News
ATWT Favorite Colleen Zenk on Being Cast as Y&R’s Aunt Jordan: “Josh (Griffith) Was Around During the Evil Barbara Days So He Knew What I Was Capable Of”
Last Friday, the soap universe was more than thrilled to see none other than As the World Turns long-running star, Colleen Zenk (ex-Barbara Ryan),now playing the evil Aunt Jordan on The Young and the Restless.
In story, it was revealed that Aunt Jordan appears to be pulling the strings to get Claire (Hayley Erin) to help her do her bidding in the revenge plot against Nikki Newman (Melody Thomas Scott) and the Newman clan.
It has been a minute since Zenk appeared on a daytime soap opera after the heartbreaking cancellation of As the World Turns which aired its final episode back in September of 2010. In the series finale, Barbara reunited with Henry Coleman (Trent Dawon) and it looked like she found love again as we faded the action in Oakdale.

Photo: JPI
Now in 2023, Zenk’s arrival in Genoa City was a major surprised and kept well under wraps by the CBS soap opera. In an interview with Soap Opera Digest in which she talked on being cast as Aunt Jordan, Colleen shared that Y&R’s executive producer and head writer, Josh Griffith, was very well-versed on her work, as he had written for her a few times when he was at ATWT.
Colleen expressed: “Josh wrote off and on for ‘World Turns’, so I felt the offer would not have been made to me if he didn’t trust that I could bring to the role what he wanted.” The veteran actress added, “Josh was around during the evil Barbara days so he knew what I was capable.”

Photo: JPI
As far as getting into the skin of nasty Aunt Jordan, Zenk related: “Jordan is pretty intense. I’ve been playing her for five-and-a-half weeks, so I’ve been finding my way along with her and getting back into a rhythm of working in daytime. I think the writers have done such a terrific job in just developing her psyche. I’ve played bad characters in a lot of different theater things as well, so I know how to navigate and make sure that such a character doesn’t come off like a cartoon villain.”
So, are you enjoying seeing Colleen back on daytime and as Y&R’s Aunt Jordan? Comment below.
Hoping this is a meaningful viable character, not just a plot device. I would like a valued respected actor as Ms. Zenk to be allowed a lasting, suspenseful, creative storyline. Some comebacks of late have disappointed or seemed unnecessary. Ms. Zenk will add some much needed life to the story, but only if we have some solid story!
I have a feeling that Jordan is somehow related to Eve Howard, and that Claire is really Cole and Victoria’s presumed-dead daughter. It would make sense since J. Eddie Peck is returning, but that doesn’t explain why Jordan has an axe to grind with the Newman’s, unless she’s secretly someone else and has an entangled past with them.
It’s been 30 years since Eve’s death, and over 40 since the fabulous story where Eve and her fiancee Max tried to kill Victor, and I’ve never forgotten how well done that story was. If Jordan is indeed related to Eve, I hope they do a story that makes since. When Eve came back, she was whitewashed, but Margaret Mason still made her quite commanding.
Well darlin I am glad he can write for you but can’t seem to write for twenty five year vets. Personally I’m all in for the Newmans being destroyed bored with them for years
You probably shouldn’t be watching then if you feel that way. I could never understand how snyobe can criticize but still watch something or people they gate so much. Kind of sadistic if you ask me….darlin.
Would love to see a story where the Newman’s lose everything or at the very least Victor and Nikki. They re sooo sanctimonious and arrogant. It’s boring to see everyone cower in fear over them. The way they treated Nate , Adam , Sally , Kyle etc…
At least when Bill Bell wrote Victor he felt pain and loss etc…but Griffith just writes Victor like God.
I have no idea who this actress is—but, I don’t like her already—but, I truly am looking forward to seeing this storyline unfold—suspenseful!!
Aside; what’s with Victoria’s , Ashley’s and especially Diane’s outfits? They look like priests off to say Thanksgiving’s Mass.
I love Coleen Zenk from ATWT but don’t know if I can enjoy her acting as this mean, vindictive bitch that’s torturing Nicki. I don’t mind her messing with Victor but it just drives me crazy her torturing the whole family. Adam better get his butt there before it’s too late!
Hey, Violet—I had two guesses as to the would-be “savior”—Ian Ward or Adam. Since Adam is missing ; it must be Adam to save them all. Have they really been poisoned?
yes I grew up watching Barbara on as the world turns and I am so glad seeing her on the young and the restless.
I was thrilled when I saw “Barbara Ryan” show up as the evil Aunt Jordan. I loved ASWT and her role in it. Can’t imagine the story behind Jordan and Claire, and the Newman’s.
I so appreciate Iakovos’s comment. I want Nikki to get out of this. Not knowing what a respected actor this woman is, please give us more input before blasting with the storyline. For those who have followed for thirty years, or more, what a treat! This is a Soap, and I guess the rest of us will have to catch up.
Hower, to the producers and writers you are balancing new and long term viewers. I have been an off and on viewer for longer than most. I don’t know what most are talking about.
A very welcome return! Perfect casting here!!! Jordan is like an angrier Barbara. Much much angrier!
This is classic Y & R that actually stacks up to any storyline Bill Bell ever told and that is saying a lot!
Is it campy? Yes! Is it melodramatic? Hell yeah! Is it over the top! YEP! Is it suspenseful? Sure is! Is it pure soap opera? YES!!
This show has been criticized for several years for taking the least dramatic route possible in most storylines.
This one, on the other hand, seemed to come out of nowhere and completely blindsided us! But it is rooted in actual history that we watched on air. It involves all the veterans in a meaningful story. This is a game changer for the Newman’s and for the show and it has been a long time since that has happened!
I am seeing a whole lot of Emmy awards next year! For sure, Ms. Zenk as Guest Performer!!! Perhaps a three peat for Amelia as Victoria. Maybe Melody will finally score an Emmy!
This has been a shocking, bracing story and love it or hate it, it is classic soap opera!
I wish I had a sister as loyal as Jordan, or that Sarah Smythe (Sheila’s sister) from years back! Lol.
No
Days Of Our Lives
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
After languishing on the bubble for months, on Friday, NBC handed down the decision and canceled the medical drama Brilliant Minds after two seasons.
Brilliant Minds stars Zachary Quinto as neurology physician Oliver Wolf, who’s character and the series is inspired by the life and books of neurologist. Oliver Sacks. The series focuses on the medical mysteries of the mind, as Wolf a larger-than-life neurologist and his team of interns explore the last great frontier, the human mind, while grappling with their own relationships and mental health.
The final six episodes of what will now be the end of its second and final season were already set to air beginning on May 27, after being pulled off the network schedule in February as viewership saw a steep decline. Brilliant Minds second season became the lowest-rated drama on linear TV viewing, which didn’t bode well fo a network renewal, although it had its hard core fan base.

