News
B&B's Brad Bell On How The Soap Will Deal With The Departure of Ronn Moss!
Photo Credit: CBS
As the drama had been unfolding backstage at The Bold and the Beautiful with the sudden departure of one of its legacy stars, Ronn Moss (Ridge Forrester), TV Guide got an exclusive chat with the executive producer and head writer of B&B, Brad Bell to find out: if Moss’s exit was sudden, what he plans to do with the character of Ridge now, what happened in the contract negotiations, and if Ronn was frustrated that most of the airtime over the past year has been devoted to Liam Cooper (Scott Clifton). The interview also reports that Ronn Moss final airdate will be Friday, September 14th.
Here are a few excerpts below!
Bell on if he had any clue that Ronn Moss might quit the series: “Well, I did have a plan in place because when it’s contract time you have to be prepared. It’s always possible things won’t work out but I did not think Ronn’s departure was probable. There was a point in the negotiations where I was not hearing back from him, so just in case I went ahead and wrote a wedding for Ridge and Brooke — a real retrospective sort of wedding that honors the characters’ 25-year relationship — and then I have them take off on a honeymoon. I’ve been in this business long enough to know I have to protect my show. The worst thing happened but at least I was prepared.
Bell on if Liam and the younger set taking front and center stage had had anything to do with Ronn’s decision to leave: “You’d have to ask Ronn about his feelings about the Liam-Steffy-Hope story. Liam has become the front-and-center male on B&B, a spot long held by Ridge. Was that a frustration for Ronn? I don’t really know. I do know that it’s my job to keep B&B going forward. It’s my job to use this situation to enhance Brooke and Taylor and Bill, and especially Rick who is going to make his move on Ridge’s company. The show must go on and I’m psyched — not because Ronn is going away but psyched because of how the fall of 2012 is now looking for B&B. “
Photo Credit: Cliff Lipson/CBS
Bell on what went down during contract talks with Moss and if because of budget cuts more actors could be leaving: “I will just say that I’m very proud of the offer we made to Ronn, especially in this day and age of daytime television and what’s going on in our industry. Well, Ronn has an announcement to make and that will be interesting for everyone, including me. I don’t know what he has in mind. I think Ronn’s circumstances are unique. What happened here will not be widespread.”
Bell on what he plans to do with the character of Ridge: “Ridge will not be dead or presumed dead. He will just not be in the picture. I don’t want to do a presumed death because I don’t want the story that follows to be all about Ridge. This will be a Brooke story. Ridge is a pivotal part of the show and he will be back in a matter of time…and probably not all that much time. I will continue writing for the character. I’m looking at this in two phases, really. There will be a period of time without Ridge, which is where some new, interesting avenues for Brooke will come into play. But at some point it will be necessary for Ridge to return to the show. Who will be playing the role at that point remains to be seen.”
So soapers, what do you think of Bell’s statements in what went down involving Ronn Moss leaving B&B? What do you think of his plans to deal with the character of Ridge? Let us know your thoughts!
“The show must go on and I’m PSYCHED — not because Ronn is going away but PSYCHED because of how the fall of 2012 is now looking for B&B. “
Brad Bell doesn’t sound too broken up about it. It almost sounds as if he had a Freudian slip in the above-referenced quote where I put it all in CAPS. Of course there is more too it … there always is.
I agree with mr. Bell. It’s not like are 10 soaps on anymore, so one can’t be holding out for that new role on another soap. I’ve watched B&B since it debuted and love Ridge and Brooke. Although I’m saddened by his leaving, I think Mr. Bell should hire Grant Aleksander (former Phillip on GL) to replace Moss. Grant has that style of the Ridge character and I for one would love to see him back on my TV ;)..As for the Liam/Hope/Stephy Triangle,,it’s run its course in my book lol. Now, Brooke on the other hand..ahhh, would love to see her in another storyline. With Joanne being away from B&B right now and Ridge’s part (to be replaced), is up in the works, even tho, Ridge and Brooke will be marrying again, something could happen ya know lol..after all it’s a soap right? Would love to see Crystal Chappell’s character Dani have more airtime and a good storyline as well, so how bout a Brooke/Dani storyline? I mean come on,,there’s no other two women on daytime tv as hot at those ;)..I even have a couple name..Brani haha..yes, my minds been at work/play again..I’ll leave ya with that 😉
i will miss ronn moss very much. i wish ronn the best of luck. he could be the next bo brady on days of our lives. peter reckell can be the new ridge forrester that would be very intresting if that happens. hunter tylo was a beautiful woman. why did she ruin her face with bad plastic surgery. she looks like the joker. not trying to be rude. but that’s the truth.
