I got a lot of news for ABC Daytime fans this week. First we'll start with the very best. Genie Francis will be returning to General Hospital as Laura. The exact details haven't been released, but she will definitely be back in time for the 25th anniversary of the November 16, 1981 milestone nuptials of Luke and Laura. The ugly news, for fans of All My Children who have been unhappy with the show's direction in recent months, you may have a reason to smile. Rumor has it that ABC will not be renewing head writer Megan McTavish's contract. And the bad news, apparently the talks between Michael Easton (John) and One Life to Live are not going well and the writers have been told to begin scripting John's death.

As the World Turns Bonnie Root will star as Eve, Maddie and Henry's sister, beginning July 19.

Bold & the Beautiful Dax Griffin airs as a mystery man who has a part in Darla's accident.

Days of Our Lives The brief break will be over in August for Deidre Hall (Marlena) and Drake Hogestyn (John, right).

Guiding Light Jack Gilpin appears as Dr. Baker, the pyschologist will help Lizzie July 10.

Passions Jossara Jinaro plays Simone's ex-girlfriend, Rae, July 21.

Young & the Restless Nick Chastain plays Alex, the kid who drugged Lily, on July 17. Lauralee Bell returns as Christine in late August for a few shows.

OUT

Passions Michael Sabatino (J.T.) exits July 18.

All My Children Ryan refuses to give up on Kendall and Spike. Josh wants Babe to run away with him. Babe thinks she knows who killed Greg.

As the World Turns Barbara offers Gwen and Will a chance for happiness. Meg demands that Paul ends his obsession with Emily.

Bold & the Beautiful Hector does the wrong thing for the right reason. A tragedy leaves the Forresters comforting each other.

Days of Our Lives Hope tells Patrick that the baby is his. Belle, Philip, Mimi and Shawn get shocking news. Jennifer, still in love with Frankie, feels an obligation to Jack.

General Hospital Sonny is haunted by past mistakes. Carly tries to uncover Ric's misdeeds against Sonny. Ric and Alexis team up to destroy Jason.

Guiding Light Billy experiences deja vu. Cassie and Jeffrey plan a weekend getaway.

One Life to Live Blair questions Todd about his feelings for Evangeline. Nash takes drastic action.

Passions Theresa meets a new man. Miguel and Kay make some magic. Sheridan loses something.

Young & the Restless Phyllis' baby's paternity is revealed. J.T. connects Brad to a murder case.

SPOTLIGHT ON...Sharon Case (Sharon Collins Newman, Young & the Restless)

Sharon joined Young & the Restless in August 1994. In 1998, she received a Soap Opera Award for Hottest Female in a Daytime Drama. In 1999, she won a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress.

Prior to Y&R, she played Debbie on As the World Turns, Dawn on General Hospital and Anne on Valley of the Dolls. She starred in the HBO Production Breast Men, with David Schwimmer. Additional TV credits for Sharon include Cheers, Beverly Hills, 90210, Silk Stalkings and Doogie Howser, M.D. Feature film credits include Diplomatic Immunities. Theater work includes lead roles in Grease, The Wizard and The Nutcracker.

Sharon was born in Detroit, but raised in Chatsworth, California. She enjoys shopping, reading and traveling.

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