News
Y&R's Lauralee Bell on Nina/Chris, Chance's "death" & if she would make a permanent return!
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
On-Air On-Soaps caught up with The Young and the Restless, Lauralee Bell (Christine) this week to discuss Chance’s “death”, Tricia Cast’s (Nina) and Lauralee’s heartbreaking performances surrounding the key story point, and to find out if she would now consider a permanent return to the soap. Lauralee was on hand at the set of B&B for the celebration honoring her mom, Lee Phillip Bell, who received a Lifetime Membership to IATSE Local 33 (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) for her contribution to the the Guild for the past 37 years. Below are some excepts from our conversation with Lauralee!
Lauralee on if she knew of the story twist that Chance was going to end up alive when she signed on to come back for her visit to Y&R this time: “I did not know Chance was going to be alive, either. And once I did find out, I had to call up to the office and ask, “Did Christine know all along?” But I did kind of figure this out for myself. Even the day we were taping the scene where I am yelling at Ronan about how did it go down this way, I had to call the booth the day before to get clarification. As an actor, I think it was the best way to do this. I was never ahead of myself. Even at the funeral, all of the Abbott’s did not know what the hell was going on which was great, and that is rare for soaps these days, because everyone usually knows. So it kind of kept it exciting.”
Lauralee on her thoughts of those final scenes where Chance meets up with his mom, Nina, and father, Phillip, after they believe he had “died”, and where Christine was so heartbroken over watching Nina’s emotional turmoil: “It was amazing and great. It is a whole different mentality because we would never have to do something like that before. Now that I have a son in real life, when the line is spoken between Chance and Nina, “Let’s make a promise to look at the moon” it is really powerful. As my character, Christine, I was thinking this is so amazing, and so sad at the same time, that this is what they are going to have to go through. And, I can relate it back to my own son. We are all older, and so it gives it a whole different feel to everything we played.”
Lauralee on how the relationship between Chris and Nina will wrap-up before she exits: “The way it wraps up is kind of sweet. There are a couple of final scenes with Tricia (Nina) before I go. You will see. There is also a little scene with Jeanne Cooper (Katherine), but very little. Chris is not going to leave before she can do her best to get everything as well situated for Nina’s life as she can. But this time when I say goodbye, I really do leave! (Laughs) I have an exit where you know I am leaving.”
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
Lauralee on how she felt about her return to Y&R this time: “I purposely waited a long time to come back to the show, but it made sense and I feel like “mission accomplished”. I know it may sound silly to say that, but it was the proper amount of time, and what I wanted to do for now. It gave the audience a taste of what it would be like to have Christine around, so we shall see. Maria Bell, (Y&R head writer and EP) has been asking me to do more, but I am still airing, so it hasn’t been that long. I told her we would talk again in a couple of months.”
Lauralee on her real-life relationship with Tricia Cast: “We are very, very close friends, and we are very different as people, but we are so tight as friends. We have grown to respect and count on each other, and love each, and that makes this all the more fun.”
Lauralee on her mother, Lee’s honor by IATSE: “My mom for years would be so graciously received by IATSE. It’s nice to be respected by the crew and everyone behind the scenes. I am super proud of my mother and every award is due to her, and I truly believe it. She is amazing woman.”
Breaking News
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
For those who were holding out hope that Daytime Emmy winner and fan favorite, Nicholas Chavez would be returning to General Hospital after filming his leading role in Ryan Murphy’s Monsters anthology, it looks like those hopes have been dashed.
According to a report from TV Line, although unconfirmed from General Hospital or a representative for Chavez, the actor will not reprise his role as Spencer Cassadine on the long-running ABC soap opera and continue the love story of Sprina opposite Tabyana Ali (Trina, GH).
Chavez was cast as Lyle Menendez over the the summer of 2023 for the second season of Murphy’s limited Monsters series on Netflix. In the upcoming season, the series will focus on the the case of Lyle and Erik Menendez, the two well-to-do Beverly Hills brothers accused of murdering their parents in 1989.
Photo: ABC
After word from Chavez casting was revealed, GH fans were concerned over the fate of the Sprina story, a spokesperson for GH shared, “We support Nicholas’ endeavors and look forward to having him return to General Hospital once this project is wrapped.”
In story, the series “killed off” Spencer when he went overboard with Esme to the steely waters below after being injected with a drug, thanks to Esme and falling into the Seine River in France. However, his body was never recovered, and believed to have drowned or washed away. Thus, leaving an opening for Spencer to return in the form of Chavez or be recast down the line.
