News
B&B's Brad Bell On His Plans For The Characters of Rick, Ridge, and Karen & Dani!
Courtesy/ABC
With so much reshuffling having to go down in a such a short time for The Bold and the Beautiful’s executive producer and head writer, Brad Bell, he has come up with some plans to move the show forward post-Ronn Moss’s (Ridge) sudden departure, and previews what is to come for fall in a new piece with TV Guide!
In the article, TVG reports that Bell will indeed recast the role of Ridge, but first the character will be sent off the canvas on his honeymoon with Brooke. Below are some highlights of what Bell stated is to come for some of his characters!
Bell says he is moving Rick Forrester played by Jacob Young into full Ridge Mode: “Rick is a young man sick of sitting on the sidelines and will finally come into his own. He’ll become a passionate, sexy, driving force of the show, making a strategic play for Caroline and going after Ridge’s position as head of Forrester Creations. This was always my plan for Rick. It just works so much better now, what with Ridge going off on an extended honeymoon doing God knows what. It gives Rick a legitimate reason to take control.”
Bell also discusses what is going to happen with his first same-sex storyline that was to feature Joanna Johnson and Crystal Chappell as Karen and Dani, which had to be dropped for the time being while Johnson went off to do her primetime project, Emily Owens M.D, in which she is the producer: “Joanna will definitely be back, if only for a day or two here and there,” says Bell. And once her schedule backs off a bit I want her back for something meaty. We may not see Karen for the time being but we’ll play her as if she’s still around and that she and Dani are still a happy couple. (Laughs) I’m not going to have Dani go off and seduce one of our guys.”
Bell also reports there is a big storyline for the fall for Daytime Emmy winner, Heather Tom that will test her! “Her character, Katie, will discover how evil her hubby Bill (Don Diamont) truly is just as she’s about to give birth to his son. ”
So what do you think of Bell’s plans for the series and dealing with the changes that happened behind-the-scenes? Let us know!
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
General Hospital star Cynthia Watros, who can currently be seen in on the ABC soap opera in the role of Nina Reeves, has had a enduring career in television. That included her time on the 2000-2002 Fox sitcom, Titus.
In Titus, Watros starred along with Stacy Keach as Erin Fitzpatrick and Ken Titus, respectively. After the November 10th news that Keach had passed away at 85 while living in Poland, Cynthia took to her Instagram on Thursday, November 12 to pay tribute to the great actor.
Watros expressed, “My first prime time show was along side Stacy. I loved him instantly. What an amazing talent and man.❤️”
Photo: ABC
In Titus, Stacy played stand up comedian Christopher Titus’ heavy-drinking, chain-smoking, five-times-divorced father who frequently pulled cruel pranks and tried to toughen his kids up. Cynthia played by Christopher’s level-headed, big-hearted girlfriend trying to build a normal life with him. In fact, Cynthia’s role on the sitcom was first series regular role after her Daytime Emmy run of Annie Dutton on Guiding Light which ran from 1994-1998.
STACY KEACH’S WIFE ON HIS PASSING
Keach’s wife, Malgosia shared the news of the actor’s death publicly in a statement with PEOPLE. Malgosia expressed, that Stacy had, “a long and difficult battle with a serious heart condition and heart failure.”
She added, “Stacy peacefully departed this world. He fought for so long, with extraordinary courage, determination and strength. He was a true warrior, facing his illness with the same remarkable spirit and resilience that defined his life.”
Małgosia continued, “Stacy was not only a legendary actor, admired and loved by audiences the world over, but also my beloved husband, my companion and the heart of our family. His passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness in our lives. But his extraordinary spirit, his unforgettable voice and the love he gave so generously will remain with us forever.”
Now, let us know do you remember when Cynthia made her sitcom debut in Titus? Share your thoughts via the comment section on Cynthia’s many TV roles and the passing of Stacy Keach in the comment section. But first, check out the very first episode of Titus with Cynthia Watros below!
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
Soap opera fans are always clamoring for when Dancing with the Stars reveals their cast each season, that they would include a familiar face from daytime drama, but it rarely happens, if ever, anymore.
Over the last several years, the series has leaned heavily into casting celebrities with massive TikTok or Instagram followers, which in turn, have helped this season and last have their best ratings numbers in years.
