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?
Days Of Our Lives
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
After languishing on the bubble for months, on Friday, NBC handed down the decision and canceled the medical drama Brilliant Minds after two seasons.
Brilliant Minds stars Zachary Quinto as neurology physician Oliver Wolf, who’s character and the series is inspired by the life and books of neurologist. Oliver Sacks. The series focuses on the medical mysteries of the mind, as Wolf a larger-than-life neurologist and his team of interns explore the last great frontier, the human mind, while grappling with their own relationships and mental health.
The final six episodes of what will now be the end of its second and final season were already set to air beginning on May 27, after being pulled off the network schedule in February as viewership saw a steep decline. Brilliant Minds second season became the lowest-rated drama on linear TV viewing, which didn’t bode well fo a network renewal, although it had its hard core fan base.

Photo: NBC
There are some exceptional notables in the cast along with the talented Quinto that includes Days of Our Lives alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez) who joined the series in its second season as Nurse Nico Silva, and One Life to Live alum, Teddy Sears (ex-Chad Bennett) who plays Wolf’s love interest and fellow physician, Dr. Josh Nichols.
The rest of the talented cast includes: Tamberla Perry, Ashleigh LaThrop, Alex MacNicoll, Aury Krebs, Spence Moore II, Donna Murphy, John Clarence Stewart, and Brian Altemus.
In an ironic twist of fate on Thursday, April 30, Days of Our Lives finally revealed the actor who was Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Javi, when they announced that actor Jacob Martinez had now stepped into the role. Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming new episode, Calderon left in the spring of 2025, but will be seen in the part for the final part this month, and then on June 20, Martinez debuts as Salem’s new Javi.
Taking to his Instagram with a sorrowful and heartfelt post on the Brilliant Minds cancellation was Teddy Sears who wrote, “Thank you, Brilliant Minds. I got the call today and I didn’t want to hear, but I knew that it would come, You have to be a particular vintage to quote Don Henley from memory, but that’s the line that came to mind earlier today after I got off the phone with our inimitable showrunner Michael Grassi who delivered the news that NBC has cancelled the series”.

Photo: NBC
Sears continued, “To say that I feel sad to be moving on from these stories, this character, and this cast and crew just doesn’t paint the entire picture. I’m sad, sure. But I’m also deeply grateful that I got hired to play this part, so proud of the stories we told, and the other actors I got to play alongside. I’m excited to see what comes next, what adventures await, and terrified to be without a professional home. A quick and heartfelt thank you to everyone, all over the globe, who found us and found themselves in us, in our characters and in our stories. We wouldn’t have been able to tell them without you. And we still have 6 fresh episodes yet to air, and I do hope you tune in enjoy the remainder of the series. They’re the best we’ve done.”
As he wrapped up his sentiments, Sears signed off with, “The more I know, the less I understand. All the things I figured out I have to learn again. I’ve been trying to get down to the heart of the matter. But everything changes…Thank you, Brilliant Minds.”
The medical drama was created and executive produced by Michael Grassi alongside Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman, Lee Toland Krieger, DeMane Davis, Jasmine Russ, Henrik Bastin, Jonathan Cavendish, Andy Serkis and Shefali Malhoutra.
So, what do you think of NBC’s decision to cancel Brilliant Minds after two seasons? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
Many things are coming up roses for Jonathan Bennett! On the heels of the news that he is set to debut this month in the role of Joe Fitzpatrick on General Hospital, who is rumored to be a new love interest for Lucas Jones (Van Hansis), comes the news that Bennett’s reality series, Finding Mr. Christmas has received 3 nomination for the Critics Choice Real TV Awards.
Bennett’s Hallmark Channel series finds itself in tough competition alongside fellow nominees: RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV), Squid Game: The Challenge (Netflix), Survivor 50 (CBS), Top Chef (Bravo) and The Traitors (Peacock). In addition, Jonathan himself is nominated for Best Show Host and the series participants as the Best Ensemble Cast in an Unscripted Series.
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) revealed the nominees for the eighth annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards on Thursday, which recognize excellence in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. Winners will be announced online at CriticsChoice.com on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 9:00am PT/12:00pm ET.

