News
Vail Bloom's publicist speaks out on her departure from Y&R!
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
In the casting shocker thus far of 2010, every now knows that Eden Riegel has replaced Vail Bloom in the role of Heather Stevens on The Young and the Restless. Reports were out last week that Bloom was let-go, but her publicist wanted to clear up any misinterpretations. So he spoke with CBS Soaps In Depth and offered this statement. “It was Vail Bloom’s choice to leave Y&R to pursue other opportunities. As much as she loves Y&R and was honored to be on the No. 1 rated soap, and loved the opportunity to play the character of Heather, she felt it was time to pursue other projects.” So what do you think? Was Vail shown the front door? Or, did she leave Genoa City of her own choosing to look for greener pastures?
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
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
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
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It doesn’t matter why. The role was blah and so was she. I’m sure Eden Riegel will be better, but only if the writers give her the material to work with. Let’s hope….
I liked Vail Bloom’s portrayal of Heather. I hope her leaving was her own choice. I think she is better suited for that role than Eden.
I hope it was her decision. She is a very good actress and I like watching her as Heather. Good Luck to Vail.
Vail’s (love her name!)portrayal of Heather was always lukewarm to me? I didn’t care for her one way or the other. They tried to pair her with different guys on the show and she had chemistry with none of them. I was surprised she lasted this long. I think the character in general is weak but good luck to Eden. Maybe she can bring her 2 life?
I began watching Y&R during a hospital stay in 1994. Have been a fan since. Two comments: I felt that Vail Bloom was a lot like the current and original Ashley. Both women upstage most of the men they try to pair them with, and only Victor has ever been able to face off with Ashley toe to toe in a scene. (current Billy Abbot is the exception) I think the same is true for Vail, she is going to be hard to replace. Finally, one of the reasons have liked the show for so many years, is that it does not get off into supernatural stuff, but rather remains in the real world. Lately, the script has been venturing into some areas that I don’t find appealing and a little to far out there, hope that come back to earth
I liked Vail bloom in her role of Heather Stevens !
She was beautiful and looked like she could be Pauls daughter..
She played her roles very well and is a wonderful actress !
I am sorry to see her go but wish her well..
Never liked Eden Riegel , does not look the role and is not
a good actress, she is very dull in the role of Heather !
I am in total agteement with this!! The new Heather is very unbelieveful as Pauls Daughter, and as as Poliecwoman, she appears to be weak, and lacks personality, in my opinion, Writers and Casting Dept. maybe you want to rethink this ???
The other thing I wanted to address is, that this show “NEVER” allows Nicky Reid Neuman to have any happiness, This story line is getting very boring, I can remember her marriage to Kevin, and the doctor, with the psychotic wive that almost killed Nicky, Not to mention David!! Victor has progressed from a powerful man that throws his weight around!! to an abusive, sycoopath, that has no love for anyone, especially Nicky and his Kids, I feel this needs to change and stay that way, no one deserves a life filled with nothing but despair, and after all these years I am barley tuning in the show is DEPRESSING
Also, she was annoying on All My Children and I have the feeling that she is going to be even more annoying on Young & Restless !
That whiny voice kills me !
I can’t stand the new Heather! Vail is glamorous and brought a level of class to the role. This new lady is plain, tom boyish looking and doesn’t add any class to the role at all. If she’s supposed to be sexy and lure Chance away from Chloe…FAT CHANCE. She doesn’t even look tempting!!
I agree with Rita. I do not like the new Heather either. She is a plain, boring, pathetic character. The actress does not know how to portray an Assistant District Attorney.
Physically, she has no sex appeal. I have seen snow that had more color than she has. A month in the sun may improve her looks a little.
In my opinion, a terrible re-cast.
Please , please cast back the old actress Vail Bloom. She pkayed the District attorney part very well and had more personality on screen and also the daughter Of Paul. This one who replaced her doesn’t seem to know if she is coming or going. It’s so sad. especially when you had someone good and should always keep. Please bring her back. I don’t know where they got this new gal to replace but she needs more pratice in acting and not on Young & Restless.
I have been an entertainer on screen and stage also myself for years and now retired and when I see this. I get so frustrated inside of me. You need to bring back Vail. She acted and played the part well. I may be an old timer but I know when I see talent. I will be keeping my fingers crossed.
YOU ARE SO RIGHT
I miss vail so much. I liked her strength and personality as Heather. Eden brought a weakness to the character that I cannot stand. This was a terrible recast. If they wanted Eden on the show they should have made a new character for her. I miss VAIL BLOOM, her portrayal of heather was great !!!
I hate how Heather is flirting with Chance and now he’s gone and cheated on Chloe. What a jerk! And they’re engaged!! I cannot believe Chance did that to Chloe, I hope she doesn’t forgive him and she finds out, poor Chloe, all the guys she gets involved with cheat on her :(((
PLEASE BRING BACK VAIL BLOOM….SHE IS HEATHER, ALWAYS WILL AND CONTINUE TO BE
Many of us faithful Y&R viewers would greatly appreciate if Vail Bloom would return. Eden does not fit the role. It’s a turn off to see Eden.
I don’t know if she was let go or left but Eden Riegel doesn’t hold a candle to Vail Bloom. I wish she’d come back. I don’t think Riegel will grow on me either…she is just so wrong for the role.
I miss Vail on the show. The new Heather stinks.
Best of Luck to your future rolls.
I miss Vail too! She was believable as Paul’s daugther, this new girl doesnt even look like she could belong to Paul!
I love just love Vail Bloom and her acting skills. I do miss her on the Young and The Restless but her beauty and talent should be shown everywhere. Good Luck Vail
I do not like the new Heather at all. Vail Bloom was so much better in this role. Please bring her back!
If Vail left on her own to pursue greener pastures, I wish her all the best.. However, if tptb decided to show her the front door, they need to bring her back!!~ I personally feel Vail played the part more to the viewers liking.. Nothing personal against Eden Riegel, who is a talented actress, but in alot of viewers perspective, she doesn’t seem to fit the part.. So I am hoping they would reconsider, and bring Vail back to her original role as Heather Stevens!~
Vail ROCKED on Y&R! I want her back!!!
Still wish Vail Bloom would be brought back to Y&R. She played the part well and looked like she could really be Paul’s daughter. Fit the part really well. Her replacement is a terrible recast; bad actress, annoying voice and does not fit the part at all.
Vail is by far the best actress to play Heather Stevens to date. Young and the Restless needs to get her back. The newest version of Heather needs to go immediately, terrible casting.
Cocaine, booze……partying. She just couldn’t keep it up.