Connect with us

News

37

Joanna Johnson Leaving B&B As She Is Unavailable To Tape More Episodes! However, Crystal Chappell Remains!

L. Bohm & K Hutchins

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!

Leave a comment | 37 Comments

37 Comments
oldest
newest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

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.

Breaking News

Kim Kardashian, Emma Roberts and Marlene King Land ‘Calabasas’, a Soap in the Vein of the ‘O.C’ and ‘Beverly Hills 90210’, at Netflix

There has been lot of soapy projects coming to life and in the works of late, and now comes word that Kim Kardashian is executive producing a new series in development for Netflix called Calabasas.

After a bidding war last week, it looks like Netflix cemented the development deal from Kim, and her producing partners American Horror Story co-star Emma Roberts (pictured below) and Pretty Little Liars creators Marlene King and Alexandra Milchan.

The concept of Calabasas is based on the book If You Lived Here You’d Be Famous By Now by Via Bleidner.  King set to write the adaptation and will serve as the series showrunner.

Photo: JPI

According to Deadline, Calabasas is said to be in the vein of primetime young teen and young adult soaps the O.C. and Beverly Hills 90210. The story follows “Via, a 16-year-old sheltered Midwestern Catholic school girl whose world is turned upside down when her family moves and she’s forced to transfer to the fast world of Calabasas High where nothing is as it appears and where everyone is trying to be someone else. It’s a place where dreams come true … but not without complications and sometimes unforeseen consequences.”

Photo: Hulu

As fans of the Kardashians know, Kim and her family made the town of Calabasas a household and worldwide name. Kim being attached to this project helped make its sale. This marks her fourth project to sell since the writers and actors strikes concluded at the end of last summer.

So, would you be interested to see a teen soap called ‘Calabasas’ on Netflix from Kim and company? Comment below.

Continue Reading

General Hospital

Ellen Travolta Makes Another Return to General Hospital

If General Hospital’s Chase (Josh Swickard) and Brook Lynn’s (Amanda Setton) nuptials are on, you didn’t think Grandma Gloria Cerullo would miss out on the festivities, now did you?

Casting news from Soap Opera Digest reveals that Ellen Travolta is back taping scenes that will air the week of May 13th on the ABC daytime drama series.  When viewers learned that Carmine Cerullo, was also on his way back to Port Charles, now in the face and body of actor George Russo, it only made sense that Grandma Gloria would join Grandpa Cerullo. Look for them both mid-May.

As most people know, Ellen is the older sister to John Travolta. She first make appearances as Gloria back on GH in the mid-90s. Most recently, she returned to the Quartermaine mansion to meet up with daughter, Lois (Rena Sofer) and granddaughter Brook Lynn for Thanksgiving in Port Charles in 2023.  Michael Fairman TV interviewed Rena Sofer and Amanda Setton late last year where they shared what it had been liking working with Ellen, who remains very close to Sofer in real-life.

Photo: JPI

Amanda shared: “We fell in love immediately. What’s crazy is my maternal grandmother was Grandma Gloria. I had her till I was 30 and we were so close. She was really like a second mom to me. So, when I got this script and I’m reading “Grandma Gloria”, it was so bizarre. And then in meeting Ellen, she looks like my grandma – same haircut, same high cheekbones. It really did feel like I had a few days with my grandma. It was very, very special for me. Ellen is sweet, prepared, professional, talented and funny to boot. So, it was one of the best weeks I’ve had at work. I hope she comes back. My fingers are crossed.”

Photo: ABC

Now, we can’t imagine Brook Lynn and Chase’s wedding day to be smooth sailing, in fact, expect just the opposite, but could it be Grandma Gloria who is ultimately the hero or the calming voice of reason for any pre-wedding jitters? Stay tuned.

So, glad to know that Ellen Travolta will be back for Brook Lynn and Chase’s big day? Comment below.

Continue Reading

Days Of Our Lives

Kristian Alfonso Returns to Days of our Lives for Tribute to The Late Bill Hayes

After a few weeks of Days of our Lives fans being upset that Kristian Alfonso (Hope Williams) was not on the first list of initial returns for Doug Williams’ funeral and episodes honoring his portrayer, the late Bill Hayes, comes word that the popular star is back and taping scenes.

Kristian reported to work on the Peacock streaming soap opera on Monday, April 22nd. She shared how important it is for her to be back for this particular return to the show that made her a household name.

“My return is very bittersweet,” Alfonso told TV Insider,  “because it is the end of an era with Bill gone. So to return to Days is very sad. I am appreciative that they came to me to include me in their series of shows honoring Doug and I’m very happy to see everyone, but I’m entering the studio with a heavy heart.”

Photo: JPI

It was back in 1983 that Kristian first debuted as Doug’s daughter, and now 41 years later looking back at it, and her time with Bill Hayes is very emotional for her.

“I remember my first scenes with him/ He was very loving, very welcoming. That he was very talented and an incredible actor and an icon, that all goes without saying, but my personal relationship and my working relationship with Bill, it was home,” expressed Alfonso. “Doing the scenes with Bill, I felt like I was with my dad because there was so much warmth and reality.”

Photo: JPI

Alfonso did express some deep regret, in that she had wanted to work with Bill Hayes during her last appearance on the soap back in 2023, but according to the iconic actress, there was something in the works but it never materialized.  “I’m sad that I did not get the opportunity to do the storyline that Ron (Carlivati, head writer) had planned/ It was great; we returned to Salem to reunite with our families and I would have had father/daughter scenes with Billy. What Ron had written was beautiful and emotional and it was a fantastic story. I was 100 percent for it and the fans would have loved it.”

Photo: JPI

As for if Bo (Peter Reckell) and Hope will be back on-screen together anytime soon, Kristian would only say, “What I will say is don’t give up hope.” Doug’s passing and memorial episodes will stream later this year come late November into December.

So, are you happy to learn that Kristian Alfonso is back taping episodes surrounding Doug’s memorial episodes? Comment below.

Continue Reading

Video Du Jour

Peter Reckell returns for a second visit with Michael Fairman following the wrap-up of his recent run as Bo Brady on Days of our Lives.Leave A Comment

Recent Comments

Power Performance

Eileen Davidson as Ashley

The Young and the Restless

Airdate: 4-12-2024

Popular