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EXCLUSIVE: Exec Prod Sheila Ducksworth Talks Decision to Shoot ‘Beyond the Gates’ in Atlanta on ‘Soapy Hosted by Rebecca Budig and Greg Rikaart’

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: CBS

On an all-new episode of Soapy Hosted by Rebecca Budig and Greg Rikaart, dropping on Tuesday, July 22nd, Beyond the Gates executive producer, Sheila Ducksworth, is the very special guest where she discusses how daytime’s newest soap opera set up shop and put down its roots in Atlanta, Georgia, plus lining-up the team behind the scenes and the cast in front of the camera.

In an exclusive clip, Ducksworth explains, why when all the other daytime soap operas tape in Los Angeles, she choose Atlanta as the home of Fairmont Crest. “There are a lot of factors,” shared the EP.  “I knew that I could shoot the show in Atlanta. I knew that there were a lot of great people and great talent, great facilities there. So, I knew that we could make this work. We’re over at Assembly Studios and we are the first inhabitants for our production offices as well as for our stages.”

Sheila added “We’re able to customize it and make it exactly what we needed and it’s just fantastic. It’s just a great environment. There was a lot of planning that went into it, and the people that would lead the departments. I have to say all those folks, the heads of the departments, they’re incredible.”

Photo: CBS

Speaking of the department heads at Beyond the Gates, many of whom have held positions on previous daytime soaps have made joined its ranks as Rebecca Budig noted to Greg Rikaart. “She took Julie Carruthers, who was our producer from All My Children and Jeresa Featherstone, our wardrobe designer at the The Bold and the Beautiful, who I knew for like two weeks before she left (for Beyond the Gates),”recalled Budig.

When speaking of the cast including: Cady McClain (Pamela), Tamara Tunie (Anita), and Mike Manning (Smitty) and more, who all have worked on the soaps previous to Beyond the Gates, Ducksworth reiterated, “It’s a great group of people.”

Photo: CBS

In a previous preview clip released over the weekend, Ducksworth spoke on how the cast of Beyond the Gates was assembled, “We’ve wanted it to feel really accessible to everybody. There’s some specificity obviously to the show, but what we’re really dealing in and dwelling in is a universality. People who live inside the gates as well as people who live outside the gates. We have our matriarch and our patriarch with Tamara Tunie and Clifton Davis (Vernon). We are so fortunate. We were so specific about what we wanted, and we were fortunate enough to find the people that we found to populate this world.”

Photo: CBS

Duckworth also noted, “It was no small task and thanks to our casting director, Kim Coleman, and obviously we had a lot of participation, ultimately from CBS and CBS studios, Claudia Lyon, Executive Vice President, Talent and Casting, CBS Entertainment. It’s been like everybody kind of rolled up their sleeves and wrapped their arms around,”What is this task going to look like? What’s the feel of it going to be?” We were fortunate to get Tamara Tunie, as well as Clifton Davis. They lead this family like nobody else could, as the matriarch and the patriarch.”

Soapy Hosted by Rebecca Budig and Greg Rikaart is a new audio and video podcast that dives deep into the legacy, fandom, and enduring appeal of soap operas. Available on Audacy or wherever podcasts are found, full video episodes are released every Tuesday through September 30 on the CBS brand YouTube channel.

Photo: CBS

Upcoming episodes of ‘Soapy’ will include interviews with: Lauralee Bell (Christine Blair, The Young and the Restless), Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos, General Hospital), Tracey Bregman (Lauren Fenmore, The Young and the Restless), Marc Cherry (Creator, Desperate Housewives), Scott Clifton (Liam Spencer, The Bold and the Beautiful), Eva LaRue (ex-Natalia Ramirez, General Hospital), Christian LeBlanc (Michael Baldwin, The Young and the Restless), Cameron Mathison (Drew Cain, General Hospital), Karla Mosley (Dani Dupree, Beyond the Gates), Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter Walton, The Bold and the Beautiful), Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki Newman, The Young and the Restless), Heather Tom (Katie Logan, The Bold and the Beautiful) and the aforementioned,Tamara Tunie.

Now below, watch the exclusive clip from tomorrow’s new episode of Soapy featuring Beyond the Gates executive producer, Sheila Ducksworth speaking on the decision to tape the show in Atlanta, followed by a preview where she speaks on casting the series.

