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‘Beyond the Gates’ Clifton Davis Sings His ‘Jackson 5’ Hit, ‘Never Can Say Goodbye’ in Poignant Moment on Christmas Eve Episode

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: CBS

On today’s December 24 episode of Beyond the Gates, grab your hankies! We always knew that Clifton Davis one day would sing his the smash hit recorded by TheĀ Jackson 5, “Never Can Say Goodbye’ on the CBS soap opera, we just didn’t know when.

In fact, Davis even teased to Michael Fairman TV that something like this was coming when we caught up with the veteran actor/singer/songwriter at CBS Atlanta Fest a few months back.

But now, in story on Christmas Eve, and after just learning that his beloved wife, Anita Dupree (Tamara Tunie) was diagnosed with Triple-Negative breast cancer; a very aggressive and difficult to treat form of the disease more likely to occur in Black women, when Vernon takes to the piano at the Dupree family Christmas gathering, the song takes on new meaning. How could Vernon ever say “goodbye” to his wife, if she were to die?

Courtesy/CBS

Will it be revealed that after all the gossip of Vernon having an affair with Anita’s ‘Articulette’ singing sister, Sharon (thanks Leslie!), that the two were just conspiring to surprise Anita with the former senator’s serenade and Sharon (Bonita Brisker) was helping him pull it off? Stay tuned!

As many know, Davis penned the 1971 ‘Jackson 5’ hit and he told Billboard, ā€œIt’s quite amazing to think I wrote this song way, way back, and now it’s been written into the show’s story plot. It’s exciting to be singing and sharing this song with another generation. It’s a song that just keeps on giving. I’m humbled as well because it didn’t have to turn out this way. God is good.ā€

Never Can Say Goodbye was first released 54 years ago as the lead single for the group’s fifth studio album, Maybe Tomorrow, ā€œNever Can Say Goodbye.” The song went No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 for three consecutive weeks, and No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Davis also earned a Grammy nomination for Best R&B song. Among other artists who have covered the incredible tune are Isaac Hayes and Gloria Gaynor. Davis also wrote the hit title track for The Jackson 5’s 1972 sixth studio album, Lookin’ Through the Windows.

Davis shared the inspiration for the song, which at its core is also amazingly touching, “It was a combination of two things: I was 23, 24 when I wrote the song. I was wrestling with my past, back when I was moving back and forth between my mother’s home and my father’s home. Whenever I left either of them, I cried because I was leaving one to go to the other. That always put a strain on my heart. Then later, I was in a relationship that was difficult to maintain. I wanted to say goodbye to her, but was unable to because of the love in my heart.ā€

In addition, Clifton, who turned 80 this past October, told Billboard he has plans to release new music! “I released an album in 1990 calledĀ Say Amen.Ā But I’ve been writing all along … songs about faith, prayer and angels, the Beyond the Gates patriarch explained. “I’ve got music that nobody’s heard. But we’re going to get it out very soon.ā€ Music to our ears!

Beyond the Gates Christmas Eve episode airs on December 24 at t 2 p.m. ET and 1 p.m. PT on CBS and streams on Paramount+

Now below watch the preview clip as Vernon serenades Anita, who just learned she has breast cancer with the song “Never Can Say Goodbye,” and then weigh-in if you were thrilled to hear Clifton finally sing his smash hit he wrote for The Jackson Five, while on Beyond the Gates, and what you thought of how the writers crafted the story so when Vernon sang it to Anita, it’s meaning was all the more poignant, via the comment section below.

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A poignant moment for this soap, and I do love that Billboard reported this as well. I loved every single second of it!

They celebratin Kwanzaa

Loved it!

The best soap opera Christmas celebration this year.
I was in tears hearing Veron singing that special song to Anita after her devastating news.
I love BTG. Beautiful cast and great storylines.ā¤ļø

Yes it was a Superior moment to see Vernon belt out his skills.

Great episode, along with Tuesdays.

Loved it. I was hoping he would sing this hit her wrote for the Jackson 5…sung by a little MJ. It’s timeless and deserves a Grammy even today.

