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Emily O'Brien speaks out on her exit from Y&R!

By Michael Fairman

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Photo Credit: JPI Studios

Photo Credit: JPI Studios

In a brand new interview with Soaps.com, Emily O’Brien (Jana) who was just pink slipped from The Young and the Restless discussed what happened behind the scenes that led to her being let-go, offered her heartfelt “thank you” to the viewers, and what she might try next in her career.  Here are a few excerpts below!

O’Brien on how she found out the powers-that-be axed her! ” I was on a run and my manager called me to say I was let go.  If someone could have taken a photograph of me, I would have looked like I had just been electrocuted. I was thinking all these things. How am I going to say goodbye to this incredible role?”

O’Brien on the reasoning Y&R gave her for her being let-go: “They said that they’re trying to get back to the core families. I think it had something to do with the ratings, and I understand that.”

Make sure to read the entire interview with Emily, who will be sorely missed as Jana Hawkes!

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Core families?!?!?

Give me a break, then Meggie and Daisy better never darken my screen again!!

Makes perfect sense to get rid of the good actors and interesting characters and keep the bad actors and boring characters. Maria Bell has ripped this show to shreds.

I know where you’re coming from, but let’s not forget that Y&R is still the number one show in daytime and has been for a very long time. I’m sure you know that a show has to evolve, somewhat. I’m certain there will be more questionable characters that show up – just like there always have been – but the continuity, the core families and legacy characters and high production values and compelling stories are what keep us fans coming back for more and more of our favorite soap. Don’t count it out yet!! 🙂

I’m going to miss the character that Emily so vividly – and above all else, believably – brought to the GC canvas. Wishing her tremendous success in whatever she decides to take on next! She has a very bright future in front of her, that much we know! Thank you, Emily! 🙂

Maria Bell has ripped this show to shreds, this statement is so true!
I wished someone would give her a pink slip, no wonder the show is losing fans, and you know CBS they are quick to cancel SOAPS these days, why don’t they get rid of her!!!!

She’s killing Y&R big time!

You must be delusional….. one of my favorite over-used catch-phrases from Y&R….. but this one seems true. Y&R is a ratings POWERHOUSE and there’s not denying it. No doubt, there’s room for improvement, but everyone else is lost in their dust…. by a mile! If it ain’t broke… don’t fix it.

I agree with Adam, since MAB has taken over the ratings have gone down and she has made this show go consistently downhill. Yes Y&R is still number one but that’s more out of the loyalty of viewers who have watched for twenty years and are still tuning in out of nostalgia on the hope that maybe it will get back to it’s glory days or even the way it was several years ago before she took over. Quite honestly i still dvr it and attempt to watch, so they are still getting my ratings, though I don’t watch much of the show these days because of how bad the writing has been for the most part. Yes she has little gems like the Billy/Victoria and I have to admit I was uber surprised with how well the Cane shooting on the steps happened, though the sorry leading up to especially with the immigration thing just wasn’t up to par at all. I am sorry about Emily but to be quite honest I’ve missed Jana ever since after she was rescued from that cage, her character was completely mutilated when they paired her with Ryder and quite honestly she is often on my ff button as of late. I do wish Emily all the hope in the future but if this is the first step of MAB trying to redeem herself and get back to the root of the show then i hope it does, somehow though I don’t think this show will get better though until a new head writer is appointed.

I beleive Ms. O’Brien was brought in by Marie Latham as was the character of Cane and Amber she wanted to erase all ties to that writing team. She is very talented she will prosper when she leaves could she take the character of Heather with her.

I don’t think we can call Y&R a ratings powerhouse anymore. The show has been bleeding viewers for years. It’s time slot is it’s biggest advantage. I want the show to evolve also but I want it to do so by dumping those Newmans. The Nick/Vick/Victor/Sharon scenes drag the show down. We need more characters with a little life in them. Give us more Nina/Kay/Murphy/Michael/Lauren/Jack/Diane and crazy Gloria.

I respectfully disagree with you about the time slot being it’s biggest advantage. Really? To say that is to totally diminish what a talented cast and crew that Y&R has; that has always been the driving force behind the show’s unparalleled, record-breaking success.

yes of course there are so many talented actors in the show. But i wanted to give my opinion about daniel. Many fans including me will miss him.

Hello,i know everyone has their own opinion, but for mine.. I really miss daniel goddard in the show, he was a great and talentuous actor. Why did u kill him off! Many fans all over the world are complaining! We viewers we need to see him back on the show. No cane ! No young and the restless.!

