News
Y&R's Former Head Writer Kay Alden Returns As Series Story Consultant!
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
Y&R fans, it looks like the powers-that-be have heard many of your voices, and your prayers may have been answered, particularly, if you have been jonesing for a return to the stories you love to love featuring the characters you love, or love to hate, with deep history in the show. Well, news today out of Daytime Confidential had delivered a one-two welcome punch to the writing department at the CBS Daytime drama series.
Kay Alden, (pictured on the right, next to Y&R co-creator Lee Phillip Bell) the former head writer of Y&R, who worked for years under the legendary Bill Bell (Y&R co-creator and head writer), is back with the show as he series story consultant. That means she will once again work in her soap career work with newly-appointed head writer, Sally Sussman. And as you would expect, Sussman is overjoyed with Alden back in the fold stating, “I am so thrilled to be working with Kay again. I can’t ever imagine doing Y&R without her.”
Angelica McDaniel, CBS Daytime and CBS Entertainment Executive Vice-President added: “Welcoming Kay back to The Young and the Restless, joining Sally Sussman and Mal Young (executive producer), continues our commitment to telling the most powerful stories while honoring the legacy of daytime’s No. 1 drama,”
Fans of Y&R know that Alden began working at Y&R six months after it debuted in 1973 and became a script writer and continue on for decades in different writing posts. She became the show’s head writer back in 1998 until 2006.
So, what do you think of the news of Kay Alden returning to Y&R as story consultant? What do you think of the team now being put in place to generate stories led by Sally Sussman? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
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Best news ever. Feel like I’m dreaming! I never thought I’d see the day where Kay is able to return to YR. very much looking forward to the new direction and I just hope CBS promotes these hires outside the soap world and maybe entice the droves of alienated viewers who have ditched the show over the past decade.
my gawd!
are there no young writers, young anything, when it comes to soaps, sigh ..
RC, at the least was young.. hmm he must be 40 now ..
I want new new new young ideas not dug up scripts from the 80’s ..
but, I will never get it, not even close 🙁
ohh well, Y&R has been very good, so ………………….
You’re not happy?? Sussman and Alden are experienced Y&R writers. They had significant roles in building the solid history of the show. Alden trained under creator Bill Bell and was working on Y&R practically from the first day until roughly 2005. Sussman came on in the early 80s. She also trained under Bell (Bell named B&B’s Sally Spectra after her) and is reported to have developed the Abbott family, having a key hand in the introduction of John, Ashley and Tracy. Neither woman may be young but they darn sure “know” Y&R. They are exactly what is needed to return… Read more »
Hi, su0000!
Ryan Quan, Co-headwriter of DAYS, just turned 39 on September 9th. There’s already a new energy to the show, including the three prison escapees whom bring suspense and humor.
The end of today’s episode had the bad men inside Kayla’s home watching her sleep! More thrills ahead!
Hey, 4Ever Days. I am happy to learn DAYS has gotten a new lease on life and the co headwriter is doing bang up job. But he will probably be one hell of a writer in twenty or thirty years from now. Age is relative, it’s about the individual.
Ron is 47 Su…three years from 50… And you loved his writing. Soaps have a formula…they’re a genre, an entity unto themselves. They’re not the next “hip” show…they’re the last remaining soaps from a time gone by. And that’s why remaining fans still watch. There are so many shows to watch on network and cable that run the gamut…daytime soaps are part nostalgia and a lot of continuity. I personally wouldn’t want a new or 20-something writer coming in and writing for Monica, Tracy, Scott, Laura, etc. I don’t want a new, “young” vibe on a show that’s historical…
Thank you Rebecca and Dylan.
Damn, that was as irritating as nails down a chalkboard to me.
Good soap writing also needs to be character based to make the plot move along.
Character based writing usually presents us with internal conflict which triggers external conflict thereby presenting viewers with an interesting, compelling plot.
Agreed Harry…can’t wait to start yelling at the TV screen and characters for all the RIGHT reasons again. ..haven’t done that since. .well. .since the 80’s at least lol. ..
Dave–Billy is infuriating me accusing his brother of pushing Phyllis down the stairs. Doesn’t he know his brother would never lay a hand on a woman?
