News
Annika Noelle Cast As The Bold and The Beautiful’s New Hope Logan!

Courtesy/IMDB
The role of Hope Logan, last played by Kim Matula from 2010-2014, has been recast by CBS’ The Bold and the Beautiful.
According to Soap Opera Digest who broke the news, the part will now be played by Annika Noelle.
Venice the Series fans will remember Annika from her role as Sami Nelson in the digital drama series from 2011-2012. The actress took over that role previously played by Gina Tognoni (Phyllis, Y&R).
Look for Annika to debut on B&B sometime in early January.
In story, Hope left town after a fall down the stairs involving Quinn (Rena Sofer) and lost the baby she was carrying. What does her re-emergence on the canvas mean for Liam (Scott Clifton) who was Hope’s longtime love?
So, what do you think of a Hope Logan recast? Comment below!
Glad to see the character back on the canvas but don’t want to see her eating up all the screen time. We still gotta see where the Sheila story is going to go.
This girl and Tognoni played the same part?! 20 year age difference, at least?
I think she’s 30. Gina’s 44.
Anikka is strikingly gorgeous, and I am sure she will do well in the role of Hope Logan. Though, I did poise Natalie Hall or Brooke Newton (both: ex-Colby, AMC) as nuHope, this is obviously the casting Brad Bell wanted. My question is: will they be dying her hair blonde or keeping it brunette, to represent an edgier and more adult-like Hope?
I think the actress won’t dye her hair and the show may just have Hope say she dyed her hair because she needed a change.Plus maybe the show casted this actress because they wanted the new Hope look different from the old Hope
Her latest Instagram posts show that she’s lightening her hair; she won’t be brunette!
She’s looks brunette. Wonder if she’ll be blonde for Hope.
I loved Kim as Hope and she did a great job, but I know she isn’t interested in coming back.
Hopefully Brad has good story planned and Annika can act.
They made her colour her hair. Check her instagram.
I’m okay with the return of Hope Logan as long as they avoid the “overkill mode,” which permeated B&B with the Hope and Liam storyline the first go-round. Back then, it seemed the producers and writers forgot about the rest of the cast.
cant wait. tired of same old storylines.fresh
I keep thinking Bill will play a part in Hope’s return.Maybe he brings Hope back to LA because he may know she and Liam will eventually reunite and then the path will be clear for him to be with Steffy.That way in Bill’s mind everyone will be happy because he and Steffy will be together and Liam and Hope will be together.
Sally is already in town and there is a connection between her and Liam.
Yes Sally is in town but Bill may not see her as formidable competition against Steffy for Liam’s heart at least in the long term.Plus between Sally and Hope and which one is better for Liam i think Bill will always choose Hope.
I bet 100.00 theaters Spectra gang is gone very soon!
That’s okay Brad loves triangles so there can be a Hope Sally Liam triangle to the already Sally Steffy Liam triangle and the Bill Steffy and Liam triangle– if it has three sides to it, Brad will write it-LOL
You hopefully arent thinking Sally can even hold a candle to Hope. Sally will more than likely be steered in another direction. I love the character and actress but as far as Liam goes, Sally is out, Hope is in. Bell ran with the triangle so hard the first time bc he was establishing a new Brooke/Ridge/Taylor like triangle for the next decade. Notice everyones reaction to her returning, trust me, the Hope/Liam/Steffy triangle is about to fire back up. Love Kim, but i dont blame Bell, had he continued to wait on Kim, he wouldve been passing up numerous story plots and Hope needs to remain viable among the younger set….Kim can always return later, unless this newbie makes a serious dent, she is gorgeous.
So bummed. I soo want sally and Liam together. They have a great connection.
Not the best choice.
It’s about time Hope comes back!
Liam and Steffy have NEVER made sense to me. She is too ‘plastic’ looking for the Vegan Liam!
Hope was the more ‘wholesome’ of the two women, and she and Liam made much more sense.
Steffy has always seemed rather ‘trampy’ to me, so she never fit with Liam. If she and $Bill get together, I have now problem with that! They’re two of a kind, in my book!
“I have NO problem…”
Looks like Liam will have three women to contend with: Steffy, Sally and Hope, unless they place Hope in the Wyatt/Katie storyline.
I’m hoping for Hope and Wyatt to get together
OK…you know what: Annika Noelle had better bring a WAY DIFFERENT spin to the character than that Kim Matula chick did.
Hey…just saying……….
Later.
Wow… getting a little too serious over a t.v. show dont you think? Calm down
Couldn’t they find a blond actress to play the part? There’ll be no contrast if they bring on an actress with the same hair colour as Steffy. They are step sisters not blood sisters.
Hair is the easiest characteristic to change. Actors don’t lost out on parts because of hair color. There are actors who have played roles that look nothing alike…which has nothing to do with their hair color. AJ Quartermaine on GH went from a tall blond guy to a short dark-haired one. Carly on GH went from a tough big-boned woman to a slim, willowy model-type (Tamar Braun) and now is back to a fuller Carly. LOL! Look at all the different James Bonds!
But from what other posters have said on this thread, seems like she might be have dyed her hair. See? Easy! 😉
I am excited. I *hope* the new Hope has insanely great chemistry with Scott Clifton. I liked Lope 1.0 a lot and am hoping for a reunion of the characters if these 2 have that IT factor together the way Kimberly Matula and Scott did. I also hope Annika has gotten really good as an good actress. I remember her from Venice but she didn’t wow me then. However, I think she must have improved if Brad Bell hired her. Anyway, I am just so glad to see Hope again!
No to Liam. He has enough women chasing after him. YUCK!
I think she will be used by Quinn to break up Wyatt and Katie.
I’ve never heard of this actress but she is attractive in the photo.
Does it seem strange to anyone else that this actress (who appears to be mid 20s in the photo) previously replaced Gina Tognoni (who, while attractive, appears to be in early 40s) in a role?? I could never see Tognoni being “age appropriate” to play Hope. So I’m wondering how this actress will be in the role.
