News
Brad Bell Shares: "We Are Preparing To Film The Most Glamorous Location Shoot In Soap Opera History" As B&B Set To Visit Australia!
Photo Credit: Gilles Toucas
The Bold and the Beautiful is going to be the show with an exciting milestone in 2017, as the number one series around the world turns 30 years old! There is much planned for the celebration, but an exciting development revealed today has that B&B, who is soap-famous for their exquisite location shoots around the globe, is headed back to Australia for a very special series of episodes. It’s all due in part to a partnership with Quantas, Australia’s national air carrier, who announced the news.
B&B will go down under next month February 12-17 to tape multi-episodes. Series executive producer and head writer, Bradley Bell said in a statement, “This will be an epic celebration for our fans around the world. We are preparing to film the most glamorous location shoot in soap opera history. Collaborating with Qantas, Network TEN and CBS, viewers will witness romance, high style, jaw-dropping twists, harrowing stunts and major cliffhangers, all hallmarks of ‘Bold and Beautiful'”.
Cast members who will be part of the Aussie shoot will be: Scott Clifton (Liam), Don Diamont (Bill), Thorsten Kaye (Ridge), Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke), John McCook (Eric), Rena Sofer (Quinn), Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (Steffy), and Australian’s own Ashleigh Brewer (Ivy),
The last time The Bold and the Beautiful visited Australia to tape some remote episodes was back in 2007, when the show turned 20!
So, what do you think will happen that will bring the characters to Australia? What will be the backdrop of the glamorous location shoot teased by Bell? Comment below!
The latest ratings are out for the week of October 26-30, 2026 and the big takeaways include: that CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates was separated by only 23,000 viewers behind third place (of the soaps) General Hospital! For the last several weeks, Beyond the Gates has been closing the gap on this year’s winner for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series, and continuing to best GH in the key demos.
According to the latest Nielsen ratings breakdown from Soap Opera Network, the final week of October brought Beyond the Gates 1.790 million on average tuning-in and the show set a season high in total viewers. Meanwhile, General Hospital hit a new season low! The long-running ABC soap had 1.813 million for the week, and once again the series did not go over the 2 million mark.
Meanwhile, in the key Women 18-49 demo, Beyond the Gates was firmly ahead of GH with a rating share of 0.21, while General Hospital had 0.17 rating share.Then, in the key Women 25-54 demo, Beyond the Gates was once again ahead of the ABC soap with a ratings share for that demo at 0.30 while GH came in with 0.26.
Photo: CBS
MORE BY THE NUMBERS
In addition and comparatively, Beyond the Gates +22,000 viewers week-to-week, and had the largest gains in viewership year-to-year in daytime TV with +267,000 from this in 2025.. However, General Hospital seems to be going in reverse. The show was down -56,000 viewers week-over-week and down -22,000 year-over-year .
BEYOND THE GATES
Let’s take a look at some of the storylines that had people tuning-in to Beyond the Gates during the ratings week:
Hayley (Marquita Goings) attempted a massive shocker regarding her pregnancy and tried to use it to extract money from Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett). Although, Bill saw right through her game, he demanded a paternity test, and made it clear he has no intention of raising the child—planning instead to pay her off to take the baby and leave. Meanwhile, Hayley confided her plan to her cousin Randy (Maurice P. Kerry).
Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) and Naomi Hamilton (Arielle Prepetit) clashed over Jacob’s ongoing investigation into The Impaler, causing significant strain in their marriage. At the same time, Smitty (Mike Manning) considered taking matters into his own hands—including potentially heading to Mexico for evidence—while Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) worried about what comes next.
Photo: ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL
Over at General Hospital for the ratings period, the story served up included:
Carly (Laura Wright) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) teamed up to investigate what really happened to Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna). Later, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) leads them to Jack’s dead body.
Jude (Wil Traval) dropped a bombshell claim to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn); that he is Phoebe’s father, while Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) signed their divorce papers.
Then, Danny caught Rocco (Finn Carr) and Scout (Kayden Brenna Tokarski) sharing a kiss, plus the shocking return of Heather Webber (Alley Mills) capped the week.
