Beyond the Gates
Ben Gavin Exits ‘Beyond the Gates’ as Derek Baldwin Dies in the OR; But Who Will Be Revealed as ‘The Impaler?’

Beyond the Gates said goodbye to one of its original cast members on its Wednesday, May 20 episode when Derek Baldwin (Ben Gavin) dies in the operating room after being fatally shot saving the life of Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) and Grayson Perez (Jordi Vilasuso).
Derek’s death will have lasting ramifications because Grayson feels it was all his fault that Derek followed him to the warehouse where danger was lurking. However, Jacob said if it wasn’t for Derek’s quick move they would have both wound up dead. Still looming is who is “The Impaler” that is in charge of this entire illegal blood plasma ring? Today’s emotional episode featured Ben’s former girlfriend, Ashley (Jen Jacob) becoming emotionally-wrecked after learning Derek had died.
In an exit interview with TV Insider, actor Ben Gavin explained what went down when he learned Derek was going to meet his maker back in December of 2025. “It was definitely a shocker. They made it pretty clear this was something that they needed, and for the sake of the story, it couldn’t just be anyone. It had to be someone that they started to really care about to hook the audience, and I understood that.”
DEREK WAS KILLED-OFF DUE TO THE GREATER GOOD OF THE STORY
As it turns out, Beyond the Gates executive producer, Julie Carruthers informed Gavin that he was going to die a hero. “And Derek’s got a hero complex, so it’s only fitting,” agreed Ben. “I get the nature of it, but it didn’t make it any less difficult to swallow.”
Derek’s last scene was with the love of his life, Ashley. It’s one Gavin will always remember, sharing, “The very last shot I did was where I tell Ashley to not be afraid and that I love her. They really took their time with it, which I appreciate, because there are not many opportunities on a soap where we can really take our time with moments; it’s run and gun. So, I’m lying on this gurney, and I’m going through all the mental stuff before the shot, and then nothing’s happening, and I’m kind of like, ‘Alright, let’s do this.’ And then everyone came out onto the stage, and they said, ‘You’re wrapped.’”
Now the question is, how will Ashley and Grayson move forward in their relationship knowing that Derek died saving Grayson and Jacob? And we still need to learn the identify of “The Impaler.” Who do you think it could be?
So, will you miss Ben Gavin as Derek Baldwin? Do you think the series killed the right character off the canvas? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Grayson should have been killed off .
I feel Grayson should had been killed off. Derek was so good. Lia should go to jail asp. I will miss Derek.
Nothing personal, but Ben Gavin (Derek) is a terrible actor. I knew his days on the show were numbered. He’s not even good enough to star in a high school production.
LMAO
But I think he would be a good firefighter. 😉
Amazing week thus far; not surprised by Derek’s exit, as the red herrings were all there. Ben Gavin seems like a sweet guy and took this on the chin. Wishing him the best in his future endeavours. As for the Impaler, I do believe it is:
2 ideas for keeping Derek’s character on the show:
1-Don’t let him Derek actually be dead, but a plot to say he died on the operating table to hide him so he can be the the key witness in the upcoming trial for the undercover sting, because the shooter go away and he was the only one in the warehouse to see the shooter’s face,
2-Let him come back as his twin brother and tell how he and his twin told each other everything and he knew what Derek was doing at the warehouse and were texting when Derek saw the gunman and jumped in to save the two lives.
LET THE “GOOD GUY” CHARACTERS STAY ON THE SHOW AND FIND A WAY TO KEEP THE FLOW OF PEOPLE WHO ARE DOING GOOD THINGS AS DEREK WAS AT THE FREE CLINIC STAY ON THE SHOW. TRY TO KEEP EVERYONE ON THE SHOW ALIVE. WE DON’T NEED ANY MORE KILLING AND DYING, THE CRIME SERIES SHOW US ENOUGH.
Constance Sartor Walker
Creative Writer
Durham, NC
In all honesty, I didn’t care for the Derek character. I don’t know why but the character just didn’t catch on with me. As for who the Impaler might be, I hope it’s a real shocker when that comes out.
Hell no they should have not killed him off the show!
I’m very sorry to hear this. I liked the Derek character. Derek died saving Grayson!!!!!!!!! If I was Ashley, that would spell the end my relationship with Grayson.
The very best of luck to Ben Gavin in his future.
i’m sure people will disagree but i think killing off Derek was a mistake and i think people were always putting Ben Gavin down but again it was a mistake to get rid of him
