News
OLTL's Valentini and Carlivati on their new deal & what it mean for the future of OLTL!
Courtesy/JPI Studios
TV Guide has the follow-up interview now online from their news item a few weeks back that broke the story that both One Life to Live’s, EP, Frank Valentini, and head writer, Ron Carlivati have been given new deals for the ABC network. And while many are skeptical that just because the show runners contracts have been re-upped, that does not mean OLTL could not get canceled.
In this new feature, Valentini and Carlivati say it’s business as usual for New York’s solo remaining daytime drama. Here are a few excerpts!
Carlivati on if his and Valentini’s contract renewal came with a mandate from ABC Daytime Chief, Brian Frons: “It’s the same as always. We meet with Brian regularly and he always challenges me to look at certain aspects of the stories, to go deeper on some, to make certain stories more real for the audience. He’s always telling us not to lose sight of this or that. He’s very analytical and can look at a story and tell you where the flaws are. So that is the mandate he gives me going forward — to find the real emotion, to make the show relatable. I like a certain over-the-topness to stories. I like the bigness of our show. So I must find the balance to making the epic moments both relatable and soapy, so that we still have all those juicy scandals and the big secrets exploding.”
Valentini on the consistent play the cancellation of OLTL gets on message boards and bad press: “There’s nothing wrong with critiquing a show, or saying that a certain storyline didn’t work, or to be extremely passionate about not liking something, but to just tear a show down without any knowledge or any understanding of what’s really going on is hard to understand. Is it really worth it to say those things? A lot of information is disseminated through rumor and hearsay and it’s unfortunate because it affects a lot of people. Actors will come to me having a panic attack because it says on the internet that they’re getting fired — and it’s not true. It’s so upsetting.”
So what do you think? Can One Life survive? Are you liking the current stories? Let us know.
All My Children
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
On the Friday, October 2 episode of Live with Kelly and Mark, the morning talk show marked the 56th birthday of Kelly Ripa (ex-Hayley Vaughan Santos, All My Children).
During the opening segment, Mark Consuelos (ex-Mateo Santos, All My Children) humorously comparing his wife to both Gandhi and Groucho Marx, reflecting on both her comedic ability and peaceful ways.
Later, they went on to discuss the origins of her name and the most popular picks to name babies back in the year she was born, 1970. They were Kimberly, Lisa, and Jennifer for girls and Michael, David, and James for the boys.
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Ripa recalled that she learned she was almost named Kim. However, their neighbors at the time had two daughters Kelly and Kim, which is what her parents wanted to call them, but they settled on Kelly and and her younger sister, Linda.
At the conclusion of the episode, Mark rolled out a huge cake for his wife. It was, “Happy birthday from all of us here at Live and at home.” Next, he cut the cake, and Ripa grabbed his face and gave him a “thank you” kiss.
Photo: JPI
KELLY AND MARK TRIED TO KEEP THEIR VEGAS WEDDING ON THE DOWN LOW
All of this brings back memories of how Kelly and Mark’s Las Vegas wedding ceremony went public in 1996 while the two were still on All My Children playing Mateo Santos and Hayley Vaughan. In essence, they were outed by then radio host Wendy Williams! They discussed it on the talk show back in 2024.
In fact, the duo hid their marriage from their All My Children castmates for months, until they found out Williams got wind of the nuptials and spread the intel on the airwaves.
The two recalled their secret wedding on a 2024 episode of Live! “We’d eloped. It’d been a few months at that point. We’d been married for three months, nobody at All My Children knew we were even dating, much less married to each other. We’re brushing our teeth and we’ve got Wendy Williams’ radio show on. We’re listening, and she’s like, ‘I’ve got celebrity dish!”
EYEWITNESS
Next Ripa continued, “The celebrities,’ I guess they had a broad use of the term back then, was the fact that ‘two soap stars from All My Children, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos eloped in Las Vegas.’ There was this eyewitness that worked in the Clark County courthouse that said we eloped, and the news broke, and we had to tell everybody we were married.”
Live With Kelly and Mark airs weekdays in syndication. Check your local listings for times in your area.
Share your birthday wishes for Kelly in the comment section, and let us know your thoughts on how Wendy Williams broadcast the news, unbeknownst to the All My Children newlyweds, that they tied the knot in Vegas? Check out Mark and the ‘Live’ studio audience singing ‘happy birthday’ to Kelly in the post below.
