News
Y&R's Melody Thomas Scott on Nikki/Jack pairing, Sony contract talks & her new web series!

Photo Credit: Steven Bergman
It has been quite clear that since the return of Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki) to the number one soap, The Young and the Restless, that fans have been much happier seeing their favorite flawed heroine hitting the bottle, getting mixed up with Victor, and all the other ramifications of her return! (Although everyone was over the “Who Killed Diane?” story by now!)
Now in a new interview with TV Guide, Melody talks about the future of the Victor/Nikki pairing, which if you follow what is about to go down may not be happening anytime soon, but who knows with these two, right? In addition, the star opens up about her Sony contract talks that kept her from returning to the series for several months, the Daytime Emmys, a reigniting of the Nikki/Jack romance and an exciting new web series, which she is a part of! Here are a few excerpts!
Melody on post-Valentine Day with Victor drama: “As we know, it’s never really over for Victor and Nikki but it’s my guess she’ll get hooked up with Jack Abbott [Peter Bergman] again and they’ll probably marry. She’s visiting him in the hospital every day and being a really good friend. [Laughs] We all know where that leads! When Peter and I first saw those scripts we could read between the lines. But it’s just my speculation.”
Melody on if her Sony contract talks prove that anyone is dispensable on Y&R and if her negotiations were meant as a scare tactic to her cast mates: “I don’t know. It all could have been done intentionally to make other people afraid. Maybe it should shake up a lot of people. There were very few actors who had wonderful things to say to me when I returned. Whatever. Anything is possible. Anyone can get canned in the future and the reasons for that are never revealed, as we know. The one thing I will say is that we have too many people on the show.”
Melody on the upcoming web series called Laid Off, in which she will appear: “It’s about three guys who are roommates in New York and they all lose their jobs the same week. Shirley Jones and Marty Ingels are also in it. One of the roommates has watched and worshipped Nikki his entire life — he started at his mother’s knee — and he has constant fantasies about me. But I’m never really me. I get to play a different character in every episode, all urged on by his obsession with me. I pop up as the plumber, and a pageant mom screaming at her kid and a Martha Stewart-type cooking host. I could be a nun. Anything in the world. It’s really cool.”
So soapers, what do you think about a renewed Nikki/Jack pairing? Would you be for it? Do you think Nikki should stay with Victor? Post your thoughts!
News
Susan Flannery and Ian Buchanan Visit the Set of ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’; Daytime Emmy Winners Reflect on Show Then and Now

The one and only Susan Flannery (ex-Stephanie Forrester) dropped in to see her former co-stars on The Bold and the Beautiful at their Sunset Las Palmas Studio in Hollywood, along with her good friend and another B&B co-star Ian Buchanan (ex-James Warwick) on Tuesday October 20.
It was the first time in a very long time that The four-time Daytime Emmy winning actress was reunited with Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke), Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (Steffy), executive producer and head writer, Brad Bell, Jennifer Gareis and even her TV sister, Alley Mills (Pam, B&B now Heather, GH) showed up for the day too!
Flannery played the Forrester matriarch from 1987 until 2012. It was then that after playing the part of Stephanie for 25 years that Susan made the decision to retire from acting and in one of the most heartbreaking sendoffs, passes away from lung cancer in Brooke’s arms in November of 2012. During her B&B tenure, Flannery won 3 of her 4 Daytime Emmys, the other being for her first soap role as Laura Horton on Days of our Lives back in 1975.

Photo: Bell-Phillip TV
As for Ian Buchanan, he played Dr. Warwick, psychiatrist, from 1993 to 1999. He returned for other runs in 2014 and 2017. Buchanan took home his Daytime Emmy in 1997 for his work as James. Soap fans also remember, Ian as mobster Duke Lavery on General Hospital, and Dr. Greg Madden on All My Children,
Both Susan and Ian shared their thoughts on coming back to The Bold and the Beautiful, for Susan 14 years later since he exited and for Ian close to 9 years since his last appearance below.
Susan said, “It’s definitely like coming home in a way, even though it’s not the same studio. It’s really lovely to see old faces and old faces with new faces. It takes you back mentally. You start remembering what it was like back then, even things like how much your feet would ache at the end of the day from wearing six-inch heels. It was just lovely to be back and see everybody.”