But, how about for next season’s cast of Dancing with the Stars, that it could include newly-awarded Daytime Emmy winner, Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas) of Beyond the Gates?
Photo: CBS
LOVE OF DANCE TO LOVE OF ACTING
Michael Fairman TV spoke to Michelle about her dance background and if she would love a shot at lifting the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy during Wednesday’s November 11, livestream chat on the Michael Fairman Channel.
Ambyr explained to fans (who joined in on the live chat), how she began her show business career. “I started off as a dancer, first and foremost. Acting wasn’t really something I wanted to go after. I did plays when I was younger, but it was just something we did in school, but I really wanted to be a dancer. I moved out to LA to dance, and I fell out of love with dance, which was so weird.”
This year’s Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series winner, added, “I was like, ‘What is going on?’ I moved all the way out here for dance. I found I was forcing myself to go to dance class, and I just didn’t have the passion for it. I was working at this restaurant at the time, and one of my coworker was like, ‘What about taking an acting class out here?'”
Next, Ambyr took the coworker up on the idea. “So, I took an acting class and I fell in love with it that day,” shared Michelle. “I was like, ‘I want to do this for the rest of my life.’ I thought, I would love to book a role, of course, as a dancer, but I think acting has a little bit more longevity.”
Photo: ABC
A SHOT AT THE LEN GOODMAN MIRRORBALL TROPHY
When the talked turned to if Ambyr would consider or be interested in appearing on the ballroom dance competition series, she piped up with, “I would love to do Dancing with the Stars! Pick me!”
As those in the live chat rallied around this idea, it made us think, Ambyr could be the first contestant from Beyond the Gates, and someone representing the soaps. It checks off so many boxes! To which Ambyr replied, “That would be beautiful.”
You can check out the full conversation with Ambyr below.
So, what do you think soap fans? Can we make sure Ambyr’s name gets in front of the producers and casting director for next season’s Dancing with the Stars? Would you like to see her in the competition? If so, who would be your dream pro professional dance partner for her? Let us know in the comment section.
The latest ratings are out for the week of October 26-30, 2026 and the big takeaways include: that CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates was separated by only 23,000 viewers behind third place (of the soaps) General Hospital! For the last several weeks, Beyond the Gates has been closing the gap on this year’s winner for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series, and continuing to best GH in the key demos.
According to the latest Nielsen ratings breakdown from Soap Opera Network, the final week of October brought Beyond the Gates 1.790 million on average tuning-in and the show set a season high in total viewers. Meanwhile, General Hospital hit a new season low! The long-running ABC soap had 1.813 million for the week, and once again the series did not go over the 2 million mark.
Meanwhile, in the key Women 18-49 demo, Beyond the Gates was firmly ahead of GH with a rating share of 0.21, while General Hospital had 0.17 rating share.Then, in the key Women 25-54 demo, Beyond the Gates was once again ahead of the ABC soap with a ratings share for that demo at 0.30 while GH came in with 0.26.
Photo: CBS
MORE BY THE NUMBERS
In addition and comparatively, Beyond the Gates +22,000 viewers week-to-week, and had the largest gains in viewership year-to-year in daytime TV with +267,000 from this in 2025.. However, General Hospital seems to be going in reverse. The show was down -56,000 viewers week-over-week and down -22,000 year-over-year .
BEYOND THE GATES
Let’s take a look at some of the storylines that had people tuning-in to Beyond the Gates during the ratings week:
Hayley (Marquita Goings) attempted a massive shocker regarding her pregnancy and tried to use it to extract money from Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett). Although, Bill saw right through her game, he demanded a paternity test, and made it clear he has no intention of raising the child—planning instead to pay her off to take the baby and leave. Meanwhile, Hayley confided her plan to her cousin Randy (Maurice P. Kerry).
Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) and Naomi Hamilton (Arielle Prepetit) clashed over Jacob’s ongoing investigation into The Impaler, causing significant strain in their marriage. At the same time, Smitty (Mike Manning) considered taking matters into his own hands—including potentially heading to Mexico for evidence—while Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) worried about what comes next.
Photo: ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL
Over at General Hospital for the ratings period, the story served up included:
Carly (Laura Wright) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) teamed up to investigate what really happened to Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna). Later, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) leads them to Jack’s dead body.
