General Hospital
Dancing with the Stars Season 18 Cast Revealed: The Price Is Right's Drew Carey, EX-GH Night Shift's Billy Dee Williams and Olympians Charlie White & Meryl Davis Among Competitors!

Courtesy/ABCGMA
This morning on ABC’s Good Morning America, the official announcement was made of the season 18 cast of Dancing with the Stars! The newest ballroom dance competition begins when the couples hit the floor on March 17th (8PMEST two-hour premiere) on ABC!
In a first for DWTS, the competition this season will feature a new game changing twist called “The Switch Up.” America will be given the power to vote and change celebrities and professional dance pairings. This new rule will affect all couples as they will be required to switch partners at a point in the season. Never before have dance partnerships been split up during the course of competition.
This change. along with Erin Andrews becoming Tom Bergeron’s new co-host displacing Brooke Burke-Charvet, are just a few of the changed the series is making in an attempt to bolster the ratings! Now on to the competitors …

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A couple of faces familiar to daytime audiences are in the show this season, chief among them The Price is Right’s host, Drew Carey, and former GH: Night Shift star Billy Dee Williams (Ex-Touissant)! Drew will be paired with Cheryl Burke, while Billy Dee will dance with Emma Slater!
Other competitors include: newly crowned Olympic Ice Dancing Gold Medalists, Charlie White and Meryl Davis, but they wil,l of course, split up for DWTS! Charlie will dance with Sharna Burgess, while Meryl will dance with none other than bad boy Maksim Chmerkovskiy, who is returning to the ballroom floor this season!
The Real Housewife of Atlanta’s and Glee star, Nene Leakes will dance with Tony Dovolani, former Pro Hockey Star, Sean Avery gets to hit the floor with Karina Smirnoff, inspirational speaker and author, Candace Cameron Bure will strut her stuff with Mark Ballas, James Maslow of “Big Time Rush” will partner with Peta Murgatroyd, author and actress, Danica McKellar will dance with Val Chmerkovskiy, world record holder and champion swimmer, Diana Nyad will dance with first time pro dancer in the competition, Henry Byalikov, Special Olympics athlete Amy Purdy will dance with Derek Hough, and teen star from Australia, Cody Simpson will perform with Witney Carson!
So what do you think of the line-up? Who do you think by the initial pairings looks like the frontrunners? Looks like a lot of athletes are part of the competition this year, so let us know your thoughts!
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
Many things are coming up roses for Jonathan Bennett! On the heels of the news that he is set to debut this month in the role of Joe Fitzpatrick on General Hospital, who is rumored to be a new love interest for Lucas Jones (Van Hansis), comes the news that Bennett’s reality series, Finding Mr. Christmas has received 3 nomination for the Critics Choice Real TV Awards.
Bennett’s Hallmark Channel series finds itself in tough competition alongside fellow nominees: RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV), Squid Game: The Challenge (Netflix), Survivor 50 (CBS), Top Chef (Bravo) and The Traitors (Peacock). In addition, Jonathan himself is nominated for Best Show Host and the series participants as the Best Ensemble Cast in an Unscripted Series.
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) revealed the nominees for the eighth annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards on Thursday, which recognize excellence in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. Winners will be announced online at CriticsChoice.com on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 9:00am PT/12:00pm ET.

Photo: Hallmark
Taking to his Instagram to celebrate the nominations, GH’s Bennett, enthused, “3 Critic Choice Nominations! I’m so proud of the FINDING MR CHRISTMAS and to be in the company of all the legends in all these categories is so surreal! Congrats to Hallmark Channel and to our nominated cast and nominated show and everyone who made this magical show possible. This is crazy! This gives FMC 6 Critics Choice nominations in 2 years. Not bad for a little show on Hallmark Channel. What are your thoughts on our show?” Jumping first into the comment thread was one of his new GH co-stars, Dominic Zamprogna (Dante) who expressed, “Yeah buddy!!!🔥🔥”
In the series, Bennett, the host and co-creator spends eight weeks guiding 10 aspiring actors through a series of “festive face-offs” and acting challenges alongside actors like soap opera notables, Hunter King (ex-Summer, Y&R) and Alison Sweeney (Sami, DAYS). Along the way, they develop their skills and a bond with one another. The show, which is available on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Plus, highlights LGBTQ+ representation with openly gay contestants vying to be the next Hallmark star.
