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
TONIGHT: Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026 Live: Nominated Guest Line-Up

Now that this year’s 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Nominations have been announced, several of the acting nominees will share their reactions and more to learning they are going for gold when the ceremony rolls around on October 30.
However, tonight on Tuesday July 14 beginning at 8pm ET/5pm PT, Michael Fairman once again host his 12th annual Daytime Emmy Nominations special live on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel.
Scheduled to appear thus far are: Beyond the Gates stars, Lead Actress nominee: Karla Mosley (Dani), Supporting Actress nominee: Trisha Mann-Grant (Leslie), and Supporting Actor nominees: Mike Manning (Smitty) and Timon Kyle Durrett (Bill).
From The Young and the Restless: Lead Actress nominee Michelle Stafford (Phyllis), Lead Actor nominee Christian LeBlanc (Michael), Supporting Actress nominee Camryn Grimes (Mariah) and Supporting Actor nominee Sean Dominic (Nate).
In addition look for General Hospital’s Supporting Actress nominee Amanda Setton (Brook Lynn), from Days of Our Lives, Outstanding Guest Performer nominee, Christopher Sean (Paul) and from The Bold and the Beautiful Lead Actor nominee Scott Clifton (Liam) and Supporting Actor nominee Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter) plus more featured guests.
So, what did you think of this year’s Emmy nominations for Beyond the Gates, General Hospital, Days of Our Lives, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless?
Be with us in the live chat with your questions and comments on this year’s nominations and for our special guests.
For upcoming celebrity features, livestreams, special event coverage and more, make sure to “subscribe” to the Michael Fairman Channel.
So, looking forward to tonight’s special show with the nominees? Let us know via the comment section below and if you can’t be with us live, if you have any questions you want posed to our special guests and we just might ask during the broadcast.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’

The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Award nominations kicked-off on Monday with the announcements of four major categories including, Outstanding Lead Performer in a Daytime Drama Series — Actor, and among the nominees is General Hospital’s Steve Burton (Jason Morgan).
Burton is already a two-time Daytime Emmy winner in the Supporting Actor category for his roles as GH’s Jason and his turn as Dylan McAvoy on Y&R. However, Steve is yet to win in the Lead Actor category and he has received 11 nominations along the way in his daytime career.
Following the reveal that he is a 2026 Daytime Emmy nominee, he and his GH co-star, podcast co-host and comedy show partner, Bradford Anderson (Spinelli) taped a special edition of their That’s Awesome podcast just featuring Burton’s reaction to the news.

Photo: JPI
FOR LESLIE CHARLESON
Steve expressed, “I know it’s such a cliche to say, ‘I’m just so honored to be nominated.’ But truly, I’m so grateful to be nominated, so grateful to just be on the show off and on for 30 plus years and to be nominated with the guys in my category. Just to get the opportunity. Frank (Valentini, executive producer, GH) texted me right away. I was just like, ‘Thank you for the opportunity to get to do what I do.'”
Taking in the moment, Burton thanked those who helped him select the material for his nominated reel. “Unless you win, you don’t get to say things. So. I’m going just say a few things: Elizabeth Korte (co-head writer, GH) helped me a lot with the material, (as did) Michelle Henry, who’s a producer on the show, Laura Wright (Carly, GH), and then my wife Michelle (Lundstrom). I believe it was Jill Phelps who told me that when A Martinez felt like he had a great show or great scenes, he would mark it down. So, when Emmy time comes, you have all the show numbers written down, and you don’t have to think about it, because that’s half the battle (finding the material).
Burton explained how meaningful this nomination is for him, because of playing the scenes of Jason losing Monica, and his closeness with the late, great Leslie Charleson.
“The nomination’s an amazing thing, and it’s beautiful, but really it’s to honor Leslie Charleson. A lot of my material was because of her, and how I started on the show as a Quartermaine, it just means a ton,” shared Burton. “Maurice Benard (Sonny, GH) has obviously has been instrumental, and I’ve said it from day one and I’ll shout it from the rooftops. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be here, and to be working with the people that we work with is incredible.”

Photo: JPI
SHOULD JOHN OLIVER BE NAMED HOST OF THE DAYTIME EMMYS?
During the end of his conversation with Anderson, Steve suggested that the host of the Daytime Emmy should be Last Week Tonight’s John Oliver, who recently guest starred as the head of the WSB named Z on General Hospital, and is soon to show up on Days of Our Lives in a mystery role in August.
Thus far, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has not revealed their host for the upcoming ceremony to be held on October 30 in a venue to be named in Hollywood, California.
You can watch Steve sharing his reaction to receiving his 2026 Lead Actor Daytime Emmy nomination below on a special segment on the That’s Awesome podcast.
Now let us know, are you glad that Steve chose scenes surrounding Jason mourning the loss of the woman that raised him, Monica Quartermaine for his Emmy reel? What do you think of John Oliver as a suggestion to host the Daytime Emmys? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Beyond the Gates
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actress Drama Series

Monday on Entertainment Tonight, the second set of nominations for the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards were announced which included the highly-coveted Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actress and Outstanding Daytime Talk Series.
ET followed suit after Extra announced the nominees, as previously reported, in the Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actor and Outstanding Daytime Talk Host.
Now, five leading ladies of the soaps are vying for the gold for Lead Actress and the category marked the first-ever nominations for CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates when two actresses made the final cut. Only General Hospital is not represented among the actresses this year after Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis) took home the trophy last year.

Photo: NATAS
THE FIVE LEADING LADIES OF THE SOAPS ARE …
The 2026 Lead Actress nominees are: Stacy Haiduk (Kristen DiMera), Days of Our Lives, Karla Mosley (Dani Dupree), Beyond the Gates, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers), The Young and the Restless, Heather Tom (Katie Logan), The Bold and the Beautiful, and Tamara Tunie (Anita Dupree), Beyond the Gates.
This marks the first Daytime Emmy nominations for Karla Mosley and Tamara Tunie. In addition, this marks the first-time in her career that Stacy Haiduk had received a Lead Actress nod after two Supporting Actress nominations.
Meanwhile, Michelle Stafford had previously won 3 Emmys – 2 for Lead Actress and 1 for Supporting, but this recognition makes it her 11th overall nomination.
Heather Tom currently is tied for the most all-time Daytime Emmy wins with One Life to Live alum and General Hospital guest star, Erika Slezak. The B&B star has 19 nominations throughout her career.

Photo: ABC
DAYTIME TALK SERIES
In the Outstanding Daytime Talk Series category, the nominees are: 3rd Hour of Today, The Drew Barrymore Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Live with Kelly and Mark, Today with Jenna and Friends and The View.
“We’re proud to honor the extraordinary talent and creative teams whose work continues to define and elevate daytime television,” NATAS president and CEO Adam Sharp said in a statement on the nominations. “As the Daytime landscape evolves and new forms of storytelling emerge, we remain committed to recognizing the innovation happening across the industry.”
The rest of the nominations will be revealed tomorrow on Tuesday July 14 starting on The View and then the full list of nominees in both the main and creative arts will be released by NATAS. The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards are slated for October 30th in Hollywood, California.
So, what do you think about the women who are vying for the Lead Actress Daytime Emmy? Happy with who got in? Who do you feel got snubbed? What do you think of the nominees for Daytime Talk Series? Weigh-in via the comment section.
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