Photo: NBC
There are some exceptional notables in the cast along with the talented Quinto that includes Days of Our Lives alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez) who joined the series in its second season as Nurse Nico Silva, and One Life to Live alum, Teddy Sears (ex-Chad Bennett) who plays Wolf’s love interest and fellow physician, Dr. Josh Nichols.
The rest of the talented cast includes: Tamberla Perry, Ashleigh LaThrop, Alex MacNicoll, Aury Krebs, Spence Moore II, Donna Murphy, John Clarence Stewart, and Brian Altemus.
In an ironic twist of fate on Thursday, April 30, Days of Our Lives finally revealed the actor who was Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Javi, when they announced that actor Jacob Martinez had now stepped into the role. Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming new episode, Calderon left in the spring of 2025, but will be seen in the part for the final part this month, and then on June 20, Martinez debuts as Salem’s new Javi.
Taking to his Instagram with a sorrowful and heartfelt post on the Brilliant Minds cancellation was Teddy Sears who wrote, “Thank you, Brilliant Minds. I got the call today and I didn’t want to hear, but I knew that it would come, You have to be a particular vintage to quote Don Henley from memory, but that’s the line that came to mind earlier today after I got off the phone with our inimitable showrunner Michael Grassi who delivered the news that NBC has cancelled the series”.

Photo: NBC
Sears continued, “To say that I feel sad to be moving on from these stories, this character, and this cast and crew just doesn’t paint the entire picture. I’m sad, sure. But I’m also deeply grateful that I got hired to play this part, so proud of the stories we told, and the other actors I got to play alongside. I’m excited to see what comes next, what adventures await, and terrified to be without a professional home. A quick and heartfelt thank you to everyone, all over the globe, who found us and found themselves in us, in our characters and in our stories. We wouldn’t have been able to tell them without you. And we still have 6 fresh episodes yet to air, and I do hope you tune in enjoy the remainder of the series. They’re the best we’ve done.”
As he wrapped up his sentiments, Sears signed off with, “The more I know, the less I understand. All the things I figured out I have to learn again. I’ve been trying to get down to the heart of the matter. But everything changes…Thank you, Brilliant Minds.”
The medical drama was created and executive produced by Michael Grassi alongside Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman, Lee Toland Krieger, DeMane Davis, Jasmine Russ, Henrik Bastin, Jonathan Cavendish, Andy Serkis and Shefali Malhoutra.
So, what do you think of NBC’s decision to cancel Brilliant Minds after two seasons? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
Many things are coming up roses for Jonathan Bennett! On the heels of the news that he is set to debut this month in the role of Joe Fitzpatrick on General Hospital, who is rumored to be a new love interest for Lucas Jones (Van Hansis), comes the news that Bennett’s reality series, Finding Mr. Christmas has received 3 nomination for the Critics Choice Real TV Awards.
Bennett’s Hallmark Channel series finds itself in tough competition alongside fellow nominees: RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV), Squid Game: The Challenge (Netflix), Survivor 50 (CBS), Top Chef (Bravo) and The Traitors (Peacock). In addition, Jonathan himself is nominated for Best Show Host and the series participants as the Best Ensemble Cast in an Unscripted Series.
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) revealed the nominees for the eighth annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards on Thursday, which recognize excellence in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. Winners will be announced online at CriticsChoice.com on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 9:00am PT/12:00pm ET.