Maybe its me. I frequently think the actor taking over an established soap character’s role is the wrong age —- the character’s age and the actor’s age are not remotely a “fit.” For example, Maura West is a good actress but she was the completely wrong age (too young) to have been cast as Y&R’s Diana Jenkins.
Not this again. It’s time to take another break from The Bold & The Beautiful. The storylines are very clear.
new hope logan again rivaly with her step- sister steffy and her new rivaly sally too. hope back to wyatt or liam again. they bold and beautiful have new male characters for sally or new hope .
It will be a Hope/Sally go when Steffy finds out that she is pregnant via the appointment reminder today!
I have been watching B&B since it first started and I know characters have to be changed due to contracts and etc. But Hope was one of my favorites. I looked forward to seeing her become a more mature woman and watching her grow as an actress. W e were excited about the rumors that she was coming back for the last 2 years, but not as a new replacement. I hope the old Kim comes back like were expecting. So disappointed. Your loyal viewer, Kathleen
New hope definitely looked better with her natural hair color..to me blonde doesn’t fit her..
The new Hope is awful! She doesn’t seem to have any personality and her hairdo looks so outdated. If anything I think she should be in the Wyatt-Katie triangle. I think Katie seems too old and mature for Wyatt and he always loses the girl. Hope should come back for him and fiesta Sally would be a better match for Liam. Sally is spunky much like Stephen and it would bring life back to Liam’s unhappy character.
I don’t think I care for the new Hope. I’m trying to give her a chance, but it doesn’t look like she has any chemistry with anybody that she’s been in contact with — especially Liam. I don’t want to see a love triangle with her, Liam and Sally. But I REALLY don’t want to see her in a triangle with her, Katie and Wyatt. I love Katie and Wyatt the way they are!! And I think Sally is perfect for Liam. Hope can go back to Paris or wherever she came from. Or, I don’t know, give her someone new.
I don’t like the new Hope at all. She is not a good actress in this show. The story lines just don’t fit she needs to be written off again. If we always love Liam she would not of married his brother n would of came back to him after he was found from being kidnapped from Quinn while Steffy was married to his brother. Let’s not forget Hope’s dad part with Quinn. Him keeping his mouth shut n helping. So now Hope is two faced been saying one thing but thinking something else. She don’t know what love is she plays dirty just like her mom has been since the beginning with pregnant with her first child and changing who the father was. Brook been after a few married or not look what she did to her own sister husband and her daughter husband. Then there’s her dad another story. At first I did not like Steffy thought she was spoiled n loved Hope but the more i learned from the past n watching every day now. I love Steffy n cannot stabd Hope she is not so innocent and prefect at all. She had not even.visited her dad in jail cause he was arrested cause of Quinn. I would of told on her ass if I was him. Hope going to play dirty just like her mom has to get what she wants n her mom will help her. People forget if Claim never have kissed Sally then Steffy would not of ran off heart broken to be taken afva get of cause nobody would b in their right mind after that n his did Bill know where to go to find her n to be on the property that he is not welcome by Eric r even Ridge.
I’m struggling with the fact that I have trouble looking at the new Hope. Seeing her as a brunette makes it easier~this is not a good fit. She seems awkward. Hope has an pure characteristic to her and this actress looks awkward and as if she wants to be conniving but can’t sell it. Almost like a girl trying to play dress up. Uncomfortable to watch her on screen. They failed casting Thorn ~ I am done with the accent ~ it’s bad enough we have to listen to whispering Ridge every episode. Just may have to take a break from this show altogether.
So funny you mention the whispering; I find so many male actors do the “whisper”…it’s maddening! There’s Ridge as you mentioned (don’t remember him speaking like that on OLTL in his younger years though I had a mad crush oh him)…his voice is also very hoarse….then there’s JJ on DOOL. Love him…but he needs to SPEAK! and then there’s Harrison Wells on The Flash. I think they all need a box of lozenges!
I am definitely not a fan of the new Hope either. She does seem very awkward and has no charisma plus her character is not believable. In fact I wish they would have kept Hope in Paris. Storylines with her in it are incredibly boring and repetitive. They have done the Hope, Steffy, Liam storyline to death. I was really hoping Liam and Sally would end up together. Now that is one actress who is not only gorgeous but has such character and pizzazz.
The new Hope is horrible. So awkward, I can’t enjoy scenes with her. Not a fit for this role at all. Please make it stop!
I completely agree!
I think the new Hope just has to be given more time. Hope fans are just so use to first Hope, KM. So, I think we are comparing them. New Hope, may just need time to grow into her new role. It must be hard, to fill the shoes of a star like, KM. Who knows maybe one day KM will come back. But, for now I’m enjoying this new Hope too.
This new Hope is driving me nuts. She dresses like a hippy. Her face is to severe compared Kim Matulas beauty., Kim was so beautiful, they needed to find someone even more stunning to take her place. I don’t want to be mean, but her replacement looks like a Sesame Street character.
I’m surprised. Liam and Hope redux or 2.3? Anyway. Hope It Lasts.
Sorry but the new actress does not infuse the innocence, goodness and values that Kim did, Her facial expressions, demeanour and looks don’t fit the bill. Her character now is someone who is calculating and lacking moral values she is supposed to be representing. Whenever I see her, she repulses me. You made a bad choice, sorry, but this is ruining my viewing of this soap. It’s not the story line. It is the actor and her portrayal.
Do not like her at all, which must say she’s a pretty good actress, she is as sneaky and conveying as Brook. I wanted stuffy and Leam to work out.
General Hospital
Steve Burton Reportedly Signs Three-Year Contract with ‘General Hospital’