Would you like to give a reason why you think it was a mistake? I think the reason a lot of people disagree with you is because they feel he’s simply not a good actor. He’s always had a very difficult time expressing the character’s different emotions. That’s a career-ending flaw for someone who wants to maintain a long career in major productions.
Joey!!!
Oh, I like Derek I wish they could’ve kept him on couldn’t. They had killed someone else like the bad guy.
I want to be shocked by the news of the impaler identity. I’m thinking Carlton, Kial, Doug McBride, or even Nicole or Donnell. Why did Nicole leave the cotillion so abruptly? Donnell arrived late due to a “flat tire” but that could be an excuse. Leslie or Joey would be too obvious.
They could have killed off the psycho woman, head of the hospital. She wouldn’t be missed, but Derek will be, unfortunately. Great storyline otherwise, they could say they just said he died because of the impaler not exposed, and bring Derek’s character back. It happens, its a soap.
I Remember Derek so well when he first came on as the character I really like him why on earth you would take him off instead of taken Lia. And Grayson ŵhat a horrible mistake why do you people always taken the ones people enjoy watch I am so disappointed.
Ben Gavin was doing a better acting job with his Derek character. Too bad that he is moving on to other projects.
Either Doug McBride isn’t dead and he is The Impaler or Derek isn’t dead and he’s going into Witness Protection.
Bingo! Doug McBride has to be The Impaler. It all adds up. He was financially devastated, knows the hospital’s people and inner workings, and knows exactly how to deal with blood plasma.
As far as Ben Gavin (Derek Baldwin), he’s gone because he simply wasn’t a good actor. There are some other pretty bad actors who still remain, but Gavin was the worst of them all. But because Gavin is probably a very nice guy and great to work with, it’s likely the producers and writers decided to let him go out in magnificent glory. I wish him the best, but if he stays in the entertainment industry his success will most like be behind the camera.
I will miss Ben Gavin as Derek as he was a force for good on a show where more than one person gets away with doing bad things without consequences (Leslie, Joey, Hayley). Ben brought loveable every man “Derek “to life (in spite of some qurstionable writing for his character). I’m sad that Ben (and the character of Derek) are gone.
Well said. I didn’t like his storyline with Ashley. He was one of the few that put Leslie in her place. I also liked his scenes with Eva. Most frustrating is he wasn’t involved with the impaler storyline. So why is he the one who dies, and not Derek, Grayson, or Smitty? Poor storytelling.
In Miss Derek . He was a great guy. Now Ashley can leave town and be ghost.
All good things must come to an end. I wish Mr. Gavin the best but I believe his future is bright. I definitely see him snapped up by another soap or in prime time fairly soon. As they say when one door closes another one opens.
Yes, a bright future in a field other than acting. You’re delusional if you actually believe that he’ll be “snapped up” by another soap or some prime time show soon. Or even not so soon. If I’m wrong, come back here and boast about it. Until then, let’s keep listening to the birds chirping.
All bad things must come to an end, too.
I love all the characters.
I think it should have been Grayson and Ashley and Derek found there way back to each other.
The impaler has to be Doug McBride. He was in desperate financial trouble with Joey, so Joey said this was his way out.
BTG deserves to be honored by the Daytime Emmys for the outstanding accomplishments they’ve made in just over a year of being on the air. Everntually, I think they’ll start winning a lot of the traditional categories. The show is just so enjoyable to watch.
My favorite characters are Leslie Thomas, Bill Hamilton and Dani Dupree. Leslie is hilarious, always has great comebacks, and delivers her lines and facial expressions better than anyone else. Bill’s complexity at being both a mean tough guy and a wonderful nice guy is great. And Dani is cool-as-heII bada$$ who is always a breath of fresh air.
A good actor totally becomes the character. The viewer doesn’t even think of the person acting; they’re just immersed in the story and believe the person is actually that charcter.
A bad actor just recites their lines and cannot connect with the motivation or emotions of the character. The viewer actually thinks about how the actor is delivering the lines, so they are thinking of the actor as an actor rather than fully believing they are actually the character they’re playing.