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Beyond the Gates
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
As previously reported, kicking off today, is a two-part Beyond the Gates, when The Duprees gather to celebrate Banneker University’s homecoming weekend.
The producers and writers are taking an opportunity to spotlight the rich traditions of the long-held tradition of attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through its fictional university.
The episodes are today on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on Friday, October 2 and next week on Monday, October 5, where in true Beyond the Gates fashion, there will be some surprising drama that ensues when someone shows up!
Photo: CBS
BANNEKER REFLECTS THE IMPORTANCE OF HBCUS
Sheila Duckworth, (executive producer, Beyond the Gates) spoke to Soaps.com to give some insight on the decision for the series to illustrate the ties that bind with HBCUs.
“It was important that we have this school as almost a character on our canvas, right from the beginning. Beyond even education, HBCUs have been pivotal when it comes to everything from economic progression and fostering a sense of community to the development of leadership skills,” explained Ducksworth. “From the beginning, we wanted to illustrate that what the Duprees are able to do in the world was a direct reflection of the impact HBCU’s have in real life.”
EVERYTHING HAS ITS PURPOSE
The EP talked about how purposeful the elements that integrate Banneker into the overall story of Beyond the Gates are including: the Dupree family door knocker that is a lion, the mascot for the fictional university, plus, the upcoming fight song that the cast will sing together on the Monday, October 5 episode, and the painting the hangs at Fairmont Crest.
That portrait of Vernon Dupree’s (Clifton Davis) father, George Cheeks Dupree, that hangs prominently at the country club, was named after CBS executive George Cheeks (now Chairman of TV and Media, Paramount), and as Ducksworth says of the legacy of Vernon’s father, “He was the architect of Fairmont Crest.”
So, are you looking forward to these episodes honoring HBCU traditions with the Dupree and the Richardson clans? What surprises do you think might be in store come next week? Let us know via the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
After an earlier post on Thursday, October 1 about General Hospital alumni Tajh Bellow’s (ex-TJ Ashford) upcoming project from Issa Rae’s HOOPAE Digital, comes word that Bellow is temporarily stepping into the role of Days of our Lives Theo Carver to fill in for Tyler Joseph Andrews on the Peacock streaming soap opera.
According to TV Insider, Bellow will be making a one-day appearance next week on the October 6 episode of DAYS as Andrews was unable to make the tape date that was shot 10 months ago on a day last December. Andrews (pictured below) took over the role of Theo in September of 2025.
In Bellow’s upcoming episode as Theo, he will share scenes with Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez). A DAYS spokesperson tells the outlet that Bellow “stepped seamlessly into the role, and the cast and crew were grateful for his professionalism and commitment, albeit for only one episode.”
Photo: JPI
TAJH WILL BE SEEN IN MULTIPLE PROJECTS IN OCTOBER
As General Hospital fans know, Tajh played the role of TJ Ashford from 2018 to his last appearance in December of 2024. Along the way, he received two Daytime Emmy nominations for his performances as TJ, the last being in 2025 in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.
In addition, bellow along with Y&R alum Loren Lott will be seen starting on October 14 in the new Love Island spoof series, The Compatibility Experiment. The show will drop exclusively on TikTok and the PineDrama platform.
The Compatibility Experiment gives a satirical look at reality dating shows, think Love Island! The story centers around Kelvin (Bellow) and Camila (Lott), whose relationship is put to the test when they join a reality show to try to win a the million dollar prize.
So, what do you think of Tajh stepping in for Tyler Joseph Andrews as Theo on DAYS? Perhaps, the soap opera liked his work that he might be considered for another role in the future bringing Bellow back to the soaps? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Kristen Locates an Alive Sophia, How Much Does Rita Know About the Birth of Dominic Marino?