It should be noted that Traitors received the most Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations with 6 nods, followed by Dancing with the Stars with 4.
Bennett is very familiar to daytime fans having started his career as JR Chandler on All My Children in 2000-2001, before landing the part of Aaron Samuels in the motion picture, Mean Girls in 2004 starring Lindsay Lohan, which would become his breakout performance.
You can check out the full list of Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations here.
So, excited for Jonathan Bennett’s General Hospital debut this month? Have you ever watched Finding Mr. Christmas on Hallmark? Let us know via the comment section below.
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General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Kelly Thiebaud on Britt and Cassius Sibling Drama, But Who Will Ultimately Blow His Cover?
On the April 30 episode of General Hospital, Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) had some choice words and warning for her brother Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey) who has been masquerading as his twin, the very dead, Nathan West.
As the story has unfolded, viewers learned that Britt knew all along that when “Nathan” showed up in Port Charles seemingly resurrected with a missing 7 years of his life unexplained, that Cassius was taking his place.
Now in developments on today’s GH, Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) is figuring out that this guy pretending to be Nathan is someone else, and Cassius learns from Britt, that Joss is not just a ditzy sorority girl as he claimed, but a WSB agent! The moment stuns Cassius. Are the walls about to close in on him and his charade?

Courtesy/ABC
Daytime Emmy winner, Kelly Thiebaud spoke to Soap Opera Digest, about the story point and getting the opportunity this time back at GH to work with Ryan Paevey, when she hadn’t had the chance to before.
BROTHERLY LOVE?
Thiebaud expressed on sharing scenes with Ryan Paevey, “It’s just been so wonderful to have him back and to actually work with him! When he first came onto the show (as Nathan at the end of 2013) I was kind of heading out — it was right towards the end of my contract, so we didn’t actually work together a ton. It’s been really refreshing and so much fun to really spend time together and get to know each other and work together. I think we have really great on-camera chemistry and banter with each other. I really enjoy working with him.”
With the stakes at an all-time, Thiebaud explained how she views her on-screen alter-ego’s involvement with her more hot-to-temper sibling and why Britt revealed the truth about Josslyn to him. “People finding out about Cassius would expose what she’s involved in and what she agreed to do,” explains Kelly “And now Josslyn is digging around, and she’s connected to Carly (Laura Wright) to Jason (Steve Burton) and that whole dynamic! It’s messy!”
BRITT’S MURKY FUTURE
Britt has currently also reached her breaking point with Jason being carted away by the WSB, Rocco (Finn Carr), the child she gave birth to, shooting Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) to protect her and Jason, Marco (Adrian Anchondo) being killed after trying to help her, and Cullum holding over her head getting her Huntington’s disease medication to control her symptoms, while blackmailing her into finishing the research on her father, Cesar Faison’s, final project. Thiebaud summed it up best for Britt right now, sharing, “It’s been a really tough time for her.”
So, who do you think will be the person to blow Cassius’ cover? Will it be Britt herself? Josslyn? Liesl? Brennan? Nina? Lulu? Rocco, Maxie, Cullum or someone else? Let us know your pick in the comment section.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Michael Reveals His Plan to Set Up Chase and Willow to Have an Affair
After the Wednesday, April 29 episode of General Hospital, it’s clear outside interference and other circumstances are set to blow Chase (Josh Swickard) and Brook Lynn’s (Amanda Setton) marriage sky high, as Michael (Rory Gibson) reveals his plans to entrap Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) and use her relationship with Chase to do it!
In story, Michael dropped by unexpectedly to Carly’s (Laura Wright). A plotting Michael reveals his plan to nudge Willow and Chase into having an affair. Michael hopes it would create both a political and personal scandal, where Willow would lose her seat in congress. In the scenario, she would be having an affair with her ex-husband, while taking care of her supposed disabled husband, Drew (Cameron Mathison), who cannot speak and is confined to a wheelchair, which in turn will look horrible for Willow’s character.