Jude (Wil Traval) dropped a bombshell claim to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn); that he is Phoebe’s father, while Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) signed their divorce papers.
Then, Danny caught Rocco (Finn Carr) and Scout (Kayden Brenna Tokarski) sharing a kiss, plus the shocking return of Heather Webber (Alley Mills) capped the week.
Now the questions become; without having much promotional synergy in the ABC day-part to draw more eyeballs it is not helping but hurting General Hospital. It seems Beyond the Gates is also a benefactor of a one-two-three punch of CBS soaps (Y&R, B&B and BTG) and promotion.
However, that still doesn’t take away the fact that Beyond the Gates is close to besting GH in all ratings category as they go head-to-head in some markets across the country.
So, are you excited to see Beyond the Gates climb in the ratings? Are you concerned for General Hospital? Do you think they can stave off Beyond the Gates in total viewers or will the upstart soap overtake them in the next ratings report? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Carly Fears Escalating Tensions Between Sonny and Josslyn: ‘I’ve Already Lost One Kid Because of That Man. I Won’t Lose Another’
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Inches Closer to ‘General Hospital’ in Total Viewers
Y&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
‘Days of our Lives’ Veteran James Reynolds Reveals Parkinson’s Diagnosis
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News3 days agoY&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
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Previews4 days agoTHE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
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General Hospital3 days ago‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
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Days Of Our Lives1 week ago‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
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Days Of Our Lives4 days ago‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
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General Hospital1 week agoGENERAL HOSPITAL: Tracy Leaves Port Charles to Help Dillon; Paving the Way for Jane Elliot’s Temporary Exit
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News6 days agoB&B’s Lawrence Saint-Victor to Guest Star on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’
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I think it’ll be a mistake to recast Ridge!
Agreed. Bad, bad move. Write a show without him. It’s not like they’re using much of anyone besides Brooke, Hope, Steffy and Liam anyway.
Mr. BELL needs to stop giving CC fans false hope. I’ll believe we’ll get more Dani when she’s actually on my TV. Mr. BELL been claiming he has plans for CC, but when your only on screen 2 times in last 2 months and she hasn’t been in the studio to shoot more episodes then I don’t buy his BS. I’m done watching The Lame & the Beautiful.
How will be there room for these new plot developments with every day so full of Liam, Hope and Steffy?
The new storyline or should I say the old storyline with Liam, Steffy, and Hope is old. I think that the character Brooke needs to be held accountable for her actions, and that Eric should stay in the role of grandfather to Ridge’s children ( Steffy, and Thomas, after all emotions for people do need change like they change bed partners for brooke. I like the diversity that the show is now trying to embrace, but it will never be as good as the days when Stephanie Forrester was around…..
I hope the recast of Ridge doesn’t happen too quickly. I need some Ridge free time on my screen. The character is completely annoying as hell.
As for Rick, I’m happy he’s being featured more. He and Caroline are my favourite pairing, plus I love Jacob and Linsey! Two of the best finds the show has gotten in the past year!!
I need more Dani/Karen, I loved their connection and felt like it was something B&B has been missing for years!
Recast Ridge… Vincent Irizzary (sp) Izzywuzzy…whatever his name is… would work.
Just wait for a few months and let someone besides him and the kids have some airtime.
That is potentially, in my honest opinion, the worst recast idea possibly ever.
At least he can act.. I don’t see your suggestion at all. So maybe not the worst after all. I least it’s’ an opinion. Or are you someone who thinks Ron Moss can actually act?
No.
Vincent is just wrong as Ridge Forrester. And I didn’t give my own suggestion because I personally don’t want anyone recasted into the role. The character is a hypocrtical nympho. And Ronn can act in his own, he acts well as Ridge.
LOVE B&B TIRED OF LIAM HOPE & STEFFY SAME OH THING. RENAME THE SHOW. BROOK LOAGN & OFF SPRING.
Thorne should be taking the reins of Forrester he is the true male heir. I am so glad I quit watching this show I kept hoping Winsor Harmon would get to show his stuff, I can not tolerate the actor who plays Rick. Brad Bell is a jerk he could have given Ronn Moss his raise instead of all those locations shoots for the teenyboppers. My sister still watches and I keep asking her can I start watching again and she tells me nothing has changed.