“Maria Bell has ripped this show to shreds” This statement is so true. I have been watching this show since I was a child. I remember all the old characters. I love how victor had a vasectomy and was still able get Sabrina pregnant. Castrators like Paul’s mom ,sister and cop girl friend just disappear from the spotlight. Amazing how they got rid of migal but hire some different people to take care of victors home.. and not to mention.. What horrible security victor has for his home. Everyone gets on his property. I really liked Amber on the Y&R she did a really good job.. I’m glad they brought back kane but what is up with the story line . get with it already. If I have to see cricket again I will vomit. I love the y&R and will always watch it.. but they are really making me angry with killing off all my characters. Everyone dies but Sharon , how many times is she going to push some one off a cliff. You brought back Philip and he is not contributing at all. Bring back Dru to stir up trouble.
Maria Bell, stop messing with my show.. if you think we don’t’ remember things from 20 years ago , think again

Emily O’Brien , you will be missed your such a great actress

General Hospital

‘General Hospital’ to Rebroadcast Special Episode in Tribute to Anthony Geary

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Anthony Geary

This Labor Day, General Hospital will show an encore presentation of its touching tribute to the late Anthony Geary (Luke Spencer). The news came from ABC executive, Nathan Varni who shared the information across social media.

Varni expressed, “Save the date! ABC will encore our very special farewell tribute to Tony Geary this Labor Day, Monday, September 7.”

The episode was originally broadcast on February 20, 2026, and honored to the late eight-time Daytime Emmy winner, who sadly passed away on December 14, 2025 at the age of 78.

Photo: ABC

The tribute episode centered on Luke’s daughter Lulu (Alexa Havins) finally grieving the loss of her father after she had come out of a four-year long coma and never dealt with her grief on learning the news of his death.

WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE ON-SCREEN REMEMBRANCE OF LUKE SPENCER?

The other characters who remember their time with Luke who are included in the episode with many flashbacks were: Tracy (Jane Elliot), Sonny (Maurice Benard), Carly (Laura Wright), Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) and of course, Laura (Genie Francis).

Behind the scenes, General Hospital wanted to pay tribute to its most iconic star, but since the character of Luke was killed-off in 2022 off-screen, after Geary retired, there wasn’t an easy creative route to go when Geary passed away in real-life. However, the writers did a commendable job with this special episode in tying in memories and remembrances of Luke through Lulu’s grief as a starting point.

Photo: ABC

THE LAST APPEARANCE OF TONY GEARY ON GENERAL HOSPITAL

Anthony Geary exited General Hospital in 2015 after his record-setting eight Daytime Emmy Lead Actor wins for his work. He then moved to Amsterdam full-time to live with his husband, Claudio Gama.

Two years later, Geary made one final appearance on GH, when in 2017 he popped in the last scene of what was Jane Elliot’s then departure from the show when Tracy was reunited with Luke in Europe.

You can check out the original promo for the special episode “Remembering Luke Spencer” and the late Tony Geary from back in February of this year below.

Now let us know, will you be watching the Anthony Geary tribute again this coming Monday? Do you miss seeing the character of Luke Spencer in Port Charles? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Alimi Ballard’s Role Revealed as WSB Agent William Baines Who Oversees Jack Brennan Investigation

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Alimi Ballard

The Thursday, September 3 episode of General Hospital featured the debut of former Loving and The City actor, Alimi Ballard (ex-Frankie Hubbard).

Now some 30 years later, Ballard is back on ABC daytime, but this time as was revealed today, he is playing WSB agent William Baines who arrives in Port Charles to oversee the disappearance of Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna).

Here’s what went down; after Josslyn (Eden McCoy) reported Brennan missing to the WSB, agent William Baines met her at the Port Charles bureau office. It was there that Baines informed Josslyn he was taking over the search for Jack.

Josslyn kept trying to stay on the case telling Baines she had connections with many people in Jack’s inner circle in Port Charles. However, Baines instructed her to keep on her current assignment as CEO of JJE. When she questioned why implanting her at her father’s company was so important, Baines shared she needs to get inside intel on JJE’s subsidiary holdings. Once she does, she will be briefed on what comes next.

DREW FRAMES NINA

In addition, Baines wanted to be briefed on what Josslyn knows so far about the MIA Brennan. One theory from the WSB is that Jack skipped town because of how badly the Cold Fusion debacle went down on Spoon Island.  Then, as Josslyn brought up how her mother Carly Spencer (Laura Wright) witnessed a public shouting match between Jack and Nina Reeves (Cynthia Watros), Baines pulls out a photo of Nina from his folder.

As if things couldn’t get worse for Nina, Drew (Cameron Mathison) broke into her car, planted evidence of Jack’s wallet under the seat as retribution for her trying to kill Drew when she pushed him in his wheelchair into the lake at the boathouse. Drew snarled that “payback is bitch” as he sat in the driver’s seat of her car.

So, what are your initial thoughts on the arrival of WSB agent William Baines? Do you think he may wind up as Jack’s successor as the WSB Port Charles bureau chief ? What did you think of Drew framing Nina for Jack’s death? Share your thoughts via the comment section below. But first, check out the confrontation between Drew and Nina with Ava present.

 

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‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Brad Bell First Microdrama ‘Hollywood Startlet’ Debuts in Launch of New aTwist Platform and Studio

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Brad Bell

Microseries platform and Studio aTwist launched today (September 3) complete with a slate of 10 original series including the first foray into the vertical drama space from The Bold and the Beautiful’s executive producer and head writer, Brad Bell.

As previously reported, Brad Bell and his son and B&B producer, Oliver Bell produced the vertical title, Hollywood Starlet which is now available on aTwist.