The question of will Steve Burton (Jason Morgan) stay awhile at General Hospital after his recent extended hiatus from the show earlier this year, has reportedly been answered.
TMZ via court documents obtained in Burton’s ongoing legal battle with his ex-wife Sheree Gustin, shared that Steve actually inked a new three year deal with the ABC soap opera back in June.
That is significant because it was June when Burton returned back to work as Jason. In addition, the court filing confirmed that Burton had already moved back to California from Tennessee.

Photo: ABC
STEVE’S HIATUS AND HIS RETURN TO PORT CHARLES
GH fans will recall, it was back in February of 2026, that Burton announced via his Instagram that he was stepping away from his role of Jason Morgan for short break and pointed to wanting to spend quality time with his new wife, Michelle Lundstrom Burton with whom he tied the knot back on May 17, 2025.
Steve expressed at that time, “I’m newly married and looking forward to spending some quality time with my family.” It was back on March 25 that viewers saw Jason carted away by the WSB after taking the fall for Rocco Falconeri (Finn Carr) who shot then WSB Director Ross Cullum (Andrew Hawkes).
Burton returned to work on June 1, and due to General Hospital taping roughly six weeks ahead of air, made his on-screen comeback on the July 13 episode.
GOING FOR GOLD AT THE UPCOMING DAYTIME EMMYS
Then, Steve and his enduring fans got an extra special treat on the same day, when it was revealed on Extra that he was nominated for the upcoming 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.
Steve previously won in the Supporting Actor category for his work as General Hospital’s Jason in 1998 and as The Young and the Restless’ Dylan McAvoy in 2018.
Now with Jason and Britt’s (Kelly Thiebaud) relationship seemingly hitting the skids, plus Jason’s commitment to staying out of mob life to focus on being present for his son Danny Morgan (Asher Antonyzyn), what does the future hold for the fan favorite character? Stay tuned.
So, happy to hear that Steve Burton signed a new three year deal with General Hospital? Knowing that, what storyline would you like to see Jason get involved and with who? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.
News
Jess Walton Memoir ‘The Young and the Rest of Us’ Set for Release in 2027

The Young and the Restless enduring favorite and two-time Daytime Emmy-winning actress, Jess Walton (Jill Foster Abbott) is set to release her memoir!
Kensington Publishing has revealed on their website that Walton’s book The Young and the Rest of Us is now available for pre-order while listing an April 27, 2027 release date. In addition, in June of 2027, Walton will mark her 40th anniversary with The Young and the Restless and her debut as Jill.
The official log lines for the memoir share, “Emmy Award-winning actress Jess Walton, known to millions as the iconic Jill Abbott on the #1 soap opera The Young and the Restless, shares her extraordinary journey to stardom, sobriety, true love, and self-discovery in this startingly candid, intimate, and star-studded memoir.”

