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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”

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: CBS

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.

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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.

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‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Heather Tom on Working with TV Son Crew Morrow: ‘I’ve Always Wanted to Play an Overprotective, Overbearing Mother’ (Exclusive)

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Heather Tom, Crew Morrow

In an ironic twist of fate, and only in the soaps, The Bold and the Beautiful’s Heather Tom’s (Katie Logan) on-screen son is played by Crew Morrow (Will Spencer), the now 21-year-old son of her former TV brother on The Young and the Restless, Joshua Morrow (Nick Newman).

For those who have followed the six-time Daytime Emmy-winning actress’ career, Tom began on Y&R back in 1990 as Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott) and Victor’s (Eric Braeden) daughter Victoria Newman. She played the role until 2003. Four years later, she joined the cast of The Bold and the Beautiful and has been there ever since.

Next month, at the upcoming 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards, Heather might add two gold statuettes to her collection with nominations for Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series (which would be her record-breaking 7th for an actress), and one for being a part of B&B’s writing team.

Photo: JPI

WHICH MORROW IS IN THE ROOM?

In a new livestream conversation on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel, Heather recalled her reaction to seeing Crew Morrow on set when he started on B&B over two years ago, and pointed out the uncanny similarities between her TV son and her former TV brother.

“I just can’t even tell you how genetics is weird,” explained Tom. “Because it’s like they are the same person; the cadence and his voice and the way he laughs. When Crew was on the shows for the first couple of months, it would take me out of the scene. I would be like, ‘Oh, my God! It’s Joshua.’ It’s crazy. It’s so wonderful to have him. I love having him there. We’re so lucky to have Crew. I think he’s a wonderful addition to the Spencer family. I love that Bill (Don Diamont) and Katie’s son is on the canvas in a real way.”

In recent weeks, fans of The Bold and the Beautiful have seen a different side of Katie in regards to her son, Will. She simply does not approve, and does not trust Melissa Dylan (Sydney Bullock) as far as she can throw her. That puts a wrinkle in the mother/son relationship.

Photo: JPI

HEATHER TOM IS THRILLED THE CHARACTER OF WILL SPENCER IS ALL GROWN-UP

“Honestly, I’ve been waiting for this story since Will was born,” exclaimed Heather  “To be like the overprotective, overbearing mother, momma bear, I love it!”

As for Katie’s attitude. which many feel may need an “attitude adjustment,” Tom has it all figured out on just how she is tackling her scenes! “I have all kinds of justifications for it,” reveals the multi-talented star.

Photo: JPI

KATIE SEES ALL SORTS OF RED FLAGS WITH DYLAN

“So. it’s not just Katie being the b-word,” proclaims Tom. “It’s that Will, her son, whom she loves and supports so much, has been constantly saying about Electra (Laneya Grace), ‘This is the love of my life. She’s broken my heart. I love her. All I want to do is get her back.'”

“So I think Katie could be like, ‘Okay, well, Electra’s a little flighty, but my son loves her, so I’m going to try to support that relationship,” explains Heather. “In addition, Will has never told his mother, ‘I love Dylan,’ at all. I think Katie is thinking of telling Will, ‘You should run, not walk, from this girl who seems somewhat obsessed!’ I don’t know where they’re going with the Electra/Will/Dylan triangle, but I think Katie’s very focused on Dylan for a multitude of reasons.”

So, do you like seeing Heather Tom as Katie going into overprotective momma bear-mode, now that the series has a major young triangle between Electra/Will/Dylan? What do you think about the fact that Heather has been a long-running scene partner with father/son across two different soaps in Joshua Morrow and Crew Morrow? Let us know in the comment section, and in case you missed it, check out our full conversation with Heather below.

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General Hospital

‘General Hospital’s’ Finola Hughes Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’

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Finola Hughes

There was never any doubt that in watching the riveting and emotional scenes on General Hospital which featured Finola Hughes as a PTSD-driven and mentally tortured Anna Devane, that when the climatic moments in Anna’s story aired, that we would not be singing the praises of Hughes. Once again, Finola showcased why she is one of the soap opera genres greatest assets and actresses.

In the key scenes, Anna has had a complete breakdown as she has lured and cornered Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) on Mount Emerson, and even thought through how she would kill her and cover it up, all thanks to hearing the voice and seeing a dead man, Peter August (Wes Ramsey). It’s visions of Peter that keeps egging Anna on to pull the trigger on Britt while in her delusional state.

Before Britt realizes that Anna trapped her in meeting her in Mount Emerson, she is very confused as to why she was all the way out in the boondocks to talk about what happened to her brother, Cassius Faison. However, Britt soon learned that what Anna was about to do is personal, and not professional, as she pulls the gun on her.

Courtesy/ABC

ANNA FIRES HER GUN IN GAME-CHANGING MOMENT

When Jason (Steve Burton) shows up to save the say, he tries to talk Anna off the ledge, begging her to not shoot Britt and make one of the greatest mistakes of his life. When Jason figured out Anna felt she needed to kill anyone related to Cesar Faison, he made her think twice, because that would mean, she also would need to end the lives of two of Maxie’s children, James and Bailey Lu.

