It's a toss-up this week between All My Children and As the World Turns for newsmakers. There's a very special show coming up for All My Children and lots of character updates on As the World Turns.

Enjoy!

All My Children Agnes Nixon, the show's creator and Rosie O'Donnell appear for special episodes airing next year.

As the World Turns Brother Francis (Boris McGiver) is a monk in the monastery cell where Craig wakes up. Dr. Ramirez (Joseph Melendez) returns to treat Aaron's injuries December 1 and 3.

Bold & the Beautiful Shari Headley (best known as All My Children's Mimi) joins as Heather. She begins airing December 27 and is slated to exit December 31. Paige (Angelica Bridges) is Nick's widowed friend starting December 16.

Days of Our Lives A gas station attendant (Newell Alexander) appears December 9. Marguerite (Justine Brandy), the psychic is in December 13.

Passions Three characters begin December 10: Gwen's doctor (Jeff Witzke), Pam (Rachel Anderson), a N.I.C.U. nurse and a pizza delivery girl (Katherine Kirkpatrick).

OUTS

All My Children Bobby (Christian Campbell) and Anita (Natalia Cigliuti) are both rumored to be leaving, although the show hasn't confirmed it yet.

As the World Turns Julia (Sarah Brown) should stop airing in March. The actress is set to return to Los Angeles next year which squelched the rumors that she'd stick around longer than her initial six-month contract.

Young & the Restless Joan Van Ark's Gloria exits in late December. There isn't any more news on the recast as of yet.

NEWS & RUMORS

Kim Zimmer's real-life son, Jake Weary, begins as As the World Turns' Luke January 13. Weary takes over the role from Christopher Tavani.

The Bold & the Beautiful's Rick (Justin Torkildsen) has been dropped from contract status. Rick will be going to work for Forrester International. Rumor has it the backlash from Rick and Caitlin's relationship is in part responsible.

There's a huge buzz surrounding an alleged recast of Passions' Hank Bennett, which could age Hank a few years over Luis. But others speculate the recast is for Antonio who has never been officially declared deceased.

All My Children is going to celebrate their 35th anniversary on Broadway with a special one-night show at Town Hall on Monday, February 7 in support of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Tickets are $50 to $500. For more information, check out www.broadwaycares.org, or call (212) 840-0770, ext. 268. Alongside the cast will be Rosie O'Donnell and Kelly Ripa, with more celebrities set to be announced over the next few weeks.

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Take a break this holiday season at:

All My Children Babe finally confesses to Bianca. Jamie tells JR that he lost Bess. David tells Krystal he wants her.

As the World Turns Alison's attempt to help Aaron backfires. Sierra and Jordan get into the Christmas spirit. Carly and Jack make love.

Days of Our Lives Mimi sneaks out to Jan's country home. Shawn and Belle find themselves in a life-threatening situation. A snowstorm rocks Salem.

General Hospital Sonny refuses to give up Kristina. Luke and Skye make an alarming discovery. Alexis takes matters into her own hands.

Guiding Light Olivia chooses between Bill and her freedom. Reva forces Jonathan to face his demons. Michelle encounters a dangerous situation.

One Life to Live John accuses Antonio of murder. Dorian makes a confession to Bo. Todd gets an unwanted surprise on his wedding day.

Passions Pilar applies a guilt trip to Katherine. Gwen and Theresa get into a cat fight. Alistair disinherits Chad and Fox.

SPOTLIGHT ON...Julia Barr (Brooke, All My Children) www.juliabarr.com

Emmy Award winner Julia Barr was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana February 8. At 13, she was a star in the area, appearing in many productions from the Fort Wayne Community Theater, Civic Theater, Wagon Wheel Playhouse and Enchanted Hills Playhouse.

She attended Purdue University then moved off to more starring productions in Buffalo's Studio Arena Theater. Julia moved to New York City and landed the role of Brooke English in June 1976. She won Emmys in 1990 and 1998 for "Outstanding Supporting Actress." In 1990, she also won a Soap Opera Digest Award for "Best Supporting Actress."

Julia has been married to oral surgeon Dr. Richard Hirschlag since 1982. Her daughter Alison played Guiding Light's Lizzie Spaulding in 2002.

Since 2001, Julia has been a spokeswoman for The Fund for Animals, founded in 1967 by Cleveland Armory. The group works on education, protection, care facilities and rights for both wild and domestic animals. Visit www.fund.org for more details or Julia's website. In 1996, Julia was honored by The Coalition for The Homeless' "First Step" program, for which she volunteered for a number of years.

In September 2002, she released a holiday collection -- her first album, From Our House...To Yours. Produced by Julia and her husband, both Richard and Alison appear on the album. All the album's proceeds go directly to The Fund for Animals.

THIS JUST IN...

David Bailey (Alistair, Passions) was found dead November 25 in what authorities are calling a "pool accident" at his L.A. home. Bailey joined the show in September 2004, finally giving the character a face. Bailey was 71. He is survived by his wife, Yvonne Bailey and son, Xander. The show is planning to recast the role.

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

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