Photo: Bell-Phillip TV
Ian expressed, “It’s a mind trip, you know. When I was sitting looking at the big Forrester set, it was like stepping back in time, almost. It takes you back mentally, and you start remembering what it was like when you were here before.”
“It’s lovely to see all these people again, even if you don’t know everybody,” explained soap vet Buchanan. “There’s something really special about coming back and seeing the show and the people who have been part of it for so long.”
So, happy to see Susan and Ian with some of their former castmates? Do you think Stephanie and Brooke is one of the greatest frenemy stories in daytime history? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
Beyond the Gates
Tabitha Brown and Kandi Burruss Guest Star on ‘Beyond the Gates’ for Dani’s ‘Welcome to Your Life’ TV Special; What Could Go Wrong?

As previously announced, Beyond the Gates is bringing chef, author and actress Tabitha Brown and Grammy Award-winning songwriter, singer and actress Kandi Burruss to Fairmont Crest in a special episode of the CBS daytime drama airing Thursday, October 22.
In the episode, Dani’s (Karla Mosley) best friend Pamela Curtis (Cady McClain), arranges a “Welcome to Your Life” television special for her. As it turns out, Brown will play the show’s host, Tia Allen, while Burruss takes on the role of Dani’s first modeling agent, Kalista Kilroy, who turns the celebration of her life into a bad trip down memory lane.
Dani’s parents Anita and Vernon (Tamara Tunie, Clifton Davis), sister Nicole (Daphnee Duplaix), and daughters Chelsea (RhonniRose Mantilla) and Naomi (Arielle Prepetit) all join the show to celebrate and support her but also witness how things so south. Also appearing in the episode are Molly Figueroa as Tatum Stewart and fan-favorite Anita Williams (Tunie) impersonator Jackie Tyree!

PhotoL JPI
THE 411 ON TIA AND KALISTA
Speaking with TV Insider, about their soapy experience in Fairmont Crest, Tabitha Brown previewed about her host with the most, “Tia is very professional, but she’s a girl’s girl. She is a protector of women and wants to tell their stories in a beautiful way, but she also wants to make sure they’re seen in a very good light.”
However, Burruss previews that Kalista arrives with a score to settle. “She’s spicy,” shared the recording artist. “I always love playing somebody that has come to start trouble. It’s always fun to play a villain of sorts, but Kalista feels like she’s been done wrong and she’s hurt by what she feels has been done to her. So Kalista is stirring up trouble, but she feels justified putting Dani on blast. Kalista is ready for some payback.”
Beyond the Gates is produced by CBS Studios, as part of the CBS Studios/NAACP Venture, in partnership with P&G Studios, a division of Procter & Gamble. Created by head writer Michele Val Jean, executive producers include Val Jean, Sheila Ducksworth, Julie Carruthers, Tracey Thomson, Leon W. Russell, Derrick Johnson, Anna Saalfeld and Lela Coffey.
Beyond the Gates is broadcast weekdays on CBS (2:00-3:00 PM, ET/1:00-2:00 PM, PT) and is available to stream on Paramount+**.
So, looking forward to this special episode of Beyond the Gates when Dani is put on a blast during a blast from her past and Welcome to Your Life TV special? Share your thoughts via the comment section.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of our Lives’ Reveals Kyle Pryor Cast as Dominic Marino

For months now, Days of our Lives has teased the character of Dominic Marino. In recent weeks, viewers learned that Marino is on the down low working with Sami Brady’s (Alison Sweeney) apparent fiancé ‘Dante Vitali (Franco LoPresti), and that he is the never-before-heard-of child of Stefano DiMera (the late Joseph Mascolo) and Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall)!
Up until now, the Peacock streaming soap opera has never revealed his face, but that all seemed to change on the Tuesday, October 2o episode of DAYS. In story, Dante met Sami’s parents for the first time, Roman (Josh Taylor) and Marlena.
He shows them a photo of Dominic, which he happened to have on his own phone and even commented he kind of looked like he could be Marlena’s son. The photo, which has quickly made it around Soap Twitter/X, revealed that British-born actor Kyle Pryor is the man in the photo and eagle-eyed viewers actually located said photo on Pryor’s Instagram.

