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‘The Young and the Restless’ Reveals the True Identity of Roger Howarth’s Character as ‘Matt Clark’

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: JPI

At the end of the October 31st episode of The Young and the Restless, Sharon (Sharon Case) was in for the shock of her life when she came to face to face for the first time with Sienna’s husband, Mitch Bacall (Roger Howarth), and when after taking one look at the guy, Sharon realized it’s none other than Nick and Sharon’s mortal enemy, and says, “Matt Clark? Oh, My God!”

Just how can that be? Well, it’s been over 25 years since Matt Clark has been on the canvas, because when he was last seen and then portrayed by GH’s Rick Hearst, he took himself off life support as one last defying act and handed the tubes to Nick (Joshua Morrow) to frame him for his murder. A bench trial ensued and Nick was eventually exonerated.

The role of Matt Clark was played first by Eddie Cibrian (1994–1996), then Russell Lawrence (2000), Rick Hearst (2000-2001) and now Daytime veteran, Roger Howarth in 2025! Just how Y&R head writer, Josh Griffith plans to spin the story of how Matt Clark, who raped Sharon, is indeed alive, and how it will be part of the LA noir story that is set to unravel remains to be seen. Y&R Viewers recall, it was back in 1994 when Matt Clark first came on the canvas. He had a huge beef with Nick Newman since high school and was dating Sharon, but she only had eyes for Nick, which see Matt off on a horrific revenge course for decades.

Photo: JPI

Soap fans know Roger Howarth from all of his leading roles and performances; his breakout role as One Life to Live’s Todd Manning, to Paul Ryan on As the World Turns, and on General Hospital playing three different characters,Todd Manning, Franco Baldwin, and Austin Gatlin-Holt  In his first interview on landing at Y&R to play Matt Clark (aka Mitch Bacall), Howarth told Soap Opera Digest, “The ramp was short … Matt gets up to no good very, very quickly.”

Having played bad guys before on daytime, and ones that are very misunderstood, Howarth shared, “I’m really thankful that I get to play a character with mischief and devious and villainous qualities. It’s super-fun. It’s always been something I enjoy watching, something I enjoy being a part of, you know? Those characters are near and dear to me and it’s always the rule to find out why they’re being that way, and the answer is always something to do with loving something, or a need to be loved — I think all really good TV villainy is rooted in a deeper emotional need.”

Photo: CBS

Having had plenty of time to plot Sharon and Nick’s downfall, Howarth added that Matt is going to execute his revenge, “He’s had a long time to kind of ruminate in that and stew and if anything, I think his maliciousness has gotten louder and deeper. This is a true bad guy.”

So, what do you think of the reveal that Roger Howarth is playing Matt Clark, the longtime nemesis of Sharon and Nick, seemingly back from the dead? Are you more excited about the story and his role on Y&R, or do you have other feelings about it? Let us know via the comment section below.

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I avoided the spoilers from Canada, thankfully. Honestly, the continued back-from-the-dead storylines do nothing for me in daytime anymore, but I look forward to seeing what Roger Howarth does in the role of Matt Clark (a.k.a., Mitch Bacall), although I would have preferred the return of either Eddie Cibrian or Rick Hearst (both of which would have brought some excellent flashbacks).

I agree but Hearst is on GH and Cibrian is on to other things. Do I question why this is coming up it’s Griffith thinks he can hang on to his job always about them . Case will play the hell out of it she always does

Yes, but Hearst is recurring on General Hospital, so he easily could have done the role. And Cibrian is not actively working, so I am sure he could have returned as well.

You’re right it would have been great if Cibrian had came back . Great flashbacks

I can’t believe it!! Loved all the guys who played Matt Clark because they nailed just how rotten to the core Matt is but Roger playing the character? All I can say is that this is going to be a ride that’s going to get my adrenaline pumping!!

Why? A big fan of Roger Howarth, but why?

It’s out there but Case always delivers I will watch this thank gosh it’s not about corporate stuff. It also gives Josh something to sink his teeth into besides doing Daddy’s bidding

Roger plays a great bad guy. Phenomenal actor. So glad Y & R gave him a big break- General Hospital loss.

Fire Josh Griffith now! This is utterly ridiculous. A stack of cardboard could write this show better. Another complete re-write of history for a storyline that will go nowhere and end in a flash. Griffith has done more damage to this once beautifully brilliant show than Lynn Marie Latham ever did. It’s infuriating. CBS and Sony MUST find someone to save this show. It’s a disgrace to the legacy of Bill Bell and Kay Alden. It’s a disgrace to all daytime dramas that have ever existed.

Sony decided to remove Kay Alden etc time after time we had a chance to bring this show back to greatness but nope they went the other direction so here it is folks

CBS and Sony no longer care. Y&R still gets decent ratings, so CBS will do nothing. We, the viewers are stuck with this crap, but I’ve been watching GH again lately, and am impressed how good soaps can be. It takes a little effort. Griffith collects a paycheck, nothing more.

