By now, Days of our Lives fans have witnessed that the heralded return of longtime favorite, Stephen Nichols came with a twist.  When Nichols re-emerged on the canvas, he was now playing Stefano DiMera, but in the face and body of what seems to be Steve “Patch” Johnson.

Nichols, who along with Mary Beth Evans, have been known as enduring supercouple Patch and Kayla, and now they find themselves in the Salem time jump in a different set of circumstances,  First of all, Kayla is romantically involved with Justin Kiriakis (Wally Kurth), and Nichols returned as Stefano and is in ca-hoots with Princess Gina (Kristian Alfonso).

Photo: JPI

In an interview in the current issue of Soap Opera Digest on newsstands now, Stephen opens up about taking on the classic soap villain role made famous by the late, great Joe Mascolo.

Nichols admitted there was some trepidation taking on and in approaching how to portray the role: “It was daunting and a major challenge to take on. I knew I didn’t want to be a cheap imitation. I wanted to get Stefano’s essence.”

In preparing for his new journey on DAYS, Nichols noted: “I watched the master, Joe Mascolo.  I got lots of videos of Stefano. Stefano in every mode: Manipulating, laughing, Stefano with the ladies, with his children, and, of course, Stefano raging.”

So, what have you thought of Stephen as Stefano thus far?  What do you think of the plot twist? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

And the nominees are … so say the film and TV critics … in the just announced 25th Annual Critics Choice Awards.  The winners will be announced during a live ceremony airing Sunday, January 12 on The CW beginning at 7PMEST/6PMCST.

In the television categories, This Is Us came up with several key nominations including: being in the running for Best Drama Series, and in addition, Justin Hartley (Ex-Y&R, Revenge, Passions) nabbed a Supporting Actor in a Drama Series nomination for his performance as Kevin Pearson in the NBC drama series,

Hartley’s on-screen brother, Sterling K, Brown received recognition in the Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his work as Randall.  In addition, Susan Kelechi Watson scored a nomination for her work as Randall’s wife, Beth in the Supporting Actress in a Drama Series category.

In an interesting first, The Kelly Clarkson Show received a nomination in the Best Talk Show category and is the only one in the running from daytime, all the rest in the pack are from primetime or late night.

Downton Abbey: The Movie scored in the film categories in Best Production and Costume Design.

Click here for the official list of all the nominations in the film and TV categories competing for the Critics Choice Awards 2020.

Now below, let us know what you think of Justin’s nomination as well as his cast mates from This Is Us in the comment section.

More sorrowful news on Sunday.  Caroll Spinney, the legendary puppeteer behind beloved Sesame Street characters Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch,died today,  at the age 85 at his home in Connecticut.  Spinney has been suffering from dystonia for quite some time.

For the body of his life’s work, Spinney received many significant honors.  He was the recipient of four Daytime Emmy awards, as well as the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences’ Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, the Library of Congress’ Living Legend Award, two Grammy awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

PhotoL SesameStreetWorkshop

The Sesame Street workshop put on this press release upon his passing: “Caroll was an artistic genius whose kind and loving view of the world helped shape and define Sesame Street from its earliest days in 1969 through five decades, and his legacy here at Sesame Workshop and in the cultural firmament will be unending. His enormous talent and outsized heart were perfectly suited to playing the larger-than-life yellow bird who brought joy to generations of children and countless fans of all ages around the world, and his lovably cantankerous grouch gave us all permission to be cranky once in a while.

Welcomed to Sesame Street by Jim Henson, Caroll thrived under a mentorship that led to a decades-long great friendship. Caroll’s unparalleled career saw Big Bird visit China with Bob Hope, dance with the Rockettes, be celebrated with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a U.S. postage stamp, and named a “Living Legend” by the Library of Congress. A favorite highlight for Caroll was conducting symphony orchestras and performing with them across the United States, Australia, and China, allowing him to personally connect with families everywhere through the music of Sesame Street. Caroll Spinney gave something truly special to the world. With deepest admiration, Sesame Workshop is proud to carry his memory – and his beloved characters – into the future. Our hearts go out to Caroll’s beloved wife, Debra, and all of his children and grandchildren.

Sesame Street co-founder Joan Ganz Cooney said of her longtime colleague and friend, “Caroll Spinney’s contributions to Sesame Street are countless. He not only gave us Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch, he gave so much of himself as well. We at Sesame Workshop mourn his passing and feel an immense gratitude for all he has given to Sesame Street and to children around the world.”

Share your thoughts on the passing of Caroll Spinney and his tremendous contribution for bringing to life for children young and old, Big Bird, and Oscar the Crouch and more.

But first, watch Barbara Walters present Spinney with the Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award at the 33rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards.