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EXCLUSIVE: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Stars Daphnee Duplaix and Keith D. Robinson Talk Hope for a Ted/Nicole Reconciliation, Trisha Mann-Grant and Jennifer Hudson

By Michael Fairman

Published

1 year ago

on

Photos: CBS

This week, two of the stars of Beyond the Gates, Daphnee Duplaix (Nicole) and Keith D. Robinson (Ted) talked about the state of the relationship of the soap opera’s Ted and Nicole Dupree Richardson, when after Ted got drunk and slept with none other than Dana/Leslie (Trisha Mann-Grant), any chance of a reconciliation went south.

In addition, Robinson, just released the music video for his single Forever Bae which not only was featured on an episode of the CBS soap, but also features Daphnee Duplaix in the story of the video keeping it within the ups and down and struggles of Ted and Nicole.

During their livestream chat on the Michael Fairman Channel, Daphnee and Keith answered a myriad of questions including: Robinson being the first recast in the young series history, working with scene stealer Trisha Mann-Grant who has turned their on-screen worlds upside and down, plus their previous roles including Keith starring opposite Jennifer Hudson as her brother, C.C. White, in the movie adaptation of Dreamgirls (2006), and Daphne’s ‘dream true come true moment’ when she was part of the cast  One Life to Live as Rachel Gannon (2009-2010) and more. Here are some excerpts below.

Photo: CBS

Daphnee, what was your impression when you first met Keith and did you think he was the right pick for the role of Ted?

DAPHNEE: We had to do a chemistry test together. I did have to test with, I think it was about four great actors. Then, I was asked my opinion, you know, if I had 2 cents in it (who would I chose). And for me, Keith had stole the role. It wasn’t my (ultimate) decision, but they listened. In the story, we fell in love with Ted immediately just the way he loved his wife. and he also holds himself up in this very regal way, like king, stature. Keith definitely had both of those things when he came into the character, and he showed up like day one. His day one, he was thrown into the fire.

Keith, you came in at a pivotal point in the storyline; right after Leslie and Eva (Ambyr Michelle) revealed themselves at Ted and Nicole’s anniversary party and its fallout. Did you know the gravity of the scenes you would be stepping into when you debuted?

KEITH: Honestly, I wasn’t aware of the stakes. I just wanted to get through scene. I didn’t go beyond it, I was really focused having a great scene with my scene partner. So the stakes were not even in the equation. As I got further away from it, I realized now that the stakes were mighty high. But I’ve always approached it like that. I never looked down. I just look forward. So I just came in and just wanted to get through the scene without tripping.

Photo: CBS

What has it been like working opposite Trisha Mann-Grant?

KEITH: All the actors on the show are exceptional. I think Trish has such a toolbox, a treasure box. You never know what’s going to come out of her mouth, or how she’s gonna take the information, and spit it back out, deliver it. She’s a bit of a magician in that way. So, I mean, she’s talented. She’s the Jekyll. You don’t know what you’re gonna get, or how she’s gonna deliver it. You just kinda gotta be ready. She finds things on the page that you don’t really see until she says them.

Photo: JPI

Daphnee, you were the last actress to play Rachel Gannon on One Life to Live, the on-screen daughter of Emmy-winner, Hillary B. Smith (Nora Gannon Buchanan). What do you recall about your time in Llanview, and what it meant to you, personally?

DAPHNEE: I remember my first day. and I was an ABC girl. I grew up watching All My Children, One Life to Live and General Hospital. So, I’m literally sitting there staring at Victoria Lord, like she’s speaking to me, and I’m like, “This is not real right now! It’s Erika Slezak this is not real! This is not happening.” And then there was Robin Strasser (ex-Dorian), and Hillary B. Smith. I’m just like, ‘Oh, my God.’ I’ve literally been watching these people my entire life and now I get to work with them.

Photo: Paramount

Keith, tell what is was like to work with Jennifer Hudson and play her brother, in the 2006 film adaptation of Dreamgirls?

KEITH: It was awesome. She really was like my sister. She was new to the business and I was fairly new. I was about five or six years in, and we kind of took that experience on with each other. We were the ones that were kind of like, “It’s Beyonce, she’s coming down the hall. Is that Eddie Murphy?” We were kind of like in this amusement park, like we had won this walk on roll with these stars. That’s how it kind of felt in the beginning. So we kind of grew into our roles. To see where Jennifer went after that was amazing. I think we all got to go home and Jennifer was on the road promoting the movie and she got that hardware (The Oscar), which was well-deserved.

Photo: VeVo

The music video for “Forever” Bae features Daphnee, for obvious reasons, and you have said the song feels like it’s about the everlasting love of Ted and Nicole, even though dark times.

KEITH: There was no other person who could have done it and who I wanted to do it. It made perfect sense. The song is serendipitous because that’s my actual wedding song that I played at my wedding, but didn’t get a chance to play the whole song to my ex-wife named Nicole. So, I thought I would never play the record again. And then I pulled it out and it fit perfectly for this. So I was like, I have to have Daphnee star in my video. Thank you, Daphne. Thank you!