I also might add Ronn Moss was in a horrible car accident and almost got killed my husband was in a bad accident 5 years ago and by the grace of god he was not killed it does however make you rethink things about your life he could not give him some time off and let him get things together the man has been on the show for 25 years I think that should count for something!
doesnot thorne have a legitamate reason to go after fc hes first born to eric and hes stephanies son, stepahnie the true owner of fc, jj being gone doesnot mean we cant see daniel, who really cares about katie and her baby ready, bill tried to kill amber and her unborn child nothing bill does or did after that should shock katie- fans want to see the real steffy the one was conned bill the steffy before bell decided to use her to prop hope/liam , cast a man for steffy, as for rm ‘s leaving i could care less since ridge reunited with brooke after taylors return hes become a joke all he does is kiss brookes rare, up to me i would kill him off, cast a man for steffy, fans want to see thorne/taylor kissing rare at fc, brad bell is a hack and theres a special place in soap opera hell for him
I have stop watching the show becauBrandondon Bell can’t write to save his life. If he think Rick can take Ridge’s place as leading man, I feel sorry for him.
I WOULD NOT RECAST RIDGE AT ALL. I WOULD MAKE BROOKE GO INTO ANOTHER DIRECTIONS WITH SOMEONE NEW. CANT SEE THE FANS ACCEPTING ANOTHER RIDGE FORRESTER.
i like it but they need to have Danielle on more even if its her talking on the phone to Karen and to show Danielle and Caroline hangout or just having coffee together.Love the Danielle and Karen also Caroline.
I’m excited at the possibility of a nuRidge. It would bring a new dynamic to the show and to Brooke and Taylor. But Ridge needs to be rested for a while and than reappear at the right moment with the right actor.
About time he’ll do something with Rick. Tired of Steffy/Liam/Hope everyday!!!! And then when they’re not on-screen, the other characters are talking about them. Give Taylor a REAL story!
If they replace Ridge with someone like Robert Kelker-Kelly, I’d be happy with that.
I’m VERY SURPRISED that Ronn Moss has left! I can’t imagine any other actor portraying Ridge. How/when will Brooke return? How will they explain Brooke without Ridge? What will happen to her character? I think enough already with LiamHope/Steffy. Liam & Hope belong together. Katie should really let Bill have it BIG TIME for all his manipulating & interferring. Liam & Hope have a right to know the truth. Steffy should mind her own business & Liam & Hope should know all of her part in Bill’s mess. JUST LEAVE LIAM & HOPE ALONE!
Ridge was a pain in the butt anyway! Rick is repulsive, I tape the show & fast-forward past any scenes with him in it, same with Jacob & Linsey (BORING!) Taylor’s story line is just stupid now, & her face is so deformed from plastic surgery I can’t take her seriously anymore anyway! She was always my favourite but because of what she’s done to her face, & not appreciated the natural beauty she was blessed to have in the first place, I like Brook better now, at least she is aging ‘reasonably’ gracefully! Brook should replace Stephanie but in a ‘nicer’ version. Please do something with Donna’s hair!!! It looks so limp & greasy, looks like you could fry chips on it! yuk! Shame Stephanie is leaving. Eric is a tosser & should be the one dying. Please stop with the Liam, Hope, Stephie see-saw, put Liam & Hope back together & disfigure Stephie in some unfortunate accident hehe. Hope Katie sorts Bill out & he actually becomes a better person, & they stay together! Just one couple to actually stay together on this show would be nice!!!
I wish Hope would get a new boyfriend, I’m getting tired of the 3 ring circus, you need to move her on to a new boyfriend and she fall in love with him.
I’m also getting sick of Taylor and her kids blaming the Logan’s for everything that happens in their lives. Taylor thinks she is so much better than everyone else, she did drive drunk and kill Thorn’s wife.
I hope you don’t have Brooke getting into a relationship with Bill Spencer.
I would like to see Nick come back and Brooke get with him, and have Brooke, Hope, and Rick go into business with them and outdo Taylor, Thomas, and Steffy, and Eric.
I like Cindy’s idea. I always liked Nick.
I think Taylor is so self centered.
The show just isn’t the same without Ronn Moss.