Besides, we all know that AJ pushed Phyllis down the stairs.
While I understand you are frustrated Suzy….(that time of the month? Lol)….and as much as I would like to see young writers hired for soaps…..it doesnt seem to happen. But youtube some Generations circa 1990. Sussman is a good writer. And she is not as old as you think. Kay Alden is older….but at least she knows the history of the show. And Ron C was just mean mean mean.
Suooo–good writing, good storytelling, IS AGELESS!!! What an odd and somewhat ignorant comment. Age has nothing to do with it.
In fact, the older writers are better because they’re wiser and somehat world weary. They are well versed in the themes of life because they’ve lived it.
Honestly, your shrill ageism seems to be an involuntary reflex against your own aging process. You can’t fight it—make friends with time and you will be more graceful and possibly less cantankerous.
Don’t know what to think of your comment there but Sally & Kay are Y&R legends and they know the ropes!
This is FANTASTIC news. Only one thing bothered about this article, the quote from Angelica McDaniel: Welcoming Kay back to The Young and the Restless, joining Sally Sussman and Mal Young (executive producer), continues our commitment to telling the most powerful stories while honoring the legacy of daytime’s No. 1 drama,” A BLIND person could have seen that, for the past decade, the show has struggled to find its direction and the viewers have been BEGGING for folks like Sussman and Alden to return to the show. Rather than simply hire these women half a decade ago, we’ve had to… Read more »
I’m thinking maybe it was new exec producer Mal Young’s suggestion to bring both ladies back after some input from long time cast members. Regardless, Christmas definitely came early for this long time Y&R fan!
she certainly has a long history with Y&R
The Young and the Restless
Scriptwriter: May 13, 1974–80
Breakdown writer: 1980–87
Script editor: 1983–85, 1986–87
Associate head writer: 1987–97
Co-head writer: 1997–98, February 16 – December 22, 2006
Head writer: 1998 – February 15, 2006
Hi Patrick..
Kay Alden was writing in 1974-
If one was born in 74 one would be 41 today.
she was soap writing when RC was a Newborn.
( that is a helluva a career. good for her.
Looking forward to seeing what she can bring to Y&R.
She won’t be writing she’ll be the ”series story consultant”
that is good, she will know all the back history..
Y-A-Y!!!!! BEST NEWS EVER!!!!!
It is good news, indeed. Y&R already has been right on track providing good compelling stories and now it’s going to get even better,
I am excited over the direction the show is taking. I am hoping that they focus more on the established cast and less on the young cast. Basically less of Summers and Lucas and all the teen crap. Quite frankly I want to see Mariah get put front and center in a story worth her talent. She is an amazing actress with great skill at drama and comedy. She delivers her lines like second nature. Now let’s hope that all this hoopla is worth something and not all smoke and mirrors.
Totally agree, Mateo. I love Mariah and that actress may be one of the most talented players from Y&R. We need to see her front and center.
Wonderful news. Christmas did come early Mr X. You are so right
Well, no need to report ratings anymore, we know how it will go! THIS is a big reason why GH will NEVER compete with Y&R. CBS listens to its fans OR at least has the brains to fix something that is wrong even though they are already at the top because it is broke! Yes, it took them a while but we dont know how negotiations went down and how long it took to get these two legends back where they belong! I hope they write off the useless characters and bring back people the fans want. I will not… Read more »
I would also like to see more of Michael and Lauren. They have such wonderful chemistry together. Let sisters Lauren and Jill work together, and try to incorporate something between Brash and Sassy and Fenmores. It’s time Lauren was front and ceter more. And doing something other than be chased by Shelia Carter and her crazy kids. She has wonderful on screen presence, not to mention the terrific chemistry she has with Michael. I woud love to see more of them together. Also a surprise visit from mama Gloria would be a welcome treat.We can only hope for the best!!!
I just have a good feeling that these new writers will bring back Jeff and Gloria. These ladies respect the history of the show and rubbed shoulders with Bill Bell. And Soapqueenforever, thank you so much for the explanation of “This is Us.” YOU know how to watch TV! I didnt pick up on any of that twist! I cannot wait to see the second episode now. However, IF they switch back in time, move forward and tell present day stories, I’m out! I watched LOST when it first came on and was a fan. THEN it got to be… Read more »
Another reason to start tuning in again on a more regular basis once their material starts airing!!