Photo: ABC
TV Line shared that ‘multiple sources’ are confirming that Chavez is not returning to the ABC soap opera, which is what many had suspected might be the case once he left for this major starring role in a Ryan Murphy project. Chavez has been relatively quiet on social media for months.
Photo: ABC
The Michael Fairman Channel spoke with Nicholas Chavez for a virtual interview when he first joined the show in 2021, and spoke to him right after when he won the Daytime Emmy in 2022 – you can see those below.
No word yet on when Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story will debut on Netflix, but it is assumed later this year.
So, what do you think about the news of Nicholas Chavez not returning to his role as Spencer Cassadine on General Hospital? Comment below.
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS and ‘Supernatural’ Alum Jensen Ackles Joins the Cast of Justin Hartley’s CBS Series ‘Tracker’
Look who’s joining Justin Hartley’s hit freshman drama, Tracker! None other than another soap alum, former Days of our Lives and Supernatural favorite Jensen Ackles.
In a reveal via Hartley’s Instagram on Thursday, Ackles is set to play Hartley’s on-screen brother on the CBS procedural drama. In Tracker, Colter Shaw is estranged from his brother, Russell, which has been a big part of the mystery of season one.
Ackles is best known for his long run as Dean Winchester in The CW’s Supernatural, a role he reprised in the prequel of the series The Winchesters. He also recently starred in ABC’s Big Sky as Sheriff Beau Arlen and in The Boys as Soldier Boy.
Photo: CBS
Jensen was the original Eric Brady on Days of our Lives, a role he played from 1997-2000, before departing for the world of primetime and film. Eric was in love with Nicole played by Arianne Zucker. The part of Eric was recast with Greg Vaughan taking over the role in 2012.
Photo: JPI
In his Instagram post, Justin thanked everyone for watching Tracker, and then revealed Ackles as the surprise casting announcement in the role of Russell, while Jensen was playing pinball in the video! No word yet on when Jensen’s first episode as Russell will air. Stay tuned.
Check out Justin’s casting post featuring Jensen Ackles below. So, what do you think of Justin and Jensen playing brothers on Tracker? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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General Hospital
Jack Wagner Open to Making an Appearance in ‘Melrose Place’ Reboot and Shares, “You Never Really Die on a Soap”
With the Melrose Place revival the talk of the town, now Jack Wagner (ex-Frisco, GH, ex-Nick, B&B and ex-Peter Burns, MP) has weighed-in on it and if he would show up in the new series if it should find a home.
Currently, CBS Studios is developing a reboot starring Heather Locklear, Daphne Zuniga and Laura Leighton. But what is Dr. Peter Burns were to show up alive?
As those who saw the end of the original MP know, Peter and Amanda (Locklear) faked their deaths and then tied the knot with Peter on a beach, supposedly in a “happily ever after” scenario.
Photo: Fox
Speaking with PEOPLE, Wagner expressed, what we all know who watch the soaps, that no one is never, ever really gone for good. Jack expressed, “You never really die on a soap, right? How they unfold those two characters (Peter and Amanda), it’d be fantastic how they sort of tell that story.”
Wagner added, “That was a great finale to be included in, especially with Heather. If I’m asked to come back, I’d absolutely entertain that.”
Photo: Fox
The original Melrose Place aired for seven seasons from 1992 to 1999. The story featured the residents of an apartment complex, whose lives were intertwined. Eventually Wagner and Heather Locklear dated fro 2007-2011.
As previously reported, the new Melrose Place share that some of original neighbors and friends reunite after a death. The loglines add, “The pressure cooker of a reunion soon uncovers old traumas, rekindles old romances, reignites old resentments, and reveals new secrets… throwing our characters into chaotic drama that’s reminiscent of the past, but with a much more modern perspective.”
So, would you like to see Jack Wagner return as Dr. Peter Burns on Melrose Place, or Frisco Jones on GH, or both? Comment below.
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The Young and the Restless and General Hospital Actress and Writer, Meg Bennett, Passes Away at 75
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THis is a really nice article, Michael. We really don’t hear too much from Lauralee. But her role in these episodes have been very good and it gave her a really good story to come back for. I hope they will bring her back again and maybe be with Paul as she was in the past. Especially, since Nina broke up with him. Thanks, Michael….
This was a great article. I really hope Lauralee returns. Have loved her as Cricket forever.
Lauralee is a beautiful person who portrays Cricket so well. She is an asset to Y&R. Her fans will always welcome her back.
Best wishes Lauralee. Please come back soon!
Chris and Nick LOL, that would have both Sharon and Phyliss shitting their pants