Photo: CBS

The million dollar question; is there any hope for a reconciliation for Ted and Nicole, any time soon, or are we looking years from now?

DAPHNEE: We are taping about four months in advance. I believe that there is hope. This is what I will say. I believe that there will be hope for some sort of reconciliation; when I have no idea. The world we live in, they literally could drag this out for five years, and then we’re back together for five years, and then we are broken up again for five years. That’s how this world works. I think it’s going to be a constant rollercoaster ride.

KEITH: That’s going to be a huge episode though, if we ever get the chance, if Ted and Nicole ever give in to one another, that’s going to be a cliffhanger!

Now below, check out our livestream chat with Daphnee and Keith which includes additional topics then covered up on the Michael Fairman Channel.

So, place your bets; do you see Ted and Nicole finding their way back together anytime soon? Could you see them married to other people, and then at some point, something happens that throws them into each others orbit, they can’t resist each other, they want to get back together, but now they are tangled up in other relationships? Thoughts? Let us know in the comment section.

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Beyond the Gates

‘Beyond the Gates’ Actress Jen Jacob Reveals Pregnancy

Published

2 days ago

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October 13, 2026

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Congratulations are in order for Jen Jacob (Ashley Morgan, Beyond the Gates) and her husband, musician Jesse Ruben. The two will be welcoming their first baby girl to their growing family in March of 2027 after Jacob that she is pregnant!

Jen took to her Instagram account and shared sonogram images of the couple’s little bundle of joy growing inside of her. She captioned the montage of images, “Mom & Dad have entered the chat. Baby girl coming March 2027 🩷” The post is set to the music of Thurston Harris’ “Little Bitty Pretty One.”

This marks the first child for the duo who have been married for the last 8 years and recently celebrated their wedding anniversary just last week on October 7.

Jen and Ben

Photo: JjacobIG

Ruben wrote on the occasion, “Eight years ago today, I got to marry my favorite person. Jen Jaccob, hank you for saying yes, and being the best, most patient and kind and loving partner. How lucky am I, to get to do life with you. I love doing life with you.”

BEYOND THE GATES CAST OVERJOYED

Upon the news, several of Jen’s Beyond the Gates costars were on the ready and jumped in the post comment thread including: Daytime Emmy nominee Arielle Prepetit (Naomi).“I’m gonna be an auntieeeee!! Yasss!♥️” That was followed by RhonniRoseMantilla (Chelsea), who aded, “YAYYYYY BTG BABY BTG BABYYYY💕💕💕”

Daytime Emmy nominee, Karla Mosley (Dani) wrote, “❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ love love LOVE – there aren’t enough hearts in the world.” Meanwhile, Daphnee Duplaix (Nicole) added, “Can’t wait for our newest family member!!!!” Lauren Buglioli (Vanessa) expressed: “EEEEEE!!! Aunt Lauren loves you baby girllll”

Ashley Morgan

Photo: CBS

WILL THE CBS SOAP OPERA FOLLOW SUIT AND MAKE ASHLEY PREGNANT?

Meanwhile on CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates, Ashley still remains unlucky in love. Her ex-boyfriend, Derek Baldwin (Ben Gavin) died, she had initially split with suitor Grayson Perez (Jordi Vilasuso) after the The Impaler blood plasma reveal, but now seems back together with him. Previously, Ashley had a flirtation with Andre Richardson (Sean Freeman), which could still come back around in the future.

No word yet if Ashley will become pregnant on-screen during the time of Jen’s pregnancy or if she will be hiding behind the nurses station desk to cover her baby bump at Garland Memorial Hospital.

Share your congrats to Jen and Ben on the announcement of their baby on the way via the comment section, and let us know if you think Beyond the Gates should or will, write Jen’s pregnancy into the story for Ashley?

 

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Beyond the Gates

BEYOND THE GATES Preview: Hayley and Ashley Spell ‘Double Trouble’

Published

4 days ago

on

October 10, 2026

By

Hayley and Heather

Next week on all-new episodes of the soap that has everyone talking, CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates, Hayley (Marquita Goings) and Heather (Ashley Jones) are thrown into each other’s orbit, especially when conniving Heather seems to hatch a plan.

In the video teaser for what goes down in the DMV October 12-16, while at Uptown, Heather seems to order a drink for her new friend, who turns out to be Hayley. Suspicious, Hayley says to Heather, “How do you know my name?” But anybody with a bone to pick with Heather’s brother Joey (Jon Lindstrom) can be of use to her! Has Hayley met her match?

Meanwhile, Heather is seeing purring over Carlton (Robert Christopher Riley) and using a letter opener to open his shirt!

Then, after Vernon Dupree (Clifton Davis) took matters into his own hands last week and rescued the kidnapped Hayley, he believes he struck a deal with her to keep her mouth shut about the secret of Martin’s (Brandon Claybon) past and what happened in the racist attack that the Dupree family, Bill (Timon Kyle Durrett) and Joey have tried to contain for the last few years. However, now Vernon calls Joey about a problem and Joey guesses the problem’s name is Hayley Lawson!

