News
Melody Thomas Scott's 35 Years On Y&R Celebration Featuring Heartfelt Speeches From Joshua Morrow, Eric Braeden … and Melody!

Photo Credit: Jeremy Fraser/LA Exposures
Earlier this week, the iconic Melody Thomas Scott of The Young and the Restless celebrated her 35th anniversary as the indomitable Nikki Newman with a heartfelt on set celebration that was attended by her cast mates, crew, CBS network brass, show co-creator Lee Phillip Bell, and invited guests, press, and family members.
Any Melody event would not be complete without an ode to Melody’s favorite show, “I Love Lucy”, and that was done via a very special cake made for the ceremony, plus there were some very special pictures of Melody over the years at Y&R that served as the backdrop.
The festivities kicked-off with current Y&R executive producer, Jill Farren Phelps saying a few words in honor of Melody and then what followed were some heartfelt, and often times emotional speeches, that also came with the perfect amount of a dash of humor to strike the balance of the afternoon celebration. Melody’s on-screen son, Joshua Morrow (Nick) next addressed the crowd on the CBS soundstage and shared his thoughts on the day’s honoree!

Photo Credit: MF Soaps Inc.
JOSHUA MORROW: The first time I met Mel, and I don’t know if she remembers this, but Nikki was coming in hammered staggering into a church. And Marnie Saitta (former, Y&R casting director) walked me in and said, “That’s going to be your mom,” and Mel as Nikki was a mess, but I thought, “She’s hot!” (Laughs) The next day I worked, she invited me into her dressing room to talk and to meet me. I, just straight off the bus from Oklahoma, did not realize how you should treat a woman in Hollywood, and I asked her how old she was! Melody said, “Why don’t you guess?” I didn’t know how the game was played and so I guessed and nailed it! And she looked at me and said, “Most people guess much younger.” There was like an uncomfortable nine seconds. So then she said, “I’m just messing with you.” (Laughs) Melody has always been my second mother. She gave me and my wife Tobe one of the coolest things ever. She asked me if she could throw my wife a baby shower, and I was like “cool”. And it turned out to be this ginormous party! We were really touched that you did that for us and I will never, ever forget it. The fact that you don’t have ten Daytime Emmys is a joke to me. You are incredible, and I am completely honored to play your son. I remember at one point I said to her, “I can’t call you Mel anymore, I want to call you “Mom”’, and she said, “I would be upset if you didn’t.” I love this woman. Thank you so much for all that you have taught me, and I love you.

Photo Credit: Jeremy Fraser/LA Exposures
Next, long time scene partner Eric Braeden (Victor) who along with Melody for decades has created The Young and the Restless most enduring supercouple Victor and Nikki, spoke emotionally and with tears at how much working with her has meant to him.
ERIC BRAEDEN: 34 years I have known Melody, and the thing is about this business is we work together and then we each go home, and we don’t really get to know each other that well. And yet, when we work together, I feel at home. I remember the first time that Bill Bell had written a scene where Nikki asks Victor about his childhood, and after doing that scene I knew I was going to stay at Y&R because it allowed me, and it allowed her, to show vulnerability. That is the secret to success in this business, pure and simple. I have never found that with anyone else on this show as much as with Melody. So I want to thank you for over 30 years of wonderful working conditions. I think somewhere along the line … we love each other.
Finally, the woman of the hour, and of the last 35 years in Genoa City, who has given so much and breathed life into Nikki Newman addressed the guests. In an emotional beginning, Melody shared a part of her difficult childhood, and how Y&R has truly become her family. She then shared how becoming Nikki on Y&R has changed her life in more ways than one.