AGREE with all. This is the worst the show has ever been.

So like this is the third “villain” from Sharon’s past to resurface recently – Cameron, Ian Ward and now Matt Clark– not to mentioned her stint being held by Martin with Phyllis.

So what’s the plan, to keep reliving Sharon’s past storylines in hopes eventually the actress will have an Emmy reel that will get her a win.

I think Sharon Case is a wonderful actress, but at this point after a succession of trauma related stories for the character, the only way I can bear watching the her cry now, is to make it a drinking game out of it.

I was actually looking forward to this LA storyline, but now that they have thrown Matt Clark into it– I no longer care– for a minute there I thought the show was finally going to come up with something original — silly me

you can not have a rapist character on the canvas for long, this is going to be a waste of Howarth not to mention it makes no sense in the history of the show, the character died onscreen

the character died onscreen

Clearly, watching soaps has taught you nothing.

Clearly watching too many makes you an ass.

OH MY DAYS…MEEOWWW… HISS HISS LMAO.

Surely, Michael and his team made a mistake allowing this comment through.

You are constantly nasty to people that don’t have a photographic memory of soap opera history and that don’t have time to watch every freaking soap. If you don’t like my comment then learn not how to be a putz.

This should be the death knell for Josh Griffith as HW. How many more plots from the past is he going to recycle because he can’t write an original storyline for Sharon and Nick? How much more will he keep tormenting Sharon and have the actress constantly crying in scenes? It’s sick and unoriginal. More stunt casting because JG is a hack. Not interested. I

I watched today and yesterday and as usual RH does his smirk and everybody screams great actor . Will move on the fact you have CB on who is great and give him absolutely no story oh boy ugh.

Just don’t let Matt hurt Sharon, Noah An Nock

I am so happy to see Roger Howarth back in any role, but I am concerned that the role of Matt Clark won’t last nearly long enough. When he left the role of Franco on General Hospital I was extremely upset but then he was back as Dr Austin Gatlin-Holt and his exit from that role too did me in as a GH fan. Give this great actor a permanent role and you will ensure me as a devoted fan!

So sick of this story line with Matt Clark

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‘Santa Barbara’ Alums A Martinez and Marcy Walker: In Conversation; Two-Hour Livestream Event with the Iconic Cruz and Eden Announced

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Mark your calendars for Sunday, June 7.  That’s when Daytime Emmy winners, A Martinez and Marcy Walker, also known as beloved Santa Barbara supercouple, Cruz and Eden, will participate in a global two-hour streaming event where they will be in conversation together for the first time in years.

The last time A and Marcy appeared publicly together was back in August of 2024, when both stars were in attendance at the 40th anniversary of Santa Barbara. Now, host Melissa Braverman, who has also penned the upcoming book, Santa Barbara: The Complete Story, will moderate this special event beginning at 4pm ET/1pm PT.

Fans around the world who continue to celebrate the enduring legacy of Santa Barbara will be able to watch Braverman lead an intimate discussion with the actors and go behind the iconic characters of Cruz Castillo and Eden Capwell.

Photo: JPI

In a statement, Braverman shared, “A Martinez and Marcy Walker didn’t just play a couple. They created a cultural phenomenon that resonated across continents. This event is a rare opportunity for fans to hear directly from A and Marcy about their chemistry, their favorite storylines, and the lasting impact of the show’s unique storytelling.”

She added, “A and Marcy’s partnership as Cruz and Eden was unforgettable. Bringing them together for a dedicated conversation about their SB journey is a true event, and a testament to their enduring appeal and the sheer popularity of the characters they created.”

The exclusive event will feature: a moderated discussion exploring the actors’ favorite memories from the Santa Barbara set. Behind-the-scenes insights into the show’s most famous location shoots and dramatic arcs, and a Q&A session where ticket holders can submit questions in advance to the stars.

Martinez, currently starring in AMC’s hit series Dark Winds is known for his multi-decade TV and film career. He won the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in 1990 for his portrayal of Cruz. In the soaps, A has also appeared on General Hospital, One Life to Live, Days of Our Lives and The Bay. Walker, whose unforgettable daytime run began as Liza Colby on All My Children before her definitive turn on Santa Barbara, took home the Outstanding Lead Actress honors in 1989 for her work as Eden Capwell.

Tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime reunion are $100, and registration is open now. For additional event information, visit Melissa’s author page on Facebook or www.melissabraverman.com.

So, if you are a Santa Barbara fan and one of the unforgettable Cruz and Eden, does this sound like the event for you? Let us know, and share your favorite Santa Barbara moment and storyline of Cruz and Eden’s via the comment section, But first, in case you missed it, the Michael Fairman Channel shared the arrivals at the 40th anniversary of Santa Barbara in this video below.

