News
Colleen Zenk Opens Up on Her Y&R Exit: “I Thought That Ian and Jordan Would Go Out like Bonnie and Clyde Together”
Last week, Jordan Howard met her maker when she drank tea laced with an overdose of sleeping pills, thanks to Claire (Hayley Erin) in proper payback for taking the woman as a child from her true parents at birth, Victoria Newman (Amelia Heinle) and Cole Howard (J Eddie Peck).
In her final scenes, daytime veteran, Colleen Zenk received scene-chewing scripts where as Jordan takes her last breaths she is still spewing venom at the Newmans. Clearly, Jordan knew she was trapped so she decided to end her life by drinking the ill-fated tea.
In a role that started out in November of 2023 for about 13 episodes f, Zenk recalled in an exit interview with TV Insider, “Then the 12 shows turned into 50 and then I came back for another 22. It’s just been a great ride with a great group of people, from actors to production.”
Photo: JPI
As to how she envisioned the comeuppance for Jordan, Zenk shared, “I’m sad Jordan went away so quickly. I thought that Ian (Ray Wise) and Jordan would go out like Bonnie and Clyde together.” Y&R viewers know that the twist on Sharon’s (Sharon Case) erratic and strange behavior, the death of Heather Stevens (Vail Bloom), Phyllis’ (Michelle Stafford) car accident and more, were caused by the shocking return and plans of the dastardly duo of Ian and Jordan.
Zenk gave some insight on how she approached crazy Jordan expressing, “I wasn’t given really any direction. I just had to go with what was on the page and figure Jordan out myself. The only thing I kept saying to Josh Griffith (executive producer and head writer, Y&R) was, ‘If I go too far, pull me back.’ He (Josh) answered ‘You can’t go too far.’ I went, ‘OK.’ That was very freeing as an actor. I had to jump in with both feet and not even think about how out there I was being.”
Photo: JPI
While Colleen, of course, would have wished, Jordan’s machinations could have gone on even longer, she came away with great restored belief in herself, expressing, “My biggest takeaway is I can still work this medium.”
So, what did you think of how Y&R ended the life of Jordan? Did you wish there would have been a different ending for her? Would you like to see Colleen Zenk back on one of the four other soaps down the line? If so, which one? Comment below.
She is so wonderful! Best Guest Actor on a Soap 2025!
Agreed! She’s got my vote.
She can work in this medium and much more. She was awesome, awesome, and I hope they find a way to bring her back, she made the show great to watch again. I’m disappointed they killed the character off, but get her back ASAP, again, she made Y&R great to watch. Did Josh do something right, finally? Or will he be going as well?
“I wasn’t given really any direction. I just had to go with what was on the page and figure Jordan out myself.” Yes, that’s the state of Y&R now. No direction….writers can’t figure out a good story, so now they leave it up to the actors to figure out what the character is supposed to be. Lousy writing, no direction. In Monday’s episode, can anyone explain why Nick would leave Sharon and her daughter in her house without locking the door??? Mariah comes in at the end, and I replayed it three times, the door was open, not locked, she didn’t have a key in her hand, meanwhile Ian is still out there somewhere. And Victor mentioned to Jordan her story had so many holes in it…so true, finally the writers nailed it on the head. So sad. Sorry, but Ed Scott being back on board is not making a difference.
they should have kept her longer she was so much fun to watch
I felt her story went way too fast and I really wanted the writers to find a way to keep her around longer. This is a soap opera so it’s possible Jordan might not be dead but if she is, it sure was awesome seeing Colleen. I got to meet her many years ago at an ATWT fan club luncheon and she really is a class act.
Although her character was despicable I must admit to having a few chuckles over scenes with Jordan & Ian. He has such a devilish smile & there was something about them together. That being said-she was so evil but I would remember her as Barbara on ATWT & her love for her kids-she was a great mother & her love for Hal! I so miss those days! But great job Colleen! She is beautiful & I would love to see her on GH or B&B! (Don’t watch Days anymore).
Someone else mentioned Steinbeck in another thread. You two were a pair, but you were also good with Mr. WISE, although I have to admit, I’ll be glad when hes gone.
I enjoyed Jordan. Sad to see her go. She was good at being bad!
I’ve never liked her much until now they should work out a way to keep her. She has been thru so much and was married to a jerk who abandoned her when she was going thru a horrible cancer diagnosis. I’m very happy she is back and better.
Wow. As usual…another of Headwriter, Josh Griffith’s “stories” have ended with a thud / whimper. He just can’t seem to write “exciting.”
Give Colleen Zenk the Emmy already. She has earned it
She is such a great leading lady in the old soap opera tradition. I hope another soap will one day create a role for her. With Proctor and Gamble dipping their toes in the soap game again with the Beyond the Gates maybe we will one day see a return to Oakdale special. We can only hope.
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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Days Of Our Lives2 days agoREPORT: ‘Days of our Lives’ Puts Four Actors On Contract
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Beyond the Gates2 days ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
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General Hospital1 week agoAlley Mills Returns to ‘General Hospital’ as Heather Webber
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News1 week agoJudith Light Joins Cast of ‘Shrinking’ Season 4 in Recurring Role
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Beyond the Gates6 days ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
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