As an example, when BTG viewers see Vernon Dupree, Anita Dupree, Dani Dupree, Bill Hamilton or Leslie Thomas on screen, they believe they are actually watching real people instead of actors playing characters. They pull us in to the story as if it and them are real! You don’t once think about how the actor merely recited a line from a script.
You’ve made your critique of his acting skills. You will not convince us though by repeating your opinion over and over. You think he is a bad actor who can’t connect with others. Judging from the intense reaction his character’s death is receiving on social media he connected with most of the audience just fine.
You’re in denial. Soaps don’t fire good actors who have an “intense” following from “most” of the audience (unless they’ve violated the morals clause in their contract). This is very simple… If he was anywhere close to as good as you tell yourself, he wouldn’t have been fired. You’ll never see him on any other soap because none will hire him.
Reality check here. Soaps fire good actors all the time for storyline purposes. It’s called business. It doesn’t matter whether you are popular or not. Look at Days of our Lives. Carson Boatman and Raven Bowens were recently fired from the show. Kelly Monaco was fired from General Hospital. You are entitled to your views. I and the thousands of people who have expressed regret at him leaving are entitled to ours. In any event I will always wish any actor the best in his future endeavors.
Delusion is not reality. Gavin was arguably the worst actor on the show. And even at a bargain-basement salary, his bosses determined that he still wasn’t a good value. That is why he was fired. So if he had such an intense following by most of the fans, as you claim, it would’ve made absolutely no sense to get rid of him. Many fans predicted his demise starting within months of the show’s premiere. But if it will make you feel better to believe that it was for “business” and “storyline” purposes, I understand. If Gavin is passionate about acting, I’m sure he’ll be able to get minor roles here and there in low-level productions. But getting work on one of the other soaps, or a major prime time show, is never going to happen.
I am not a casting director or a producer and I am not privy to the salary structure of those on this or any other show. Nor do I choose to speculate on a producers storyline decisions. I continue to think Ben Gavin has a bright future in acting and look forward to seeing him and the rest of the cast of the show in future entertainment productions. As you and I are not changing our opinions, please have a nice day and be blessed.
Sunglasses will not be necessary to watch his “bright” future in acting.
It’s time for Joey to leave that show. And stop all the crime. It’s turning BTG into a mob crime soap. I’ve lost my desire to watch it.
Come on, Betty. Hang in there. Crime and the mob is intertwined with politics, right? And Fairmount Crest sits in the heart of the country’s politics. I think the crime element mixed in on BTG makes it exciting.
It’s time to send Joey Armstrong back to General hospital. That’s where he’s needed not on BTG. The mob needs to get clothes down on this show. They are turning this show into a criminal show.
Lmao. Jon Lindstrom (the person) is actually getting work at Beyond the Gates, where he was not at General Hospital. Not to mention, he’s very happy playing Joey Armstrong, and it shows in the quality of his work.
Actually, the actor who plays Joey is far better off on BTG than GH. It’s a much juicier and more interesting role since his days tackling dual roles on GH ended, and he’s doing an amazing job at playing this great character. I would be very disappointed if he left BTG, whether voluntarily or not.
I forgot to ask you Betty: Why should the mob get clothes down? Do they own a clothing store?
Ironically, you can’t even blame Bob Guza for the mob storylines on BTG, since he left the show several months ago. When Joey was still a relatively minor character and none of this plasma black market dragonshit was going on.
Joey does seem to have his “Sonny Corinthos” elements to him though. And why not? Jon Lindstrom picked them up by working with the original for so many years.
whos blaming bob guza? who even mentioned bob guza? oh and who is bob guza? lol. btw i dont think betty spaghetti cares one bit about whos responsible for the mob storylines. she just wants them to go away.
Beyond the Gates
BEYOND THE GATES: Dani Figures Out Hayley’s Been Trying to Kill Bill as All the Pieces Come Together

