News
The Young and the Restless Casting Nerdy/Cyber Life Gal, Somewhat Socially Awkward Who Will Blossom!
Doesn’t this headline sound a bit familiar? On the surface it’s a tried and true soap opera formula; think DAYS Chloe (Nadia Bjorlin) AKA Ghoul Girl, or GH’s version of Ugly Betty, Sabrina Santiago (Teresa Castillo), and others over time. Now whether or not this character falls anywhere near that pattern remains to be seen.
However, according to the latest issue of Soap Opera Digest on newsstands now, the number one soap opera has put out a casting call for the role of Ilsa.
The part is said to be recurring and the series is looking for an actress in her 20’s. The casting breakdown read as follows: A native of Sweeden (or perhaps Denmark or Switzerland) who was raised in the U.S. and has no accent. She is is described as, “A genius child prodigy.” Ilsa is pretty, but her passion for the nerdy cyber life/work has left her a tad socially awkward and a little quirky- however Ilsa will blossom.
So put on your casting director hats and let us know who do you think fits the bill? What actress from daytime or primetime would you like to see on Y&R? After reading the character description, what story and with whom do you think “Ilsa” might find herself involved in within Genoa City? Share your thoughts below!
Days Of Our Lives
Netflix Canada to Stream Past Episodes of ‘Days of our Lives’ and ‘The Young and the Restless’

Canadian soap opera fans, this October looks to be bringing you classic American television show favorites via Netflix. The streamer has reportedly licensed a large slate of iconic favorites including Days of our Lives and The Young and the Restless.
Beginning the week of October 26 via Netflix Canada (hopefully, soon in other regions too), the streamer will post previously aired catalogue episodes of both iconic series. No word yet from where they may be starting from, although many of the other series in the retro line-up are from the 80s and 90s.
Meanwhile, all-new episodes of Days of our Lives and The Young and the Restless will continue to be available and shown via Corus Entertainment Canada.
This week also marks the beginning of Y&R’s season 54 which officially begins on Thursday, October 8! And come November 11, new material from the head writing team of Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor make their debut. The series debuted on March 26, 1973.
Peacock’s Days of our Lives is entering into their 62 season. The soap was officially renewed back in July of 2025 through its sixty-third season, which runs during the 2027–2028 television and streaming season. DAYS tapes ten months in advance of dropping new daily episodes of the drama in Salem. The series debuted back on November 8, 1965,
Before DAYS and Y&R drop on Netflix Canada, none other than ABC’s Dynasty comes your way with all nine seasons beginning on October 12 along with full seasons of Bewitched, Charlie’s Angels, The Facts of Life, The Love Boat, and The Twilight Zone.
Previously, Netflix Canada added Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman featuring One Life to Live favorite, Joe Lando (ex-Jake Harrison) and Diagnosis Murder, which featured Victoria Rowell (ex-Drucilla, The Young and the Restless).
So, looking forward to finding out what years Canadian fans will get of Days of our Lives and The Young and the Restless when its served up later this month on Netflix Canada? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
News
‘Another World’s’ Mark Mortimer, Who Played Nick Hudson, Dies at 59 from Cancer

