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Days Of Our Lives

Louise Sorel OUT at DAYS too! Hall and Hogestyn reportedly back for summer!

Photo Credit: JPI Studios

Photo Credit: JPI Studios

News today was that another DAYS star has been let-go!  Following the news of Crystal Chappell’s (Carly) dismissal yesterday comes this exclusive interview and news with TV Guide that Louise Sorel (Vivian) has once again been axed from the series.

Sorel spoke her mind on the decision not to renew her contract come September, and also let fans know that it appears that Deidre Hall and Drake Hogestyn are reportedly coming back for a summer storyline!   The real shocker here is they just gave Vivian a son, Quinn played by Bren Foster, only to write  her out!  Here are a few excerpts below:

Sorel on how shocking the decision to have her exit the show just as Vivian got a new son! “I agree. It makes no sense. Bren and I have shot some incredible, really emotional scenes together, scenes about his character’s devotion to Vivian, and how she left him. It’s been wonderful, and he’s a very lovely actor. It’s the first time in a while I’ve felt there was something legitimate to play. But I guess that’s out the window. I was told that the show is going back to “core values,” whatever that means. The Bradys and the Hortons, I guess. [Laughs] I’m not sure what “core values” actually means on a soap these days when everyone is corrupt and conniving and stealing babies! And there are so few people left from the old guard. They’re bringing Deidre Hall [Marlena] and Drake Hogestyn [John] back for the summer, which doesn’t mean they won’t continue on for the fall, winter and spring. Maybe I’m a financial trading card so the show can afford them. [Laughs] Although I’ve been making almost nothing — a third of what I was making during my first time on the show — so I don’t know what kind of trading card I’d be. I’m not even a Jack of Spades! [Laughs] I’m basically guessing at what happened. I don’t know what really went down.”

Sorel on how she was not told the real reason behind the decision to let her go: “I don’t know if it matters at this point. What if I did know the reason? Then what? At one point, one of the actresses on Days was told she was interfering with the ratings and hurting the show, so certain things were not being written for her. Who needs to hear that? Listen, actors are by nature gypsies. We pick up and move on. I realize in the long run that I’ll look back on this and it’ll just be one of those things. I would never go back to Days after this, even though Gary Tomlin (DAYS, co-EP) said, “You might be back someday.” I just can’t do it. I love the character. I love the people I’m working with. But I can’t deal with it anymore.”

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Oh I love Vivian but I love Drake and Deidre. Can they please bring back Thaao and reunite EJAMI.

It totally sucks. Especially since Quinn, who is a really exciting character not to mention Bren is a great actor, is her son. Lots of potential story. But I guess that was the old head writer’s story. I’m not down with Ken’s decisions here and think they are mistakes. Louise is a great actress. Vivian is a great character. Give her some of the airtime you’ve given the boring Rafe saga. That storyline needs to end stat but apparently we’ll be ‘treated’ to it all summer. Yawn!

Get rid of Dario. Don’t bring on Adrienne and Justin’s son. Keep the tried and true good characters/actors such as Vivian/Louise. I don’t want Marlena and John to return. We were doing fine without them. I don’t think they’ll add anything. Just really upset with this latest. But after hearing Crystal was gone I wondered if Louise wouldn’t be far behind.

I knew that Carly was going for awhile now. Not a surprise and I won’t miss her. I don’t believe in “knocking” characters just because they’re new. Give them a chance. Wonderful if John and Marlena are back. They’ve been missed.

I have given Dario a chance, but he hasn’t won me over. And if new characters are brought in at the expense of some of my faves, then it doesn’t make me happy.

Yes, there were some ho hum periods on Days, but I enjoyed when Viv was locked in the coffin. That whole story was funny. Even when she was on the island she was snarky good. Unfortunately, they haven’t utilized Louise to her fullest capabilities. Now a GREAT story is starting–Viv has a secret son—and Ken decides to stop it. Why doesn’t he call a halt to the onerous Rafe 1 and 2 story. I was onboard for a bit, but it’s just dragging and again, if it takes time from my faves, then I’m so over it. The Taylor recast did not work, which I think they have realized. Even Chloe was getting interesting again and paired with Quinn made for must watch, but it will all be gone soon.

I’ve never been a John fan. I only liked him when he had that personality replant, but I don’t know which John will return. Caroline is chewing the scenery and I just want to slap her.