In a pivotal episode of Beyond the Gates, the Monday, September 21 edition had the proverbial lightbulb go on in Dani’s (Karla Mosley) head, and not a moment too soon.
One thing the CBS daytime drama has done exceptionally well since its inception is deliver when the stakes are high. Now the stage is set for Hayley’s (Marquita Goings) house of cards to come tumbling down around her, but will it?
Here’s what went down: in the pick-up from the Friday, September 18 cliffhanger, Bill (Timon Kyle Durrett) shows up at his ex-wife Dani’s front door, telling her he thinks he is dying. At first, Dani thinks it’s just Bill manipulating her again, when she has fought so hard to keep her distance from him, especially after their sex in an elevator during the tornado. But no matter what each of them says or does, their pull towards each other remains stronger than ever.
Now, Bill explains to Dani he passed out again and he keeps having seizures, even after he left the hospital. He goes on to say how Hayley (Marquita Goings) has been making salads and smoothies for him, because he couldn’t stand the herbal tea she was serving him.

Courtesy/CBS
RUSHED TO THE HOSPITAL
As they are talking, Dani notices Bill’s hands shaking with tremors and suddenly becomes very concerned, and shortly after that, Bill is having a seizure and unable to talk and passing out. Dani calls 9-1-1. Once at Garland Memorial Hospital, Dani comes through the elevator in tears as her sister, Nicole (Daphnee Duplaix) is there, and she asks her sister not to lecture her about being by Bill’s side, not now.
When they get Bill stabilized and into a hospital room, Dani goes to see him. He tells her the last thing he recalled was them talking at “our” house. Dani says that they need to let Hayley know that he is in the hospital. However, Bill doesn’t want Hayley to see him like this for fear this will look like a sign of weakness. He tells Dani he thinks if she saw him, it would push her further towards Randy (Maurice P. Kerry).
Next, Dani texts Nicole telling her that she does not want her or Ted (Keith D. Robinson) to tell anyone about Bill’s hospitalization including Hayley or Andre (Sean Freeman). When Bill admits to Dani that she is the only person he trusts and that she is his “rock,” Dani lets her guard down again and decides to sit with him in his room.
THE MOMENT OF TRUTH
Later, when Madison (Kenjah) comes to check on Bill, Dani leaves the room and heads to the hallway. Suddenly, she stops in her tracks as she hears Bill’s words back in her head, where he talks about the diet Hayley has been serving him, how she continues to make sure he does his cardio every day, and that he even made her a beneficiary on his life insurance policy he recently took out as his condition worsened. Suddenly, it all clicks for Dani, and she says out loud, “Hayley, you conniving bitch! You did this!”

