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Maria Arena Bell & Hogan Sheffer fess up to the reason behind Y&R's doppelgangers!
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
Genoa City citizens, and fans of the number one soap, The Young and the Restless have had several bouts of seeing double recently, with both the Lauren/Sarah Doppelganger story, and the Emily/Patty Doppelganger story. But in a new and revealing interview with TV Guide Canada’s, Nelson Branco, Y&R’s head scribes, Maria Arena Bell and Hogan Sheffer sat down for a joint interview about all the on-screen happenings and recent backstage casting. Here is an excerpt about the some of the online flack the duo have taken for to much duality at one time!
Maria Arena Bell on why so many doppelgangers: “Let me tell you what’s funny about that. Someone in the soap press [Soap Opera Digest’s Carolyn Hinsey] recently wrote, “Did you guys realize that you have two doppelgangers airing at once?” Yeah, we did [laughs]! It was intentional. The two stories are intertwined. The Sarah and Patty storylines will be a rapid-fire denouement. It gave us an opportunity to tell a fun, clever and interesting culmination of Patty’s story and the pseudo reemergence of Sheila. It gave Tracey Bregman an opportunity to stretch herself as an actress and show a different side, a darker side, in this dual role. It’s a very short arc. But what it gives the audience is a tour-de-force performance from Tracey. You’ll see a very fun explosion this week. Tracey shouldn’t just win an Emmy Award for this portrayal, she should win an Oscar! You’ll see! As for viewer dissatisfaction, I want to say I do visit the message boards. I do listen to our fans and critics. Sometimes when you’re watching a storyline unfold, you don’t know where it’s going and you get understandably frustrated. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It means people are watching and talking about our show. I’d be more concerned if fans weren’t talking about our show! A perfect example of that is the Adam Newman storyline. Everyone complained about Adam getting away with all his evildoings, yet [we surged almost 300,000 viewers in the ratings the week he was murdered — which proved at the end of the day that the audience really loved the story]. We always ensure there is a great payoff in all of our stories. Just trust us.”
Alison Sweeney (Sami Brady, Days of our Lives) is jumping head first into the celebrity podcast rage with the launch of hers entitled, Between Takes with Alison Sweeney.
In between her busy schedule of Hallmark Channel movies, features, TV appearances and returns to Days of our Lives, Sweeney will now feature special guests each episode as previewed in her Instagram video clip announcing the new podcast series.
Accompanying her video, Sweeney expressed, “Trying something new! Check out my new podcast. Just fun casual chats with my friends. Links are in my bio.”
Photo: Hallmark
The first episode features former DAYS star and Hallmark Channel mainstay, Victor Webster (ex-Nicholas Alamain). It was back from 1999-2000 that Victor first appeared on the then NBC soap opera.
As previously reported, Sweeney will be reprising her role of Sami on Days of our Lives, next summer in June when she returns along with several fan favorites for a story arc.
During Alison’s premiere of “Between Takes,” Webster shares stories of his time on DAYS, being a proud dog dad, and globetrotter, plus working on action scenes and for Victor, taking over from The Rock in the the Scorpion King franchise appearing in Scorpion King 3: Battle For Redemption. Alison and Victor also chat about their time on sets.
You can listen to Between Takes with Alison Sweeney on all major podcast streaming platforms; including Apple Podcasts here.
So, will you be checking out Alison’s podcast as it continues to grow? Intrigued who from Days of our Lives and the soaps might chat it up with her in future episodes? Let us know in the comment section.
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The 53rd annual Daytime Emmys red carpet was filled with the leading ladies of soap opera, with an array of styles, looks and fashion trends: from bright vibrant colored gowns, plenty of sequins, pantsuits, retro looks, to fashion-forward and more.
From many an Emmy newcomer to the carpet with the stars of Beyond the Gates making their first-ever appearances on daytime’s biggest night, to veteran fan favorites, to the nominees and the guest stars, these women walked the carpet showing off their 2026 fashion sensibilities to the paparazzi.
Let’s take a look at some of the noteworthy looks starting with pictured above: Beyond the Gates star and now Emmy winner, Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas), Days of our Lives’ Abigail Klein (Stephanie Johnson), and Sal Stowers (Lani Price Grant), General Hospital’s Katelyn MacMullen (Willow Tait) and alum and nominee Eva LaRue (ex-Natalia Rogers Ramirez).
DRESSED TO IMPRESS
Now below, check out some of the other red carpet looks from the actresses of Beyond the Gates, Days of our Lives, General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless, and then you can let us know in the comment section the answer to our question, “Who’s got the look?”
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
General Hospital’s Amanda Setton, a first-time Emmy nominee for her work as Brook Lynn Quartermaine, looked beautiful in burgundy.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
The Belle of the Ball: Beyond the Gates star Tamara Tunie wowed the red carpet, and later took home her first Lead Actress Daytime Emmy for her role as Anita Dupree.
