News
Stephanie's Cancer Is Back On The Bold and the Beautiful – Watch The Promo!
Courtesy/CBS
Two women in crisis is the throughine that will give The Bold and the Beautiful’s Daytime Emmy winning actresses some heavy duty emotional material to sink their teeth into in the weeks ahead. Of course, we are talking about Heather Tom (Katie) and Susan Flannery (Stephanie)!
As On-Air On-Soaps site visitors know in our recent interview with The Bold and the Beautiful’s executive producer and head writer, Brad Bell, he teased a storyline that he gave to Heather saying, “It is something that affects so many women around the world. It’s exciting to have powerful material heading in the direction of an incredibly powerful actress. This is a must-see storyline.”
Now as far as Susan Flannery, who is set to exit the soap at the end of the year after more than 25 years with the show, from this week’s CBS promo it is revealed that Stephanie’s cancer has returned! And Brad Bell filled us in on some initial plans for Flannery’s departure from B&B, “I can say it will be a great send-off and a tribute to a woman and a character that has been so much a part of our lives. I would really like to do justice to her, and show the highlights of her career on this show. I think the audience is going to love it.“
Watch this week’s promo for B&B, and let us know what you think about Stephanie’s cancer returning, and Katie’s story?
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.
View this post on Instagram
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
-
Days Of Our Lives3 days agoREPORT: ‘Days of our Lives’ Puts Four Actors On Contract
-
Beyond the Gates2 days ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
-
General Hospital1 week agoAlley Mills Returns to ‘General Hospital’ as Heather Webber
-
News1 week agoJudith Light Joins Cast of ‘Shrinking’ Season 4 in Recurring Role
-
Beyond the Gates7 days ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
-
News5 days agoY&R Alum Thad Luckinbill Cast in New Thriller ‘Copperhead’
-
News1 week agoMatthew Atkinson Reveals New Project ‘Into the Wilderness’
-
General Hospital5 days ago‘General Hospital’s’ Nancy Lee Grahn Marks 30-Year Milestone as Alexis Davis; Co-Stars Share Heartfelt Video Tributes
This is the sort of dramatic material that shows off B&B best,not the constant who does Liam want to marry NOW!
I know this is a daytime drama, so it needs drama. I like the return on Stephanie’s cancer. When Susan leaves, I hope the role is not recast. Stephanie is so central and vital to the show. Losing Stephanie will effect everyone on the show, it will have great story line potential. I also love seeing the loving, caring, mature side of Bill. I want to see him pull Katie back, but the story line needs to end. Bill and Katie need to move to the forefront as the power couple…no Eric and Stephanie…no Ridge and Brooke. The Spencer clan, headed by Bill and Katie should add so power to the show. I love the growing maturing love of Bill and Katie.
I like what you say here very much. Bill and Katie could be the new lead couple. I do hope Forresters can be strong, too. I would like to see Thorne and Felicia more. To be honest, I could do without Taylor and some of the other progeny.
I hope they’re not killing Stephanie off.
This promo hints at the B&B I remember and love. I pray there is a shift with these powerful plots and cast changes away from “the tiresome triangle” and characters who serve plotlines not vice versa. Maybe Bill Spencer can redeem himself to a degree (he can never be all good) and maybestephanie’s illness can restore luster to the Forrester family and bring attention to Thorne and Felicia. Losing Susan Flannery is sad for all the fans.
I guess we now know how they will write her off in December
I loved Stephanie’s cancer storyline. While it was sad, it was excellently written. Brad Bell and his team really do these stories beautifully. I have a feeling this is preparing for the original send-off that was planned when Steph originally got cancer, and was rumoured to be leaving the series. I cannot wait for this storyline; it’s going to be beautiful!
I haven’t watched B & B for months but I think I’ll tune in for this. In real life, people succumb to cancer. In real life, actors are human beings who want to enjoy all stages of their lives. I will miss the character of Stephanie, but her departure will usher all facets of new story as others have said.
Treat Ms. Flannery and her character with respect. Please no recast, phony miracle cures, or trips to mystery clinics on far away continents.
I had given up on B&B, but this promo hints at some dramatic and worthwhile storylines to come. So I will be tuning in again and give this show another chance to redeem itself. But it is their last chance for me at least- so here’s hoping it is as good as it looks.
Ooh noo! A very depressing story, I’m not into doom& death gloom.
this will be an upsetting tear-jerker, sad and gray..
I do not to get depressed from a soap story..
(not good for hypercondriac’s )
anyways, I wish her departure would be more uplifting and leave me with a smile in remembrance, rather then in awful depression and sadness..
As awesome as Susan is, I do not think she is irreplacable. Erika Slezak comes to mind for both physical resemblance and dramatic prowess. But Judith McConnell…Marj Dusay…just some others who could ably play the role. But I hold to my earlier post that big bad Steph should die and return in ghostly form periodically.
Recasting the role of Stephanie Forrester would not only be an insult to Susan, but also to the fans. It’s one of those iconic roles that really cannot and should not be portrayed by anyone else but Susan Flannery!
WOW Ashlee, what great ideas. Except not Erika Slezak-she is STILL & ALWAYS be my beloved Victoria Lord. Too soon to think of her in a major storyline on another soap. But really, Judith McConnell or Marj Dusay-what about Elizabeth Hubbard (Lucinda from AWTW?) Neat re-casting possiblities. But yeah, Steph as a GHOST-oh what possibilities & what havoc she could wreak, ha.
There are very few who are not replacable in daytime. People thought the following people were…who went on to have wildly successful recasts…Beverlee McKinsey, Peter Reckell, Wayne Northrop, David Lewis, Ian Buchanan, Sarah Brown, Anne Heche , Alicia minshew, terry lester, eileen Davidson, Brenda dickson…the list goes on… I personally think it would be better if stephanie dies and comes back periodically to haunt her family…but a wish list of recasts is LONG and.possible. it would be nice to see Stephanie portrayed as the sexual WOMAN she was in the original show.contrasted to the overweight short haired lesbian she chose to appear as later in life.
You are right Ashlee. I am just not “ready” to see Erika Slezak as anyone but Viki but there WERE Viki’s before her & she could play someone else as well. There have been tons of successful recasts, no doubt. So funny, your comments about Stephanie & her sexuality (or lack thereof) Was just talking to my mother about that, remembering Susan Flannery on either the Doctors or Days, can’t rem. which & especially on Dallas. Lord, she was a KNOCK OUT on Dallas & in the early years of B&B. Our question is what the heck happened to her?
The last of what was good about this soap please show scenes of her and the late great Darlene Conley/Sally Spectra so we can remember why you were even once worth my time but because I know Brad Bell we will make it all about Steffy/Liam/Hope. Good luck Ms. Flannery you were the reason I watched.
Stephanie was NOT. A lesbian. Strange that Eric couldn’t figure it.out…but Really…..recast the role.with a WOMAN…ratings will soar!
ALWAYS will be.
Susan flabbergasted is a hardcore lesbian. Give her that, o guess. Lets some a sexy Stephanie qho ia normal!!!! A woman who can. Say thT soaps are about real love.