News
Y&R’s EP and Head Writer Josh Griffith Teases Jordan and Ian’s Targets: “It’s the Entire Newman Family … But I Think Mariah and Claire, Specifically”
The Young and the Restless just re-introduced baddies, Jordan Howard (Colleen Zenk) and Ian Ward (Ray Wise), to the Genoa City canvas, and just in time, as Sharon (Sharon Case) just confessed all to Nick (Joshua Morrow), but is he truly believing she is capable of what she said she did — killing Heather Stevens (Vail Bloom) … and trying to run Phyllis (Michelle Stafford) off the road? On, Monday’s November 18th episode, Sharon told Chance (Conner Floyd) to arrest her and to take her into custody.
However, Y&R’s executive producer and head writer, dropped several Easter eggs, such as Sharon’s blackouts, and now with Jordan and Ian holed up at a seedy hotel revealing themselves, it’s clear they have had something to do with Sharon’s mental state, Heather’s death and Phyllis’ car accident, but how, and why?
Now, Griffith has opened up about crafting the storyline of Heather’s death, and his plans for Jordan and Ian in an interview with Soap Opera Digest. The head scribe explained, “I knew that it needed to be somebody who not only we could come up with motive for the killing, but that also the reveal would be massive,” Josh explained. “It wouldn’t just be, ‘Oh, who’s that?’ And I started looking into, historically, who had a beef with the Newmans. And, we landed on Ian Ward.”
Photo: JPI
However, once again in his career, Griffith was inspired by an Alfred Hitchcock movie, and this time it was Stranger on a Train. Josh thought, “Wouldn’t it be interesting if Ian had an accomplice that equally needed something to happen because they were angry and they felt they’d been wronged?’”
Putting Jordan and Ian together for a diabolical plan was Griffith’s endgame as he reveals, “In a nutshell, the idea is that these two wonderful villains — who both have reasons to want revenge in Genoa City — would find each other and team up. It seemed perfect and that this murder could be the catalyst for the whole thing. As we were putting the pressure on Sharon and we were slowly starting to reveal that things were not exactly as she thinks they are, at the perfect point, we would then reveal to the audience these two mastermind criminals.”
Photo: JPI
Josh urged for fans to be on the lookout for Jordan and Ian’s next leg of their story, “The ramifications throughout Genoa City as we slowly reveal (their plans), it is just going to be a powder keg of excitement.” But who are the actual people that Jordan and Ian want to inflict pain and suffering on? Griffith noted, “It’s the entire Newman family. They all need to watch their back. But I think Mariah (Camryn Grimes) and Claire (Hayley Erin), specifically….”
So, how do you think Jordan and Ian managed to frame Sharon? Run Phyllis off the road? How could they time Sharon’s blackouts? What will be there plan for Mariah (who used to be in Ian’s cult) and Claire (who supposedly turned her back on her Aunt Jordan)? Weigh-in on your theories via the comment section.
But first, check out this video ditty from the Y&R Insider, You Tube Channel featuring Colleen Zenk and Ray Wise answering some burning questions on their returns as Jordan and Ian below.
I think it sucks. The whole story. Don’t you think out of anybody Victor Newman would be the first one to know that Jordan was out of jail or broke out of jail whatever happened. Come on writers were not that stupid.
100% correct Dolores! Saw online that Zenk said she was told in June she’d be headed back to Y&R in the fall. Right, the fact that the whack job escaped from prison wasn’t even newsworthy in this town. Griffith just wings it, doesn’t care about any kind of accuracy. The whole story is nonsense. Victor still having the prison cell….what these poor actors must go through to deliver these lines. They know this guy can’t write. And so do we.
Maybe Mariah isn’t Mariah after all and she was brainwashed, it’s actually Cassie…fans would be excited to learn their beloved Cassie we watch grow up has so much story, she’s a legal Newman, the thought of Daniel and opening the same storyline because he’s very much entrenched in the story with Cassie, more possibility to create story for Cassie then “Mariah”
I just want to see Colleen on our screens for as long as we can. I miss seeing her all the time like we did when she was on ATWT.
I agree with you 100% James. I am 58 years old and I remember watching ATWT with my mom when I was 12 and I was forever hooked. Barbara was my favorite. I thought she was so classy. I was thrilled when she first appeared on YandR. It doesn’t matter to me that this storyline looks like it might be ad thrilling as people are saying. I am just glad that the beautiful Colleen Zenk is back on daytime TV
I actually am looking forward to these two “playing” on screen together. It will be a lot more fun than all of the back and forth company/merger/acquisition angst. I just hope that there will be a youth element arriving in Spring/Summer. The show is called The YOUNG and the RESTLESS.
