Behind the scenes at Days of Our Lives, it seems (this is still unconfirmed) that head writer James E. Reilly is being replaced by Hogan Sheffer, former writer for As the World Turns. Reilly's contract with the show included a guarantee of a certain ratings number which hasn't been happening recently, as the show is struggling in the ratings. Meanwhile, Melissa Reeves (Jennifer) is leaving in August. Her husband Scott Reeves' career in music is taking off so he and his family are moving to Nashville.

The most recent of rumors are insisting that Thorsten Kaye (Zach, All My Children) might leave as his contract is up later this summer. The only thing that is certain at this point is actors (and fans) alike haven't been happy with the show's writing. In Thorsten's own words, "...Sometimes it feels like we're just filling gaps for the writers, and that's not our job. It's like playing football on a field with potholes everywhere. You can't relax and just do your job because you're worried about breaking your ankle. That's what these scripts are sometimes. You're going, 'Can I say this? I'd better not, because it doesn't make sense with that...'" 

As the World Turns Kathleen Frazier plays Mrs. Stacell the librarian on June 14 and 15.

Days of Our Lives Colleen Clinton appears as D.A. Bettis June 9.

Guiding Light Reathel Bean plays Josh's late father June 14. Bob Borden (Late Show with David Letterman) is a delivery man June 15. Melinda Hyder and Cirie Fields (Survivor: Panama -- Exile Island) appear June 22. Emily Swallow stars as Regina, Mallet's former lover, June 12.

One Life to Live Phil Carey returns as Asa June 27 in scenes that were taped before the actor began his chemotherapy for lung cancer.

OUTS

Passions It's official. Kelli McCarty (Beth) is leaving.

Young & the Restless While Victoria Rowell takes a break, Dru will head to Europe for a tour. Victoria has been filming the feature film Home of the Brave, vacationing in Italy and working on a series called Noah's Ark with Keith Hamilton Cobb (Damon & Noah, All My Children). Dru returns to Y&R July 20.

All My Children Erica tells Jack the truth about Josh. Ryan questions his paternity. Greg is tormented by his captor.

As the World Turns Lily prepares Luke for shocking news about his father. Jade accidentally spills the beans about her night with Will.

Bold & the Beautiful Ridge and Brooke kiss for the finale. Felicia's wedding announcement saddens Bridget.

Days of Our Lives Bo kidnaps Hope. Max asks to make it exclusive with Chelsea. Kayla throws herself at Steve.

General Hospital Sonny loses control as Ric manipulates him. Manny furthers his scheme against Alcazar.

Guiding Light Reva admits her deepest fears to Billy. Marina has trouble separating business and pleasure. Ava and Coop try to find their way back.

One Life to Live Nash fears losing Tess. Jessica confronts her tortured past. Viki urges Todd to start over with Blair.

Passions Luis confronts Alistair. Fancy is torn between the monk and a hunk. Beth has a cheesy reunion with Edna and Norma.

Young & the Restless Jack dupes Phyllis. Nikki discovers Victor's betrayal. Gloria attempts to get Kevin a job at Jabot.

SPOTLIGHT ON...Leslie Charleson (Dr. Monica Quartermaine, General Hospital) www.lesliecharleson.net

Leslie joined General Hospital in August 1977 as Dr. Monica Quartermaine, who remains one of the show's most beloved characters, almost 30 years later! Leslie's TV career began on another ABC daytime series, A Time for Us. She spent two and a half years on the CBS daytime series Love is a Many Splendored Thing.

Having appeared in numerous commercials, Leslie credits Pearl Drops for landing her a part in Day of the Dolphin, with George C. Scott. Then she starred in a David Merrick play with Tony Curtis, called One Night Stand.

After that, Leslie moved to Los Angeles and has guest-starred on over 20 TV series, including Adam 12, Barnaby Jones, Marcus Welby, M.D., Ironside, Kung Fu, Wild Wild West and The Rockford Files. It was on Happy Days that she gave Ron Howard his first on-screen kiss. She also co-starred with Days of Our Lives' Deidre Hall in the TV movie, Women on the Ledge.

Leslie is an active celebrity spokesperson for breast cancer, cystic fibrosis and AIDS-related charities. She currently lives in the L.A. area.

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