I think keep the character off of the series for a while. Bring Thorne back and make him an integral part of the series again. And if it comes down to bringing Ridge back, if Ronn won’t return, recast with someone excellent. Though, I won’t miss Ridge much at all, truthfully.
I don’t reall understand the uss about Ron Moss leaving the B&B. Sure he was one ofthe original cast members, but master thespian he is not. I always found im to be a very wooden actor.
Support Brad Bell all the way and so thankful he isn’t going to kill off “Ridge” in a presumed dead storyline. Look forward to the new actor to play him. So much talent out there won’t be hard to find a great one to play Ridge.
I am not a Ridge fan but I do know he has many fans out there. So I don’t see this as good for the show. I also don’t think revolving the show around a 20-something character is good either. Where was the generation between? They went from Ridge to Liam but totally skipped Rick or at least someone over 30! I was too young to really get into Ridge/Brooke but now I am too old to get into Hope/Liam/Steffy. There is a big gap for the B&B viewers in their 30’s and 40’s! There is no arguing it was time to move on from Ridge/Brooke anchoring the show to the next generation. But honestly, I can’t watch the show anymore. The entire show is about the 20-something H/L/S triangle. Even when they aren’t on screen, the other characters are talking about them. It’s a big bore to me because I can’t relate to it. I don’t have kids that old to relate to what Ridge/Brooke are going through and I am clearly out of my 20’s. It leaves very little to entice me to watch B&B these days.
NO RONN MOSS..NO SHOW
THAT IS ALL I HAVE TO SAY
What better way for moving forward… with Brooke returning from her honeymoon ALONE.
Grant Aleksander, now that is a great casting idea.
That is a good choice. He would have to dye his hair dark though, otherwise, he’d be Thorne.
OMG! I just wikipedia’ Beth Chamberlin…. i was just thinking it’d be good if she was on B&B. I mean, since several of you mentioned Grant… ex-phillip.
I loved GL.
I just read…. she’s appraising the role of Ashley Abbott? I had no idea. she was offered the role in july, 2012. so, she must be starting soon. Beth and Lizzie… ON GL… are now Ashley and Abby, of Y&R. Wow! They are so good together. I love Eileen Davidson… I seriously hope… DAYS made a lucrative contract to keep her on DOOL… forever.
Grant Aleksander would be a great Ridge, at least this Ridge will be able to act lol. But imagine him with Brooke! And acting against Stephanie! He definitely has the chops (and how he doesn’t have an Emmy is crazy!)
And I agree that Beth Chamberlain would be great on B&B, or at least the recast of Ashley, that is a great idea because they look very similar.
I like the direction Brad decided to take with B&B minus RM as Ridge. Smart move. No reason to kill off a legacy character … just move him off screen with a mid-life crisis or whatever. Interesting and adds potential for tons of drama. The door is open for RM to return or a recast if he opts not to. Glad the character will not be killed off and also GLAD that KKL’s Brooke will finally get a SL with a new love interest. This is exactly what I was hoping for! Gonna be fun to see this play out. All this should make B&B interesting for some time to come!
Bell says ” Liam is the new front & center man on this show” , Oh My God, what a JOKE! I know Scott Clifton from GH & OLTL & he always plays a bumbling, stumbling, goofball with a deer in the headlights expression! Leading man, my ass. No wonder Ronn is hanging it up.