Somebody who knows “Y & R” – let’s get back to basics, clean house of the deadweight characters, and bring on character-driven drama!
Although this is good news– a part of me is wondering why now? I hope they are not bringing them back (and they are agreeing to come back) because CBS is planning on cancelling the show in a few years and they are assembling the best team to wrap the show up—- —- when it comes to soaps I never trust any network, so I am hoping what they are saying is true– they are really committed this show– but CBS has undergo some changes and it might again– but I will take what I can get for as long… Read more »
I’m thrilled Mary but I understand your concerns I think they are trying to keep their viewers they have lost some myself is one I have not watched regularly in forever . I think the cast was concerned they are all thrilled they are back they have to keep a front up I understand that but I feel they are all genuinely glad JFP and Pratt are gone. Her destruction of the sets bringing on pets and throwing them in our face daily but I blame CBS and Sony and yes AM for letting Phelps in the door everybody knows… Read more »
I am so HAPPY with this news, Kay and Sally working together, what a wonderful dream that is turning into reality. Yes, they have listen to us fans. I ask for one more thing, Mal Young, if you check out this website and read these post…I tuned in to Y&R this past week, the feel of the show is so different then it use to be, I ask that you PLEASE consult with Sally and Kay and look at past episodes of when Bill Bell, Kay and Sally were at the helm…how wonderful it was done back in those days… Read more »
This is indeed very good news!! Hopefully we can get back to the old Y&R we all love!!!
Alleluia! This news excites me. I am so looking forward to the refreshment and elevation of Genoa City and its people very soon. how wonderful for these esteemed talents to be reintroduced to Y&R. Their staffs have opportunities to learn a lot. Smart, smart moves, CBS!
This is fantastic news and I am sure that true Y&R fans are totally ecstatic! Mal Young seems to be making all the right moves.
Wondered if Kay would come back. Don’t have to wonder anymore! Great news!!!
If there is one thing Kay can do it is honoring the history of the core families AND creating storylines that will keep the “young” in its title appropriately so. Like many others, this is a wish come true!
I’m thrilled to have the team back……I’ve been following Y&R since I got married in 1974. I was about to delete the show from my dvr…….the writing and portraying of the characters had become so poor. Welcome back!
Bringing back a writer but no one is hearing our cries to bring back the character Druvilla played by Victoria Rowell
Karen, I agree that Dru is really needed. Neil hasn’t found a decent companion since Dru feel off that cliff.
Is she still hanging on? That was a literal cliff hanger.
But I am afraid VR is known for allegedly acting like a spoiled diva on the set so it might not happen.
Not every Y&R fan is crying for that!!!
This show presently has enough issues without adding Rowell to them.
that’s good news ! lifted my spirits up concerning the future of the show . I wanted someone from the early days of the show who worked closely with bill bell . Kay alden was the person needed indeed . A ticket made of Sally sussman , maria arena bell and kay alden would have made this show a certified winner in my book . Really wished the powers that be would have more faith in Maria Bell .
I will watch again to see how it goes. One last chance..
I’m excited about Y&R for the first time in a decade — now if only ABC would realize they need to bring Ron Carlivati back to GH…
Ron nearly destroyed GENERAL HOSPITAL under his regime; even the actors were beginning to become fed up.
Ron saved GH from cancellation. Unfortunately with his exit it looks like the show is headed in that direction again.
Scott, I agree with you…GH seemed to cartoon like to me when Ron was writing it…I know a lot of people don’t like GH now but I actually prefer it now then before. Yes, I agree there are so many character’s not used and they need to rectify this situation…
I don’t feel Ron saved GH from cancellation. He just happened to be the writer at the helm when OLTL and AMC were canceled.
I didn’t care for his campy, over-the-top plot driven writing and I feel like GH has been in damage control ever since. I don’t really care for the current writing regime either. GH needs a huge over haul and I think it should start with the executive producer. The buck stops with Frank.
