News
B&B’s EP and Head Writer, Brad Bell Confirms Luna’s ‘Dead’ and Arrival of R.J. Forrester Recast
The Bold and the Beautiful is stepping into 2026 with some changes to the younger set of the characters at the CBS daytime drama series. According to longtime series executive producer and head writer, Brad Bell, any question out there that Luna Nozawa is supposedly alive, after she was run down by a car off-screen, should be put to bed.
In a 2026 preview discussion with TV Insider, Bell commented on the status of groundbreaking Daytime Emmy winner, Lisa Yamada (Luna) who in October of 2025 became the first Asian-American performer to win a Daytime Emmy in its 52-year history for her work as the villainess young woman with a penchant for murder, kidnapping and more.
Bell explained, “Luna is dead. We all saw it. I mean, Lisa Yamada — wow. And to cap it off with an Emmy and to have her bring levity and that spark in her eye and the unique delivery? What a joy she was to work with and what a wonderful person. She took that character and ran with it, and it was so wonderful collaborating with Lisa.”
Photo: JPI
With Luna out of the picture, the head honcho and scribe, says that in the new year, viewers should watch for a different set of twists and turns. “We have a new group of young characters being featured. We’ve signed Sydney Bullock as Miss Dylan and Brayan Nicoletti playing R.J. (Forrester). We’re at a great time in the show where you have that next generation to play with their core family members.”
With the official word that as had been teased over the B&B holiday party, Nicoletti is taking over the role of Ridge (Thorsten Kaye) and Brooke’s (Katherine Kelly Lang) son from Joshua Hoffman who last played the part from 2023-2024. The role has also been played by several other actors over the years including: Anthony Turpel, Jack Horan and Mace Coronel.
In addition, it looks like Bell is positioning and hinting at a rivalry between Will and R.J. which then leads to most likely a quadrangle involving Miss Dylan and Electra. “Now that Luna is dead, it’s smooth sailing for Will (Crew Morrow) and Electra (Laneya Grace) but that begins to see some bumps in the road,” shared the exec. “They know Miss Dylan is living in her car, so they’re going to find a little place for her to stay at the beach house until she gets her footing and finds that next teaching job. And we will have another Spencer/Forrester rivalry with Will and RJ, so that’s going to be some fun. Years ago, when R.J. and Will were born, we thought, ‘Well, we’re never going to be around to see these guys acting as adults against one another,’ and here we are.”
So, what do you think about Brad Bell confirming the death of Luna Nozawa? Do you believe the story has ended? Also, how do you feel about yet another R.J. recast? Are you interested to see the younger set now featuring Crew Morrow, Laneya Grace, Brayan Nicoletti and Sydney Bullock? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
I thought Joshua Hoffman was great in the role, why the recast
Right? Joshua was a doll.
He was!
I WISH THEY COULD BRING LUNA BACK AS A LONG LOST TWIN THAT HER MOTHER NEVER KNEW EXISTED.
Luna was the girl I enjoyed her but I dont think Luna is dead I think bell is pulling our leg
He was a horrible actor, I was happy to see him go.
I so agree, he was a terrible actor at least for this role with Luna. He was to immature, with the persona of a highschool reject. Her child be cat as sometimes younger brother it something.
I am all for a RJ/Will rivalry, but making Electra a Forrester was a mistake because RJ is related to her. And IF Dylan is really Diana Marone, that means she is Ridge’s half-sister and RJ’s aunt.
The actress portraying Dylan has been upped to contract status, so she will end up being related to someone on the show. They need to bring Amber Moore back to LA with Rosie in tow. RJ could be paired with Rosie and Brooke would FLIP. There would also be some drama bc Amber could go design at LOGAN, Deke aka Lil Eric is there, so there is alot to mine there considering Amber was his adoptive mother. Or they could bring back Sally. The new RJ is HOT.
Electra gets on my nerves so I hope Dylan is mean to her!