Photo Credit: Jeremy Frazer/LA Exposures
MELODY THOMAS SCOTT: In February 1979, the most prolific writers in television, Lee and Bill Bell decided that I would be a suitable replacement for the actress playing Nikki Newman. I had never seen this show called The Young and the Restless, but it was a job and I knew I could pay my rent for the next 13 weeks, and I got to spend my time in my haven … a soundstage. My life was definitely continuing to improve, not only did their decision give me a job, but it also eventually gave me my husband, Edward Scott, 28 years and counting, and my perfect glorious children … and then later two grandchildren. And most of all friends, who are most definitely my family All the wonderful people standing here right now, you don’t know this, but you contribute to the joy that surges through me every time I walk through this building – everyone of you – cast mates, crew, staff, all of you. I might be tired or snappy, or worried that I haven’t learned my lines yet, but just your simple, “Morning Mel” it warms my heart. Your love and support, and you humor, brightens my day in more ways that I can ever express. And as lovely as this celebration is for me, it’s for all of you and my wonderful fans. What you all have given me; I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world, not even an Emmy. (Laughs) None of this would be possible without the continued love and support of CBS, Sony, and the Bell family. I must thank the ones who started it all the beloved Lee and Bill Bell. I am sure you were unaware at just how you changed my life that day. But you all … thank you for this life, a life, my life, and my family. I love you all so much!
So, what do you think about the speeches made by Joshua, Eric and Melody on this incredible milestone? Share your thoughts below! And be on the lookout for more from the party in the days ahead!
News
Susan Flannery and Ian Buchanan Visit the Set of ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’; Daytime Emmy Winners Reflect on Show Then and Now

The one and only Susan Flannery (ex-Stephanie Forrester) dropped in to see her former co-stars on The Bold and the Beautiful at their Sunset Las Palmas Studio in Hollywood, along with her good friend and another B&B co-star Ian Buchanan (ex-James Warwick) on Tuesday October 20.
It was the first time in a very long time that The four-time Daytime Emmy winning actress was reunited with Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke), Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (Steffy), executive producer and head writer, Brad Bell, Jennifer Gareis and even her TV sister, Alley Mills (Pam, B&B now Heather, GH) showed up for the day too!
Flannery played the Forrester matriarch from 1987 until 2012. It was then that after playing the part of Stephanie for 25 years that Susan made the decision to retire from acting and in one of the most heartbreaking sendoffs, passes away from lung cancer in Brooke’s arms in November of 2012. During her B&B tenure, Flannery won 3 of her 4 Daytime Emmys, the other being for her first soap role as Laura Horton on Days of our Lives back in 1975.

Photo: Bell-Phillip TV
As for Ian Buchanan, he played Dr. Warwick, psychiatrist, from 1993 to 1999. He returned for other runs in 2014 and 2017. Buchanan took home his Daytime Emmy in 1997 for his work as James. Soap fans also remember, Ian as mobster Duke Lavery on General Hospital, and Dr. Greg Madden on All My Children,
Both Susan and Ian shared their thoughts on coming back to The Bold and the Beautiful, for Susan 14 years later since he exited and for Ian close to 9 years since his last appearance below.
Susan said, “It’s definitely like coming home in a way, even though it’s not the same studio. It’s really lovely to see old faces and old faces with new faces. It takes you back mentally. You start remembering what it was like back then, even things like how much your feet would ache at the end of the day from wearing six-inch heels. It was just lovely to be back and see everybody.”

Photo: Bell-Phillip TV
Ian expressed, “It’s a mind trip, you know. When I was sitting looking at the big Forrester set, it was like stepping back in time, almost. It takes you back mentally, and you start remembering what it was like when you were here before.”
“It’s lovely to see all these people again, even if you don’t know everybody,” explained soap vet Buchanan. “There’s something really special about coming back and seeing the show and the people who have been part of it for so long.”
So, happy to see Susan and Ian with some of their former castmates? Do you think Stephanie and Brooke is one of the greatest frenemy stories in daytime history? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
Beyond the Gates
Tabitha Brown and Kandi Burruss Guest Star on ‘Beyond the Gates’ for Dani’s ‘Welcome to Your Life’ TV Special; What Could Go Wrong?

