News
Robert Newman’s First Airdate as Y&R’s Ashland Locke Revealed
Get ready to welcome back one of soap opera’s all-time favorites, when Guiding Light alum, Robert Newman (Ex-Joshua Lewis) joins the cast of The Young and the Restless on-air on the upcoming Wednesday, February 9th episode of the top-rated daytime drama.
Newman will take over the role of business tycoon Ashland Locke previously played by Richard Burgi,
CBS has released this first look photo of Robert in a scene with Ashland’s on-screen lady love, Amelia Heinle (Victoria Newman Locke).
Robert spend 28 years on Guiding Light and throughout his career has appeared in motion pictures, television and on the stage in various roles including: House of Cards, Chicago Fire, Homeland, Criminal Minds, NCIS, and Law and Order: SVU, Amazing Spider-Man 2, Dracano, and the short film Deadline.
The actor’s Off-Broadway Credits include: Perfect Crime, She’s of a Certain Age, Sessions: the Musical, and Quiet on the Set.
So will you be tuning-in next week to see Robert back on CBS daytime and as the new Ashland Locke? Comment below.
Good news. Josh Griffith’s writing has me taking a mini break from actual viewing (I keep up via soap blogs.) But, Robert Newman joining the cast has piqued my interest.
Not watching until JG is gone ! Show sucks !
Maybe the change in actor will signal the change starting to emerge in Locke. Well, not a change but a less-hidden dark side will emerge. Hopefully that will make the megalomaniac Victoria realize her real enemy is not Adam and her relentless, sadistic treatment of her brother is appalling. I’ve really grown to despise her.
Soaphound…I always sensed Ashland had a hidden agenda, and has been playing everyone in the name of alpha, dominance. And so has Victor been suspicious of him.. Takes one to know one. This is when I like him meddling. But not how he treats is kids in his business gamesmanship. All in the name of protecting his family. And Victoria is behaving like a b**ch.
sadly, the show is not watchable, boring characters no storyline of interest
Sorry but cannot see him as Ashland as much as I like the actor.
Jacqueline,
I feel exactly the same way, hope we’re wrong. Wouldnt it be hilarious if on Newman’s first day someone remarks that his treatment must be really working, as he looks like a new man!
Thanks! My laugh of the day. It could work if done subtly.
Did Robert bring some writers with him?
Yes, I will watch. From the beginning it was clear Ashland could go either direction, but for one receiving cancer treatment and pronounced as dying, there were few scenes with indications of his disease or treatment residuals. Yes, Victoria is becoming her father. It may be awfully unpleasant, but “she” the actress is giving us a wonderful performance!
It has been rather dull recently, but I enjoy that some couples actually seem happy.
However, something is missing in the scripts. Some of the new players are rather pleasing: Noah, Chance, Faith and her friend. Yet some of the regulars appear to be just hanging around and aging with nowhere to go.
Was thinking of taking a break from watching but looks like Ashland is coming under scrutiny — yes, I will watch.
Hi, Tani—-it’s been a while….hope all is well.
Yes, I agree. I have said from the onset that there is something very shady about Ashland—I never believed he was sick, and I said so.
I think his failing health was a complete set-up to arrive at exactly where he is—Infiltrating both the Newman family and its business holdings and then some. He manipulated Victoria—but not Victor.
What is very abhorrant to me is the fact that Victor, as suspicious as he was of Ashland, went as far as seeing his own daughter capitulate and fall into the devil’s fiery trap. Allowing Victoria to marry this guy is reprehensible—unless Victoria is in on it!! If that’s the case, that’s even more crudely disgusting and without integrity. She sold her body for power and finalcial gain. Isn’t there a word for that? LOL.
To add insult to injury, Burgi was replaced by a hefty, robust hulk. It sort of defeats the purpose of the intended scope. This nu-Ashland is far from looking like the cancer patient having gone through the ordeal of chemotherapy etc.
I loved Robt. Newman’s first day, especially how he put Adam in his place. I also think that being very good looking, he’s formidable as well. I hope he doesn’t become a Shmuk, so I am keeping all good thoughts.
Violet Lemm
Iam still liking our new Ashland but I really don’t want to lose him if and when Victor finds out that he’s a fraud. Why would he take this role if he and Y&R both knew it was just the beginning of the end for this character?
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.
General Hospital
GH Alum Tajh Bellow and Y&R Alum Loren Lott Star in New Tiktok and Microdrama ‘Love Island’ Spoof
Two soap opera alums very familiar to fans of General Hospital and The Young and the Restless are paired together in a new short-form digital series from none other than Issa Rae’s production entity HOORAE Digital.
Look for Tajh Bellow (ex-TJ Ashford, GH)) and Loren Lott (ex-Ana Hamilton, Y&R) as part of the cast of The Compatibility Experiment, premiering on October 14, 2026, exclusively on TikTok and its companion microdrama platform, PineDrama.
In the video teaser, it appears that Bellow and Lott play a couple, Kelvin and Camila, set in a Love Island reality show-esque environment trying to win the one million dollar cash prize, only what could go wrong?
Photo: HOORAE
The Compatibility Experiment loglines share that it brings a fast-paced, relationship-focused reality check—much like Love Island with a twist. The show takes a participant’s current relationship, introduces them to a potentially more compatible partner, and forces them to navigate the differences with life-changing money on the line.
The new series is part of a groundbreaking content deal between HOORAE Digital and TikTok to develop premium short-form storytelling. The ensemble cast also features; Ayona, Reggie Luck, JaNa Craig, Tosin Morohunfola, Jessica Jacoby, Georgia Warner, and Nick Cassidy.
General Hospital fans know Tajh Bellow for his performances as TJ Ashford, and who earned two Daytime Emmy nominations along the way during his run. Bellow took over the role in 2018 and last appeared on the ABC daytime drama series in December of 2024.
Loren Lott first appeared as Devon’s (Bryton James) sister Ana Hamilton on The Young and the Restless from 2018 to 2019; making a brief return in 2024. She has continued to perform on the stage and screen with recent credits including: Bel-Air, Cherish the Day, and All American: Homecoming.
Check out the trailer for The Compatibility Experiment below and let us know what you think of its concept and if you are glad to see Tajh and Loren again? Hoping they might return to daytime in their GH and Y&R roles at some point in the future? Weigh-in via the comment section.
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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
GH Alum Tajh Bellow and Y&R Alum Loren Lott Star in New Tiktok and Microdrama ‘Love Island’ Spoof
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’
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
‘General Hospital’s’ Tabyana Ali Weighs In on Who She Thinks is Trina’s Stalker (Exclusive)
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