Why would they paired Rj with Rosie they are cousins because Rj and Marcus is cousins Donna is Marcus Mother so brooke and Donna are Sisters
@ Richard, Ridge is not really a Forester he’s a Marone, so a RJ & Electra hookup wouldn’t be taboo. I don’t remember ROSIE, can you help me there?
Yep let’s look for hot actors that can’t act that’s the ticket . A different audience and that’s ok in the past you looked for a Tom p a David Tom a Billy Miller etc now days you don’t just somebody who looks pretty . Signed off and won’t complain you have politics involved with everything and I’m worn out .
Too funny, but so true!
This is great. We need fresh stories. Tired of the brooke taylor ridge triangle. I was beginning to wonder if B&B needed new writers. I will take a new generation instead. Great!!!
The problem is, we’ll… Different characters same stories .
I love the show. I wish it lasted longer. It has too many commercials and not enough story. Why can’t that last as long as theother two stories.
Agree!
I really was tired of the Luna story……always getting away with her antics. It had gotten old.
I definitely agree that the Luna storyline had gotten old and washed up just like Sheila. I mean they actually made her into a rapist, that was going too far.
If Luna came back I was done. They need better writers.
Maybe if Luna came back and had gotten help. She could come back as a good, kind, really helped people and fit in with everyone. Got to know her dad.
This RJ looks like he can’t act either, who is running casting lol
“Luna is dead. We all saw it”.
We did? I don’t remember seeing Luna’s body after Dylan hit her with the car?
I don’t believe that Luna is really dead. Why would the show get rid of an Emmy award winning performer? Plus, the actress playing Luna is excellent and is exciting to watch!
I think she had another acting job.
We saw Sheila dead how many times??? Lol
Bingo about Sheila dying. She changed her appearance to look like Lauren Fenmore on Y&R, was shot dead, and so many other times. Luna is fine cause she has other jobs, now an EMMY, and doesn’t want to give her life and opportunity to the SOAP WORLD.
Wheres Thomas in these teasers!! He and Hope have sooo much super couple potential! Less Ridge and Brooke and more Hope and Thomas!
Can’t we let Liam and hope be happy for 5 minutes?
Yes and then Liam falls of a cliff into a boiling cauldron of oil
I truly don’t understand the need to recast R.J. Joshua Hoffman was excellent in the role, he’s a much better actor than Crew Morrow. As for Dylan, I really hope the reveal is coming that she’s Sheila’s daughter. But they’re going to have to retcon her parentage if they want to pair her with R.J. since they’d be related if Dylan is Massimo’s daughter.
As for Luna, I really hope she isn’t dead. And frankly, I doubt she is, regardless of what Brad Bell says. We didn’t actually see her die, and she’s too good of a villain and actress to keep down for long. I have a feeling we’ll see her back in about 9 months with the baby she supposedly miscarried to cause drama for the show’s most boring couple, Will & Electra.
I agree.
I know Crew is painting by numbers it’s all very boring. I loved Joshua as RJ!
I like the Luna character but hated it when all the other people started attacking her/ racist overtone and Dr. Breckenridge bring more Black people on with good story lines and show more designs in the fashion not interested in the gay couple
Geez
Lets ask for representation for one demographic and lets shoot down another!
I don’t mind the plan just described. My biggest worry is Luna coming back. I’ve had enough of her and it’s the same old garbage. We need new people and new story lines and more new people to go around for relationships. I think everyone in Genoa City has been married to the same person at least twice and their
Kids are going to be marrying their cousins, aunts and uncles. Let’s pick this SOAP UP. I’ve been watching since 1976.
How do we know Luna is dead all we know is that she was hit by a car
I guess now we know from hearing from the writer Bell
I hate that the character Luna has been missed by my watching. I had a love her character. Congratulations for Lisa Yamada for earning a Daytime Emmy for Groundbreaking Actress.
Luna should come back
For the redundancy of B&B story lines, Brook -Ridge-Taylor; Stephie- Liam – Hope, Brook-Ridge-Bill-Deacon- Oliver-Rick-James. And any other Man BROOK hasn’t slept with.