Courtesy/CBS
ANDRE MAKES A VISIT
Meanwhile, the dissolution of Dani and Andre’s marriage may crumble sooner than you think! While Dani is off trying to figure out how Hayley is trying to kill bill, Heather Armstrong (Ashley Jones) continues to purr to get Andre back in her bed.
Heather is excited that Andre texted her wanting to see her again. When Andre shows up at her hotel room, he explains he wanted to talk to her about the kiss they shared and that he got caught up in the moment, but he is a happily married man to Dani.
Seeing how out of sorts Andre is about the whole thing, Heather realizes Andre is afraid of he, and what she might do. She promises that she wouldn’t destroy his “manufactured” marriage to Dani. In fact, she is very self-assured that Andre would come back to her all on his own because domestic life is truly not his thing and he lives for the thrill of it all.
When Andre tells her she shouldn’t hold her breath, Heather snipes, “We’ll see who you end up holding!” With that, he makes his exit, but it’s clear he is rattled by Heather’s comments.
Check out the moment that Dani puts two and two together in the dramatic cliffhanger from Monday’s Beyond the Gates below.
Now let us know, are you rooting for Bill and Dani to get back together, once Dani is armed with proof that Hayley has been trying to kill her ex? Do you think the two of them will set a trap to bring Hayley down? How long will it be before Andre turns to Heather, or she blackmails him into her bed? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.
Beyond the Gates
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Bests ‘General Hospital’ in Key Demos and Gains More Viewers Week-Over-Week

The ratings are out for the week of August 31- September 4, 2026 and it was a solid one for daytime’s youngest daytime drama, Beyond the Gates, now taping its third season.
According to the latest Nielsen report via Soap Opera Network, Beyond the Gates saw a rise in total viewers, tied with third place General Hospital in Households, and overtook GH in the women’s 18-49 and 25-54 ratings share putting them firmly in the number three spot.
Let’s take a look at the drama that had viewers tuning-in to the action in and around Fairmont Crest: Andre (Sean Freeman) kissed Heather (Ashley Jones) before leaving for Seoul with Dani (Karla Mosley).

Photo: CBS
Meanwhile, Heather figured out that her brother Joey (Jon Lindstrom) killed Doug. Hayley (Marquita Goings) poisoned Bill (Timon Kyle Durrett) yet again and left him unconscious. Jacob (Jibre Hordges) and Smitty (Mike Manning) made progress in the Impaler investigation, and the Articulettes had to deal with Leslie’s (Trisha Mann-Grant) interference.
As for the numbers, Beyond the Gates came in with an average of 1,677.000 total viewers and gained +66,000 for the week, with total household share at 1.2 up +1, and the key demos: 18-49 rating share of 0.20 up +0.07 from the previous week and 25-54 rating share at 0.29 also up +0.07.

Photo: ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL
Over at General Hospital, the ABC soap opera was the only show to lose viewers for the week of all four broadcast network television daytime dramas. GH came in with an average total viewers tally at 1,911,000, but lost -24,000 and was now only up year-over-year +27,000.
In story for the ratings week: Ava (Maura West) and Drew (Cameron Mathison) buried Brennan (Chris McKenna) on the ground around the Quartermaine estate, and Drew framed Nina (Cynthia Watros) for the crime by planting Brennan’s wallet in her car.
Chase (Josh Swickard) aggressively pursued the investigation of Jordan’s (Tanisha Harper) car crash which led him to confronting Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton). Trina (Tabyana Ali) overheard information suggesting Brook Lynn might be tied to the incident and later got an earful.

Photo: CBS
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
CBS daytime’s The Bold and the Beautiful, which has been on a great run in the ratings of late, came in with total viewers at 2,778,000 adding +59,000, and up year-over-year at this time +312,000. B&B was firmly in the #2 position in households, plus 18-49 and 25-54 demos, behind its sister soap Y&R.
In story for the ratings week: Steffy (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) struggled to hide her affair with Carter (Lawrence Saint-Victor) from Finn (Tanner Novlan), and Carter did the same in trying to keep it under wraps from Daphne (Murielle Hilaire). In addition, Darcy (Kelly Sullivan) arrived in Los Angeles and stood up to Katie (Heather Tom) for her treatment of her daughter, Dylan (Sydney Bullock).

