News
Joanna Johnson Leaving B&B As She Is Unavailable To Tape More Episodes! However, Crystal Chappell Remains!
L. Bohm & K Hutchins
After The Bold and the Beautiful finally launched its first same-sex storyline and couple, and after Joanna Johnson (Karen Spencer) publicly came out, word is the talented actress, producer, and writer, has to bow out of the CBS soap and the storyline due to the new series she is producing for the CW, the medical drama, Emily Owens, M.D. The show is set to debut this fall.
And according to CBS Soaps In Depth, as of now, ” Johnson is currently unavailable to tape more episodes of B&B, which is all part of the long-running understanding she’s had with B&B’s executive producer and head writer, Bradley Bell. That means the broader story being planned for Karen and Danielle may have to wait, for now. “Unfortunately, Joanna’s time is being taken up with this new show. Her storyline is not necessarily going away, but it’s being refocused,” said a B&B spokesperson.
So what does this mean for fan favorite, Crystal Chappell and her role as Dani? According to sources, she is staying put and the B&B spokesperson says, “that fans can look forward to continue seeing more of Caroline’s other mom, Dani”
That begs this question, what should B&B do for the role of Karen Spencer? Recast? Bring on a new lady for Chappell’s Dani? Or, just wait for Joanna to return to the role she created, when she becomes available again, and give the mighty Chappell a big story of her own? Let us know your thoughts!
Damn. Chappell just can’t buy a break on soaps these days!
Crap! I really do like Karen and Danni together so I wouldn’t want a new relationship for Danni maybe just give Danni a “normal” storyline until Joanna can come back.
I’m sad because I was really looking forward to the Dani/Karen storyline. In the short time they have been on screen you can see that they have real chemistry. I hope that B&B waits for Joanna’s return & gives Crystal a big story of her own. Would definitley love to see more of the hsitory with her daughter.
As long as CC stays on my screen, and they treat her and her character respectfully, I’m game for anything!
Crystal Chappell is an awesome talent !!! I vote for giving her a big story while we wait for Joanna Johnson to return to B&B. Love the #DaniKa story and CC can sooo pull off a story on her own. MORE DANIELLE !!!!!
Emily Owens, MD looks like a really good show. Happy for her. Best of luck, Ms. Johnson.
I’d prefer a recast so that the story can go on , but if that is not possible then having a bigger story for Dani would suffice!! Looking forward to her coming back . Looking forward to whatever story /stories unfold whenever they do , I will be watching!! I like what they have done so far!!!
Mighty chappell is right! As long as they keep Chappell on B&B its a Win! Chappell would raise the bar and knock a solo story out of the ball park! She has too much talent to let go!
Crystal Chappell rocks! She can pull off any story.
As much as I appreciate and enjoy watching Joanna Johnson’s amazing talent as an actress and fully support her decision to “coming out” on @BandB_CBS, I think that her character should remain and give Dani, played by the gorgeous and talented Crystal Chappell a bigger storyline with a sec way of getting involved with someone else. I say bring on Jessica Leccia as that mysterious lover. CC n JL have amazing on screen and off screen chemistry that will blow BandB ratings thru the roof. We need that Otalia connection back on our screens. A thought maybe? Thank you!
Talk about a day late & a dollar short. This is a week late. I read this “news” last week in Soaps Uncensorsed.
Crystal to getting a stable full time soap job as to Susan Lucci is to getting an Emmy.
Wait on her to return, CC can be kept busy just referring to her partner for a good while.
Bring Judy Evans on to temp fill the role. Recast for sure. Don’t just redirect now that we’re all interested and paying attention
I would even watch that. Good idea… Lure me away from Days of our lives.. it would not take too much
Excellent idea. Why DAYS… continues to back burner her and Justin… staggers me. I just loved her on Another world… as well. Paulina and Joe Carlino were my favorite couple… along with Vicky and Jake. i almost wish… DAYS would bring in “guest” stars.. from another world. have to add frankie and Cass… Grant…Donna.. the whole show rocked. loved John and Sharlene.
absolutely, loved kim rhodes… with mark pinter… cindy and grant….