Photo: NATAS
Y&R star, Hayley Erin (Claire) look stylish and in the popular burgundy dress color trend on the carpet.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Kelly Kruger (Serena Baldwin) dressed in black and brought elegance to the carpet.
Photo: NATAS
Y&R star, Christel Khalil (Lily Winters) looked stunning in this olive green dress and matching handbag and earrings.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Alexa Havins (Lulu Spencer) also dressed in sophisticated black with embroidered top and sarong dress.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Days of our Lives’ Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez), who always wows on the carpet, did so again this year in a pearl white gown.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Beyond the Gates’ Rhonni Rose Mantilla’s (Chelsea Hamilton) in a cobalt blue dress making her first appearance on a Daytime Emmys red carpet.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Kristen Vaganos (Molly Lansing-Davis) in a pale peach dress took to the Emmys red carpet.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
General Hospital’s Braedyn Bruner (Emma Drake), a first-time Daytime Emmy nominee, showed youth with elegance.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Maura West (Ava Jerome) and Cynthia Watros (Nina Reeves), both past Lead Actress Daytime Emmy winners, were on-hand to root on this year’s nominee in the category and for their show, which ultimately won Outstanding Drama Series.
Photo: JPI
Three-time Daytime Emmy winner, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers) of The Young and the Restless definitely had people turning heads during the red carpet arrivals.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Y&R’s Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea Lawson) took to the red carpet also in a black dress with her latest hairstyle!
Photo: Hutchins Photo
The one and only Finola Hughes (Anna Devane, General Hospital) opted for a sleek, yet comfortable style for the 2026 Daytime Emmys.
So, who do you think wore it best from the women on this year’s Daytime Emmys Red Carpet? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Alum Jeff Kober Accepts His Daytime Emmy Award After Being Unable to Attend the Ceremony
Last night at the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards, Jeff Kober’s name was called as the winner of the Outstanding Guest Performer in a Daytime Drama Series for his role as murderer and all around misunderstood bad guy, Cyrus Renault on General Hospital.
Kober added a second Daytime Emmy to his collection for playing Laura Collins’ Genie Francis) half-brother. He previously won in the Best Supporting Actor category in 2022. He was also nominated the year prior.
Due to appearing in a “theater gig,” the actor revealed in a videotaped acceptance speech why he couldn’t be at the Hollywood Palladium on October 30 for the livestreamed ceremony.
Photo: ABC
In his acceptance speech, Kober shared, “I want to say thank you to all of the actors who made this happen, and thank you especially to GH and my GH family. What a treat it has been to be with them. Sorry I wasn’t there last night. I had a prior commitment with a theater gig.”
He added, “I’m really sorry I didn’t get to see Genie (Francis) and the recognition by the Emmys she so richly deserves. Love you guys. Oh, also, congratulations to my pal, Roger Howarth (Matt, Y&R, and ex-Franco, GH). Maybe now GH will bring our characters back from the dead. Who knows? I see a storyline. Love to all. Thanks.”‘
Photo: JPI
Last night, Genie Francis received the Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Academy of Television of Arts and Sciences for her body of work since she joined GH initially in 1977 as a young teenaged Laura Vining.
Meanwhile, Howarth made history for the longest gap between Emmy wins for actors. It had been 32 years since he won Outstanding Younger Actor for his performance as Todd Manning in One Life to Live back in 1994.
You can check out Jeff Kober’s video acceptance speech below. Then let us know, what you think about the idea of Cyrus Renault returning from the dead, via the comment section.
Roger Howarth Reflects on Daytime Emmy Win, 32-Year Record Gap, and Embracing Matt Clark on ‘The Young and the Restless’ (Exclusive)
Y&R’s Bryton James and Christel Khalil Crossover to ‘Beyond the Gates’ (Sneak Peek)
DAYS Favorite Alison Sweeney Launches New Podcast ‘Between Takes’
‘Days of our Lives’ Fall Preview Reveals Sofia Mattsson as Chloe Lane and New Storyline Twists!
2026 Daytime Emmys Red Carpet: Dashing Duos – Who’s Got the Look? (Photos)
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Winners: ‘General Hospital’ Takes Drama Series, Tamara Tunie and Scott Clifton Top Acting Honors
Who Should Win Outstanding Lead Actor at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards? (Poll)
Could Justin Bruening Join ‘General Hospital’? Set Visit with Wife Alexa Havins Stirs Fan Hopes
Y&R’s Jason Thompson and Mark Grossman Deliver the ‘Power Performances of the Week’
Who Should Win Outstanding Daytime Drama at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards? (Poll)
Y&R’s Bryton James and Christel Khalil Crossover to ‘Beyond the Gates’ (Sneak Peek)
‘Days of our Lives’ Fall Preview Reveals Sofia Mattsson as Chloe Lane and New Storyline Twists!