Mentioning Griffith’s name in the same breath as Hitchcock is beyond idiotic.
Griffith says he was inspired by Hitchcock. We all know he’s nowhere near Hitchcock in talent.
But what’s sad, is HE doesn’t know it, dilutions of grandeur or Victor Newman, which is it?
Ok,if this is like Strangers on a train, then Jordan is going after Sharon for taking Mariah from him and Ian will return the favor by torturing Victoria and the other Newmans. I dunno!! Maybe it’s Josh’s way of honoring the monumental number of episodes, by bringing back characters from the past –dunno.
A fun interview with Colleen Zenk and Ray Wise about their return. Seeing them return was a shocker – I don’t even care how they got there. I love Ray Wise.
I rarely watch Young and the Restless and now i know why. It sucks. Can’t they write a soap about interpersonal relationships without resorting to psycho and Chucky 3. The cast is way too large. The corporate drama always leads to no where. The hottest couple on the show is Nicky and Victor. The writer is mining the golden years as he doesnt have a clue. The show is a mess.
Thank you! Can’t even read the nonsense anymore the guy never knew the end game just throwing stuff against the wall to see if it sticks. The first thing that they should have done was test Sharon’s meds . Duh
Mariah is so boring no one will miss her
Tessa will!!
Well. Maybe they will finally write for Camryn. Then she would be terrific! She has 2 Emmy’s for her work their! The actor is damn talented. Enough of the newman’s and abbott’s. Use the whole town-cast for story
So this year we had Cameron come back to seek revenge on Sharon, now Ian, who’s next Matt Clark getting a third kick at the can.
And I already see coming the attempt on Victor’s life which he survives but convinces Elena to tell everyone he is dead so he can remain safe until they figure out who wanted him dead–OR, where Jordon puts Victor in a cell and everyone thinks he is dead– either way we will get weeks of Chance questioning everyone in town who had a motive to “kill” Victor– I hope I’m wrong, but if not out of two I am rooting to see Jordon put Victor in a cell because that would be a bit more interesting.
So as much as I applaud the actors playing Jordon and Ian for trying to give these one note characters depth– I missed the old days where the line between good and evil in a villain was blurry and some days you actually felt sorry for them or think they had a good reason for it, like Kevin in the early days of his character, or Michael Baldwin– heck even Adam– they all did horrible things, yet had enough humanity to make them interesting.
And if JG really wants to shock us, write a back story to help us understand why Jordon and Ian are “evil”– turn them into real characters and not cartoons because right now, whenever I see them, I think moose and squirrel might show up at any moment to save the day– and for those of you too young to get the reference “google” Rocky and Bullwinkle, because Jordon and Ian are Natasha and Boris without the Russian accents.
Here is a thought, the whole Newman family is already entangled with different story lines, Claire mixed with Kyle Abbot and that whole scheme that Jack and Diane Pulled. Victor being Victor getting Chancellor Industries from Jill and Billy. Nick was the one who needed some drama and he got it with this triangle and not to mention he has 5 kids to think about from Noah (who hasn’t been around and this would a great time to bring him back.), Faith, Summer, Mariah, and Christian. Victoria is busy trying to rekindle with Cole, Nikki is about to be busy running Chancellor. Adam being the regular Scumbag he always has been. I know Ian wants revenge on Mariah from her time in the cult. Jordan wants revenge on the Newman family for what she thinks they did to Claire by brainwashing her against Aunt Jordan. I mean Ian and Jordan teaming up does make sense, since Ian is a good manipulator as much as Jordan, what if they concocted to get Daisy out from wherever she is, since as Jordan said to Ian, “with your resources” he could get anybody out of prison or a mental hospital.
I want to know how these two horrible people met, and is he really after, Mariah, via kidnapping her baby? I will stop watching if that happens. It’s been torturous enough with the Sharon and Daniel thing.I would also think that Jordsn would want to get as far away from Genia City as. Possible.
Don’t know if I feel relieved or more frustrated. Nor did I see the program when Ian was apparently a cult leader. Jordan truly frightened me and so did Victor when she was in a cell in his basement. Nikki didn’t know about it? However, both those in the above dialog seem delightful!
Please don’t make the storylines all so dark! Nick has been on the sideline for many years it seems. I still record and watch.
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.
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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
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