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Y&R's Jess Walton Talks On Katherine's Memorial Episodes, Jill's Love Life & Regime Changes!
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
Jess Walton (Jill) has been delivering Emmy-worthy performances all through the passing of Katherine Chancellor (the late Jeanne Cooper) storyline on The Young and the Restless, and while the vote seemed to be split by the fans on if the memorial episodes in Mrs C.’s honor were up to snuff or not, Walton discussed it, and other hot topics with MSN Entertainment Canada.
From the recent head writing and producing changes, to Jill’s love life, to the Nikki/Jill bonding moments and more, to her status with the CBS soap, reading what Jess has to say is an interesting read. Here are just a few excerpts below:
Walton’s reaction to many fans feeling that it should have been Jill’s bio-son, Billy (Billy Miller) who should have comforted her during her emotional moment at the memorial, but instead it was Cane (Daniel Goddard): “The trouble is, is that Cane was involved in her storyline at that time and that’s the choice that the writers had made. I would have loved for it have been both Cane and Billy, myself! I would have loved to have seen all of her grandchildren there as well. But, we did have a lot of people there, so I guess they had to make their choices.”
Walton on the decision by former Y&R EP, Maria Arena Bell, and current EP, Jill Farren Phelps, to write off Jill’s last flame, Colin played by fan favorite,Tristan Rogers: “That was my very favourite romance for Jill, ever! I was completely aghast when she let him go. That was actually a big part about why I left.”
Walton on her status with Y&R which is currently recurring: “That’s a personal choice. I’m supposed to retired, actually! I had left the show because the last regime didn’t really show much interest in Jill. When Jill Farren Phelps took over, she made it very clear to me that she really was interested in the character of Jill and wanted to bring her back – which is why I came back. But I’m still supposed to be retired! (Laughs) Although, it’s not working out that way!”
So Y&R fans,what do you think about Jess’ comments on the Cane/Billy memorial moment debate? Was Colin the best man ever for Jill? Do you think that Jess should be nominated for a Daytime Emmy for her recent performances in the 2014 race? Comment below!
Wow………..Jess didn’t like what MAB was doing to her character. Someone has spoken up!
Love Jess Walton & Tristan Rogers and really miss Jill and Colin.
I wish Jess would return, I’m hardly watching these days and I’ve watched since I was in grade school from the very beginning. Losing Katherine Chancellor was hard enough but losing Jill along with her completely cuts the connection from the beginning of Y&R, and a whole bunch of characters, and a rich family past. We’ve lost a whole family , 1/3 of the show without her.
I realize Y&R can add relatives to Kay & Jill with the stroke of the pen, but without the familiar faces it doesn’t have any impact. Devon doesn’t have a connection to Nina, Chance, Phillip 3, Amber, Mac, Brock, Larry Warton, and many many others, only Jill. Devon can be wealthy, and they can name a park Chancellor, but neither can carry on the family or it’s history, only Jill can do that.
Jill needs more on-screen time to have those moments with Billy and all of her family. We need to see her business and love life too. Jill’s the only original character remaining so many of us have followed her forever and just playing supporting isn’t really satisfying. If she doesn’t want to work full time I think Y&R should schedule her differently, 2 or 3 REAL stories a year rather than appearances every month.
I’d love to see Colin & Jill again too they were terrific. Colin could easily be transformed into a grey character by saying he was working undercover for the government all along. Genevieve’s death could trigger his return to Genoa City. But first we need more Jill!
Tristan Rogers was great I do not know what is wrong with MAB or JFP you have a great actor that still looks great for his age and let’s get rid of him so we can still have some more non-stop Victor /EB. I mean has that guys storyline or dialogue ever changed? I am not a Cane fan they are screwing up big time Billy is her son end of story. Where the hell was Brock at the reading of the will we give all the money to Devon really? Please send this character to live with Tucker another character we did not need. Jess Walton is over 60 therefore she will only be used as back-up for storyline for the young boy toys this is JFP we are talking about. If you had to put a GH employee in my face 24/7 it should have been Tristan Rogers.
I adore Jess Walton. She had the unenviable job of taking over an iconic over-the-top character previously portrayed by Brenda Dickson. I remember Jess’s first episode, and I knew that day she was indeed Jill Foster Abbott. The Jill/Catherine feud took its twists and turns through the late 80’s and 90’s; and in the early 00’s, we were rewarded with the mother/daughter story, which, for me, was a beautiful outcome and propelled and fueled this story for many more years. That is, until the destructive forces of MAB un-did history. This was such an important story for me, because I’m a VERY long time viewer, and it’s hard for me to watch today, because all of the jarring undone histories, rapidly aged characters and new undeveloped character. That being said, I love the opportunity to see Jess Walton’s Jill onscreen. She is another example of beauty, grace, class and talent.
I also think Billy should have been the one to comfort Jill, but since we rarely see the two on screen interacting as mother and son, I guess I can understand why it was Cane. Also Katherine did ask Cane to look after Jill in her letter to him, I suppose he felt more compel than Billy to be there for her.
I don’t know if Cane’s father played by TR was her best romance, but they were definitely fun to watch. It was nice to see Jill soften up at bit, and have fun for a change. In recent years they have written Jill as always angry or full of self pity, it was getting a bit tiresome to watch. So that romance was a nice change of pace for Jill and for us viewers.
As for an Emmy, sorry, I don’t think she really did anything out of realm of what she normally does to warrant one. There a few actress on other soaps that have just blown me away,which imo would be more deserving, but the point is moot, because if Heather Tom enters the race, she will win— right?
Totally agree about the emmy business but yes Heather Tom has the ego of course she will submit herself. The awards are a joke anyway and in the scheme of things they do not mean anything. I was not impressed at all with Katherine’s memorial service all it has turned out to be as we all know is for a long lost son Dylan to be even more front and center these gals MTS & JW go on and on because JFP throws them a bone but in the end it will be all about her pets as usual.
It was an okay interview. She keeps bringing up the fact that she is supposed to be retired so we really can’t gripe if the writers keep shoving Cane down everybody’s throats even though he is related to no one because at the end of the day, beggars can’t be choosers — she is supposed to be retired REMEMBER? lol
Jess Walton is the best actress on the Y&R, less the death of J.Cooper .She walks in a room and her presence, commands respect.She was fantastic with T.R.They really should bring him back.She will get an Emmy nomination,Heather Tom who????She is overly dramatic,storyline is too.
Jess ROCKED her scenes, but, she always has! She had to bring it and she delivered on so many levels. Emmy, you had BETTER be listening!!!
Jess is and always will be a class act – now it’s time to make Jill the grande dame of GC!!
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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Beyond the Gates3 days ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
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General Hospital1 week agoAlley Mills Returns to ‘General Hospital’ as Heather Webber
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