Now the questions become; without having much promotional synergy in the ABC day-part to draw more eyeballs it is not helping but hurting General Hospital. It seems Beyond the Gates is also a benefactor of a one-two-three punch of CBS soaps (Y&R, B&B and BTG) and promotion.
However, that still doesn’t take away the fact that Beyond the Gates is close to besting GH in all ratings category as they go head-to-head in some markets across the country.
So, are you excited to see Beyond the Gates climb in the ratings? Are you concerned for General Hospital? Do you think they can stave off Beyond the Gates in total viewers or will the upstart soap overtake them in the next ratings report? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Antonio Sabáto Jr., the former Jagger Cates of General Hospital and GH: Night Shift, and the former Dante Damiano of The Bold and the Beautiful has issued his first public statement since the incident involving his son, Jack’s arrest in Alaska for a fatal hit-and-run.
Jack is the son of Sabáto Jr. and Oscar-nominated actress Virginia Madsen, and according to court documents obtained by KTUU Jack, was allegedly driving a white Chevy Tahoe when he hit and killed Carl Simmonds, 42, near an intersection in Anchorage around 5:35 a.m. on Monday, November 9.
The reports indicated that Jack fled the scene — but later decided to called the cops to say he hit “something” that “suddenly appeared in the road” while he was “doing late-night DoorDashing.”
Photo: NBC
Now, Antonio has taken to his Instagram breaking his silence on the situation, sharing, “At this time, my family and I are navigating an extremely sensitive and deeply personal matter.”
He added, “As a father, my love for my children remains unconditional, and my priority is the well-being of my family. We ask that the public and members of the media honor our privacy during this difficult time and keep us all in your thoughts and prayers.”
The soap alum concluded, “I also wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the gentleman who tragically lost his life. My thoughts and prayers are with them as well. We sincerely appreciate your compassion, understanding, and respect for the privacy of everyone affected.”
Jack Sabáto was arraigned in court on Tuesday, November 10 with bail set at $5,000, and a no-driving order and the potential of $5,000 penalty fees if he fails to attend future court appearances.
Antonio is the father to Jack, 34, daughter, Mina Sabato, 24 and son, Antonio Sabáto III, 15.
This is a developing story. You can check out Antonio’s official statement below.
So, let us know your thoughts on this tragic hit-and-run, which claimed the life of another man, and Antonio’s statement, via the comment section below.
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Days of our Lives long-running cast member James Reynolds revealed on the November 10 edition of Entertainment Tonight that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and his character of Abe Carver will now be going through an on-screen Parkinson’s battle as well.
Speaking with ET’s Nischelle Turner, the 80-year-old actor and Daytime Emmy winner shared how he attempted to hide the warning signs dating back to 15-20 years ago when he would have, “What they call the hallucinations. My wife (Lissa) would say, ‘You were hitting me last night in bed,’ and I would say, ‘What?!’ I was having these really horrible dreams.” Reynolds also added that he realized falling out of bed was an early symptom of Parkinson’s too.
Discussing the on-going tremors that have become more noticeable over time especially in hands, James shared that when he finally told the Days of our Lives cast they were nothing but “extraordinarily helpful and supportive.”
Photo: ET
SCREEN LIFE TO MIRROR REAL LIFE
Now with DAYS about to launch into Abe’s Parkinson’s storyline, Reynolds hopes that he can turn his experience into something positive by encouraging others facing the disease to keep fighting. During the sit-down, Reynolds co-star Jackée Harry (Paulina Price) recalls her reaction to learning of Reynolds’ real-life diagnosis and how she has continued to search for new treatments to inform James about.
Although Parkinson’s disease currently has no cure, there are medications and treatments can help those manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The condition progresses at a different pace from individual to individual.
As discussed in his conversation with ET, Reynolds cited Michael J. Fox and Alan Alda as two high-profile celebrities who have brought awareness to the disease.