Yes this is a fabulous cast and acting…cabrina green rising .love the backstory for Anita

You make me cry and laugh out loud at least once a week. Love you

Omg I loved hearing him sing one of my favorite songs brings back good memories.

Last edited 8 months ago by Carter Lewis

I loved that episode. It was so poignant and brought joy to my heart to see Vernon serenade Anita, after secretly getting voice lessons from Sharon. I absolutely love Beyond the Gates

I Really Loved this Episode Yesterday on Christmas Eve! It was So Nice to See and Hear Clifton Davis sing His Song He wrote for The Jackson Five! This is a Great Show! I haven’t watched a Soap Opera in about 35 Years when As the World Turns went Off the Air! I Tune in Everyday to watch Beyond the Gates on CBS! If I Miss an Episode or I want to watch an Episode again I go to Paramount Plus! Thank You for Airing This Amazing Show! Love It!

I really loved this episode! I am so glad Dani and Nicole did not say anything to their mother Anita before hearing the truth! And I can’t wait until Haley is caught!!!

Loved this episode and Tuesday’sā¤ļø BTG touches on so many topics. Love the love Anita and Veron have. Please don’t ever change their storyline. Thank you Clifton Davis for taking me down memory lane!! It was a great episode.

I enjoyed the song KUDOS

I loved it

I just absolutely love this show and the cast, they are amazing. No matter what I’m doing or how my day going,I make sure I catch beyond the Gates weekdays. Keep it up!

A beautiful moment indeed! Clifton Davis is a gem.

I love this song and another reason to always look at the writing credits.

Yes, Clifton Davis or Vernon is the type of husband everyone desires to have, so genuinely caring and loving!

This was by far one of BTG’s best episodes this year. We still have a couple of episodes left to watch in 2025 before we officially say farewell to the year that was.

I loved every minute of this episode. Thank you BTG!!

What a Wonderful Christmas Episode. Thanks writers for portraying that not all Black Men cheat on their wives.

That alone should put him up for a Daytime Emmy. I’ve enjoyed his work since the 70’s with the comedy show ‘That’s My Mama’ . Still a great talent! Well done

This episode truly touched my heart. Just listening to the lyrics of I Never Can Say Goodbye, took on a profound meaning for me. Life is precious and way too short. God used Clifton Davis in a miraculous way to pen the song and to present it to the world.

I am wondering if Clifton received a royalty check when he sings a song he wrote?

Absolutely Beautiful the chemistry of these 2 is wonderful! They work is so effortless.

Love Sharon superior actress.

My favorite girl kat if am watching and I don’t see kat i don’t feel good she really bring out the show next bill wife must get caught for all those poison what she is putting in his tea

I love Beyond The Gates. It is by far the best show on TV! The cast are amazing and beautiful. The writers and the storyline are outstanding. Please let Ted and Cherise fall madly in love peacefully; they deserve it. Can’t wait to see what karma has in store for Haley and Leslie (Dana).The Christmas episode truly touched my heart. Thank you for creating such a dynamic show that exhibits black excellence in a world that has forgotten the truth and the importance of love. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

When I first heard that my favorite TV station was getting a new soap called beyond the gates I could hardly wait, especially knowing that the cast was based around an African American prominent family, the storyline has never failed my expectations, I try not to ever miss it and if I do I can just about know what went on from where the next day pick up, next to my favorite that I grew up watching from day 1 which is The Y&R it rates #2. I could basically have wrote the script for both, that’s just how in tune I am.

They should have Kat and Tomas get closer and have a lasting relationship like Anita and Vernon that interesting and they can show the struggles they have in getting there but also the strength they gain

Loved everything! Although I loved the Jackson 5 version….. MY version of Never Can Say Goodbye was by Miss Gloria Gaynor! That version kicked ass on the dance floor !
I was in ninth grade in 1974-1975 and I was a huge Days fan due to my Mama!

Did not know he wrote much less he is 80 my goodness Such a treat

Beyond the Gates

‘Beyond the Gates’ vs. ‘The Young and the Restless’ in a Soap Opera Showdown on ‘Flip Side’ Season 3 Premiere

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BTG and Y&R

CBS daytime dramas, Beyond the Gates and The Young and the Restless go head-to-head when two featured cast members from each show compete on the syndicated game show, Flip Side for its season 3 premiere.