Photo: Peacock
Deadline revealed Pryor started taping at the end of 2025 and will first be seen in the role, on air Monday, November 2. In addition, Days will celebrate its 61st Anniversary with two special episodes featuring Dominic’s arrival, as well the returns of Tony and Anna DiMera, played respectively by Thaao Penghlis and Leann Hunley, on Friday, November 6 and Monday, November 9.
Those in the know, are are that Pryor previously held series regular roles on Australia’s Home and Away, and the UK’s Hollyoaks and guest starred on Emmerdale. In an ironic twist, Pryor appeared in the series Spartacus: Blood and Sand which is the same action series his apparent TV brother, Dan Feuerriegel (EJ DiMera), once appeared in before coming to DAYS.
So excited to see Kyle Pryor take on the role of Dominic Marino as Days of our Lives sets its anniversary story to kick-off with is arrival in Salem? Share your thoughts in the comment section. And in case you missed our latest conversation with Conner Floyd (Chad DiMera) he weighs-in on how Dominic’s appearance will shake things up in Salem. You can check that out below.
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Love her glad she is back.
Glad she’s back more than anything I want Nikki off Victors orbit Jack let’s her be her an individual Victor needs a strong women like Genie she can say NO and can fight tooth and nail 2 fight for wat she wants
Maybe it is me but I had heard their is extreme tension on the set and one veteran made a remark about her being a Diva etc. Just could be gossip! I am glad the character is back and I think we need to give her and Victor a rest and pair her with someone else like Jack keep the rivalry going.
It would be interesting to be a fly on the wall behind the scenes. I can see how MTS could come off as a diva as she plays one.
On the other hand, she is amazing on Twitter. I have been lurking for a while and she follows just about anyone who requests that of her. Plus, she interacts with many of her fans. She devotes blocks of time to it. Also she is quite friendly with a bunch of the women fans who assisted in getting her back to Y&R. She seems pretty down-to-Earth.
I don’t know who the “veteran” was, but there are two sides. I hope it’s not true.
I always thought Jack (in the personage of Peter Bergman) and Nikki were better suited than Victor and Nikki. To be honest, I am tired of the years of on and off between the two and I never bought they are the love story for the ages. At this stage of the game, the Newmans should be done with the shenanigans and face turmoil together. Lately stories have Victor insufferable and Nikki immature. When Jack and Nikki were last together, it was good. And why would Nikki take back a man who regards marriage so poorly and wed his sons’ former wife? Ewwwww!
Wow! I know she mentioned the morale was poor as far as the Christmas party showing, but “very few actors had wonderful things to say” upon her returning. That’s really sad. I hope they can fix this problem and trim the fat with some of the unnecessary talent there.
I, for one, am ecstatic that she AND Nikki Newman are back. I know Victor and Nikki are the end game, but as long as this show continues, she can be paired with Jack or anybody else. I mean you know that even if she was to be with Victor right now, they would only get to be happy for a second.
“The one thing I will say is that we have too many people on the show.”
Is she right or is she right? Ha!
I love Y&R, but I’m sick of the same ole people hooking up. I’d rather see the show bring in new actors for the regulars and have new relationships. I liked Emily with Jack and I like Genevieve. I am SICK of the whole crazy Patty thing. Kick her to the pych ward and let’s move on. No, I don’t want Nikki and Jack together. Give Nikki a new relationship with a strong man that can compete with Victor.
Something is up with this show. I saw an interview with her at the Daytime Emmys (during the period when Nikki was missing from the show). Thomas seemed irked with the producers. Frankly, I’m surprised that she may have signed another contract. She follows it up with comments such as “few actors … had wonderful things to say to me when I returned.”
Several weeks ago, I saw Corbin Bernsen’s tweet, saying that he was returning for a few days on the show but also implying that the set was not a pleasant place.
Between the generally poor writing and unwise casting choices over the past few years, coupled with these types of comments, I’m thinking that bad decisions are going to drive this show into the grave. It really is sad.