What could LUNA offer in a new storyline ( even if she was made good and likeable)
I’m excited about the prospects of Fashion, and Fashion house rivalry between Forester, Logan, and potential crossover relationships between B&B,, BTG, and the Y&R (MARCHETTI, FENMORES, SALLY’S DESIGNS). Brings new competition and possible couples mixing and matching.
I don’t know any normal female that would put up with the crap from Ridge! If I was Brook I would have squashed him like a bug! I am sick of I don’t want you, because I want her instead and vice versa!!! time is alright but not 25,000 times! Move on!
It’s sounds like fun a fun sistuation but I dont think luna dead I’m just waiting to see where the story line is going with Mrs dylan.
Why would he lie
Because of soap blogs/bloggers who ruin the fun
Wouldn’t it be nice if Sally would return to help out Katie now that would be something else Spectral and Logan please bring Sally back
Sally is ensconced on Y&R.
It great back Douglas and Rosie as couple
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
Many things are coming up roses for Jonathan Bennett! On the heels of the news that he is set to debut this month in the role of Joe Fitzpatrick on General Hospital, who is rumored to be a new love interest for Lucas Jones (Van Hansis), comes the news that Bennett’s reality series, Finding Mr. Christmas has received 3 nomination for the Critics Choice Real TV Awards.
Bennett’s Hallmark Channel series finds itself in tough competition alongside fellow nominees: RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV), Squid Game: The Challenge (Netflix), Survivor 50 (CBS), Top Chef (Bravo) and The Traitors (Peacock). In addition, Jonathan himself is nominated for Best Show Host and the series participants as the Best Ensemble Cast in an Unscripted Series.
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) revealed the nominees for the eighth annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards on Thursday, which recognize excellence in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. Winners will be announced online at CriticsChoice.com on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 9:00am PT/12:00pm ET.
Photo: Hallmark
Taking to his Instagram to celebrate the nominations, GH’s Bennett, enthused, “3 Critic Choice Nominations! I’m so proud of the FINDING MR CHRISTMAS and to be in the company of all the legends in all these categories is so surreal! Congrats to Hallmark Channel and to our nominated cast and nominated show and everyone who made this magical show possible. This is crazy! This gives FMC 6 Critics Choice nominations in 2 years. Not bad for a little show on Hallmark Channel. What are your thoughts on our show?” Jumping first into the comment thread was one of his new GH co-stars, Dominic Zamprogna (Dante) who expressed, “Yeah buddy!!!🔥🔥”
In the series, Bennett, the host and co-creator spends eight weeks guiding 10 aspiring actors through a series of “festive face-offs” and acting challenges alongside actors like soap opera notables, Hunter King (ex-Summer, Y&R) and Alison Sweeney (Sami, DAYS). Along the way, they develop their skills and a bond with one another. The show, which is available on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Plus, highlights LGBTQ+ representation with openly gay contestants vying to be the next Hallmark star.
It should be noted that Traitors received the most Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations with 6 nods, followed by Dancing with the Stars with 4.
Bennett is very familiar to daytime fans having started his career as JR Chandler on All My Children in 2000-2001, before landing the part of Aaron Samuels in the motion picture, Mean Girls in 2004 starring Lindsay Lohan, which would become his breakout performance.
You can check out the full list of Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations here.
So, excited for Jonathan Bennett’s General Hospital debut this month? Have you ever watched Finding Mr. Christmas on Hallmark? Let us know via the comment section below.
View this post on Instagram
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Kelly Thiebaud on Britt and Cassius Sibling Drama, But Who Will Ultimately Blow His Cover?
On the April 30 episode of General Hospital, Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) had some choice words and warning for her brother Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey) who has been masquerading as his twin, the very dead, Nathan West.
As the story has unfolded, viewers learned that Britt knew all along that when “Nathan” showed up in Port Charles seemingly resurrected with a missing 7 years of his life unexplained, that Cassius was taking his place.