Hosted by Jaleel White (best known as Steve Urkel from Family Matters) and filmed near Atlanta, Georgia, daytime drama fans should circle Monday, September 14th when you can catch: representing Team BTG, Colby Nixon (Kat Richardson) and RhonniRose Mantilla (Chelsea Hamilton), and Representing Team Y&R, Bryton James (Devon Hamilton) and Lily Winters (Christel Khalil).

In the upcoming soap opera showdown, the competing teams will win prize money for the charities of their choosing, when White tests both teams on how they think opposite groups of people feel about the same topic, and to see which team will make it to the final round.

Photo: CBS

Flip Side’s loglines shares that it’s “an original, laugh out-loud survey-based game show that pits two teams of contestants against each other, testing them on how they think opposite groups of people feel about the same topic. The teams compete for a shot at $10,000 by guessing the top answers based on anonymous surveys – which can be provocative, surprising, and often humorous. Throughout each episode, host Jaleel White brings a fun and comedic energy to the show while also guiding the contestants through the questions.”

Season three leans deeper into exploring relationships, dating, social behaviors and everyday life situations that viewers can relate to. Season three also features multiple celebrity episodes benefiting charity kicking off with the CBS soap showdown.

In addition to airing Monday to Friday in syndication on stations across the country, Flip Side has a second run on Game Show Network. So, check your local listings for times in your area, or catch Flip Side on GSN.

So, who do you think wins the soap opera showdown between BTG’s Colby and RhonniRose vs. Y&R’s Bryton and Christel? Make your picks in the comment section. But first, check out a bit of the action from the episode below.

 

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CBS Announces Fall Preview and Season Premieres for ‘Beyond the Gates’ ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ and ‘The Young and the Restless’

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CBS Fall Preview

CBS announced on Thursday, September 10, their fall storyline previews, season premiere dates and broadcast milestones for its daytime line-up which has held the top spot as the highest-rated network in daytime for 40 consecutive seasons.

The line-up includes daytime dramas: Beyond the Gates, The Bold and the Beautiful, The Young and the Restless, plus gams shows, The Price is Right which continues to be the #1 show on daytime television and Let’s Make a Deal.

Coming up, B&B celebrates its 40th anniversary, Drew Carey marks 20 years as host of daytime’s The Price is Right, while Beyond the Gates will kick-off their 3rd season in December and Y&R continues its dominance at the number #1 daytime drama and the most nominated soap going into the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards on October 30.Ā  Here’s what to look for this fall below!

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS

CBS’ longest-running scripted series and 2026’s most Daytime Emmy Award-nominated series continues with its 54th season on Thursday, October. 8, and its 37th season as Daytime’s #1 drama on the broadcast television season.

Look for: Victor Newman (Eric Braeden) to stop at nothing to protect his family, taking decisive control of the situation with Matt Clark (Roger Howarth) while refusing to allow anything to threaten Nick’s (Joshua Morrow) sobriety. Victor presents Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott) with an intriguing business opportunity that could serve as an ulterior motive to cause havoc for his nemesis, Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman). Phyllis (Michelle Stafford) finally scores a win, but her victory forces her to decide who she truly wants in her life.

In addition, Victoria (Amelia Heinle) and Kyle (Michael Mealor) go to great lengths to keep their casual affair a secret. Stephanie (Vivica A. Fox) supports Nate (Sean Dominic) as he pursues a return to medicine. Lily (Christel Khalil) and Cane (Billy Flynn) mix business with pleasure when they team up to fight Billy’s (Jason Thompson) attempt to gain control of Chancellor Industries. With their wedding fast approaching, Billy has little time to give Sally (Courtney Hope) the support she needs, and the pressure is mounting.

In addition, Michael Fairman TV has learned stories and scripts under Y&R’s new co-head writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, begin to air on November 11.