As previously announced, Beyond the Gates is bringing chef, author and actress Tabitha Brown and Grammy Award-winning songwriter, singer and actress Kandi Burruss to Fairmont Crest in a special episode of the CBS daytime drama airing Thursday, October 22.
In the episode, Dani’s (Karla Mosley) best friend Pamela Curtis (Cady McClain), arranges a “Welcome to Your Life” television special for her. As it turns out, Brown will play the show’s host, Tia Allen, while Burruss takes on the role of Dani’s first modeling agent, Kalista Kilroy, who turns the celebration of her life into a bad trip down memory lane.
Dani’s parents Anita and Vernon (Tamara Tunie, Clifton Davis), sister Nicole (Daphnee Duplaix), and daughters Chelsea (RhonniRose Mantilla) and Naomi (Arielle Prepetit) all join the show to celebrate and support her but also witness how things so south. Also appearing in the episode are Molly Figueroa as Tatum Stewart and fan-favorite Anita Williams (Tunie) impersonator Jackie Tyree!

PhotoL JPI
THE 411 ON TIA AND KALISTA
Speaking with TV Insider, about their soapy experience in Fairmont Crest, Tabitha Brown previewed about her host with the most, “Tia is very professional, but she’s a girl’s girl. She is a protector of women and wants to tell their stories in a beautiful way, but she also wants to make sure they’re seen in a very good light.”
However, Burruss previews that Kalista arrives with a score to settle. “She’s spicy,” shared the recording artist. “I always love playing somebody that has come to start trouble. It’s always fun to play a villain of sorts, but Kalista feels like she’s been done wrong and she’s hurt by what she feels has been done to her. So Kalista is stirring up trouble, but she feels justified putting Dani on blast. Kalista is ready for some payback.”
Beyond the Gates is produced by CBS Studios, as part of the CBS Studios/NAACP Venture, in partnership with P&G Studios, a division of Procter & Gamble. Created by head writer Michele Val Jean, executive producers include Val Jean, Sheila Ducksworth, Julie Carruthers, Tracey Thomson, Leon W. Russell, Derrick Johnson, Anna Saalfeld and Lela Coffey.
Beyond the Gates is broadcast weekdays on CBS (2:00-3:00 PM, ET/1:00-2:00 PM, PT) and is available to stream on Paramount+**.
So, looking forward to this special episode of Beyond the Gates when Dani is put on a blast during a blast from her past and Welcome to Your Life TV special? Share your thoughts via the comment section.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of our Lives’ Reveals Kyle Pryor Cast as Dominic Marino

For months now, Days of our Lives has teased the character of Dominic Marino. In recent weeks, viewers learned that Marino is on the down low working with Sami Brady’s (Alison Sweeney) apparent fiancé ‘Dante Vitali (Franco LoPresti), and that he is the never-before-heard-of child of Stefano DiMera (the late Joseph Mascolo) and Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall)!
Up until now, the Peacock streaming soap opera has never revealed his face, but that all seemed to change on the Tuesday, October 2o episode of DAYS. In story, Dante met Sami’s parents for the first time, Roman (Josh Taylor) and Marlena.
He shows them a photo of Dominic, which he happened to have on his own phone and even commented he kind of looked like he could be Marlena’s son. The photo, which has quickly made it around Soap Twitter/X, revealed that British-born actor Kyle Pryor is the man in the photo and eagle-eyed viewers actually located said photo on Pryor’s Instagram.