It’s been a rough week for Another World fans with the news of both the passings of Mark Mortimer (ex-Nick Hudson) and as previously reported Robert Kelker-Kelly, (ex-Sam, Bobby Reno/Dr. Shane Roberts). Sadly, Mortimer died following a courageous fight with cancer. Mark was just 59-years-old.
Mortimer died back on September 23 in the greater Chicago area and was laid to rest in St. Charles, Illinois. He made his television debut on Another World in 1996, becoming the third actor to take on the role of Nick Hudson following Justin Chambers and Kevin McClatchy. In story, Nick was introduced as the son of Michael Hudson (Kale Browne) and the half-brother of twins Vicky and Marley (Jensen Buchanan). Mortimer remained with the soap until it came to its heartbreaking end in 1999 after 35 years on NBC.
Mark credited his AW costars with helping him develop as an actor. Speaking with Soap Opera Weekly in 1999, he shared, “My fondest memory of being on the show was getting an opportunity to work with fine actors like Jensen Buchanan, Eric Morgan Stuart (ex-Chris Madison) Anna Stuart (ex-Donna Love) Tom Eplin (ex-Jake McKinnon) and Timothy Gibbs (ex-Gary Sinclair). They’ve really been great. When I came on the show, I didn’t know much about acting, but they’ve been very helpful to me. It’s been like one big class for me, which has been really rewarding.”
MARK MORTIMER CHOSE TO HELP OTHERS AS HE FOUGHT CANCER
According to his obituary, “Cancer became part of Mark’s story in 2024, but it never became the definition of it. Instead, Mark chose to use what he was experiencing to help others. Together, Mark and (his wife) Christie founded the Integrative Access Foundation, created to give people facing cancer access to integrative therapies that might otherwise be financially out of reach. What began in the middle of their own difficult journey became a mission of hope for other families.”
Mark leaves behind his wife Christie; daughter, Hunter; Mom, Sharlene Pearson; Father Emil (Belinda) Mortimer; Siblings: Micheal Mortimer, Michele (Bill) Doyle, Martin (Shannon) Mortimer, Melissa (Bob) Gassmann, David Mortimer, Tyler Mortimer; In-law’s John & Barbara Allen, Chad (Jeanne) Allen and Beth Allen. Many Nieces and nephews, his IOC Construction family; and countless friends who touched his life immeasurably.
In lieu of flowers, Mark’s family asked for memorial donations to be made to the Integrative Access Foundation to continue Mortimer’s mission of helping others facing cancer.
You can check out this segment below from Monday night’s Entertainment Tonight on Mark’s passing.
Now, share your condolences and remembrances for Another World’s Mark Mortimer in the comment section.
General Hospital
Van Hansis Marks Two Years as ‘General Hospital’s’ Dr. Lucas Jones

It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since Van Hansis made his debut as the recast Lucas Jones on General Hospital. It was back on October 4, 2024 that GH fans got their first look at the former As the World Turns (ex-Luke Snyder) favorite in his new soap role.
Hansis became the fifth actor to play the role of the adoptive son of the late Bobbie Spencer and Tony Jones, and the biological son of the late Julian Jerome and Cheryl Stansbury. Prior to Van, C.J. Thomason (2002–2003), Ben Hogestyn (2005–2006) Ryan Carnes (2004–2005, 2014–2020, 2024) and Matt Trudeau (2020–2021) had played the part.
When Van left daytime after As the World Turns sadly went off the air in 2010, it would be 14 years until he stepped back into the updated frenetic pace and grind of acting on a daily soap opera.

Photo: ABC
LUCAS CAME HOME TO PORT CHARLES
Since Lucas has been back in Port Charles, he fell in love with the late Marco Rios (Adrian Anchondo) who was murdered, moved into a new apartment with his current roommate (soon to be love interest?) Joe Fitzpatrick as played by Jonathan Bennett, has become best buds with the “Britch” Dr. Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud), and has found himself involved in multiple other storylines. However, now that Van is firmly implanted on GH, might Lucas get a leading storyline of his own? Stay tuned.
In the meantime, to acknowledge his two-year anniversary at General Hospital, Hansis shared via his Instagram a photo montage and some heartfelt “thank you’s’ and words. “Two years ago yesterday, Lucas Jones came home to Port Charles looking a little different. Looking exactly like me.” began Hansis.
“When I took on the role, I was told it would be a heavy recurring for a few months and then we’d see where it goes – being based in NYC at the time, I thought it would be a fun little gig that would bring me back to my old stomping grounds of daytime for a bit.”