Let us know, what do you think about the newest soap opera being taped in Atlanta, the casting decisions for its main characters and its behind the scenes creatives? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

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Honestly, I think shooting in Georgia is refreshing and the best decision they could have chosen. A lot of the local talent they have found are excellent, as well. And from the looks of it, Assembly Studios is one of the best studios out there right now, so kudos to them for going there, as well.

My current ranking of how I’m enjoying the soaps I watch:
1. DOOL (Love it but miss Ron C)
2. BTG
3. GH
4. Y&R (never recall it being worse)

I agree with your top 2 and yes miss ron c I have to put bold at 3 I gave up on gh a long long time ago and boy are you on point about yandr they could use Ron c I’ve never seen it this bad myself ! Really makes you miss another world Santa Barbara world turns and one life

Thanks for responding, Richard!
I’ve never followed B&B. Goes back to my VCR days when I could only record one show at a time and I was taping Days! Honestly, I pretty much hate watch GH as I despise the characters of Sonny, Carly & Jason. Still, GH is tons better than what passes as Y&R these days…

Beyond the Gates

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

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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

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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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Beyond the Gates

BEYOND THE GATES Preview: Who’s Trying to Silence Hayley?

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Hayley, Beyond the Gates

This week on all-new episodes of Beyond the Gates, Banneker U. homecoming continues on Monday, October 5, when Tyrell (Jaden Lucas Miller) shocks the Duprees and Richardson families, while Bill (Timon Kyle Durrett), Vernon (Clifton Davis), Elon (Malachi Malik) and Joey (Jon Lindstrom) scramble knowing Hayley (Marquita Goings) is in possession of audio recordings that would reveal their involvement in a dark secret.

That secret is a few years back when Martin (Brandon Claybon) killed a racist attacker while severely beating another man named Kenneth, in what followed followed was a  subsequent murder orchestrated by Bill and Joey that was covered up as a “robbery gone wrong!”

Now, in the latest video teaser for the action in and around Fairmont Crest from October 5-9 (see below), Hayley becomes the target as many people want to silence her or gain access to the recordings she has. It was those recording, which Hayley used to blackmail her husband, Bill, in order to stay out of jail for trying to kill him! Oh, what a tangled web we weave.

Tyrell, Martin and Smitty, Beyond the Gates

Photo: CBS

Meanwhile, Bill and Dani’s (Karla Mosley) shared history continues to draw them closer together, while Kat (Colby Nixon) seems to be enjoying her time with Izaiah (Lami), after Eva (Ambyr Michelle) decided not to come to the Banneker homecoming gathering. Will Kat and Izaiah become even closer? Stay tuned.

Now below, check out the official Beyond the Gates spoilers for the action in and around Fairmont Crest this week.

Monday, October 5
Anita hears disturbing news from Vernon. Dani gets the cold shoulder. Bill won’t give up without a fight. Nicole offers Deanna a reality check while Vanessa dodges some big questions. Martin & Smitty enjoy a full house. Jacob & Naomi align their priorities. Tyrell drops a major bombshell on his family.

Tuesday, October 6
Anita and Dani’s update blindsides Nicole. Vernon puts Bill on notice. Hayley scores a big win… at a big cost. Leslie defends her actions. Jacob confronts Izaiah. Kat’s bold words leave Eva shaken. Chelsea issues an important warning.

Wednesday, October 7
Vernon comes to the rescue. Dani presses Bill while Andre troubles Ted. Hayley’s caught totally off guard. Eva faces the future while Izaiah’s distracted. Leslie’s devoted to drama. Marcel and Joey practice persuasion.

Thursday, October 8
Andre dredges up Dani’s past. Anita finds comfort in music while Nicole is candid with Vanessa. Ted and Ashley are in cahoots. Leslie gets Hayley scrambling and Randy is fed up. Noah gives Deanna a different perspective.

Friday, October 9
Vernon shares the ugly truth with Anita. Nicole makes good on a promise. Naomi doesn’t back down. Madison leans on Chelsea after risking it all. Smitty draws a hard line with Martin. Vanessa and Joey hear Heather out. Ted’s trip with Shanice proves unforgettable.

Check out the video preview for this week’s episodes of Beyond the Gates below.

Then let us know, who do you think might be chloroforming Hayley? Will she get away with her blackmail, and be able to out maneuver everyone to continue to have a ‘get out of jail free’ card? What do you think Tyrell has to say during Banneker homecoming that will come as a surprise? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.

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Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

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