Carly asked does he really want to destroy his cousin, Brook Lynn’s life in the process? Michael goes in on Chase’s holier than thou attitude, and says he is going to set-up the circumstances that would lead Chase and Willow to betray their spouses, and hit the sheets together. Michael swears to Carly what the two of them do is up to them, but he’s going to go on the offense with this.
MICHAEL HAS BACK-UP
Later, Jacinda (Paige Herschell) is talking with Charlotte (Bluesy Burke) at Crimson and how much she dislikes Willow because of what she has done to Michael. Just then, Michael shows up and tells Jacinda privately, he’s figured out a way to fight Willow. Looks like Jacinda might work with Michael to bring down Willow and use Chase as the person to do it!
At the hospital, Lucas (Van Hansis) tells Josslyn (Eden McCoy) that Carly is cheating on Jack, but he doesn’t know with who. Josslyn suddenly flashes back to the moment she found her mother harboring a fugitive, Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart), in her attic, and as figured out that her mother is sleeping with him. She heads out.

Courtesy/ABC
BRENNAN IS ABOUT TO LEARN ABOUT CARLY
Next thing you know, Josslyn has showed up inside Jack’s (Chris McKenna) hotel room at the Metro Court and when he enters his room, he is shocked to find her there. He lays into her for not keeping his distance and that Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) will have no problem killing her if he knows she’s WSB. Josslyn fires back that he is only concerned about that because his relationship with her mother depends on her being safe. But then, she lays the boom, and tells Jack, Well, you’re too late. You already lost her.”
LULU GETS A GLIMPSE OF CASSIUS’ TEMPER
In addition, Lulu (Alexa Havins) sees a different side of “Nathan.” Since she is unaware that the man before her is his twin, Cassius Fasion (Ryan Paevey), he tells her that Rocco (Finn Carr) blabbed that he shot Cullum to Britt (Kelly Thiebaud), and now he thinks they should send him away to stop him from talking to everyone else. This concerns Lulu, who rails at Nathan for telling her what to do with her son and that she isn’t going to abandon him. With “Nathan’s” outburst at her on the matter, will she finally get a clue this is not the man she thinks it is?
So, what do you think of Michael’s plan to push Willow and Chase into an affair? Will it work or backfire? Do you think Joss will reveal that Valentin is the man sleeping with Carly to Brennan, which will send him in a rage? Will Lulu continue to be clueless about “Nathan?” Weigh-in via the comment section below. But first, take a look at the GH video tease for today’s April 30 episode.
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Nene Leakes…? She acts(but cant)» as if shes Gods gift to the entertainment world…my least favorite! Billy Dee…like to see him on GH as a relative of Felix and Epihany’s date for the nurses ball!
Yeah, NeNe’s hardly a “star.” I bet she quits the show, in a flamboyant manner, like she did Celebrity Apprentice.
WHAT does this have to do with daytime dramas?
Billy Dee Williams is as much of an ex soap star as is Hillary Clinton.
Billy has appeared on daytime soap Guilding Light and i thought Another World but im not sure about the latter…he also appeared on primetime soap as Dynasty and GHs Nightshift…so i consider him a former soap actor! This site is about daytime and primetime soaps so i feel its ok to mention him here!!!
Absolutely, and Fairman writes that Williams formerly starred on General Hospital.
He also tells his readers that Drew Carey is from a day time game show. Fairman writes about daytime entertainment which includes soaps, game shows and talk shows….oh my!
Um…isnt it called Dancing With the STARS?????
It is ironic that thanks to this show, most of the professional dancers are now bigger stars than the “stars” they are paired with.
Maybe thats what they mean when they say ‘Dancing With The Stars’…the ‘STARS’ are the professional dancers…lol
Why aren’t there any flag-flying banners for Brooke? Ouch!
I’ve wondered what is that show’s definition of a “star”.
The ONLY person on that list that can truly be called a “STAR”
is Billy Dee Williams.
.
Sarah Palin’s daughter Bristol Palin was on as a star ! of what?
Cher’s son- Chaz Bono, was on as a star! of what?
and the list goes on of non-stars ..
Drew isn’t a star? He used to have his own long-running sitcom and has been on many things. I’d call a couple others stars, and the two gold medalists were figure skating stars of the Olympics. Must admit I haven’t even heard of a bunch of those folks! LOL
Yep, the rest are all pretty snooze worthy.