Photo: Peacock
Deadline revealed Pryor started taping at the end of 2025 and will first be seen in the role, on air Monday, November 2. In addition, Days will celebrate its 61st Anniversary with two special episodes featuring Dominic’s arrival, as well the returns of Tony and Anna DiMera, played respectively by Thaao Penghlis and Leann Hunley, on Friday, November 6 and Monday, November 9.
Those in the know, are are that Pryor previously held series regular roles on Australia’s Home and Away, and the UK’s Hollyoaks and guest starred on Emmerdale. In an ironic twist, Pryor appeared in the series Spartacus: Blood and Sand which is the same action series his apparent TV brother, Dan Feuerriegel (EJ DiMera), once appeared in before coming to DAYS.
So excited to see Kyle Pryor take on the role of Dominic Marino as Days of our Lives sets its anniversary story to kick-off with is arrival in Salem? Share your thoughts in the comment section. And in case you missed our latest conversation with Conner Floyd (Chad DiMera) he weighs-in on how Dominic’s appearance will shake things up in Salem. You can check that out below.
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Sometimes there is so much negative stuff to dwell on it is nice to be reminded that love, friendship and respect still exists– and Mel seems to have inspired it and appreciates it– so congrats on 35 years–
side note– I didn’t know she replaced someone else, I thought she was the one and only Nikki– does anyone remember or know who the actress she replaced was?
I briefly watched the show in the late 70s(no recording back then so id switch back and forth with another show) when it was about the Brooks sisters…i couldnt remember who the original Niki was so i googled it and she was Erica Hope. i never really followed the show(i watch off and on)…i just like to tune in back then to see those hot Brook sisters!!!
Well said Mary SF!!! I thought it was incredibly heartfelt and just shows how close they people get working day in and day out with all the emotions that they play. She is a lovely lady and I hope she is on for many more years!
i could really feel & sense real emotion in melody & joshua’s speech – eric’s speech not so much…………….jmo
Joshua’s speech is really heartfelt.
Erica Hope. As I dimly recall she had a less warm take on the role than what Melanie brought to it.
Melanie who?
Everybody all together now …
Aaaaaawwwwwwww……
Congrats, Ms Thomas-Scott, on 35 wonderful years of bringing Nikki to the fans. And BTW, what the heck is your secret? I swear, we started out the same age, but you look marvelous and me … well, let’s just not mention that! 🙂
wolfy
I’m not a fan of Y&R, but I have seen MTS in a couple movies. She played young Marnie in Alfred Hitchcock’s Marnie. Her scenes were with Bruce Dern and Louise Latham. Those scenes revealed why Marnie grew up with a hatred for men. Tippi Hedren was adult Marnie. The movie has a better likeness now then it did in 1964.
love her so much. 35 years. wow wow wow. we’re all aging together! great work through the years MTS.
I remember when Melody replaced Erica! Erica wasn’t on very long at all. Her story never really got hot and heavy until Melody came aboard.
I think she is wonderful! Started watching about 5 years ago and its my favorite soap
They all sort of spoke for all of out here. They are our extend family, and we love them. We look forward to seeing them every weekday, The fact that they are acting is not important — we are the invisible family members on the set. Love to all.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
UN PETIT COUCOU DE FRANCE POUR DIRE FELICITATION DEPUIS DES ANNEES QUI NOUS FAIT TOUT LES JOURS DE VOUS SUIVRE ET QUE D AMITIEES A VOUS MELODY AINSI QUE TOUTE L EQUIPE DE Y&R MERCI
I met Mel on a visit to Toronto a couple of years ago and she was as lovely and as beautiful as you see on Y&R. She was incredibly friendly to me and my daughter and my granddaughter and took pictures with all of us. She even remembered tweeting with us. She is a darling woman and I have always loved “Nikki”. Its nice to see that Mel is just as lovely as Nikki! Happy 35 years Mel and many more!
I think Melody Thomas Scott gets more and more beautiful. She’s timeless. Great actress. To 35 more great years! Congratulations; and I Love Lucy is one of my all-time favorite shows, too!
What a wonderful tribute; and so well deserved! MY GOD, why doesn’t she have an EMMY!!??? It’s completely ludicrous. Melody/Nikki is a daytime GODDESS! Congratulations to her!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY. YOUR JUST AS BEAUTIFUL NOW AS YOU WERE WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED Y&R.
Happy Anniversary to Melody Thomas Scott.
It is truly wonderful to hear all of the heartfelt wishes and respect from your fellow castmates.
I am a long time viewer of the show, having watched the first episode when I was on spring break from school!