Hollywood Starlet tells the tale of an 0verlooked cleaner named Starlet who supports her abusive sister and mother until her acting talents are finally recognized by famous actor Jack as he falls for her and helps her kickstart her Hollywood career. The microdrama was filmed using sets from The Bold & The Beautiful sets at their Sunset Las Palmas Studios in Hollywood. The series features popular vertical stars: Bella Mraz, Eric Guilmette, and Molly Anderson.

Brad Bell cast of Hollywood Starlet

Photo: MFTV

aTWIST FEATURES 10 ORIGINAL MICRODRAMA SERIES

The new vertical entertainment platform from noted TV executives: Jana Winograde (Former Showtime), Susan Rovner (Former NBCUniversal) and Lloyd Braun (Former ABC/WME) debuts by expanding the microdrama genre with scripted, unscriped, animation, horror and comedy titles. The launch today also includes a curated library of content. aTwist is available now at www.aTwist.com, with the app available for download across all major app stores.

New microseries will launch Thursdays on aTwist. Viewers can watch select episodes for free with ads, or unlock complete seasons using coins or a subscription. Countries at launch include: Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Philippines, United Kingdom and United States.

aTwist

Courtesy/aTwist

The launch slate available now which includes the aforementioned Brad Bell created Hollywood Starlet also features these titles:

Buried Alive, Back For Revenge

A blind heiress, buried alive by her husband and best friend on her wedding day, claws her way out of her grave to reclaim her company and destroy those who betrayed her. Starring: Nicole Mattox, Nick Ritacco, Molly Anderson, Eric Guilmette, Jon Briddell.

Cash Out

A heartbroken woman and her 2 best friends are gifted $50,000 to spend on experiences in Las Vegas in under 24 hours. Roadblocks crop up, her ex returns, chaos ensues. The Hangover meets Bridesmaids. Starring: Violet Benson, Kristen Ochoa, Jaden Ashley, Christa Texeira.

I Fell in Love with a Dragon Prince

Abandoned and enslaved, when Sylvia meets and heals the injured Kiel, heir to the Sky Kingdom, their quests merge – will he regain his crown and she, her freedom? And are they meant for each other? Animation microdrama starring: Jayme Mantos, Ted Evans, Cornelius Mohr, Kristen DiMercurio

I Swiped Right on a Serial Killer

A pediatrician goes looking for love on the apps, but has no idea when she falls for a manipulator with a master plan to wife her, who’s willing to kill anyone who gets in his way. Starring: Mariah Moss, Shayne Davis, Addison Bowman, Ali Badalov, Nick Ritacco<

My Billionaire Kidney

In this rollicking vertical spoof, a down-on-her-luck Cinderella-type becomes a pawn to her evil aunt and uncle and multiple absurdly powerful men as they fight for her kidney. Will she finally find a way to control the chaos and choose herself? From Jonathan Stern (Abominable Pictures), starring Hannah Pilkes, Nate Smith, Brandon Micheal Hall, Erinn Hayes, Steve Agee, Peter S. Kim.

My Book Boyfriend Came To Life

A love-averse librarian accidentally summons a romance novel hero into the real world to help her save her library. Starring: Bella Grace Mraz, Cayman David Cardiff, Eric Ruof, Shannon Foster, Rebecca Ritz.

Pretty Hurts And So Do I

A bullied high school girl is hit by a bus, gets a major glow-up, and comes back for revenge on the mean girls who wronged her. Starring: Kim Sandwich, Jake Ryan Nuttall, Caroline Abigail Rich, Shahadah Keyonna Abdullah.

Something Is Alive In My Attic

A woman returns home to her estranged, ailing mother to discover that something evil is alive in the attic. Starring: Moriah N. Boone, Suzie Haines, Richard Trotter, Charing Draper, Triana Brown.

Strangers, A Plane And A Deadly Game

Two women on a plane joke about committing murder, but when one takes action, the other is drawn into a chaotic, deadly spiral – will there be any survivors?
Starring: Grace Swanson, Monaye Moyes, Sean McHugh, Madeleine Barnette, Myron Donley.

My book boyfriend

Photo: aTwist

MICRODRAMA PARTNERSHIPS

aTwist recently announced: A strategic partnership with Hartbeat, Kevin Hart’s global entertainment company, making aTwist the exclusive home for Hartbeat’s slate of original microseries, including comedy programming under the LOL umbrella and adaptations of Blake Karrington’s bestselling book series and a partnership with BET to develop and distribute microseries across linear and vertical platforms, with a first-of-its-kind windowing model bringing microseries to television while expanding storytelling rooted in Black culture and community, among others.

Microseries are serialized stories designed for mobile-first viewing: typically 40-60 episodes of one to three minutes each, built vertically, and consumed either in moments throughout the day or as a binge experience all at once. This is a fast-growing global category, generating an estimated $10 billion annually worldwide.

So, will you be checking out Brad Bell’s Hollywood Starlet on the aTwist platform? What do you think of all the currently slated new titles for launch? Drop a comment below.

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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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