is returning. They're being fueled by the fact that the character returned for the tribute show to the late Anna Lee (Lila). For right now, though, they still are simply rumors.

Nadia Bjorlin's (Chloe) "return will not be what the fans expect," says a rep for Days of Our Lives. Rumors are the character's return will pave the way for Brady and Nicole to further their relationship and that Chloe will not get a happy ending.

David Tom (Paul from One Life to Live) returns August 20 from his unexpected leave of absence.

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All My Children Kendall realizes she has no power over Ryan anymore. Maria resists Zach's attempt to win her back. Tad and Brooke get the evidence they need against JR.

As the World Turns Aaron catches Emily and Chris in a lip lock. Jack's nurse triggers a memory. Sierra turns to Dusty for answers.

Days of Our Lives Bo hears a distinct signal on his scanner. Patrick rescues Jennifer from the ravine. The island captives grow suspicious of Tony.

General Hospital Alexis is caught off guard by a kiss from Ric. Courtney confesses to Jason. Helena sets a plot against Nikolas into motion. Nikolas and Emily grow closer.

Guiding Light Tammy sinks to Lizzie's level to win Joey back. Harley gets an unlikely ally.

One Life to Live Dorian fears Kelly is losing her mind. Antonio receives a mysterious letter. Bo and Nora get trapped together for a third time.

Passions Alistair's henchman kidnaps Paloma. Theresa is rushed to the hospital with sharp pains. Liz reveals her final secret about Eve.

Young & the Restless Nick rushes to Sharon from a horrific fate. JT, Mac and a reluctant Brittany try to prevent Raul from leaving Genoa City.

Soap Operas Designed to Attract Teens -- News story excerpt from "Entertainment Today", a Gophercentral.com newsletter (Thursday, July 22, 2004)

Teen story lines, the SoapNet cable network and summer promotional tours have paid off by keeping young viewers tuned to soap operas, executives said. While Nielsen Media Research shows a decrease in overall soap opera viewership from 56.5 million in 1991 to its current 35 million, viewers 35 and younger have remained consistent, with more than 5 million fans in the 18-34 group tuning in daily, the Houston Chronicle reported Tuesday. "People assume that people who watch the soaps are women who do nothing all day. ... In this day and age, it couldn't be further from the truth. It's not your mother's soap viewer anymore," said Stephanie Sloane, editor of Soap Opera Digest. Courting those in the 12-34 demographic has been about survival, TV executives said. "What we decided we had to do (about four years ago) was be more proactive in reaching out to people and offering programs of interest to them. We intro- duced more young characters. Now you see yourself on the show," said Brian Frons, president of ABC Daytime.

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Soaps Update is published by Karen, Editor, every week, Friday, 11:00 AM, GMT.

You can send your feedback to karensnews2004@yahoo.ca

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