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Brennan’s Body is Found, Heather Makes Her Reentry into Port Charles
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Heartfelt Speech He Had Planned If He Had Won Lead Actor at the Daytime Emmys
‘General Hospital’ Alum Jeff Kober Accepts His Daytime Emmy Award After Being Unable to Attend the Ceremony
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Sheffer, MAB and Nelson Branco have been vilified online for this interview.
It’s on the goldderby forums and daytime confidential boards.
My critiques are there, but to Sheffer’s credit, his Y&R is pushing the envelope and not doing customry things soaps do, like on boring B&B.
I have to agree with MANY of the derogatory comments on other boards in regard to this interview. These writers are so out of touch with what the viewers want. While the Patty/Emily required MAJOR suspension of disbelief, the Lauren/Sara story was just plain dumb. Tracy Bregman made gold out of the crap she was handed, as well as the rest of the cast involved in this beyond ludicrous storyline. My gripe is that what people want are the character driven storylines that made soaps so great. Now it seems its just one crazy plot device after another.
Bold and the Beautiful is barely watchable these days becasue they recycle the same storylines year after year, just using different characters. Now we are going to be tortured by the Bridget/Owen baby for months on end, even though we all know how thats going to turn out.
I want to see storylines on Y&R that deal with the Victor Vs Tucker and Katherine getting her company back. Hell, I welcome the Tucker/Ashley/Neil triangle!
Just listen to what the people want and they will watch, dont turn this once great show into a second rate Passions.
B&B never taps into its history. It completely ignores it when the show’s history could be mined for good storylines. Instead it’s 1 rewrite after the next.
Bridget lost Nicole, had a freaking surrogate that lost her baby, and now that Bridget’s older, she’s pregnant!
Can you imagine the lengths Nelson Branco is going to promote this storyline? He just named Jackie Marone one of the best mothers on soaps! Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!
Jackie lied to Nick abt Ridge Junior being his child. Jackie lied to Nick abt her prostitution and had her “johns” over at their house while Nick, a child at the time, was present in the house. Jackie even pushed Nick to reunite w/ Bridget, despite knowing that HOwen and Bridget were making strides as a couple since jackie obviously put her own selfish, sexual needs over Nick and Bridget breaking their cycle of abuse caused by Nick’s infidelities. And now, Jackie is lying to Nick and forcing Bridget to lie abt the miracle baby, all so Jackie can stay in her marriage to her manwhore. Yet, Nick’s children have been proven to be not his (Ridge Junior, Dino) and he’s lost so many babies (Nicole, miracle baby w/ Katie, surrogate baby)! Jackie’s one of the worst mothers, lying abt the paternity is soooooo overdone, and this is all to pair Nick w/ Aggie.
Y&R and B&B are awful soaps. MAB and Brad need to step down, but that will never happen since MAB married into the Bell dynasty and Brad will never step down bec of his ego and quest for more Emmys.
The reason MAB gave for all of the doubles on Y&R still did not satisfy me. Makes for very dull and boring and brings nothing to the table. I have been with the show much too long to just accept anything. I am sure I do not share these feelings by myself. We . tje voewers. want more than we have been getting lately. I want the edge-of-your- seat storylines back and the wonderful Friday cliffhangers. After you get used to the best of the best –that is all you will ever want. I speak for a lot of viewers on this one.
If MAB really reads the message boards then she should know how much we want Victoria R. back!!!!
and on B&B, I wanna know how Brooke’s blond haired, blue eyed sister gave birth 2 a darkskinned man!!! and his “dad” just comes OUT OF NOWHERE! no one even remembers you dating a Black man, much less being PREGNANT by one and now let’s just pop this unimaginable storyline in… i was insulted, not only as a Black viewer at the fact that adding Black characters to the plot was so thoughtless and haphazard, but that the writers think the viewers are that damn dumb…
as for the doppleganger stories, DUMB!!! you REALLY need to listen to the fans! Victoria Rowell made a good point on Mo’Nique’s show… Y&R is #1 among Black women, but we are the MOST underrepresented group on the show! Rowell’s Drucilla brought depth, passion and a great story to the show… I have been watching the show since I was 3 years old with my mother! I am now 30, my mother has passed and it’s a way I feel close 2 her everyday, by watching the show. But truly? more and more, my friends are starting 2 turn away from the show… BRING DRU BACK! PHICK SUCKS as a couple, Sharon NEEDS Dru and so does Lily… GET IT 2GETHER Maria Arena Bell!
Dear Maria, Eric Roberts is one of the most interesting characters on Y& R. I think his charcter could evolve into a permanent role. He’s always been one of my favorite ‘macho actors. Thanks for giving him a leave of absence from the show so he could straighten himself out. I went through rehab a few times myself so I know the painful drill. Well take care and HSPPY NEW YEAR. Bob “Ziggy” Anderson
We Need to have Nick & Phyllis back to together because they have a lot of chemistry and a lot of people will watch the show more like people like my age like 18-29.
Go phick forever