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!
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
General Hospital star Cynthia Watros, who can currently be seen in on the ABC soap opera in the role of Nina Reeves, has had a enduring career in television. That included her time on the 2000-2002 Fox sitcom, Titus.
In Titus, Watros starred along with Stacy Keach as Erin Fitzpatrick and Ken Titus, respectively. After the November 10th news that Keach had passed away at 85 while living in Poland, Cynthia took to her Instagram on Thursday, November 12 to pay tribute to the great actor.
Watros expressed, “My first prime time show was along side Stacy. I loved him instantly. What an amazing talent and man.❤️”
Photo: ABC
In Titus, Stacy played stand up comedian Christopher Titus’ heavy-drinking, chain-smoking, five-times-divorced father who frequently pulled cruel pranks and tried to toughen his kids up. Cynthia played by Christopher’s level-headed, big-hearted girlfriend trying to build a normal life with him. In fact, Cynthia’s role on the sitcom was first series regular role after her Daytime Emmy run of Annie Dutton on Guiding Light which ran from 1994-1998.
STACY KEACH’S WIFE ON HIS PASSING
Keach’s wife, Malgosia shared the news of the actor’s death publicly in a statement with PEOPLE. Malgosia expressed, that Stacy had, “a long and difficult battle with a serious heart condition and heart failure.”
She added, “Stacy peacefully departed this world. He fought for so long, with extraordinary courage, determination and strength. He was a true warrior, facing his illness with the same remarkable spirit and resilience that defined his life.”
Małgosia continued, “Stacy was not only a legendary actor, admired and loved by audiences the world over, but also my beloved husband, my companion and the heart of our family. His passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness in our lives. But his extraordinary spirit, his unforgettable voice and the love he gave so generously will remain with us forever.”
Now, let us know do you remember when Cynthia made her sitcom debut in Titus? Share your thoughts via the comment section on Cynthia’s many TV roles and the passing of Stacy Keach in the comment section. But first, check out the very first episode of Titus with Cynthia Watros below!
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
Soap opera fans are always clamoring for when Dancing with the Stars reveals their cast each season, that they would include a familiar face from daytime drama, but it rarely happens, if ever, anymore.
Over the last several years, the series has leaned heavily into casting celebrities with massive TikTok or Instagram followers, which in turn, have helped this season and last have their best ratings numbers in years.
But, how about for next season’s cast of Dancing with the Stars, that it could include newly-awarded Daytime Emmy winner, Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas) of Beyond the Gates?
Photo: CBS
LOVE OF DANCE TO LOVE OF ACTING
Michael Fairman TV spoke to Michelle about her dance background and if she would love a shot at lifting the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy during Wednesday’s November 11, livestream chat on the Michael Fairman Channel.
Ambyr explained to fans (who joined in on the live chat), how she began her show business career. “I started off as a dancer, first and foremost. Acting wasn’t really something I wanted to go after. I did plays when I was younger, but it was just something we did in school, but I really wanted to be a dancer. I moved out to LA to dance, and I fell out of love with dance, which was so weird.”
This year’s Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series winner, added, “I was like, ‘What is going on?’ I moved all the way out here for dance. I found I was forcing myself to go to dance class, and I just didn’t have the passion for it. I was working at this restaurant at the time, and one of my coworker was like, ‘What about taking an acting class out here?'”
Next, Ambyr took the coworker up on the idea. “So, I took an acting class and I fell in love with it that day,” shared Michelle. “I was like, ‘I want to do this for the rest of my life.’ I thought, I would love to book a role, of course, as a dancer, but I think acting has a little bit more longevity.”
Photo: ABC
A SHOT AT THE LEN GOODMAN MIRRORBALL TROPHY
When the talked turned to if Ambyr would consider or be interested in appearing on the ballroom dance competition series, she piped up with, “I would love to do Dancing with the Stars! Pick me!”
As those in the live chat rallied around this idea, it made us think, Ambyr could be the first contestant from Beyond the Gates, and someone representing the soaps. It checks off so many boxes! To which Ambyr replied, “That would be beautiful.”
You can check out the full conversation with Ambyr below.