Photo; Kensington Books
CAKE FIGHTS AND CORPORATE INTRIGUE
The book description for The Young and the Rest of Us adds, “In June 1987, Jess Walton walked through the artists’ entrance at CBS for her first day on The Young and the Restless,where she had just been hired to play the recast role of Jill Abbott. Two Emmy awards, four decades, and countless onscreen affairs, marriages, corporate takeovers, and cake fights later, she’s a beloved icon with an astonishing tale to tell.”
“In her refreshingly candid style, Jess shares her journey as a young actress from Toronto theaters to Los Angeles, where she found herself at the center of a Laurel Canyon circle that included the likes of Neil Young, David Geffen, Laura Nyro, and Joni Mitchell. Landing a Universal contract and a steady stream of guest starring roles, Jess embraced everything 1970s L.A. had to offer—including Hollywood parties fueled by limitless booze and drugs, and trysts with stars. She recounts with candor and gratitude the surprising path that eventually led her to sobriety, true love—and ultimately, to fictional Genoa City, Wisconsin, and the role of a lifetime.”
“Brimming with behind-the-scenes drama and celebrity cameos to delight fans, The Young and the Rest of Us is also rich in personal, relatable truths about marriage, motherhood, empty-nesting, self-discovery, and finding the courage to start over—as often as it takes. In a voice as fearless and frank as Jill’s, but with, humor and grace all her own, Jess Walton looks back on a life as unpredictable, and adventure filled as anything she has portrayed on screen.”
WHO ELSE PLAYED JILL FOSER ABBOTT?
Fans of The Young and the Restless know that Walton became the fourth actress to take on the role of Katherine Chancellor’s original nemesis Jill Foster back in 1987. The OG Jill was played by Brenda Dickson, also Deborah Adair, Bond Gideon and Melinda O. Fee played the part.
This year, Days of our Lives star Lauren Koslow (Kate Roberts) filled-in for several episodes for Walton who was unavailable to travel from her home in Oregon to Los Angeles where Y&R was taped. Walton is still with the long-running soap opera as Jill.
So, excited to learn of Jess Walton’s upcoming memoir, ‘The Young and the Rest of Us?’ Will it be it a must-read for you? Drop a comment below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Heated Rivalry’ Star Franco LoPresti Opens Up About ‘Days of our Lives’ Debut as Dante Vitali

Next week on Monday, September 14 will mark the first appearance in Salem of Franco LoPresti in his new Days of our Lives role of Dante Vitali.
Heated Rivalry fans now LoPresti very well from his part as hockey player Cliff Marleau in the series first season. (No word yet if Cliff appears in season 2).
Now in a conversation with TV Insider, DAYS fans will learn that LoPresti is on the soap for a limited run. No timetable was given.

Photo: Corday Productions, Inc
When LoPresti does burst onto the scene come Monday, Dante makes quite the impact as Franco LoPresti explains. It seems that viewers will first see him in scenes in Monte Carlo at a poker table with none other than Gabi Hernandez (Cherie Jimenez) and Philip Kiriakis (John-Paul Lavoisier). However, Dante will come to Salem to talk to the Brady family about his supposed fiancée Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney).
Franco shared, “Dante was born and grew up in Italy and educated at this pretty top-tier English boarding school. He then went on to build his own dynasty in finance, all the while trying to distance himself from the Vitali name (as viewers know Tamara Braun played his cousin Ava Vitali).”
“But at the core of Dante, there’s definitely an old-school quality to him”, continued LoPresti. “He’s super passionate, he’s sincere and incredibly generous, but he’s also someone that you probably shouldn’t underestimate. Loyalty is something that means a lot to him. As Dante enters Salem, I think the audience will get to slowly peel back those layers and discover what’s really driving him. So, I’m excited for Days fans to go on that ride with Dante.”

Photo: Almay
As it turns out, LoPresti taped his episodes of DAYS starting back in November 2025 which happened to be weeks before Heated Rivalry became a smash hit.
Franco recalled, “It’s so funny because I thought my episodes would air in a month (on Days of our Lives). But I found out it was nine to 10 months and I was like, ‘I gotta wait that long?!’ So, I’ve been biting my nails, trying not to think about it, and I think it’s actually kind of helped because now it’s here and it’s all coming at me from all different angles. I’m nervous. I’m excited, and I just can’t wait to see it all come together. It’s one of the best jobs I’ve ever had for sure.”
In his personal life, Franco just had his first child with wife, actress Emily Alatalo, just a weeks ago on August 23rd when they welcomed their daughter, Stella into the world.
So, looking forward to seeing Franco LoPresti’s debut come Monday? What do you think about the fact that it’s being reported as a limited run? Do you think Dante and Sami have a chance on-screen or off-screen to be a happy couple? What do you really think brings Dante to Salem sans Sami? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
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