WOW!! DID I WRITE THESE…YES I DID.. LOL
LOVE YOUR EVERY WORD ……… U ON THE MONEY
Actually, I think Moss’ leaving the show might be just what B&B needs to improve. This show was pretty decent in the 90’s but has suffered significantly in the past decade. The writers really haven’t been able to move beyond the love triangle of Ridge/Taylor/Brook and, when they did, they simply shifted to the offspring of the characters.
B&B needs some new blood!! It is time to bring on some other characters besides the Forresters, the Logans, and even the Spencers. Every time the show has attempted to do this, it has failed miserably. The long list of talented serial actors with promising starts on this show that quickly fizzled is enormous………Linda Gray, Sydney Penny, Eileen Davidson, Lorenzo Lamas, etc.
Moss’ departure would be a great opportunity to give this show a desperately needed change. The only thing bad about Bell’s comments is that he doesn’t seem to be willing to simply shut the door on Ridge. If Moss is leaving the show, work the loss of Ridge to its full benefit: KILL Ridge off in a storyline where he clearly dies. Heck, Bell could simply borrow from his father’s old Y&R plot concerning Phillip’s death and the friction between Jill and Kay — I’d have Ridge die in an accident while trying to help a drunk Taylor. Brooke could shower Taylor with anger and blame for the entire thing while loyal friend Stephanie quickly rushed to Taylor’s defense.
Make Moss’ departure a turning point for this stale show. Sending Ridge off for a few months, only to return in the form of Grant Alexander, Michael C. Knight, or (fill in the blank with another unemployed veteran actor) really doesn’t add much.
With all due respect to Moss and his long run on the show (but not his poor acting!), the character of Ridge really is completely played out!!!!
It is not Ronn Moss who made the show such a horrible experience to watch year after year but the non writing abilities of Brad Bell! The present case: Steffy/Liam/Hope triangle! A desperate attempt to recreate the 20 year long triangle between Brooke/Ridge/Taylor!. Maybe it is for the best that he leaves now and still have some respect for his own career!
This comment is so lame….here we go again..another person who have no idea what a soap opera fan wants..most of all what a B&B fan needs. Its Ronn Moss as Ridge or nothing ..at all. The Stefy/Liam/Hope triangle is ridiculous. And I bet a trillion$$ that Bell is slowly going to turn Hope’s character into ,,”mini–brooke”…..Bell is busy writing the script for Liam to chose Stefy ..& Hope will not handle the rejection..So here comes Hope THE whore of Beverly Hills She is going to sleep with every man in the show..just like..back-in-the-day Brooke. The only time I like “the threesome..is the look on Stefy face when Liam is with Hope..other than that..script is ..boring! boring! boring!
I agree they should kill off Ridge..But your comment about him not being a good actor is unacceptable..you are entitled to your opinion..so am I.
So here we go. It takes a good actor to make you believe he’s really making out with all those leading ladies..esp Brooke. The world adores them..because it feels real. And even If I thought Ronn could not act..I would still watch..because he is the best “eye candy” on daytime & primetime..There you go
I think Michael Knight would make a great Ridge . By casting the right person you will get alot more fans from different shows watching and the ratings will skyrocket. Michael Knight from AMC is definitely the right person. I hope Mr. Bell will make the right choice.
Hell No Do you mean Todd from AMC..Give it up people Ronn Moss is irreplaceable…2 the left….2 the right..north or south….ook no more… there is no match
Ron Moss is just as horrible! While we’re on the subject, the girl who plays Steffy is brutal to watch and Hunter Tylo and the kid who plays Marcus. Let’s be real, we don’t watch B&B for good acting.
Meant as comment to Gloria about Scott Clifton, above, which I agree with btw.
What amazes me in this interview is how, after working together very close for more than 25 long years, Brad Bell is able to cast off Ronn Moss with one stroke of a penn and thinking already about the next actor that is going to play him! So all the stories about friendship and loyality in his little world of Bell Productions are just plain windowdressing because Brad Bell does simply forget that, not his writing abilities made the show great, but the interaction between the actors on the show, and although Ronn Moss, is not a great actor, his presence together with the other 3 core actors did made the show great in the rest of the world!