I loved Billy Dee Williams in Lady Sings the Blues.
Everything runs its course and dancing with the stars should be layed to rest along with american idol. Both shows are done.
You can add The Bachelor/Bachelorette and Survivor to that list. In MY humble opinion, all these freaking “Reality” shows should be kicked in the ass & right out the door! They have dumbed down America with their ridiculous “reality” that’s as scripted as a regular TV show.
actually Idol is still great- so its just a matter of opinion
At least with Idol there is something at stake…young people can have a chance to break into showbiz. There is nothing at stake and nothing to be gained from Dancing. A mirrorball trophy. Woo-hoo! Lol.
@Mama, that’s a bit unfair. To say Billy Dee Williams isn’t a bonafide soap “star” is fair, but Michael Fairman only said he would be “familiar to daytime viewers,” and didn’t call him as such. He certainly has more daytime credentials than Hillary Clinton, lol, given that I’m sure she didn’t appear on ANOTHER WORLD and GUIDING LIGHT, as Billy Dee has. But, most importantly, he was a contract player on a spin-off of GENERAL HOSPITAL (GH:NIGHT SHIFT) which aired on a channel devoted entirely to soap operas. And given that his ex (Epiphany) is still on GH, and that his character shares a last name with Felix and Taylor, I wouldn’t count him out of the game, yet. So not a bonafide soap “star”? Fair enough, but no one here on MFSoaps is claiming he is. But he certainly has legit daytime/soap connections and way more than Hillary Clinton 🙂
IA. I am voting for him, Nene- just to spite the other RHOA cast, and Candace Cameron Bure. I loved DJ and I respect/admire her faith. I hope she wins in the end.
Toussaint!!! Was hoping Ronn would give Epiphany some love again! Aww…I hope Billy Dee wins, but won’t watch our support ABC/D for anything but GH!
Huh? Billy Dee is an established super star actor why is he branding General Hospital when they wrote him as a janitor GMAB…
He is an American actor, artist, singer, and writer known for his work as a leading man in 1970s African-American cinema, in movies including Mahogany and Lady Sings the Blues, and for playing the character of Lando Calrissian in the movies Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi and The Lego Movie. In about 50 movies and extensive TV work…not to mention an international super star artist..
General Hospital? Please.
I agree, but Fairman writes about soaps so he was trying to establish the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon thing.
Billy Dee Williams starred on both THE GUIDING LIGHT, AS THE WORLD TURNS in the 1960s, and the GH spinoff on SOAPNET. I’m sorry, but Pee Pee Leakes and the rest of those silly ‘HOUSEWIVES’ do not qualify as stars. They are nobodys.
Great list.
Who really cares about Billy Dee Williams, nene Leakes I love, she is so funny. Drew Carey is cool too.
Nene Leakes personifies what is wrong with American culture today–she is a mediocre loud mouth who is stupid enough to think she is actually talented.
LOL…..when you’re right, you’re right, Harry!!!! Nene is repulsive, as are most of the “ladies” in those “Housewives” series. Haven’t watched this dancing trainwreck of a show since Kelly Monaco’s repeat stint, but think that the casting of the ice stars could be interesting. They were spectacular at the Olympics, and both are appealing individuals…Charlie is a real cutie and Meryl has the most unique look, so I was thrilled for their victory. Glad to see them able to build on their well-deserved win with further opportunities!
I think Nene will bring lots of personality and vigor to the show. Some soap fans do not think reality show people should be called stars but there are more hours and viewers for reality TV than soaps. I like the cast, especially the Olympic ice dancers. This show is more fun than American Idol In my opinion and some seasons really click with chemistry.
Candace will win! I love her, her faith, and she is just “awesome sauce!”
I recognize three names due to the Drew Carey Show/Price is Right, Lady Sings the Blues, and Wonder Years, and these three fall way below the threshold of “C List Celebrity”. The rest? Who the hell cares? They are definitely NOT “celebrity”.
Will this crap ever END?
Here goes…for the new and upcoming season of DWTS, I want either Drew Carey, Danica McKellar or Billy Dee Williams to win. As for the rest of them…No Thank You. Next……….