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 …
Courtesy/ABCGMA
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’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
General Hospital star Cynthia Watros, who can currently be seen in on the ABC soap opera in the role of Nina Reeves, has had a enduring career in television. That included her time on the 2000-2002 Fox sitcom, Titus.
In Titus, Watros starred along with Stacy Keach as Erin Fitzpatrick and Ken Titus, respectively. After the November 10th news that Keach had passed away at 85 while living in Poland, Cynthia took to her Instagram on Thursday, November 12 to pay tribute to the great actor.
Watros expressed, “My first prime time show was along side Stacy. I loved him instantly. What an amazing talent and man.❤️”
Photo: ABC
In Titus, Stacy played stand up comedian Christopher Titus’ heavy-drinking, chain-smoking, five-times-divorced father who frequently pulled cruel pranks and tried to toughen his kids up. Cynthia played by Christopher’s level-headed, big-hearted girlfriend trying to build a normal life with him. In fact, Cynthia’s role on the sitcom was first series regular role after her Daytime Emmy run of Annie Dutton on Guiding Light which ran from 1994-1998.
STACY KEACH’S WIFE ON HIS PASSING
Keach’s wife, Malgosia shared the news of the actor’s death publicly in a statement with PEOPLE. Malgosia expressed, that Stacy had, “a long and difficult battle with a serious heart condition and heart failure.”
She added, “Stacy peacefully departed this world. He fought for so long, with extraordinary courage, determination and strength. He was a true warrior, facing his illness with the same remarkable spirit and resilience that defined his life.”
Małgosia continued, “Stacy was not only a legendary actor, admired and loved by audiences the world over, but also my beloved husband, my companion and the heart of our family. His passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness in our lives. But his extraordinary spirit, his unforgettable voice and the love he gave so generously will remain with us forever.”
Now, let us know do you remember when Cynthia made her sitcom debut in Titus? Share your thoughts via the comment section on Cynthia’s many TV roles and the passing of Stacy Keach in the comment section. But first, check out the very first episode of Titus with Cynthia Watros 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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‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
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)
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)
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (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)
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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……….