Judy Evans… She’d be Hot with, Crystal Chappell…
Please B&B… Do not, back burner… quality. OR, let her Go.
BOTH JUDY EVANS AND CRYSTAL CHAPPELL… BELONG ON SCREEN.
Judi Evans is a great idea. I’ve just started watching this show so have no history, but if an actor is gone for an extended period of time, I feel that role should be re-cast or the SL will die. I remember loving Judi on Another World and would love to see her on a soap I watch again.
I think they should wait for Joanna to return and let Crystal Chappell weave her talents into other story lines while keeping her involved with daughter Caroline. Crystal’s popularity among fans has already proven to the commitment of their story and the characters of Danielle and Karen. Keep the family together.
I agree with your assessment Karla. Why not let Danielle develope her own relationships with the existing character on B&B while waiting for Karen to return?
I swear this is a non catty question–Do they even show these two anyway? I flip toBB to look for CC specifically and all I ever see is Liam, Hope and Steffy.
They weren’t he changed his mind again just like Sean Kanan was suppose to stay I heard their will be some cat fighting between CC character and KKL because Brooke wants Rick with Caroline and Dani can’t stand him! BB is going to continue with the main focuse on Hope/Liam/Steffy so I removed it from my DVR and watch once in a while.
Need to correct my post some I don’t ever think he intended to do much with this couple and they were as you said David never on so who notices if she leaves if he knew JJ was not going to stay why even bring up a story he sure is not the writer his Father was.
I’m with you on that one David. It’s only a 30 minute soap and so many characters to fit into such a short time. Karen/Dani screen time is not often enough or long enough for me to even attempt to watch. From what I have read it can be many days between appearances and that just doesn’t work for me to get interested in or invested in the characters.
Recast with Maura West, but only if they don’t screw her over like Y&R did.
EXCELLENT IDEA ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Mighty Chappell indeed! I sure hope B&B utilizes Crystal’s talents to the fullest throughout the time period that Joanna is away. However, I would love to see Dani & Karen back on screen again, no sooner it’s possible. Crystal and Joanna are good together, and their story was beginning to look like a winner. I’m thankful though, that I’ll still get to watch Crystal on the show.
As long as Crystal has a good, prominent sl, I can wait for her return. But I don’t really care, as long as we stop with the Steffy/Liam/Hope all the time. Sorry, but that is boring. Bring on Crystal front and center. Maybe a flirtation. Of course would love to see Judi Evans or what a ratings coup it would be to surprise everyone with a little something with Jessica Leccia. But whatever they do, I hope it is with Crystal with a prominent story line!
I will continue to watch as long as CC stays on the show. I will miss JJ – I appreciate her acting and I’ve been enjoying the story. I would love it if they hired Jessica Leccia. I love watching her act with CC.
I thought this would be the problem all along and didn’t understand why they were bringing on a partner for Karen when Joanna had other committments.
I think they should just wait until Joanna is available. They can do a story with Crystal that doesn’t involve Karen and Karen can just be in the kitchen or out-of-town, or sick until Joanna is available.
It does sound like B&B knew Joanna had a prior committment so hopefully they planned for it. Does throw a wrench in the story though.
I’m torn on this one. Mostly, I want CC to have a lot more screen time b/c she’s the only reason I’m watching, but I don’t want the answer to that to be hooking Dani up with a new love interest. I was looking forward to the Dani/Karen story and we are still just learning about them. They haven’t been on enough to really get invested in them, but I like that they’ve been in this committed relationship for so long. There are enough stupid triangles in soaps. It was nice to have them as a solid couple. So no new love for Dani. But I can’t decide between recasting Karen and giving Dani a meaty solo story. Watching CC show off her acting chops solo vs watching her in love with someone…it’s a win win.
Please Hurry Back To B&B, Joanna. We Love You! 😀
Brian I agree with you hope JJ returns soon she and CC looks good together in this story.
I love having Crystal Chappell back on my TV and yes, I was so looking forward to the planned story for Dani & Karen. I can understand Joanna Johnson needing to honor her committments, so I am in the group that doesn’t want a recast, just send Karen out of town and have her character off screen.