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
REPORT: ‘Days of our Lives’ Puts Four Actors On Contract
‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
Alley Mills Returns to ‘General Hospital’ as Heather Webber
Judith Light Joins Cast of ‘Shrinking’ Season 4 in Recurring Role
‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
GH Alum Tajh Bellow and Y&R Alum Loren Lott Star in New Tiktok and Microdrama ‘Love Island’ Spoof
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ava and Drew Revealed to be Behind Framing Sonny for Sidwell’s Prison Beatdown
DANCING WITH THE STARS: Britt Stewart Visibly Upset After Shocking Elimination with Taylor Hanson
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Days Of Our Lives3 days agoREPORT: ‘Days of our Lives’ Puts Four Actors On Contract
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Beyond the Gates3 days ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
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General Hospital1 week agoAlley Mills Returns to ‘General Hospital’ as Heather Webber
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News1 week agoJudith Light Joins Cast of ‘Shrinking’ Season 4 in Recurring Role
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Beyond the Gates7 days ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
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News5 days agoY&R Alum Thad Luckinbill Cast in New Thriller ‘Copperhead’
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News1 week agoMatthew Atkinson Reveals New Project ‘Into the Wilderness’
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Beyond the Gates21 hours agoTUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
I have been watching OLTL since July 15, 1968. Yes, that is the day it first aired, my birthday and awaiting the arrival of my first born. I stopped watching the program for about nine years and went back like I never left in 2001. I surely hope you do not cancel this soap because of sentimental reasons, entertainment, and your ability to touch with the day to day happenings in our world today. Sometimes I want you to get on with the story, but I suppose intrigue is what sells. You’ve touched on race, religion, teenage problems and the gay rights movement. I can’t say that I was that enthused with the “Gay” storyline, but you did what you thought was right. I still stuck with you and I will continue to be a fan. Please don’t leave the airways. For the record, I stopped watching because my VCR broke and I worked days. Now that it is aired on Soapnet, I don’t hardly ever miss a beat.
Very nice story, I think you may be prove that the gay storyline may have done what it was suppose to. Sounds like you were at least open minded to be exposed to gay issues, sometimes that all it takes. I have been watching OLTL since 1981, and know that the resent gay storyline wasn’t the first. My mother also watched this show, so when i came out to her we certainly had some good reference points to refer to. The “Billy Douglas” storyline opened so much for her in understanding what high school life was like for me. I too, will watch this show as long as it is in production. All the soaps have done some much in trying to help people understand gay life style.
The two or should I say the three of them are out of touch with what fans want. They have failed in some many ways. When they fail they don’t learn from the mistakes. Gigi/Rex shoved down our throats. It failed. Fans hated them. Stacy the same thing and shoved down our throats. Failed again. Now the Ford family the same thing. They give nothing to Bo, Nora, Viki. Charlie, Clint and Dorian until now. Big question is will they let use down like they did in the mayor’s story last year? If they do it will be the last time I watch this show.
Kudos to Michael Logan for his OLTL interview. Logan’s been delivering all of these interviews recently. It seems like everytime the OLTL brass are interviewed, they mention how they feel abt the online feedback. Daytime fans can be a vicious group. And many soap blogs really go for the jugular. Daytime Confidential’s podcast w/ Logan had him sum up Y&R’s mess w/ a simple “How do you solve a problem like Maria?” LOL. I think it was really great how Logan asked their opinions on the soap press that keep generating news/rumors of OLTL being axed.
Thanks for drawing our attn. to this interview. I enjoyed it.
Hope RC and FV get the show back on track. Both are probably talented but it seems SOMETHING has stalled at OLTL lately. Not sure where all the blame lies, but it is pretty obvious the storylines are not up to par. I would have preferred to see a new head writer other than RC. He had his chance but has not been able to deliver enough for me to want him to stay on as head writer. Change in that direction is needed. Everyone bragged about RC’s knowledge of the show and its history. That should bode well for him, but since he choses to ignore history and rewrite it, and ignore character development, the show has suffered. A LOT. Dorian needs to wear a name tag at times so we recognize her. Her actions sometimes sound like she is reading the wrong lines.
ABC, consider giving RC a co-head writer. Maybe the new co-writer could get him to step up his game to really earn his keep. I was once a huge fan of his, still appreciate some of his stories, but recognize he is NOT cutting it any longer.
I have to say I have been enthralled with the current storylines and if there is one soap I can’t miss it is One Life to live. I can miss the others, but not this one. I have been watching it for nearly 27 years and it still keeps my attention. The actors, the veterans, the characters are wonderfully written. Please don’t let them cancel it. Why are the soaps being pulled? I mean, all this reality crap is taking over the tv and frankly I have no interest. I like fiction and stories that may not be something real. I have enough reality in life. The writers are to be commended on a fantastic job with writing and storytelling at it’s best..
A loyal fan