Harry, Ron was the headwriter of OLTL up until its cancellation and then moved over to GH with Frank Valentini. Ron wasn’t responsible for the over the top GH, he was just recreating what was its signature tone for the majority of the last three decades. Ever since the Ice Princess storyline (which the network and every other soap saw as a success because of its over the top aspects instead of the simple fact it was a love story at its core), GH was an over the top mess serving up the Sword of Malkuth, the Asian Quarter, the… Read more »
This is tremendous news coupled with everything else with the BTS on the show!!
SURE WE HABE TO WAIT MONTHS BUT ITS SOOOO WORTH THE WAIT!
I hope the first thing they do is bring Billy back to being a good guy who is complicated. Jack back to a CAD and maybe see Victor fall. Maybe Nikki will get a brain and Ashley a love.
FINALLY!!!!! 😉
Great news…………..Kay has history with Y&R and glad McDaniels has brought her back! This could also be brought upon Mal Young too 🙂 🙂
I’ll see if these writers remember Phyllis’ history since everyone has forgotten her history of evil.
I don’t have the history with Y&R that most of you have, but I am looking forward to someone who knows the legacy and characters of the show to be back, even as a consultant. I wonder what being a consultant means she will actually do?
Also since Mal Young comes from Britain soaps, do you think he carries some of the Coronation Street and Downton Abbey sentiments for storytelling with him? Maybe this also helps explains bringing Kay back.
GH should follow some of this example. Just don’t know who they could bring back as a consultant.
This is wonderful news to any Y&R viewer. Kay, has always been a favorite, and she worked with Bill Bell for 30+ years. I’m happy that her and Sally are back. Sally, help create The Abbotts, and the stuff 30 years ago with Jack/Jill affair was Sally doing. That better than what on YR today.
I’m stoked about both ladies coming back home. So long JFP, Chuck, LML, I bet Maria Bell, calling for a job at YR as music director. We need YR old music back on this show.
This is great news. I for one have been enjoying the show lately. When we lost Justin Hartley (Adam) I took a bit of a break as well thinking we lost the best couple on the show Chadam but I just love Trevor & Victoria. What chemistry these two have. I hope they don’t break them up for Billy. Maybe now with Kay back we’ll get to see Lauren & Michael and please bring back Tracy Abbott. A lot less Summer and a lot more Mariah would be nice.
Days Of Our Lives
Vincent Irizarry Makes a Return to Days of our Lives
There will be a Deimos Kiriakias sighting next week on NBC’s Days of our Lives, and viewers will get to see Daytime Emmy winner, Vincent Irizarry, back in this bad boy role.
In story, MarDevil (Deidre Hall) decides its time to resurrect some of the Salem deceased, and from the looks of it will choose not so nice-ones to wreak a bit of havoc on the residents of the town.
As DAYS fans recall, back in 2017, Nicole (Arianne Zucker) killed Deimos when he set out to drug everyone at a major party with the hallucinogen Halo all in his effort to steal a a valued amulet.
Irizarry confirmed his return via Facebook by simply stating: “Heeeeere’s Deimos! 
“
Now, who else will be stirring up trouble from beyond the grave on Halloween week on Days? Share your thoughts below and if you are excited to see Vincent back in Salem for the spookiest time of the year!
News
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS 2021: ‘This Is Us’ Leads TV Nominations, ‘The View’ Lands Daytime Talk Show Nod
On Wednesday, NBC and E! announced the nominations for the 2021 People’s Choice Awards, and NBC’s This Is Us led the television field with six nominations followed by four each for: Grey’s Anatomy, Law & Order: SVU, Loki, Outer Banks, Ted Lasso and WandaVision.
Fan voting is now on-going through Wednesday, November 17 at 11:59 pm ET. To cast your ballot, you can vote on online here or via Twitter.
Photo: ABC
The awards presentation is set for Tuesday, December 7 at 9/8c live from the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California to air on NBC.
In addition, the controversial daytime talk show, The View landed a nomination for the Daytime Talk Show category, and reality-competition series, The Bachelor, The Bachelorette and Dancing with the Stars are up against each other in the Competition Show category.