Thank you for writing, I hope that Brad Bell see your comment..He alllowed “a man on fire” walked to walk-on-by. But on the flip side..I am happy for Ronn, he looks happy with his new wife and adores his children. Would love to see him on the big screen..a few times…and at least he does not have to study the 60-page-scripts, daily. Whew!! I know he’s taking advantage of that free time. And we all wish him nothing but the best.
As long as Forrest Creations exist, none of the characters involved will ever be played out. I think one of the most interesting turns will be the “power grab” for FC when Ridge bows out! May have been a lukewarm summer, but it looks like the fall could be a lot hotter! I’m ready for a hotter than usual fall. B&B, bring the heat!!!
Still don’t want to see Peter Reckell as Ridge recast, but a Jon Hensley and KKL pairing could be super hot. I miss the whimsy soaps used to have … now it’s all hard-lined drama most times. The adults on the show can be so serious, but worst of all so can the kids. That’s why Steffy and Liam having fun this week has be really nice. Glad to see B&B finally using location to its advantage.
b&b need to put thomas and dayzee together they have supercouple chemistry and they need to be front and center instead of the hope and liam and steffy triangle drama
I think the perfect MAN for Brooke would be John Hensley from ATWT. He can act, has a huge fan club, and looks more handsome every day. From a 73 yr old CBS Soaps fan.
B & B was very boring this past year. Hate the trio juvenile drama, so childlike. Brad needs a new job, he has no clue what B & B fans want, (obiviously hasn’t read the internet remarks regarding Ronn Moss departure) !!! I will not watch any longer, after 25 yrs. Ronn will succeed WHERE EVER he goes, we LOVE HIM. Brad, YOUR RE-CAST will not be accepted, you’re done with this show, you might as well accept it NOW !!!
BRAVO!!! WELL WRIITEN COMMENT..AND SO TRUE…
THAT BELL IS CLUELESS
Well the statement has been made that Ridge will not die and this is a BIG MISTAKE!
I have watched this soap opera from the beginning and love Ronn Moss as Ridge. I am sad to see him go but I will NEVER accept anyone else as this character. That would be as bad as my current husband leaving me and coming back as my ex husband. It will not work
aah!! you wrote my thoughts..my sentiments exactly
I agree, I love Ronn Moss as Ridge and I hate it when they bring a newcomer in to play the role. I think the Liam/Steffy/Hope triangle has played out long enough. Time for Hope to grow up and let Laim and Steffy build a life together…they have chemistry. I would also love to see Taylor’s life amp up and Brooke be alone for a while..she always has to have a man.
i hope whoever takes over of ridge isnt ronn moss
Apparently, you have no idea what a soap opera star is made of.
Oh That Brad bell. I am psyched too..and I will tell you exactly what’s going to happen. B&B will be off the air sooner than you think. There is no Brooke story without Ronn Ross playing Ridge Forrester. So don’t even think off replacing Ronn…Its better to kill off that character…I personally think Ronn made the best move for his life…$$$$ is not worth it. The man is 60 years young..gorgeous & sexy than Clifton could ever be…and the best kisser on screen. No other actor can mesmerized an audience, like Ronn Moss. He’s “simply the best”..better than all the rest…before and after him. Back to Clifton…I use to watch him in another soap and I think he got an Emmy for “best new actor”..but he does not have the sex appeal to carry the show. I think a chip off the old block would have been the wiser choice….meaning Thomas should have the sexy-story-line. He look the part and not a bad kisser on screen. BTW….I hate the Stefy-Liam- Hope idiotic triangle. I saw the first episode of B&B..I know all the good & bad story lines…and this S_L_H..is nothing but an underscore. All i can say is…..I am no longer a fan of B&B…Thanks to Youtube..I can view Ridge/Ronn daily, and that’s what I’ve been doing.
Adios!!!
I think they did his character a great injustice but not attempting to replace him. He was such a hands on father and now that Steffie needs him and needed him and no dad. It just didn’t seem like something Ridge would do. I thought how disappointing. They need to bring him back when Brooke is about 7 months along. Now that would be an interesting scene.
