Breaking News
British Soap Awards Institute Gender-Neutral ‘Leading Performer’ Category for Upcoming Nominations & Fan Voting
The UK’s British Soap Awards are back after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and with it will come some changes as revealed by ITV who hosts the ceremony.
This year when the nominations are announced on April 22nd, the usual Best Actor and Best Actress prizes will be consolidated into one category – Best Leading Performer. That means that cast members from EastEnders, Coronation Street, Emmerdale, The Doctors, and Hollyoaks no matter the gender will compete against one another if nominated.
The Best Leading Performer category will be one of three that is decided on by fan voting. For full details on categories and voting please go to www.britishsoapawards.tv from next Tuesday 19th April at 10am – the updated 2022 information will be available on the website from this date once the long list opens.
In addition to Best Leading Performer, Best British Soap and Best Family, will also be voted on by the fans. The remaining 14 categories will be decided on a vote from a ‘panel of experts’
Look for the British Soap Awards to return to UK TV in June.
So, what do you think? Do you like the idea of both actors and actresses competing against each other in the Leading Performer category? Would you like to see more gender-neutral categories in award shows here in the U.S.? Comment below.
This is wokeness on steroids!!! Look, I am all for gender equality and inclusion. I understand the need to include trans persons in every part of life, including the British Soap Awards show. A better route would be simply as follows: if a trans person — now I will attempt to use the correct pronouns — is deemed worthy of nomination, then simply include that person in the actor category if the trans person considers himself a male or include that person in the actress category if the trans person considers herself a female. Problem solved…
James
Your solution seems very viable for trans performers. The SAG Awards years ago went with “male actor” and “female actor”. It could be argued that terminology is more excluding than the traditional actor and actress categories of the major award shows.
The Grammys removed gender-specific categories years ago, but television and film are different media entirely. The Daytime Emmys have combined the previously gender-specific guest performance and younger performer categories. It would be peculiar to see one lead category where Maurice Benard competes with Maura West.
Combining the categories could just lead to increased competition and jealousy amongst cast members.
Jamesj75 and Steve: I agree with your analyses. There’s a time when inclusion becomes illogical and doesn’t mean inclusion at all except for those who hold a specific opinion. But you can’t go by me.. I object to unisex bathrooms. If a trans person chooses to use a certain bathroom, fine. But I shouldn’t be forced to use a unisex facility. That doesn’t sound inclusionary to me.
Steve, thank you for your reply. I appreciate your expansion and clarity on these points. I agree with your points about combining categories leading to increased competition and jealousy. If combining the genders would mean fewer nominees, it wouldn’t be fair to limit those who might be considered as nominees. I hadn’t paid attention to the Daytime Emmys guest and younger performer categories. Further, with regard to the Daytime Emmys, it seems that the awards aren’t as meaningful with just four soaps on the air. But that’s certainly not the fault of those still working in the industry.
My understanding is that all performances will be judged on simply just that…overall performance, instead of best male/best female, it’s simply who knocked it out the park period. We’re so use to the actors separated by sex at every awards show, that what makes logical sense appears mind blowing. I think it’s smart.
davlestev1, thank you for your reply and viewpoint. I certainly get what you’re saying (same as with Soaphound), but my mind is still blown. Then, again, I don’t like that the Oscars can have as many as 10 Best Picture nominees when it was traditionally five. Change comes hard for some of us, even when we appreciate and practice diversity and acceptance.
I think this is a strange idea frankly. As Steve notes above, it puts [male actor] and [female actor] against each other; and doesn’t it reduce the number of awards. Don’t like this at all.
I do enjoy voting in the Brit Awards (when I remember)
Bloody ridiculous Gender awards why, ?? Keep it best actor and best actress why change it after all these years?
There is no need for gender neutrality. There should be separate ctegories for best actor and best actress. People are getting ridiculous trying to wipe out any differences between people.
You think ??? Hey let’s strip naked go to a park get down on all fours and pretend we are a dog! Can’t wait until this stupid insanity is shown the door . Women have a vagina Men have a penis deal with it!!
LOL, Kay. But I wonder how long before even those basic distinctions are denied, relabeled, neutered, or banned altogether. I hope I’m long in the grave before that time!
Kay
I agree with you. So sick of all this crap. All these people so unsatisfied with what they were born with, so they just switch it out. As per your last sentence, they can’t deal with what they have so just get a new and improved model. Also these so called greedy, etc,etc doctors ready and willing to load up kids with hormones to help their transition.
I agree, Deborah. The worst part for me is that if I disagree about this topic, I’m labeled a bigot, a hater, or worse. When, in reality, it’s often the opposite. I’ve never labeled anyone the way I’ve seen folks who share our view label us as “haters”. Sorry but two wrongs don’t make a right. Unless I’m “wrong” about that, too.
Breaking News
‘Santa Barbara’ Favorites A Martinez and Marcy Walker, ‘Cruz and Eden’ Reunion Chat, On Demand Replay Available for Half Price (Exclusive)
The love was felt around the world during the Sunday, June 7 livestream conversation featuring enduring Santa Barbara Daytime Emmy winners, A Martinez and Marcy Walker who played Cruz Castillo and Eden Capwell on the iconic NBC soap opera. The popular duo reunited for this special one-day only special event honoring their most memorable of daytime roles.
Santa Barbara was globally a hit, and nothing illustrated that more than having attendees from 20 countries and over four continents participate in and watch the live chat moderated by Melissa Braverman, the author of Santa Barbara: The Complete Story due out this fall.
While many were not able to purchase the initial livestream when the ticket costs were revealed to be $100, A Martinez previously clarified the event was to also raise money for Walker, who is currently facing a very serious health situation, now there is a way to catch the replay at half the price.