You can check out some of the TV nominations below. The People’s Choice Awards also hands out trophies to favorite films and music of the year.
Show of 2021
Cobra Kai
Grey’s Anatomy
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Loki
Saturday Night Live
The Bachelor
This Is Us
WandaVision
Drama Show of 2021
Outer Banks
9-1-1
Cobra Kai
Grey’s Anatomy
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
The Equalizer
The Walking Dead
This Is Us
Competition Show of 2021
America’s Got Talent
American Idol
Dancing With The Stars
RuPaul’s Drag Race
The Bachelor
The Bachelorette
The Masked Singer
The Voice
Daytime Talk Show of 2021
Good Morning America
Live with Kelly and Ryan
Red Table Talk
The Ellen DeGeneres Show
The Kelly Clarkson Show
The View
The Wendy Williams Show
TODAY
Male TV Star of 2021
Anthony Mackie, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
Chase Stokes, Outer Banks
Dwayne Johnson, Young Rock
Jason Sudeikis, Ted Lasso
Kenan Thompson, Saturday Night Live
Norman Reedus, The Walking Dead
Sterling K. Brown, This Is Us
Tom Hiddleston, Loki
Female TV Star of 2021
Angela Bassett, 9-1-1
Elizabeth Olsen, WandaVision
Ellen Pompeo, Grey’s Anatomy
Kathryn Hahn, WandaVision
Mandy Moore, This Is Us
Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Queen Latifah, The Equalizer
Yara Shahidi, Grown-ish
Drama TV Star of 2021
Norman Reedus, The Walking Dead
Angela Bassett, 9-1-1
Chase Stokes, Outer Banks
Ellen Pompeo, Grey’s Anatomy
Mandy Moore, This Is Us
Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Queen Latifah, The Equalizer
Sterling K. Brown, This Is Us
Competition Contestant of 2021
Cody Rigsby, Dancing With the Stars
Gottmik, RuPaul’s Drag Race
JoJo, The Masked Singer
JoJo Siwa, Dancing With the Stars
Katie Thurston, The Bachelorette
Matt James, The Bachelor
Symone, RuPaul’s Drag Race
Wiz Khalifa, The Masked Singer
Make sure to check out all the nominations here.
So, who are you rooting for This is Us? The View? DWTS? None of the above? Let us know in the comment section below.
Breaking News
Krista Allen is The Bold and the Beautiful’s New Taylor Hayes
In a shocking casting move, former Days of our Lives star, Krista Allen (Ex-Billie Reed from 1996-1999) has replaced long time B&B favorite, Hunter Tylo in the role of Dr. Taylor Hayes.
According to EW.com, Allen will take over the role of beginning on December 10th. Tylo, had previously played the role of Taylor for over three decades on the CBS daytime drama series.
Photo: JPI
The report also notes that The Bold and the Beautiful did reach out to Hunter about reprising her signature role but was unsuccessful.
For fans of the show, Taylor has been absent for many key story points since 2019 including: her son Thomas’ brain surgery and the recent marriage of her daughter, Steffy’s marriage to Finn, plus the birth of her grandson and more.
In a tweet following the casting news being announced, Allen shared on her Twitter account: “This is gonna be a fun one! Very excited to step into this iconic role and be back on Daytime after 25 years! … Omg T-W-E-N-T-Y F-I-V-E years?”
Krista will start taping at B&B’s CBS Television City soundstage this Thursday, October 28th, and will share her first scenes with Thorsten Kaye (Ridge). Will there be trouble ahead in his marriage of Brooke (Katherine Kelly Lang) and Ridge with NuTaylor back in the picture?
Allen was recently seen on the TV series 9-1-1, and numerous primetime and film appearances.
So, what do you think of Krista Allen becoming the recast Dr. Taylor Hayes? Comment below.