If they focus just on Bradys and Hortons, who will be the antagonists? You can’t just have two families, otherwise it gets incestuous and boring. You need interesting characters (i.e., Vivian, Quinn) to spice things up.

Im sorry to see our Viv go,but this time around she was not her old0Viv-self.
so happy John and Marlena are back!
now give us back Bryan Dattilo/Lucas Horton,

I cannot believe they are bringing back John and Marlena, I was so happy to see them go, they are so boring! I can see that days will be the next soap off the air!!!

Since Marlena and Drake left the show I’ve heard nothing but how boring Days is without them. Now, looking at some of these posts, it seems they were boring. But then Rafe is boring (really?) Viv wasn’t herself (Let’s see: poison, coffins, burying people alive–seems like the same old Viv to me)! I think Carly was a bit of an annoying go nowhere character this time around and couldn’t figure out why nothing was done with Nathan or Stephanie that was ultimately constructive, but even at that, I would almost never say that their storylines were worthless. If I find something boiring I don’t invest my time in it and I’ve watched Days since it first aired.

I am very happy to hear the news of the greatest super couple of Daytime John and Marlena’s return. I think Dools has lost touch of their super couples and by bringing their most famous one back I think will bring up raitings.

What a heck is wrong with Day’s ? two wonderful and great actresses they have let go this’s so wrong. I really like LS how she play’s Vivain she has class.

I think is a big mistake, the writers should have wrote them a better story.

I couldn’t agree more. DOOL just made some horrible decisions. First Crystal and then Louise. The writing for these two characters has been horrendous. It is obvious that they are not listening to and do not care about the fans, which is why I will not feel one bit sorry for TPTB when the show gets cancelled. I will however feel sorry for the cast and crew. What has happened to this show is just really sad!

I really think tiic really want to destroy daytime, she is an amazing actress and a pleasure to watch. I wish her the best, she is a true class act.

Not a good move! Vivian is a wicked delight on the show. More fun than EJ and Stefano and a marvelous addition to the cast.

John and Marlena will only be back for afew weeks,

boring is EJ and Taylor,EJ is in the same SL sence he came on the show in 2006,
I am hoping he will be out soon,today would be great.Rafe can go too IMO
I love Vivian,but this time saw not good for her.

I sympathize with Louise Sorel and her fans. I know how painful it can be when a beloved character is let go from Days. I have been a Marlena fan since the 1970s. Imagine how I felt when Deidre Hall and Drake H. were let go in 2008 for budget reasons. Although I was VERY disappointed, I was glad that Ken Corday was able to save the show. I am sure Deidre and Drake were also hurt by their lay-off too. So I can sympathize.

I also agree with Louise that it is a little ironic that she got a great storyline right before being let go. As I am typing this, I have just watched the first scenes between Vivian and Quinn. Louise is right. Those scenes were great…the best I have seen from her. My only thought after watching was “too little too late” regarding the writers. Maybe if Louise had been given such a storyline before, things might have been different.

I have wondered about the job of being soap writer and whether or not such writers start out great and then suffer from “burnout”. In Soap Opera Digest, Ken Corday did not speak evil of Dena Higley, but said he appreciated her for the good work she had done on the show. But you have to wonder after writing so long, whether or not a head writer burns out.

Anyone can become exhausted in any job without a break. Maybe this is what happened to Dena. Such burnout would be reflected in storylines that turn off or bore viewers. Many long time fans of the show were complaining that the stories did not reflect the Days that they know and love. The viewers started to leave. Viewership drives the show. If the viewers go, the show goes. So Ken Corday had to do something quick. He did. Just like he did in 2008 when faced with a SEVERE budget shortfall. What he did was VERY painful, but he did it in a way that would cause the least amount of pain to the greatest number of people. You have to appreciate a guy like that.

I miss Marlena. I am glad she is coming back to Salem. To me she is like an old friend I have not seen in a long time. I will be very happy to see her. So I know how painful this is for Louise and her fans. I only hope that with time the hurt Louise feels will heal and that if and when the opportunity to come back to Salem presents itself, she will.

When Deidre Hall left in 2008, she thought she would never come back either. Maybe Louise ought to have a little private actor to actor chat with Deidre and/or Drake. Deidre and Drake just might be the two persons who know how to comfort Louise. I hope this happens.