Photo: JPI
In story on DAYS, Abe in recent weeks had been experiencing tremors which led to seek help and a diagnosis Dr. Kayla Johnson (Mary Beth Evans). Soon Abe and others will find out of his battle with Parkinson’s. Although on the promo for this week’s DAYS, Abe is seen telling Kayla, that he will do something, “when the time is right.”
James Reynolds is one of the most prolific performers, being the longest-running Black Actor in a role on a television series, not to mention his aforementioned Lead Actor Daytime Emmy win in 2018, and being inducted in 2025 into the Daytime Emmy Gold and Silver Society of honorees.
You can check out James’ in-depth conversation on his Parkinson’s diagnosis below.
Share your thoughts for James after learning of his health battle, and what do you think of Days of our Lives incorporating the disease into Abe Carver’s Salem storyline? Let us know in the comment section.
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Inches Closer to ‘General Hospital’ in Total Viewers
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
Antonio Sabáto Jr. Breaks Silence on His Son’s Arrest for Fatal Hit-and-Run
DANCING WITH THE STARS: A Shocking Elimination on Grammy Night Leaves Ballroom Silenced
Y&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
‘Days of our Lives’ Veteran James Reynolds Reveals Parkinson’s Diagnosis
Y&R’s Matt Cohen Talks Role as Compassionate Zookeeper in Rom-Com ‘Christmas at the Zoo’
Alice Halsey Returns to ‘Days of our Lives’ as Rachel Black – Find Out How Long!
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News3 days agoY&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
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Previews4 days agoTHE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
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General Hospital3 days ago‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
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Days Of Our Lives4 days ago‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
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Days Of Our Lives7 days ago‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
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Those trips have money backing . Airline, travel agency, plaements etc etc..
CBS has good advertising partners and scratching of palms..
good for them they know how to work it..
Su…I agree. Better than just product placement in scenes. And my goodness, couldn’t GH/ABC work a travel arrangement through Disney Travel. They go lots of places.
Hey Rose…it would seem ABC doesn’t have the budget for these trips which is the same reason I think they’re hiring younger actors instead of using vets which command higher salaries. Until/if the GH ratings go up which translates to more advertising dollars, they’re pretty much grounded in Port Charles…
Maybe it could come out of the Disney advertising/promo budget. Disney Vacations still has to market themselves, their cruises and international destinations. For instance if they play up Cassadine Island again, it could be nice to see some beaches, and other reasons Greece makes for a good destination. One can hope.
rena/quinn and john/eric renew their vows steam gets married either bridge or brill get married.
More cheesy treats….
It’s a wedding storyline. It’s always a wedding storyline. Meh
Who cares where you shoot if it’s the same lame story over, and over, and over……..
Brooke n ridge wedding, or bill interupting the wedding or ridge n quinn secret bout their kiss
Yep. Sooooooo unpredictable! LOL.
Filming beautiful scenes in lush locations has never been a problem for B&B. It’s always been story. I hope that they will use this opportunity to move these 8 characters (Quinn, Eric, Brooke, Bill, Ridge, Steffy, Ivy and Liam) in new directions because the show is same old, same old, and based on Nielsen ratings, people aren’t liking what they’re seeing. I’m hoping Bill and Brooke get married, Quinn and Eric stay married, and Ridge is out in the cold. Ivy is shown so rarely, I hope she has more to do than to try to break up Liam and Steffy. It all starts on the page, B&B, and you have to do better.
Sounds like fun, and certainly a great break for the same old, tired story sets…and this applies to all soaps. Too bad they aren’t bringing Wyatt for Ivy.
I like Wyatt and Ivy too but didn’t she also have a thing for Liam? Wyatt is so good-looking and charming, he shouldn’t be the lesser brother who always gets his brother’s “rejects.” (And by that I don’t mean any of these girls are rejects…they’re all stunning and worthy…but rejects in the sense rejected by Liam.)
On a side note…we have to wait sooooo long for both Poldark and Outlanders. These season breaks are ridiculous.
Can’t wait. Sounds fabulous. B&B always does great location shoots.