At Garland Memorial Hospital, Ashley (Jen Jacob) congratulates Shanice (Ernestine Johnson) on her engagement to Ted (Keith D. Robinson). However, Nicole (Daphnee Duplaix) happens upon the scene and has a very different reaction to the news. In addition, Kat (Colby Nixon) gets pretty snotty with Eva (Ambyr Michelle)! 

Now below, check out the official Beyond the Gates spoilers for the week.

Monday, October 12
Nicole comes clean to Dani. Vernon and Anita defend their family. Naomi and Smitty prepare for the worst. Bill revels in victory, but Hayley takes another jab. Izaiah extends an invite to Elon, while Jacob wants new Impaler intel

Tuesday, October 13
Martin waits for big news, while Smitty waits in shame. Nicole does an about face with Ted. Naomi shuts Jacob down. Samantha challenges Tyrell. Ashley steps in when Shanice is overwhelmed. Carlton’s dalliance with Heather takes a sharp turn.

Wednesday, October 14
Vernon’s on high alert while Bill’s left out of the loop. Dani puts her foot down with Chelsea. Nicole tries to steady Samantha amidst slander. Naomi feels the heat when Jacob comes under fire.

Thursday, October 15
Anita and Nicole fight for optimism. Martin’s declaration gets derailed. Bill wants more from Dani and finds common ground with Ted. Naomi has a plan for proof. Joey’s admission shocks Vanessa. Hayley meets her match.

Friday, October 16
Andre loses his cool in front of Dani. Naomi takes Bill by surprise. Leslie hears some hard news. Eva snaps and Kat claps back. Hayley attempts to make good with Randy. Heather moves in on Joey.

Check out the action in and around Fairmont Crest next week on Beyond the Gates below.

Now let us know, are you enjoying the deliciously wicked personalities of Hayley and Heather? What do you hope happens next? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

 

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Beyond the Gates

‘Beyond the Gates’ Fall Preview: Michele Val Jean Reveals Twists and Turns in Fairmont Crest, Teases New Faces

Published

7 days ago

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October 8, 2026

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Beyond the Gates Preview

Beyond the Gates continues to be the buzzy and noteworthy soap opera as it heads deeper into the fall. With 15 Daytime Emmy nominations (a record for a first-time nominated show), the action on-screen has been just as exciting as of late.

Now, series creator, head writer, and executive producer, Michele Van Jean teases what viewers of the CBS soap opera can look forward to in the months ahead and into 2027 with TV Insider.  Val Jean clarified that the show is already written into April of next year with new faces joining the cast down the line.

Michele shared, “As we go down the journey with The Articulettes, that path is going to lead back to (their manager) Dante Green. So, we’re going to be seeing him eventually. It’s not imminent because we write really far in advance, but you’ll be meeting Dante Green. And then we have a female robbery/homicide cop that’s going to come onto the canvas eventually.”

DANGEROUS, DUPLICITOUS AND DEADLY

While that’s a bit down the line, here’s a few tidbits for a few of the core characters happening soon; starting with the matriarch and the patriarch of the Dupree family, Anita (Tamara Tunie) and Vernon (Clifton Davis). ”

“They’re going to steer their family and community through some troubling times,” explains Michele. Adding, “Anita will get to make exciting moves in her music career as we started to see with The Articulettes, but she’s going to meet with some unexpected obstacles along the way that will test how much she really wants this. Vernon will not be afraid to take serious measures to protect his family and bring down anyone who threatens them.”

Speaking of “serious measures to bring down anyone who threatens the Dupree family,” let’s find out what’s in the future for Hayley Lawson (Marquita Goings): “This fall, she will be brilliant, beautiful, and cold as ever. She’s definitely not done scheming, and she’s not done with Bill, I’ll tell you that,” assets Val Jean. “She’s good at making bad situations work in her best interest, and we’ll get to see her do plenty of it.”

Dani and Andre

Photo: CBS

HOW TO SURVIVE A MARRIAGE

As for Dani Dupree (Karla Mosley) and Andre Richardson’s (Sean Freeman) marriage, trouble ahead!  Michele explains “She’s (Dani) going to find her marriage and herself in danger and be forced to make some severe decisions. And Andre’s secrets will catch up to him in the worst way possible as Heather closes in to make good on her threats.”

Meanwhile, Dani’s sister Nicole (Daphnee Duplaix) makes inroads with her relationship with Dr. Kial Rollins (Greg Vaughan). However, Val Jean warns by year’s end,”Her (Nicole) world will flip completely upside down in a way no one sees coming, including her.”

Finally, the warring brother sister duo of Joey (Jon Lindstrom) and Heather Armstrong  (Ashley Jones) will get even more intense and fraught. According to Michele, “Joey will wrestle with the reality that his sister is not who she used to be. And as Heather sinks her teeth further into the community, she’ll go to new despicable lengths for chaos and control, but she may not get the last laugh. You’ll have to watch it.”

So, what are you looking forward to the most this fall on Beyond the Gates? What is your favorite storyline right now? When the soap opera casts the character of Dante Green down the line, and a new female cop, who do you think would be a great fit for the roles? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

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