Photo: Hallmark
Taking to his Instagram to celebrate the nominations, GH’s Bennett, enthused, “3 Critic Choice Nominations! I’m so proud of the FINDING MR CHRISTMAS and to be in the company of all the legends in all these categories is so surreal! Congrats to Hallmark Channel and to our nominated cast and nominated show and everyone who made this magical show possible. This is crazy! This gives FMC 6 Critics Choice nominations in 2 years. Not bad for a little show on Hallmark Channel. What are your thoughts on our show?” Jumping first into the comment thread was one of his new GH co-stars, Dominic Zamprogna (Dante) who expressed, “Yeah buddy!!!🔥🔥”
In the series, Bennett, the host and co-creator spends eight weeks guiding 10 aspiring actors through a series of “festive face-offs” and acting challenges alongside actors like soap opera notables, Hunter King (ex-Summer, Y&R) and Alison Sweeney (Sami, DAYS). Along the way, they develop their skills and a bond with one another. The show, which is available on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Plus, highlights LGBTQ+ representation with openly gay contestants vying to be the next Hallmark star.
It should be noted that Traitors received the most Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations with 6 nods, followed by Dancing with the Stars with 4.
Bennett is very familiar to daytime fans having started his career as JR Chandler on All My Children in 2000-2001, before landing the part of Aaron Samuels in the motion picture, Mean Girls in 2004 starring Lindsay Lohan, which would become his breakout performance.
You can check out the full list of Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations here.
So, excited for Jonathan Bennett’s General Hospital debut this month? Have you ever watched Finding Mr. Christmas on Hallmark? Let us know via the comment section below.
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General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Kelly Thiebaud on Britt and Cassius Sibling Drama, But Who Will Ultimately Blow His Cover?
On the April 30 episode of General Hospital, Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) had some choice words and warning for her brother Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey) who has been masquerading as his twin, the very dead, Nathan West.
As the story has unfolded, viewers learned that Britt knew all along that when “Nathan” showed up in Port Charles seemingly resurrected with a missing 7 years of his life unexplained, that Cassius was taking his place.
Now in developments on today’s GH, Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) is figuring out that this guy pretending to be Nathan is someone else, and Cassius learns from Britt, that Joss is not just a ditzy sorority girl as he claimed, but a WSB agent! The moment stuns Cassius. Are the walls about to close in on him and his charade?

Courtesy/ABC
Daytime Emmy winner, Kelly Thiebaud spoke to Soap Opera Digest, about the story point and getting the opportunity this time back at GH to work with Ryan Paevey, when she hadn’t had the chance to before.
BROTHERLY LOVE?
Thiebaud expressed on sharing scenes with Ryan Paevey, “It’s just been so wonderful to have him back and to actually work with him! When he first came onto the show (as Nathan at the end of 2013) I was kind of heading out — it was right towards the end of my contract, so we didn’t actually work together a ton. It’s been really refreshing and so much fun to really spend time together and get to know each other and work together. I think we have really great on-camera chemistry and banter with each other. I really enjoy working with him.”
With the stakes at an all-time, Thiebaud explained how she views her on-screen alter-ego’s involvement with her more hot-to-temper sibling and why Britt revealed the truth about Josslyn to him. “People finding out about Cassius would expose what she’s involved in and what she agreed to do,” explains Kelly “And now Josslyn is digging around, and she’s connected to Carly (Laura Wright) to Jason (Steve Burton) and that whole dynamic! It’s messy!”
BRITT’S MURKY FUTURE
Britt has currently also reached her breaking point with Jason being carted away by the WSB, Rocco (Finn Carr), the child she gave birth to, shooting Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) to protect her and Jason, Marco (Adrian Anchondo) being killed after trying to help her, and Cullum holding over her head getting her Huntington’s disease medication to control her symptoms, while blackmailing her into finishing the research on her father, Cesar Faison’s, final project. Thiebaud summed it up best for Britt right now, sharing, “It’s been a really tough time for her.”
So, who do you think will be the person to blow Cassius’ cover? Will it be Britt herself? Josslyn? Liesl? Brennan? Nina? Lulu? Rocco, Maxie, Cullum or someone else? Let us know your pick in the comment section.
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