So, what do you think soap fans? Can we make sure Ambyr’s name gets in front of the producers and casting director for next season’s Dancing with the Stars? Would you like to see her in the competition? If so, who would be your dream pro professional dance partner for her? Let us know in the comment section.
The latest ratings are out for the week of October 26-30, 2026 and the big takeaways include: that CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates was separated by only 23,000 viewers behind third place (of the soaps) General Hospital! For the last several weeks, Beyond the Gates has been closing the gap on this year’s winner for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series, and continuing to best GH in the key demos.
According to the latest Nielsen ratings breakdown from Soap Opera Network, the final week of October brought Beyond the Gates 1.790 million on average tuning-in and the show set a season high in total viewers. Meanwhile, General Hospital hit a new season low! The long-running ABC soap had 1.813 million for the week, and once again the series did not go over the 2 million mark.
Meanwhile, in the key Women 18-49 demo, Beyond the Gates was firmly ahead of GH with a rating share of 0.21, while General Hospital had 0.17 rating share.Then, in the key Women 25-54 demo, Beyond the Gates was once again ahead of the ABC soap with a ratings share for that demo at 0.30 while GH came in with 0.26.
Photo: CBS
MORE BY THE NUMBERS
In addition and comparatively, Beyond the Gates +22,000 viewers week-to-week, and had the largest gains in viewership year-to-year in daytime TV with +267,000 from this in 2025.. However, General Hospital seems to be going in reverse. The show was down -56,000 viewers week-over-week and down -22,000 year-over-year .
BEYOND THE GATES
Let’s take a look at some of the storylines that had people tuning-in to Beyond the Gates during the ratings week:
Hayley (Marquita Goings) attempted a massive shocker regarding her pregnancy and tried to use it to extract money from Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett). Although, Bill saw right through her game, he demanded a paternity test, and made it clear he has no intention of raising the child—planning instead to pay her off to take the baby and leave. Meanwhile, Hayley confided her plan to her cousin Randy (Maurice P. Kerry).
Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) and Naomi Hamilton (Arielle Prepetit) clashed over Jacob’s ongoing investigation into The Impaler, causing significant strain in their marriage. At the same time, Smitty (Mike Manning) considered taking matters into his own hands—including potentially heading to Mexico for evidence—while Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) worried about what comes next.
Photo: ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL
Over at General Hospital for the ratings period, the story served up included:
Carly (Laura Wright) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) teamed up to investigate what really happened to Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna). Later, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) leads them to Jack’s dead body.
Jude (Wil Traval) dropped a bombshell claim to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn); that he is Phoebe’s father, while Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) signed their divorce papers.
Then, Danny caught Rocco (Finn Carr) and Scout (Kayden Brenna Tokarski) sharing a kiss, plus the shocking return of Heather Webber (Alley Mills) capped the week.
Now the questions become; without having much promotional synergy in the ABC day-part to draw more eyeballs it is not helping but hurting General Hospital. It seems Beyond the Gates is also a benefactor of a one-two-three punch of CBS soaps (Y&R, B&B and BTG) and promotion.
However, that still doesn’t take away the fact that Beyond the Gates is close to besting GH in all ratings category as they go head-to-head in some markets across the country.
So, are you excited to see Beyond the Gates climb in the ratings? Are you concerned for General Hospital? Do you think they can stave off Beyond the Gates in total viewers or will the upstart soap overtake them in the next ratings report? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Carly Fears Escalating Tensions Between Sonny and Josslyn: ‘I’ve Already Lost One Kid Because of That Man. I Won’t Lose Another’
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Inches Closer to ‘General Hospital’ in Total Viewers
Y&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
‘Days of our Lives’ Veteran James Reynolds Reveals Parkinson’s Diagnosis
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News4 days agoY&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
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Previews5 days agoTHE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
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General Hospital4 days ago‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
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Days Of Our Lives1 week ago‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
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Days Of Our Lives5 days ago‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
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General Hospital1 week agoGENERAL HOSPITAL: Tracy Leaves Port Charles to Help Dillon; Paving the Way for Jane Elliot’s Temporary Exit
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News7 days agoB&B’s Lawrence Saint-Victor to Guest Star on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’
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Interviews2 days agoB&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
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!