Y&R is broadcast on weekdays on CBS (12:30-1:30 PM, ET/11:30 AM-12:30 PM, PT) and is available to stream on Paramount+**. The show is produced by Sony Pictures Television Presentation in association with Bell Dramatic Serial Co. and Corday Production, Inc. Sally McDonald is the executive producer. Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor are co-head writers.

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL

The most-watched daily drama in the world kicked off its landmark 40th season this past Tuesday, September 8 on CBS.

In story, a fierce battle between sisters Brooke (Katherine Kelly Lang) and Katie (Heather Tom) is underway, shaking up the Los Angeles fashion industry as Katie’s rising House of Logan takes on Brooke and the mighty Forrester Creations. For the first time ever, the Forresters must navigate mounting financial concerns while the younger generation – Electra (Laneya Grace) and R.J. (Brayan Nicoletti) – rally to help save the family legacy.

Meanwhile, Will (Crew Morrow) and Dylan (Sydney Bullock) grow closer, but the arrival of Dylan’s mother, Darcy (Kelly Sullivan), adds new complications to their relationship as Katie goes on the offensive to help protect her son. Steffy (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) and Carter (Lawrence Saint-Victor) must also grapple with the secret born from one unexpected night together, threatening to upend their respective marriages with Finn (Tanner Novlan) and Daphne (Murielle Hilaire).

With secrets, rivalries and family loyalties colliding, the drama builds toward a shocking twist in celebration of the series’ 40th anniversary in March 2027.

B&B is broadcast on weekdays on CBS (1:30-2:00 PM, ET/12:30-1:00 PM, PT) and is available to stream on Paramount+**. A Bell-Phillip Television production, Bradley Bell is the executive producer and head writer. Casey Kasprzyk also serves as executive producer.

BEYOND THE GATES

CBS’S newest daytime soap strides into fall packed with drama as the hit Daytime Emmy-nominated series continues its second season, with season three beginning Tuesday, December 29.

In story, the Duprees, their friends and foes will wade through a flood of fresh tests and triumphs. While some wrestle rivals old and new, others will fight for their livelihoods … and their lives. Anita (Tamara Tunie) hits a bump in the road on the way to The Articulette’s revival, while Vernon (Clifton Davis) takes charge when he gets news that dredges up the past. Dani (Karla Mosley) and Andre’s (Sean Freeman) marriage meets turbulence when mounting tensions with Bill (Timon Kyle Durrett) and Hayley (Marquita Goings) pull Dani deeper into her ex’s life.

Elsewhere, Martin (Brandon Claybon) defends his family when Smitty (Mike Manning) is dealt a devastating public blow that puts Naomi (Arielle Prepetit) and Jacob (Jibre Hordges) on opposing sides. As some relationships are strained, others are heating up. Sabotage can’t get in the way of Ted (Keith D. Robinson) and Shanice’s (Ernestine Johnson) love as they take things to the next level.

Meanwhile, Nicole (Daphnee Duplaix) is ready for more with Kial (Greg Vaughan). Madison (Kenjah) is a rock to Chelsea (RhonniRose Mantilla) when she and Kat (Colby Muhammad) can’t escape scandal and Vanessa (Lauren Buglioli) and Joey’s (Jon Lindstrom) love life fuels the fire with her daughter Deanna (Angela Fairley). As tensions simmer behind closed doors, a greater threat looms that could flip the entire community on its head.

Beyond the Gates is broadcast weekdays on CBS (2:00-3:00 PM, ET/1:00-2:00 PM, PT) and is available to stream on Paramount+**. The series is produced by CBS Studios, as part of the CBS Studios/NAACP Venture, in partnership with P&G Studios, a division of Procter & Gamble. Created by head writer Michele Val Jean, executive producers include Val Jean, Sheila Ducksworth, Julie Carruthers, Tracey Thomson, Leon W. Russell, Derrick Johnson, Anna Saalfeld and Lela Coffey.

THE PRICE IS RIGHT

Drew Carey will ā€œCome on Down!ā€ for his 20th season as the host of the ever-popular game show and the longest consecutively one in television history. The Emmy Award-winning series returns for its 55th season beginning Monday, September. 21.