Now in developments on today’s GH, Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) is figuring out that this guy pretending to be Nathan is someone else, and Cassius learns from Britt, that Joss is not just a ditzy sorority girl as he claimed, but a WSB agent! The moment stuns Cassius. Are the walls about to close in on him and his charade?
Courtesy/ABC
Daytime Emmy winner, Kelly Thiebaud spoke to Soap Opera Digest, about the story point and getting the opportunity this time back at GH to work with Ryan Paevey, when she hadn’t had the chance to before.
BROTHERLY LOVE?
Thiebaud expressed on sharing scenes with Ryan Paevey, “It’s just been so wonderful to have him back and to actually work with him! When he first came onto the show (as Nathan at the end of 2013) I was kind of heading out — it was right towards the end of my contract, so we didn’t actually work together a ton. It’s been really refreshing and so much fun to really spend time together and get to know each other and work together. I think we have really great on-camera chemistry and banter with each other. I really enjoy working with him.”
With the stakes at an all-time, Thiebaud explained how she views her on-screen alter-ego’s involvement with her more hot-to-temper sibling and why Britt revealed the truth about Josslyn to him. “People finding out about Cassius would expose what she’s involved in and what she agreed to do,” explains Kelly “And now Josslyn is digging around, and she’s connected to Carly (Laura Wright) to Jason (Steve Burton) and that whole dynamic! It’s messy!”
BRITT’S MURKY FUTURE
Britt has currently also reached her breaking point with Jason being carted away by the WSB, Rocco (Finn Carr), the child she gave birth to, shooting Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) to protect her and Jason, Marco (Adrian Anchondo) being killed after trying to help her, and Cullum holding over her head getting her Huntington’s disease medication to control her symptoms, while blackmailing her into finishing the research on her father, Cesar Faison’s, final project. Thiebaud summed it up best for Britt right now, sharing, “It’s been a really tough time for her.”
So, who do you think will be the person to blow Cassius’ cover? Will it be Britt herself? Josslyn? Liesl? Brennan? Nina? Lulu? Rocco, Maxie, Cullum or someone else? Let us know your pick in the comment section.
Breaking News
Jacob Martinez is ‘Days of Our Lives’ New Javi Hernandez Replacing Al Calderon in the Role
Finally! The casting has been revealed as to just who would be Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Days of our Lives, Javi Hernandez. On Friday, April 30, the long-running soap opera revealed Jacob Martinez is taking on the part and he will first be seen this coming June 30th and then on all-new episodes streaming on Peacock.
As previously reported, the popular Calderon exited the soap opera last year to join the cast of the NBC primetime medical drama, Brilliant Minds as nurse Nico Silva, who in May will air the remainder of their second season. The series has been on the bubble for renewal by the network. His last episodes as Javi will also air this May on DAYS.
Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming, Martinez has been secretly ensconced in all the drama in Salem for quite some time. When viewers see the new Javi in story, we should learn what will happen in Javi’s relationship with Leo Stark played by Emmy winner, Greg Rikaart, plus his continued relationship with his relatives in the Hernandez clan. Currently, when Javi returned to Salem after taking care of his ailing father, and after the bust-up of his marriage to Leo thanks to Dimitri (Peter Porte), he claimed he had moved on with someone else while he was away from Salem.
Photo: JPI
Like Calderon before him, Martinez is a multi-talented actor and singer. Jacob’s resume is impressive having appeared in the musical In Pieces: The Musical at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater and he was hand-picked by Joey Contreras to play the role of Grey. Other credits include: the short film, Memory Swim and the play Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage.
Martinez hails from Norfolk, Nebraska and appeared when he was very young at the Johnny Carson Theatre, and as DAYS fans know, Jacob is now working at the Days of our Lives studios, right where the “Tonight Show” is filled. In addition, Jacob Martinez is a graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA).