I’m so disappointed Louise is leaving Days. Higley only had story for Crystal and Louise from sept 2009 to the climax of Phil & Melanie’s wedding Feb 2010 which made Days #2 in the ratings with over 3mil viewers for the first time since 2004 and got Days renewed that April. That’s what they were brought on the show to do-get Days renewed.

I’m still glad I got to see Vivian brought back to life. I’ve enjoyed Louise’s performance with Crystal and John Aniston. Louise is so good she makes me pay attention when Vivian is on screen.

They just can’t top or come close to 90’s Days. Thanks for the memories to both ladies.

LS and CC are good actresses, and I like them, but their s/l’s were not that good. Sorry that they will not be on, but I hope that they will get better roles because they are both terrifc not to mention really nice people. I wish them all the best.

The character of vivian is amulti dimensional character…they can write many things for her…she is capable of comedy tragedy and above all she has nevr foung true love in her life….with her son arriving on the scene the possibilties for the character are endless….louise sorel is abrilliant actress and i think if days lets her go this time,,,she will never return and that my friends is a sad day for viewers….how many time scan john marlena and the jack story be told…it is so old….vivian has layers that have not been uncovered….a past that has not been uncovered…i don’t know what the writers and producers are thinking when they ley her go…very sad

Days Of Our Lives

Lisa Rinna Would Be Down to Reprise Her Role of Taylor McBride in ‘Melrose Place’ Reboot

When Lisa Rinna departed her popular role of Billie Reed on Days of our Lives back in 1995, her next major role would be a jump to primetime and the soapy Melrose Place.

In 1996, Lisa was introduced as new character Taylor McBride and stayed with the Fox young adult sudser for three seasons. Now in 2024, with the recent reveal that a Melrose Place revival is the works with Heather Locklear, Daphne Zuniga and Laura Leighton all on board to reprise their signature roles, would Rinna board the project should it come to fruition?

Speaking with PEOPLE, Rinna expressed, “Well, gosh, I’ve heard about it. I haven’t been approached or anything, but I would love to see what Taylor McBride is up to 25 years later. Wouldn’t that be something?”

Photo: FOX

OG Melrose Place fans know that in story, Taylor moved to the Melrose Place apartment building with her husband Kyle played by Rob Estes. However, Taylor had her eye on Dr. Peter Burns played by former GH star Jack Wagner (ex-Frisco). But, by the time she had moved to the apartment complex, Peter had married tough as nails ad executive, Amanda Woodward, played by Heather Locklear.

Recalling her time on Melrose Place, Rinna added that it, “was one of my greatest and most fun acting experiences, playing Taylor and working with Heather and the whole crew.”  Rinna also noted, “So if they need a Taylor McBride appearance, they know who to call. I’m around.”

Photo: JPI

The new Melrose Place is in development at CBS Studios. In the premise of the reboot, the Melrose Place residents reunite after the death of one of their friends, “but the pressure cooker of a reunion soon uncovers old traumas, rekindles old romances, reignites old resentments, and reveals new secrets… throwing our characters into chaotic drama that’s reminiscent of the past, but with a much more modern perspective.”

So, would you want to see Lisa Rinna reprise her Melrose Place role as Taylor McBride? Comment below.

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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.

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Breaking News

Steve Kent Reportedly OUT as Sony Pictures Television VP in Charge of DAYS and Y&R

On Friday, reports surfaced that Steve Kent, Senior Executive Vice President of Programming at Sony Pictures Television, is no longer with the company and overseeing the Sony soap operas, Days of our Lives and The Young and the Restless.

According to Soap Opera Digest, a set side source reported that Kent’s last day was last Friday, April 12th, which was one day after what would have been his final appearance in his Sony VP role at the Days of our Lives 15,000th episode on set celebration.

During that ceremony, Kent gave a brief speech giving kudos to DAYS for its incredible milestone. Days is a co-production of Sony Pictures Television and Corday Productions, while Y&R is produced by Bell Dramatic Serial Company in association with Sony Pictures Television.

Photo: JPI

Kent started his soap opera career as a producer for CBS’ defunct Capitol and then as the supervising producer of NBC’s Santa Barbara from1984 to 1993.

Photo: JPI

At Sony, before his role overseeing the soaps, Kent was Senior Executive Vice President of International Productions for Sony Pictures Television International department.

If reports are true, the question becomes who has taken over his position, and would oversee DAYS and Y&R from the Sony side? Share your thoughts on this developing story via the comment section below.

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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

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