I used to LOVE Y&R, now not so much, but I watch. There are toomany people and they are the same. The near incest is too much and I am tired of the reliance of quickie marriages and silly and underwhelming stories (Cane’s twin? the endless Patty craziness? the Diane Jenkins murder? the I Married Victor Newman paradeof brides? Anything Adam? Hello!). Bring on a blizzard or tornado or — the recssion! — and send some of these people packing. Bring in a solid strong new core family that is not already related to anyone and let some new alliances, new corporate stories (we can follow), and unlikely alliances begin.
I agree but to get all of that MAB and crew are going to have to exit . And because she is Bill Bell’s daughter in law it won’t happen. I do not know why the actors take up for her well I do they want to keep their job. Yet MTS blames Sony go figure!
I know what you mean. And it seems right now the ONLY couple that is happy is Michael and Lauren, although I heard there are plans to test him with Avery … good grief! There are no happy couples anymore.
I’m sure Sony just wanted to cut some of the fat, so to speak, to help with the budget. I have grown tired of Maria Arena Bell myself.
I love her. She’s an awesome actress but I want Victor and Nikki together. They are the definition of soap supercouple
I missed Melody during 2011 and have celebrated her return. But you can register me as NOT being pleased with the storylines AT ALL and yes , there really are too many characters on the show!
I’m sooo discouraged with the way soaps are “going” these days, that yes, I even envision our beloved Y&R headed for “trouble’ if the writing doesn’t improve.
I admire the actors, but wonder (quite often) how they face a day in the studio working with the bizarre scripts they’re given. –Hats off to them. What troopers.
I don;t think it’s any secret that actors and crew are unhappy at Y&R and there’s one reason for that unhappiness: Maria Arena Bell.
MTS is right, as of right now, she’s someone who could be thrown around by MAB right now. And there are too many people on the show. I see Y&R steadily losing its star if MAB continues at the helm.
Jenna I was scratching my head on this one not going to mention the blog by name I know she is friends with Sharon Case, Joshua Morrow, Eric Braeden, Ameila H? so I do not know but I think you always have clicks just like any job and I would think the people you are in storyline are sometimes the ones you get close with. The only real fight I remember was between Eric Braeden & Peter Bergman it got physical back in the 90’s Bill Bell told them to knock it off and patch up their differences or they were both gone.
It’s funny how things like Twitter give you a little insight. I mean the “following” list alone speaks volumes.
I have also heard of fights between Michelle Stafford and Victoria Rowell. Then I hear things about how Billy Miller can’t stand Amelia Heinle.
I don’t believe everything I hear or read. Some things are obvious. I guess as much as SOME fans cannot separate the actor from the role they play, some actors have a hard time separating their character from their real life. Then again, some actors and the characters they play seem to be identical.
I’m glad Braeden and Bergman knocked it off. Y&R would be a lonely place without their larger-than-life alter egos.
I will also add I don’t think Y&R helped anything by adding big names with large salaries I think the veterans resent that more then anything and that is who MTS was talking about ! All I have to say on this subject!
Yeah, who would blame them?
What will it take to axe Maria A. Bell?! She is
THE reason Y&R is suffering! I am SO
glad they finally got rid of Angelo & Angie,
but they need to also dump Chelsea, Anita,
Sophia, Daisy, Genevieve, Sarge, Ricky,
Harmony, Carmine, Avery, etc… Dead
wood, ALL!!! I want Nikki/Victor, but he
needs to be softened in the writing of his
character. And I love Sharon & Adam
together. With him, she’s strong &
independent, with her, he’s kind &
gentle. I hate that MAB makes his ALL evil–
no-one is all evil, not even Adam… And I
love Nick/Phyllis together, & Michael/Lauren,
& Kevin/Chloe, but they need to axe Eden!
(along with the 12 mentioned above)… But
the main one who needs to go is MAB!! If her
husband, Brad Bell, cares about his parents’
creation, he will get her to leave, the sooner
the better!! 🙂 I think I hate her most of all!