General Hospital
Adam Huss Makes Another Return to General Hospital as Nikolas Cassadine
Nikolas Cassadine will be back on your screens next week but now via Pentonville. That means, that actor Adam Huss is back for a visit for all-new episodes of General Hospital.
In story, Ava (Maura West) comes to visit her ex in the slammer. So, just what does Ava want now? She clearly has been working an agenda on Sonny (Maurice Benard). Is she working with Valentin (James Patrick Stuart)? What will she tell Nikiolas? stay tuned.
Meanwhile, once news of Huss’ return broke earlier on Friday via Soap Opera Digest, he also announced his return on his Instagram expressing, “For all those who’ve been asking, cat’s out of the bag;) Thank you to all my #Nikolas #GH fans for your unwavering support. I don’t take it for granted for a second! (Even when I can’t answer 😊) #generalhospital”
Photo: ABC
Huss took over the role of Nikolas back in January of 2023, after Marcus Coloma left the soap opera. Previous to that, Huss filed in for Coloma in September of 2021 and November of 2022. Fast-forward to January of 2024, Nikolas gave Ace to Laura and Kevin to raise, while he eventually turned himself into the police for kidnapping Esme and keeping her hostage while she was pregnant and Wyndemere.
Photo: ABC
The return of Huss comes on the heels of multiple reports that his on-screen son, Nicholas Chavez is not returning to the show as Spencer Cassadine, while in story Spencer is believed to have drowned int the Seine River after falling off a boat in France, when drugged by Esme.
So, looking forward to seeing Adam Huss back as Nikolas? Do you think GH will eventually have him more full-time? Comment below.
Days Of Our Lives
Arianne Zucker Reveals Her Last Days of our Lives Airdate
Arianne Zucker, who is no longer on contract with Days of our Lives, and involved in a lawsuit against the show, took to her You Tube channel and in her latest episode, and offered up what she believes is her final airdate as Nicole Walker DiMera.
The actress expressed: “I was really appreciative of the amount of support that I have had since leaving Days of our Lives.” She then added, “My last airdate, I think, it’s July 29th and we’ll see how things go after that.”
Zucker went on to say how she has continued to receive overwhelming support since suing her former employer, Corday Productions, with the allegations that former Co-EP Albert Alarr sexually harassed her and other females at the show, and that the production company entity did not respond sufficiently and adequately.
Photo: JPI
After lodging her complaints, Zucker said her agents received two notices that Corday Productions were reducing her pay before her character was ultimately written off. Zucker’s contract expired in January and since DAYS tapes over six months ahead it brings her final airdate, which as of now, to the end of July. Zucker is suing for harassment, discrimination, retaliation, negligent hiring and supervision, and wrongful termination among other claims.
Previously, Corday Productions issued this statement on Zucker’s claims: “The allegations in Ms. Zucker’s lawsuit are without merit. Corday Productions, offered to renew Ms. Zucker’s contract including offering her a pay increase. Rejecting Ms. Zucker’s counteroffer does not constitute retaliation. Complaints about Mr. Alarr’s on-set behavior were promptly investigated. Corday Productions fully cooperated with the impartial investigation and subsequently terminated Mr. Alarr.”
On her You Tube channel, Arianne went on to thank everyone who came out to the east coast fan event last weekend that featured several DAYS stars. She expressed, “My whole goal is to really help people stand up for themselves.” Arianne also shared she thinks it’s important for people who have gone through trauma to help each other through it.
Photo: JPI
On DAYS, Nicole is still in the dark that Sloan (Jessica Serfaty) is raising her child, Jude, with Eric (Greg Vaughan), and Eric also doesn’t know that he is raising his biological son. Will Eric and Nicole reunite and will Nicole find out what Sloan, Melinda and Leo (Greg Rikaart) have been hiding for months, before she exits the show? Stay tuned. There has been on official confirmation from DAYS that July 29th is Zucker’s final airdate.
You can check out Ari’s latest episode from her You Tube Channel below.
Now let us know, do you think somehow DAYS and Arianne will work these out and she will somehow be back on the show? What do you think Nicole’s exit will look like? Do you think they will recast? Let us know in the comment section below.
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.
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