I like the suggestion of Dani being the protective momma bear and going toe to toe with Brooke over who Caroline should be with. I also want to see Crystal Chappell and Susan Flannery on screen together. I’m sure Bill Bell can come up with one or two storylines to occupy Dani until Joanna Johnson is available again.
Love me some CC!!!
Recast her and carry on.
Cast Jessica Leccia as Karen! CBS could redeem themselves!
Yawn
As a long time viewer I’m unhappy that you’ve chosen to show a lesbian relationship. I have no prejudice against them, but think their lifestyle should be in private. It’s a real turn off for someone my age to watch them. I don’t care to see two women making out. If I couldn’t fast forward through their scenes I’d have to stop watching the show. Please reconsider your choice to keep this story line going.
Beyond the Gates
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
As previously reported, kicking off today, is a two-part Beyond the Gates, when The Duprees gather to celebrate Banneker University’s homecoming weekend.
The producers and writers are taking an opportunity to spotlight the rich traditions of the long-held tradition of attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through its fictional university.
The episodes are today on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on Friday, October 2 and next week on Monday, October 5, where in true Beyond the Gates fashion, there will be some surprising drama that ensues when someone shows up!
Photo: CBS
BANNEKER REFLECTS THE IMPORTANCE OF HBCUS
Sheila Duckworth, (executive producer, Beyond the Gates) spoke to Soaps.com to give some insight on the decision for the series to illustrate the ties that bind with HBCUs.
“It was important that we have this school as almost a character on our canvas, right from the beginning. Beyond even education, HBCUs have been pivotal when it comes to everything from economic progression and fostering a sense of community to the development of leadership skills,” explained Ducksworth. “From the beginning, we wanted to illustrate that what the Duprees are able to do in the world was a direct reflection of the impact HBCU’s have in real life.”
EVERYTHING HAS ITS PURPOSE
The EP talked about how purposeful the elements that integrate Banneker into the overall story of Beyond the Gates are including: the Dupree family door knocker that is a lion, the mascot for the fictional university, plus, the upcoming fight song that the cast will sing together on the Monday, October 5 episode, and the painting the hangs at Fairmont Crest.
That portrait of Vernon Dupree’s (Clifton Davis) father, George Cheeks Dupree, that hangs prominently at the country club, was named after CBS executive George Cheeks (now Chairman of TV and Media, Paramount), and as Ducksworth says of the legacy of Vernon’s father, “He was the architect of Fairmont Crest.”
So, are you looking forward to these episodes honoring HBCU traditions with the Dupree and the Richardson clans? What surprises do you think might be in store come next week? Let us know via the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
After an earlier post on Thursday, October 1 about General Hospital alumni Tajh Bellow’s (ex-TJ Ashford) upcoming project from Issa Rae’s HOOPAE Digital, comes word that Bellow is temporarily stepping into the role of Days of our Lives Theo Carver to fill in for Tyler Joseph Andrews on the Peacock streaming soap opera.
According to TV Insider, Bellow will be making a one-day appearance next week on the October 6 episode of DAYS as Andrews was unable to make the tape date that was shot 10 months ago on a day last December. Andrews (pictured below) took over the role of Theo in September of 2025.
In Bellow’s upcoming episode as Theo, he will share scenes with Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez). A DAYS spokesperson tells the outlet that Bellow “stepped seamlessly into the role, and the cast and crew were grateful for his professionalism and commitment, albeit for only one episode.”
Photo: JPI
TAJH WILL BE SEEN IN MULTIPLE PROJECTS IN OCTOBER
As General Hospital fans know, Tajh played the role of TJ Ashford from 2018 to his last appearance in December of 2024. Along the way, he received two Daytime Emmy nominations for his performances as TJ, the last being in 2025 in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.
In addition, bellow along with Y&R alum Loren Lott will be seen starting on October 14 in the new Love Island spoof series, The Compatibility Experiment. The show will drop exclusively on TikTok and the PineDrama platform.
The Compatibility Experiment gives a satirical look at reality dating shows, think Love Island! The story centers around Kelvin (Bellow) and Camila (Lott), whose relationship is put to the test when they join a reality show to try to win a the million dollar prize.