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Jennifer Harmon, ‘One Life to Live’s’ Cathy Craig, and ‘How to Survive a Marriage’ Star, Dead at 82

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Sad news to report for the One Life to Live family. Actress Jennifer Harmon who was the last actress to play the emotionally troubled Cathy Craig has passed away. Harmon, who also starred on the defunct NBC soap opera, How to Survive a Marriage, died in New York on May 9 at the age of 82. Harmon’s family made the announcement.

Jennifer was the fifth actress to play One Life to Live’s Cathy, following Catherine Burns, Amy Levitt, Jane Alice Brandon and Dorrie Kavanaugh. During her two year tenure with the soap, from 1976 through 1978, she received a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series at the 5th annual Daytime Emmy Awards in 1978. The award that year went to Another World’s Laurie Heineman (ex-Sharlene Frame).

In her soap career, not only did Harmon have major success as Cathy on One Life to Live, but she starred on NBC’s new soap opera, How to Survive a Marriage as Chris Kirby and stayed with the series through its entire run which lasted just over a year from 1974-1975.   

Photo: NBC

How to Survive a Marriage told the story of divorced couple as they battle for custody of their daughter, and as the mom enters the workforce. In the span of a year, Chris got divorced, remarried and battled alcoholism. Rosemary Prinz was the featured name in the cast.

On One Life to Live, Cathy was the nemesis of Victoria Lord (Erika Slezak). Cathy blamed the wealthy Viki for the accident that killed her child Megan Craig Riley (even though the baby has a congenital heart defect and her life expectancy was short).  So, she set out to make Viki’s life hell by kidnapping Viki and Joe’s child, Kevin.

Later,  Jennifer would return to One Life to Live in the 90s to play Viki’s attorney in a new role, went on to play Jean Weatherill on Guiding Light in 1991 and Lucretia Jones on Loving in 1995. Her primetime TV credits included: Barnaby JonesDallasThe White ShadowSt. ElsewhereHomicide: Life on the StreetOzRescue Me and The Good Wife.

Harmon was also known as one of the most accomplished stage actresses on Broadway having appeared over 21 times in different productions spanning nearly 50 years including in plays of the works of legendary playwrights: Noël Coward, Wendy Wasserstein, Lillian Hellman, Neil Simon, Tennessee Williams, Edward Albee and Jon Robin Baitz. Throughout her theatre career she was was known as a reliable actress, and at times was an understudy for the likes of: Stockard Channing, Judi Dench, Jessica Lange, Blythe Danner and Jessica Lange.

Share your remembrances of Jennifer Harmon on One Life to Live, How to Survive a Marriage, and more, in the comment section below.

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‘EastEnders’ Wins Best Soap at the 2026 BAFTA TV Awards

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Our friends from across the pond, BBC One’s EastEnders took home Best Soap honors at the 2026 BAFTA TV Awards in London, England on Sunday, May 10.

Just last year, EastEnders celebrated 40 years on television and has seen a resurgence. In attendance were cast members: Michelle Collins, Jessie Wallace, Diane Parish, and Aaron Thiara, as well former executive producer Chris Clenshaw and his successor, current showrunner Ben Wadey.

EastEnders was nominated in the category along with their rivals, Casualty and Coronation Street. Accepting on stage was 20-year veteran of the series, Diane Parish, who paid tribute to all the hard working people in front of the camera and behind the scenes. “It’s not easy doing a soap, but we manage to make it work,” shared Parish.

Courtesy/BBCOne

A BIG RETURN AND MEDICAL CRISIS IN STORY AHEAD

Recently, it was confirmed that in honor of her two decades with the show, Parish’s character, Denise Fox, is set for a major storyline this year, when she is diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a blood cancer.

And there’s more! In the winner’s press room, Ben Wadey shared there is a major return in store teasing,“I would keep your eyes peeled in the next few weeks, there might be some surprises on the horizon.”

On the official EastEnders Instagram account it also shared, “EastEnders has gone and won the Soap award at the 2026 BAFTA Television Awards! 🎉🥳🍾🙌What a huge honour, we truly couldn’t be prouder. Thank you BAFTA the whole cast and crew will be holding this one high when it makes it way home to Walford.”

Photo: EastEnders

BAFTA TV AWARD HISTORY IS MADE

Adolescence, the Netflix drama that took home Emmys and Golden Globes stateside, made BAFTA TV history during the ceremony winning four awards for the first time ever. Stephen Graham finally took home the coveted Leading Actor category in what was his 8th attempt to win a BAFTA in the fields of both TV and motion pictures.

The series is Netflix’s second most-watched English-language show of all time, and won BAFTA’s for Limited Drama and Supporting Actor and Actress for Owen Cooper and Christine Tremarco. 

For a complete list of all the winners, click here.

So, happy to hear EastEnders won the BAFTA TV Award for Best Soap? If you catch EastEnders, who do you think might be returning on the horizon as teased by the series current EP? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

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