Vincent Irizarry Makes a Return to Days of our Lives
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS 2021: ‘This Is Us’ Leads TV Nominations, ‘The View’ Lands Daytime Talk Show Nod
Krista Allen is The Bold and the Beautiful’s New Taylor Hayes
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Abe Goes to the Light While John Faces Off with MarDevil
DAYS Emily O’Brien Previews Her Directorial Debut and Short Film ‘Too Close’
OLTL Favorite Tuc Watkins Joins Netflix Comedy Series ‘Uncoupled’
Jensen Ackles Shares Heartfelt Message on Death of ‘Rust’ DP Halyna Hutchins: “This Has Been a Tragedy of Epic Proportions”
GH’s Chad Duell and Y&R’s Courtney Hope Tie the Knot in Steampunk Style Wedding in Front of Castmates and Loved Ones
DAYS Billy Flynn and Wife Gina Comparetto Expecting Their First Child
‘Days of our Lives’ to Honor James Reynolds’ 40th Anniversary as Abe Carver with Special Episode
GH’s Chad Duell and Y&R’s Courtney Hope Tie the Knot in Steampunk Style Wedding in Front of Castmates and Loved Ones
Pluto TV Launches Soap Channel with B&B and Y&R Dedicated Episodes
Stars React to Alec Baldwin Fatally Shooting Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins & Injuring Director, Joel Souza, In Prop Gun Mishap On Set of ‘Rust’
Courtney Hope Gets Marriage Advice From Her Y&R Co-Stars Ahead of Her Wedding to GH’s Chad Duell
Krista Allen is The Bold and the Beautiful’s New Taylor Hayes
DAYS Billy Flynn and Wife Gina Comparetto Expecting Their First Child
‘Days of our Lives’ to Honor James Reynolds’ 40th Anniversary as Abe Carver with Special Episode
Melissa Claire Egan Teases Her Return to Y&R: “Chelsea’s Missed You All!! Excited to be Back in Genoa City Soon”
Corbin Bernsen to Reprise His Role of Arnie Becker in ‘LA Law’ Revival Pilot
TODAY: B&B’s Kimberlin Brown and Sean Kanan Guest on ‘The Talk’
Courtney Hope Gets Marriage Advice From Her Y&R Co-Stars Ahead of Her Wedding to GH’s Chad Duell
Y&R Leading Ladies Reflect on Being the Bride In Past Soap Weddings
Soap Veteran Michael Tylo Passes Away at 73
B&B’s Kimberlin Brown and Tanner Novlan Talk on Sheila’s Motherly Love for Finn and the Next Move Against Steffy & the Forresters
Days of our Lives Kicks-Off Possession Storyline Revisted with ‘Doug’ Twist Cliffhanger, Followed by Fall Preview
Days of our Lives Revisits ‘The Possession Storyline’ This Fall
‘The Talk’ Unveils Its Season 12 Premiere Promo with its New Host Line-Up
WATCH: Kimberly McCullough Reunite and Visit with Maurice Benard on ‘State of Mind’
B&B’s EP and Head Writer, Brad Bell, On Bringing Back Sheila Carter
‘Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem’ Drops Trailer; Announces Charles Shaughnessy and Jackie Cox Cast Additions
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General HospitalOctober 24, 2021GH’s Chad Duell and Y&R’s Courtney Hope Tie the Knot in Steampunk Style Wedding in Front of Castmates and Loved Ones
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NewsOctober 19, 2021Pluto TV Launches Soap Channel with B&B and Y&R Dedicated Episodes
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Breaking NewsOctober 22, 2021Stars React to Alec Baldwin Fatally Shooting Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins & Injuring Director, Joel Souza, In Prop Gun Mishap On Set of ‘Rust’
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General HospitalOctober 21, 2021Courtney Hope Gets Marriage Advice From Her Y&R Co-Stars Ahead of Her Wedding to GH’s Chad Duell
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Breaking NewsOctober 26, 2021Krista Allen is The Bold and the Beautiful’s New Taylor Hayes
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Days Of Our LivesOctober 23, 2021DAYS Billy Flynn and Wife Gina Comparetto Expecting Their First Child
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Days Of Our LivesOctober 22, 2021‘Days of our Lives’ to Honor James Reynolds’ 40th Anniversary as Abe Carver with Special Episode
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NewsOctober 18, 2021Melissa Claire Egan Teases Her Return to Y&R: “Chelsea’s Missed You All!! Excited to be Back in Genoa City Soon”