So, what do you think of Tajh stepping in for Tyler Joseph Andrews as Theo on DAYS? Perhaps, the soap opera liked his work that he might be considered for another role in the future bringing Bellow back to the soaps? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital
GH Alum Tajh Bellow and Y&R Alum Loren Lott Star in New Tiktok and Microdrama ‘Love Island’ Spoof
Two soap opera alums very familiar to fans of General Hospital and The Young and the Restless are paired together in a new short-form digital series from none other than Issa Rae’s production entity HOORAE Digital.
Look for Tajh Bellow (ex-TJ Ashford, GH)) and Loren Lott (ex-Ana Hamilton, Y&R) as part of the cast of The Compatibility Experiment, premiering on October 14, 2026, exclusively on TikTok and its companion microdrama platform, PineDrama.
In the video teaser, it appears that Bellow and Lott play a couple, Kelvin and Camila, set in a Love Island reality show-esque environment trying to win the one million dollar cash prize, only what could go wrong?
Photo: HOORAE
The Compatibility Experiment loglines share that it brings a fast-paced, relationship-focused reality check—much like Love Island with a twist. The show takes a participant’s current relationship, introduces them to a potentially more compatible partner, and forces them to navigate the differences with life-changing money on the line.
The new series is part of a groundbreaking content deal between HOORAE Digital and TikTok to develop premium short-form storytelling. The ensemble cast also features; Ayona, Reggie Luck, JaNa Craig, Tosin Morohunfola, Jessica Jacoby, Georgia Warner, and Nick Cassidy.
General Hospital fans know Tajh Bellow for his performances as TJ Ashford, and who earned two Daytime Emmy nominations along the way during his run. Bellow took over the role in 2018 and last appeared on the ABC daytime drama series in December of 2024.
Loren Lott first appeared as Devon’s (Bryton James) sister Ana Hamilton on The Young and the Restless from 2018 to 2019; making a brief return in 2024. She has continued to perform on the stage and screen with recent credits including: Bel-Air, Cherish the Day, and All American: Homecoming.
Check out the trailer for The Compatibility Experiment below and let us know what you think of its concept and if you are glad to see Tajh and Loren again? Hoping they might return to daytime in their GH and Y&R roles at some point in the future? Weigh-in via the comment section.
View this post on Instagram
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Kristen Locates an Alive Sophia, How Much Does Rita Know About the Birth of Dominic Marino?
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
GH Alum Tajh Bellow and Y&R Alum Loren Lott Star in New Tiktok and Microdrama ‘Love Island’ Spoof
REPORT: ‘Days of our Lives’ Puts Four Actors On Contract
‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
Alley Mills Returns to ‘General Hospital’ as Heather Webber
Judith Light Joins Cast of ‘Shrinking’ Season 4 in Recurring Role
‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
GH Alum Tajh Bellow and Y&R Alum Loren Lott Star in New Tiktok and Microdrama ‘Love Island’ Spoof
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ava and Drew Revealed to be Behind Framing Sonny for Sidwell’s Prison Beatdown
DANCING WITH THE STARS: Britt Stewart Visibly Upset After Shocking Elimination with Taylor Hanson
‘General Hospital’s’ Tabyana Ali Weighs In on Who She Thinks is Trina’s Stalker (Exclusive)
-
Days Of Our Lives2 days agoREPORT: ‘Days of our Lives’ Puts Four Actors On Contract
-
Beyond the Gates2 days ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
-
General Hospital1 week agoAlley Mills Returns to ‘General Hospital’ as Heather Webber
-
News1 week agoJudith Light Joins Cast of ‘Shrinking’ Season 4 in Recurring Role
-
Beyond the Gates6 days ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
-
News5 days agoY&R Alum Thad Luckinbill Cast in New Thriller ‘Copperhead’
-
News1 week agoMatthew Atkinson Reveals New Project ‘Into the Wilderness’
-
General Hospital1 week agoTHIS FRIDAY: ‘General Hospital’s’ Tabyana Ali to Drop Music Video for Her Single ‘Pray’