Photo: Hallmark
Taking to his Instagram to celebrate the nominations, GH’s Bennett, enthused, “3 Critic Choice Nominations! I’m so proud of the FINDING MR CHRISTMAS and to be in the company of all the legends in all these categories is so surreal! Congrats to Hallmark Channel and to our nominated cast and nominated show and everyone who made this magical show possible. This is crazy! This gives FMC 6 Critics Choice nominations in 2 years. Not bad for a little show on Hallmark Channel. What are your thoughts on our show?” Jumping first into the comment thread was one of his new GH co-stars, Dominic Zamprogna (Dante) who expressed, “Yeah buddy!!!🔥🔥”
In the series, Bennett, the host and co-creator spends eight weeks guiding 10 aspiring actors through a series of “festive face-offs” and acting challenges alongside actors like soap opera notables, Hunter King (ex-Summer, Y&R) and Alison Sweeney (Sami, DAYS). Along the way, they develop their skills and a bond with one another. The show, which is available on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Plus, highlights LGBTQ+ representation with openly gay contestants vying to be the next Hallmark star.
It should be noted that Traitors received the most Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations with 6 nods, followed by Dancing with the Stars with 4.
Bennett is very familiar to daytime fans having started his career as JR Chandler on All My Children in 2000-2001, before landing the part of Aaron Samuels in the motion picture, Mean Girls in 2004 starring Lindsay Lohan, which would become his breakout performance.
You can check out the full list of Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations here.
So, excited for Jonathan Bennett’s General Hospital debut this month? Have you ever watched Finding Mr. Christmas on Hallmark? Let us know via the comment section below.
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General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Kelly Thiebaud on Britt and Cassius Sibling Drama, But Who Will Ultimately Blow His Cover?
On the April 30 episode of General Hospital, Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) had some choice words and warning for her brother Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey) who has been masquerading as his twin, the very dead, Nathan West.
As the story has unfolded, viewers learned that Britt knew all along that when “Nathan” showed up in Port Charles seemingly resurrected with a missing 7 years of his life unexplained, that Cassius was taking his place.
Now in developments on today’s GH, Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) is figuring out that this guy pretending to be Nathan is someone else, and Cassius learns from Britt, that Joss is not just a ditzy sorority girl as he claimed, but a WSB agent! The moment stuns Cassius. Are the walls about to close in on him and his charade?

Courtesy/ABC
Daytime Emmy winner, Kelly Thiebaud spoke to Soap Opera Digest, about the story point and getting the opportunity this time back at GH to work with Ryan Paevey, when she hadn’t had the chance to before.
BROTHERLY LOVE?
Thiebaud expressed on sharing scenes with Ryan Paevey, “It’s just been so wonderful to have him back and to actually work with him! When he first came onto the show (as Nathan at the end of 2013) I was kind of heading out — it was right towards the end of my contract, so we didn’t actually work together a ton. It’s been really refreshing and so much fun to really spend time together and get to know each other and work together. I think we have really great on-camera chemistry and banter with each other. I really enjoy working with him.”
With the stakes at an all-time, Thiebaud explained how she views her on-screen alter-ego’s involvement with her more hot-to-temper sibling and why Britt revealed the truth about Josslyn to him. “People finding out about Cassius would expose what she’s involved in and what she agreed to do,” explains Kelly “And now Josslyn is digging around, and she’s connected to Carly (Laura Wright) to Jason (Steve Burton) and that whole dynamic! It’s messy!”
BRITT’S MURKY FUTURE
Britt has currently also reached her breaking point with Jason being carted away by the WSB, Rocco (Finn Carr), the child she gave birth to, shooting Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) to protect her and Jason, Marco (Adrian Anchondo) being killed after trying to help her, and Cullum holding over her head getting her Huntington’s disease medication to control her symptoms, while blackmailing her into finishing the research on her father, Cesar Faison’s, final project. Thiebaud summed it up best for Britt right now, sharing, “It’s been a really tough time for her.”
So, who do you think will be the person to blow Cassius’ cover? Will it be Britt herself? Josslyn? Liesl? Brennan? Nina? Lulu? Rocco, Maxie, Cullum or someone else? Let us know your pick in the comment section.
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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.