Taking to his Instagram on Thursday, April 30 once the news of his casting was revealed, Martinez, expressed, “Way too many people to thank in one post, so I’ll just say THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART to each and every person who continues to pour into me and encourage me to chase my dreams. I cannot even begin to express how grateful I am. I already feel beyond blessed, supported, and loved. See you all in Salem ⏳”
Jacob Martinez appeared on Friday on the Days of our Lives Instagram account announcing his casting. You can check it out below. Deadline was the first to report the casting switch.
So, excited to learn who is the new Javi Hernandez? Please welcome Jacob Martinez to the role and be on the lookout for his debut on June 30. Comment below.
View this post on Instagram
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Has Dylan’s Mystery Caller/Stalker Been Revealed to Be an Alive Luna Nozawa?
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Nick Confesses His Drug Problem to Victor; Joshua Morrow, Mark Grossman, Eric Braeden Bring the Newman Bond
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Sophia Seemingly Plans to End Her Life, But Not Before Setting Fire to Johnny’s Apartment With Him Trapped Inside
WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus Talks Humble Beginnings, Test and Albert, WrestleMania 22 with Mickie James, Current Women’s Roster (Exclusive)
DAYS Stephen Nichols Remembers Drake Hogestyn as the ‘Most Vital, Enthusiastic, Committed Man I Ever Knew’ Ahead of the PanCan PurpleStride Walk
DAYS Stephen Nichols and Co-Stars Walk in Honor of Drake Hogestyn at PanCan PurpleStride LA, ‘I Felt Him With Us’
Brandon Barash Granted Restraining Order Against ‘General Hospital’s’ Kirsten Storms
‘Days of Our Lives’ Rob Scott Wilson Talks ‘Turning Heel’ as Necktie Killer, Ben Weston
Paige Herschell Marks One-Year as ‘General Hospital’s’ Jacinda Bracken
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Has Dylan’s Mystery Caller/Stalker Been Revealed to Be an Alive Luna Nozawa?
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Nick Confesses His Drug Problem to Victor; Joshua Morrow, Mark Grossman, Eric Braeden Bring the Newman Bond
WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus Talks Humble Beginnings, Test and Albert, WrestleMania 22 with Mickie James, Current Women’s Roster (Exclusive)
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Michael Reveals His Plan to Set Up Chase and Willow to Have an Affair
Judith Light Talks Her Role in ‘The Terror: The Devil In Silver’ Dropping on AMC+ with Co-Star ‘Downton Abbey’ Alum, Dan Stevens
-
Days Of Our Lives1 week agoDAYS Stephen Nichols Remembers Drake Hogestyn as the ‘Most Vital, Enthusiastic, Committed Man I Ever Knew’ Ahead of the PanCan PurpleStride Walk
-
Days Of Our Lives5 days agoDAYS Stephen Nichols and Co-Stars Walk in Honor of Drake Hogestyn at PanCan PurpleStride LA, ‘I Felt Him With Us’
-
General Hospital4 days agoBrandon Barash Granted Restraining Order Against ‘General Hospital’s’ Kirsten Storms
-
Days Of Our Lives3 days ago‘Days of Our Lives’ Rob Scott Wilson Talks ‘Turning Heel’ as Necktie Killer, Ben Weston
-
General Hospital1 week agoPaige Herschell Marks One-Year as ‘General Hospital’s’ Jacinda Bracken
-
General Hospital6 days agoGH’s Giovanni Mazza Performs Violin Version of Michael Jackson’s ‘Smooth Criminal’ at LA Lakers Playoff Game; Co-Stars Heap High Praise
-
General Hospital1 week agoSteve Burton’s Wife, Michelle Lundstrom, Raises Alarm on AI Scammers and Hoaxes, Pretending to be the ‘General Hospital’ Star
-
Days Of Our Lives2 days ago‘Days of Our Lives’ Conner Floyd on Chad’s Quest For Abigail’s Resurrection; But Who Should Be Cast as NuAbby?