Photo: ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL HAS BEEN LIFE-CHANGING FOR VAN HANSIS
Next, the longtime New York-based actor confirmed he has now moved to Los Angeles as this new chapter of his life has unfolded, and how grateful he is that the show’s writers and producers have continually given more for Lucas to do.
Van explained, “But then they kept writing for me more and I fell in love with Lucas, and everyone around him (in front of and behind the camera). I wanted to stay a while and am so grateful I have. Being a part of GH these last two years has been life changing. Literally. My family and I are Angelenos now, I’ve made incredible new friendships and have been able to revisit old ones.”
The five-time Daytime Emmy-nominated actor concluded with, “Thank you Frank (Valentini, executive producer, GH), thank you Mark (Teschner, casting director, GH), for inviting me to the party. You throw a great one. ”
So, happy to know Van is sticking around General Hospital for some time to come? What has been your favorite Lucas Jones moment over the first two years of Van’s run? Let us know via the comment section below.
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Don’t know her name…..but she played “younger patricia”…Luke spencer’s sister in flashback episodes.
EXCELLENT>…..Thought same. Clearly I’d put in scenes with Kevin
How dumb for GH to let her go but kudos to Y&R, she has talent!
She may not look Swedish but Ashlyn Pearce would be my choice!
Good one!
She would be perfect, I agree!
Kelley Missal
Hi CeeCee ..
Kelley Missal is good!
Danielle “Dani” Manning OLTL created by Ron Carlivati..
Téa Delgado and Todd Manning’s daughter..
I would luv her with GH ..
She is a powerful actress!
0ooohhh goodie!!!
A representative from the Nordic countries! 🙂
God kveld! ja! som er en god en sum Norsk ..lol
A Hindi girl would be much better as a ”nerdy/cyber like gal, somewhat socially awkward who will blossom!”’ /
And, beautiful, Su. I wouldn’t mind having Florencia Lozano on Y&R or GH, either. The three of them were so good together on OLTL.
Su. You confuse me. Are you acting coy on purpose….adding a little mystery, eh?
So are you part Nordic and part Indian? Are you part Viking as I? Lol.
Sounds like a female Spinelli from GH
I was just going to type that!
Hopefully not as annoying!
Sounds like a love interest for Kevin…
Good one, Mister Media. But, Kevin and Mariah are cozying up, no? Maybe they’ll SORAS Connor. HaHa.
Kevin already has his hands full!
Isn’t Kevin about forty? I love the little guy but he really needs to stop hanging out with children.
A new love interest for Kevin!
Would put with Kevin…I like the choice of young patricia from GH flashbacks during Anniversary episode. Use the actress taht was Page on Days.
All the newbies under Pratt & Phelps have stunk to high Heaven – this will not be an exception – they can’t get a grasp on the ‘newbies’ they created!!
WOW, how progressive! I hope its a ruse and its a recast of SUMMER!
I would be so happy with a Summer recast! I have a feeling she will not be going any where since she is a friend of JFP.
I think Eric Braeden is fond of her, as well. HE has a lot of say on that soap!
Oh my gosh I would love a recast of Summer but remember there is suppose to be a big Halloween party and 4 people die. I’m thinking Joe”who is never on anymore”,, Marissa,her husband and hopefully Summer. What do you think?
I’m so excited that another new character is being introduced. That will be WAY better than giving Eileen Davidson a real storyline…
Well we know now that Adam cannot stop Paragon so this little sweetie will be brought to Genoa City to solve Victor’s cyber issues AND Grandpa Mustache will play match maker with her and his grandson, Noah. She is a geeky nerd who is very clumsy and awkward and Noah doesnt even notice her. Victor pushes them together in hopes that it will divert Noah’s attention away fro Marissa! There, it took me less than five minutes, check please!
This kinda sounds like Gwen. When Hilary picked her to be Devon’s beard she was apparently nerdy, but cleaned up good.
When will soaps learn? We don’t need/want new characters. Write good stories for the ones you have already!
Soooo basically a female version of Spinelli?