Courtesy: MBraverman
HOW YOU CAN STILL CATCH A AND MARCY’S LIVESTREAM
Michael Fairman TV can share exclusively that if you missed the chance to see and listen to what A and Marcy had to say, On demand access is available at the event link for a half price at $50 (guests can contribute up to $100 if they so chose). Like the livestream, 100% of On demand sales for the recording will be available for a limited time only, and also go toward Marcy’s medical expenses.
There was plenty of laughter, tears, and reminiscing through the the two and a half hour chat which included: some memorable footage and images from the love story of Cruz and Eden. At one point, Marcy reflected on the enduring impact and affection for Cruz and Eden. “You hope that whatever you do in this life, that you’ll make an impact of some kind,” expressed Walker. “It doesn’t have to necessarily be wrapped up in success or career or anything like that, but I think we all want desperately to feel like our time here blessed someone. To hear that somebody’s life was even a moment better because of what we did is a massive gift.

Photo: NBC
A AND MARCY’S DESIRE TO WORK TOGETHER AGAIN
In a moment that brought joy to those in attendance, A and Marcy both expressed a sincere hope and desire that one day they can work together again. Martinez explained, “There’s more avenues to pursue now than there have ever been. I would say just keep a good thought for it. I’ve been holding it for decades, and I fully intend to do whatever I can to make it happen. We’re engaged in trying to make it happen. And you know, we’ll see. I know we both want to do it.” Marcy simply nodded and responded “Amen.”
Melissa Braverman shared with Michael Fairman TV, her sentiments on hosting the Santa Barbara favorites. “Seeing A and Marcy together again, even virtually, was an absolute gift. It instantly reminded all of us why we fell so hard for Cruz and Eden in the first place. Their undeniable chemistry leaped off the screen and straight back into our hearts, proving that the magic they created all those years ago hasn’t faded one bit. Sharing in equal parts laughter and tears felt like catching up with old friends. It just meant the world to see them side-by-side again and to see how this incredible fandom showed up for Marcy during such an important time for her.”
So, if you attended the livestream chat with A Martinez and Marcy Walker, what did you enjoy hearing about the most? Now the tickets have dropped to watch the replay On Demand, would you want to check it out? Let us know via the comment section below.
Breaking News
‘Days of Our Lives’ Officially Confirms Ryan Quan Returning as Co-Head Writer Beginning in July

There is definitely a shake-up going down at the writing team at Peacock’s Days of Our Lives. Now, the long-running soap opera has confirmed, what has been previously reported, that current General Hospital breakdown writer, Ryan Quan is heading back to his old stomping grounds in Salem. This time as the series co-head writer.
The appointment of Quan comes with the official news that current co-head writer, Paula Cwikly, who was previously rumored to be departing the series, is not. She is staying with the soap opera and transitioning to a consultant role with the show. Now, Quan will join current co-head writer, Jeanne Marie Ford to steer the ship for the characters on the canvas.
On Wednesday, TV Insider, reported the official confirmation and that Quan will return to DAYS next month in July. In a statement to the outlet, executive producer, Ken Corday expressed, ‘We are lucky to have Ryan back in the fold. There are very few people who have such a deep knowledge and understanding of our show’s history. Stay tuned!”

Photo: JPI
THE FUTURE OF DAYS OF OUR LIVES
Since Days of our Lives unusual production schedule tapes ten-months ahead of air, the new creative team’s vision led by Quan and Jeanne Marie Ford are not expected to stream on Peacock until mid-2027.
Days of Our Lives is currently renewed through its 63rd season. The former NBC soap opera which transitioned to Peacock in September of 2022, celebrate its 60th anniversary in November of 2025.
The writing regime change comes after NBCUniversal Media Chairman Matt Strauss revealed that Peacock is expected to turn a profit for the first time in the current quarter, punctuating their investment with the enduring soap opera on its platform.
As for Quan, his knowledge of Salem is tremendous. Ryan joined Days of Our Lives as a writer’s assistant in 2007 after some time over at Passions. He then spent two decades and held every position on the writing team where he previously served as co-head writer from 2016-17 alongside Dena Higley.
Later, when Ron Carlivati took over as head writer for 7 years in 2017, Quan became his right-hand man and main story consultant for his deep knowledge of the history and the legacy of the show. After Carlivati exited the show in 2024, General Hospital hired Quan in 2025.
So, what do you think about DAYS making it official with Ryan Quan as the new co-head writer of the series alongside Jeanne Marie Ford. What do you think about the fact we won’t see the changes on-screen till 2027? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Breaking News
ABC Announces ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Texas Spin-Off Gets Straight-to-Series Order

In a surprise move, coming a week after ABC unveiled its 2026-2027 fall television schedule, Grey’s Anatomy is getting a new spinoff co-created by the original series’ creator/executive producer Shonda Rhimes.
The new untitled medical drama will be written and executive produced by Rhimes and Grey’s Anatomy showrunner/executive producer Meg Marinis under the Shondaland and 20th Television umbrella. In addition, long-running ‘Grey’s’ star Ellen Pompeo will also serve as an EP of the spinoff.
The upcoming new series will debut midseason in 2027. This will be the first of Grey’s franchise not set in urban city or West Coast locale. According to Deadline, the new “edgy drama is about a team at a rural West Texas medical center — the last chance for care before miles of nowhere.”

Photo: ABC
In a statement, Marinis shared, “I am incredibly excited to expand the Grey’s Anatomy universe. This opportunity will bring new characters and stories to life that will embody the same heart, emotion and connection audiences have loved from Grey’s for more than two decades — all set in my home state of Texas. I am so grateful to Shonda Rhimes for creating this dynamic world and feel so fortunate that I get to be a part of it.”
A NEW GROUP OF DOCTORS IN RURAL TEXAS
The Texas spinoff will feature a a new group of doctors, but there will be some connection to the OG Grey’s Anatomy and possibly to Debbie Allen’s character of Catherine Fox. The amount of episodes in the series order has not yet been determined. Previous Grey’s Anatomy spinoffs were the defunct Station 19 and Private Practice.
Previously, Grey’s Anatomy was renewed for its upcoming 23rd season while the amount of episodes is unclear. The last two seasons the series produced 18 episodes.
It should also be noted, Grey’s Anatomy and the Texas spinoff would likely share a time period, which requires limited-run orders for both with Grey’s premiering in the fall, followed by the spinoff on the midseason programming block.
So, what do you think about a Texas spinoff of Grey’s Anatomy coming in 2027? Who would you like to see from daytime or primetime as some of the featured roles as new doctors? Put on your casting directors hat and let us know via the comment section below.
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