Photo: CBS
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
The top spot once again belonged to The Young and the Restless. In fact, Y&R gained the most viewers week-over-week adding +127,000 with its total viewer average at 3,189,000 tuning-in. In addition, it was also up year-over-year +327,000. Y&R also was #1 for the ratings week in households and in the 18-49 and 25-54 demos.
In story for the ratings week: Phyllis (Michelle Stafford) thought of a plan for Matt (Roger Howarth) to return to Genoa City. Billy (Jason Thompson) temporarily gave up his fight for Chancellor after Sally (Courtney Hope) had a pregnancy scare, which could have lasting implications as they head to the altar in October.
Meanwhile, Kyle (Michael Mealor) and Victoria (Amelia Heinle) secretly arranged another hookup, Nate (Sean Dominic) prepared for surgery with Stephanie (Vivica A. Fox) by his side, and while in rehab, Nick (Joshua Morrow) helped Marie (Jade Harlow) after her frightening confrontation with her abusive husband, Logan (Tommy Walker).
So, what do you think of the latest ratings picture? Glad to see Beyond the Gates performing well? Which soap opera has you most glued to your screens? Which soap opera has you often wanting to tune-out? Let us know via the comment section below.
Beyond the Gates
BEYOND THE GATES Preview: Dani Does Some Sleuthing and Hits the Jackpot! Is it Curtains for Hayley?

Next week on all-new episodes of Beyond the Gates, the drama intensifies as Dani (Karla Mosley) seemingly figures out that truth, that Hayley (Marquita Goings) has been poisoning her ex-husband, Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durett), who on the Friday, September 18 episode, showed up Dani’s telling her he thinks he’s dying!
Now, official spoilers for the week of September 21-25, and the latest video preview for Beyond the Gates, tease that Dani is going to be there to try to save Bill’s life, but then she does some detective work and seems to come upon a safe with a hidden stash! Putting the pieces together, it looks like it’s Dani to the rescue. Will Hayley be caught once and for all?
Meanwhile, Andre (Sean Freeman) is confronted by Joey (Jon Lindstrom) with something on a phone. Andre tells Joey, “Whatever that is on your phone, make sure Dani stays out of it!” Is Heather (Ashley Jones) making more moves to try to nab Andre for herself?

Courtesy/CBS
Then, Ted (Keith D. Robinson) confronts Leslie (Trisha Mann-Grant) and says to her, “Don’t you want something real?” To which, Leslie replies, “Don’t you think I’m capable of being a good woman.” Is she?
Check out what’s ahead in and around Fairmont Crest next week below!
Monday, September 21
Dani comes to Bill’s aid, and then has a shocking realization. Nicole teams up with Madison to help Chelsea. Andre defends his marriage. Ted is let in on a big secret. Randy tells Izaiah he’s in his debt. Heather outmaneuvers Joey.
Tuesday, September 22
Dani goes on the prowl for proof. Bill takes Caroline into his confidence. Naomi has an unexpected proposal for Hayley. Jacob consults with Nicole on his case. Chelsea’s shaken by Madison’s secrets.
Wednesday, September 23
Hayley turns the tables. Dani doesn’t hold back. Chelsea confronts Bill. Vanessa unwittingly tells Andre distressing news about Heather. Jacob and Naomi worry it’s too late to save someone they love. Joey has a back alley meeting. Marcel finds the smoking gun.
Thursday, September 24
Jacob issues a bitter pill for Bill to swallow. Leslie’s the bearer of bad news for Anita and Vernon. Andre can’t believe what he hears. Hayley enlists Tomas’ help. Martin leans on Ted.
Friday, September 25
Leslie puts her money where her mouth is. Andre is rattled by an impatient Heather. Hayley issues an ominous warning. Kat is fed up with Tomas. Izaiah’s plans for Eva are interrupted. Naomi’s news shocks Chelsea. A pair of exes have a candid chat.
Watch the official Beyond the Gates teaser video below.
Now let us know, do you hope once and for all that Dani can stop Hayley and have her dead to rights in her attempts to kill Bill? Will Heather be there to pick up the pieces if Andre walks out on Dani or learns of her betrayal with Bill the night of the tornado? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.
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