This season, Wednesdays are getting even more exciting with ā€œWild Wheel Wednesday.ā€ During the Showcase Showdown, contestants will have the chance to win not only over $100,000, but also a special prize chosen by Drew, making every spin of the Big Wheel even more thrilling. Themed episodes this season include Veteran’s Day, Halloween, Earth Day, Breast Cancer Awareness, Pet Adoption Week, Pride, Cinco De Mayo, St. Patrick’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Week. Returning this season are announcer George Gray and fan-favorite models Rachel Reynolds, Manuela ArbelĆ”ez, Amber Lancaster, James O’Halloran, Devin Goda and Alexis Gaube.

The Price is Right is produced by Fremantle and broadcast on weekdays on CBS (11:00 AM-12:00 PM, ET/10:00-11:00 AM, PT)

LET’S MAKE A DEAL

Emmy Award-winning host Wayne Brady brings more deals, big prizes and surprises when the 18th season of the game show when it returns on Monday, September. 21.

The season premiere includes a brand-new game, ā€œCash Course,ā€ a ball-rolling obstacle course where Traders line up green and gold balls on a custom-designed course for a guaranteed chance to win big cash, with the opportunity to take home a grand prize of $10,000 – but look out for the spinning duck, stone toad and the octopus!

This season also marks a major milestone with the show celebrating its 3,000th episode with Brady as host. The milestone will be commemorated with a special episode airing in January 2027. Returning this season are announcer Jonathan Mangum, model Tiffany Coyne and musician Cat Gray, who all bring their signature blend of improv comedy, music, iconic games and, of course, those infamous Zonks.

Let’s Make a Deal is produced by Fremantle and broadcast on weekdays on CBS (check local listings) and is available to stream on Paramount+**

**(live and on-demand for Paramount+ Premium plan subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs)*.Ā *Paramount+ Premium subscribers will have access to stream live via the live feed of their local CBS affiliate on the service, as well as on-demand. Paramount+ Essential subscribers will not have the option to stream live, but will have access to on-demand the day after the episode airs.

So, which CBS soap opera’s fall preview has you most intrigued? Happy to know that shortly Y&R will begin to air episodes from new head writers Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Conner? Let us know via the comment section below.

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Beyond the Gates

‘Beyond the Gates’ Adds Denzell Dandridge and Khiry Walker as Shanice’s Brothers

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Denzell Dandridge and Khiry Walker

Shanice Johnson’s (Ernestine Morrison) brothers are coming to Fairmont Crest next week on all-new episodes of Beyond the Gates. Be on the lookout for Denzell Dandridge to make his debut as Lamont Johnson and Khiry Walker to debut n the role of Cedric Johnson on the Tuesday, September 8 episode.

In a video preview, Lamont and Cedric make quite a first impression on Dr. Ted Richardson (Keith D. Robinson), who are not so keen on the guy, who is dating their sister. Can Ted get Shanice’s siblings to have a change of heart about him? Stay tuned.

If Khiry Walker looks familiar, he has appeared in numerous television series, films and stage plays including Law & Order: Organized CrimeĀ and The Chair Company.Ā  Denzell Dandridge has also appeared across film and television projects including:Ā Street Code Broken, Coming of Age, itfactorĀ and The Dirty D. Dandridge. In a fun fact, Denzell is actually the great-nephew of acclaimed and groundbreaking actress, Dorothy Dandridge.

In addition, Denzell Dandridge shared on his Instagram about his casting on the CBS soap opera, “All the long nights on set. Countless auditions. Thousands of No’s. But here it is… we finally got our YES.”

Since its inception, Beyond the Gates has focused on the stories of the Dupree and Richardson families, and now with the Johnson family coming into the picture, the series has a chance to expand more characters familial background and back-story to propel future storylines.

Beyond the Gates received 15 Daytime Emmy nominations at the upcoming 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards on Friday night, October 30. The soap opera made Daytime Emmy history by racking up the highest nomination tally for its first time in the competition.

Now below, check out a preview for next week on Beyond the Gates which gives you a first look at Denzell Dandridge and Khiry Walker as Shanice’s brother. Do you hope the writers delve into the siblings story, or do you think they will just be in town to support their sister? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section.

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