Anna can’t stop seeing hallucinations of Peter pushing her to shoot Britt. Suddenly and completely overcome, Anna fires bullets straight in the direction of where she sees Peter as she declares this all must end tonight.

After the shots are fired, Anna realized what she had done and just sobbed and shook. It was a devastating and heartbreaking moment for longtime General Hospital fans to see the beloved Anna Devane, super spy, so lost. Anna explained to Jason, after he was able to disarm her, how she was being pushed to kill Britt by her visions of Peter.

EMMY-WORTHY SCENES FOR 2027

In another hankie-inducing moment, Anna just grabs Jason and breaks down in his arms. If these weren’t Emmy-worthy scenes, we don’t know what is, and it must be remembered by Hughes, General Hospital, and hopefully the voting body of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) when Emmy submissions and voting get underway in 2027 for the 54th annual Daytime Emmys.

From everything we noted above, to the sheer brilliance of her work, Michael Fairman TV names Finola Hughes, this week’s Power Performance of the Week.

Now let us know, do you agree with our pick of Finola? Were you moved to tears during the gut-wrenching scenes? Should Finola include these scenes in an Emmy submission in 2027, should she decide to compete for Lead Actress gold? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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General Hospital

RATINGS: ‘General Hospital’ Shows Most Gains in Total Viewers Week-Over-Week and Up in Key Demo

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General Hospital

The ratings are out for the week of August 24-28 for your favorite broadcast television soaps, and it was ABC’s General Hospital which added the most total viewers and planted itself firmly in third place in its battle with Beyond the Gates in the key demos of women 18-49 and 25-54.

According to Soap Opera Network, all daytime dramas were up year-over-year, and General Hospital was joined by The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful with gains in their total audience viewership, while Beyond the Gates was only slightly off pace for the ratings week.

Let’s take a look at what had viewers tuning-in, starting with General Hospital, who added +79,000 viewers. While still under the 2 million viewers mark (which they can hopefully return in the coming weeks) their overall tally was an average of 1, 935,000 tuning-in, while still up year-to-year +136,000.

GENERAL HOSPITAL

In addition, GH while actually down from the previous week in the 18-49 ratings share, they still out performed Beyond the Gates for third place. However, GH was firmly in third place for the 25-54 ratings share.

The stories that were featured for the week included: Anna’s (Finola Hughes) PTSD and struggle with painful memories tied to Cesar Faison, and her concocting a plan to get rid of Britt (Kelly Thiebaud), Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) recording Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna) threatening her, and later running into a severe threat from Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) regarding Kai (Jens Austin Astrup) and Drew’s (Cameron Mathison) shooting, and Drew enlisting Ava (Maura West) to gain leverage over Jack, which resulted in Ava drugging him, while Drew went snooping for the evidence Brennan had against him.

Photo: JPI

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS

Y&R remained in the top spot amongst all the soaps once again with 3,062,000 tuning in, and up +35,000 for the week, while year-to-year still showing strong gains at +231,000 viewers. However, while Y&R remained #1 for the 25-54 ratings share, it fell to #2 in the 18-49 ratings share behind The Bold and the Beautiful.

In story for the week, Nick’s (Joshua Morrow) sobriety in rehab was a focus, as was Victoria (Amelia Heinle) and Kyle Abbott (Michael Mealor) hitting the Jabot office couch and having sex for the first time, and Lily (Christel Khalil) and Billy (Jason Thompson) battling over control and ownership of Chancellor Industries.

Photo: JPI

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL

B&B is continuing to be inch closer to Y&R for the top spot, separated by a little more than 300,000 viewers. For the ratings week, the series posted a total audience of 2,719,000 adding +31,000 eyeballs overall, and like Y&R, is up year-to-year in its performance.

The CBS soap now , now in its 40th season is +217,000 from the same time last year. In the key demos, The Bold and the Beautiful was in the top spot for the women 18-49 ratings share and number two for women 25-54.

In story, the major threat to Steffy (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) and Finn (Tanner Novlan) and Carter (Lawrence Saint-Victor) and Daphne’s (Murielle Hilaire) marriages continued as Steffy and Carter swore they would not tell their spouses that the two had a drunken hook-up. But as viewers know now, Steffy is pregnant!

Photo: CBS

BEYOND THE GATES

Beyond the Gates tallied an average of 1,611,000 total viewers for the week, up +72.000 year-over-year and down slightly in tune-in for the week losing just -36,000 viewers. The CBS soap came in fourth place in the key demos for the week behind General Hospital, with whom they are often trading places for the third spot.

In story, after Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett) was released from the hospital, Hayley (Marquita Goings) stuck to her plan, doubling down on poisoning him and even getting caught in a major lie or meeting with Randy (Maurice P. Kerry), as Vernon (Clifton Davis) may be on to her machinations.

The ratings report is generated from Nielsen (Live+Same Day Big Data + Panel) for the week of August 24-28, 2026

So, what did you think of the performance of General Hospital for the ratings period? Which daytime drama has you most likely to tune-in each day? Which has you tuning-out? Let us know what’s working, or not working for you in story, via the comment section below.

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Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

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