I cant wait to see what the show has to bring. I’ve been watching B&B for many years and I’ve always been intrigued by what it has to offer. Now my 4 yr old granddaughter watches it and has been into it for a year. Keep up the good work.
Beautiful scenery with rinse, wash, repeat, and , repeat storylines, repeat………
OMG I CANNOT WAIT! When Brad promises jaw dropping twists, he delivers! Maybe Hope will pop up Down Under!
Steffy and Liam location wedding!! And even, maybe, Bill and Brooke wedding??
As I read the names of the cast going to Australia, I happily noticed that Wyatt was missing. Yay! Dislike that character. Insipid, whiny and needy.
Hi Daisy, I have always thought of the character that way!
Not me. I love Wyatt.
While you’re waiting, there is at least a coloring book for Outlanders. :)))
Wow…I didn’t know about the coloring book. I actually might get it! Funny, now it’s the “trendy” thing..for adults to color. But before the trend I have actually bought kids coloring books a few times, got myself some crayons…glass of red wine…put on some nice music. Very fun, relaxing…cathartic.
Drawing Jamie/Sam’s face would, however, add an extra spark to my crayon!
I watched the news tonight and it sent chills up my spine.
I thought you were describing Liam. 🙂
My guilty pleasure is B&B and I love Australia! Love the idea of B&B filming there and can’t wait to see what happens.
I am closerthanthis to dropping B&B I find the story lines repetitive. And location shots are nice but find B&B uses more time airing scenic shots
I’m looking forward to it. For those complaining about the same old story lines, they must be doing something right with the current ratings here and internationally. I tend to agree however about those same tired story lines, wash, rinse and repeat.
I hope that Ivy gets back her accent. It was ridiculous to make her lose it in the first place. It’s part of her charm.
So who is NOT getting married this time?
Australia again?!! There are other beautiful countries that could offer great backdrops that the show hasn’t been to. I suggest Canada; Montreal, Quebec City, Vancouver, the Maritimes.. come on up, B&B!
Ummm— correct me if I am wrong but aren’t those characters pretty the whole cast right now- oh sure there are other characters but how often are they on screen? Poor Australians they will never know the joy of one of Pam’s lemon bars- LOL
Mary SF…It would be nice if B&B did an on-line, mini-cookbook with Pam’s recipes. It’s not totally unheard of when a popular character likes to cook. Patricia Cornwell did a real cookbook based on Dr. Kay Scarpetta from her popular series, who would unwind from her high pressure job by going home and cooking. You would get hungry just reading those parts of the book…just like Pam’s lemon bars. There are other authors who have done the same, they just don’t come to mind right now.
Spoiler*
Ivy suggests Liam and Steffy get married in Australia. I can’t believe BandB is going to continue to add to viewer fatigue with these two characters. It’s ridiculous. So sick of steffy Every. Single. Day.
I really hope that this will be a STEAM wedding location. Those of us who love them have waited FOREVER for this moment. I can’t wait. In any even, thanks Bell for the STEAM scenes of late. I agree with what Steffy said to Liam….”Nothing boring about us…never will be.” To that end, this location and the drama should be great. I’m also loving the blooming connection with Quinn and Ridge.
As long as it just stays a connection…but we know it won’t, or a nosy neighbor could stir the pot.
Can’t wait. I really hope that this will be a BRILL wedding location, an epic Brill reunion to celebrate the 30th anniversary would be perfect!!!Brooke needs to dump Ridge and his cheating ass soon and run back to Bill. Brill are number 1 in cbs soaps indepth mag .it is the 5th week. It is a huge accomplishment and Brill fans need to be rewarded for their loyalty and devotion.
Congratulations Mr. Bell I love watching B&B. I hope to watch every episode that is filmed in Australia. Can’t wait, woohoo!!
The Bold & the Beautiful rock!
Y-E-T more scenes featuring that IDIOTIC twosome of Liam/Steffy. That figures……….
Betcha we will get a lot of flashbacks in the near future from this trip. Just today we had to see all the Steffy and Liam weddings flashbacks shown again and again and yet again.