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Here are the latest comings and goings casting news from all four daytime dramas: The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of our Lives, General Hospital, and The Young and the Restless.
The Week of December 30, 2024
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Find out if any of your favorite actors and actresses from yesteryear are returning to the shows you watch, if any newcomers have been cast in contract, recurring, or day-player roles, or if any popular performers are about to make their exit.
General Hospital
After five months off the GH canvas, James Patrick Stuart has finally resurfaced as Valentin Cassadine. The duplicitous character, who skipped town last July, made his first appearance back at the end of the show’s Friday, December 27th episode.
Valentin and Laura’s (Alexa Havins) daughter, Charlotte Cassadine, has also returned to the soap. Scarlett Fernandez has resumed the role she began playing in 2014. She appears again this week, beginning in scenes airing on Monday, December 30
In other GH casting news, Braedyn Bruner has taken over the role of Emma Drake, Anna’s (Finola Hughes) granddaughter. The daytime newcomer appeared in the film Full Out 2: You Got This! Emma was previously portrayed by Brooklyn Rae Silzer, who debuted in the role back in 2011 and continued to make appearances through 2023.
The Bold and the Beautiful
Murielle Hilaire has joined the B&B cast as Daphne Rose, a new character who will stir things up for new couple Carter (Lawrence Saint-Victor) and Hope (Annika Noelle). Hilaire’s credits include the films The Ritual Killer and The Love Punch. The actress makes her debut in early January.
Lisa Yamada returns as Luna Nozawa on Monday, December 30, Tuesday, December 31 and Thursday, January 2. The prison inmate will receive another visit from Don Diamont’s Bill Spencer.
Melanie Reif is back as Velez, the prison guard. She airs on Monday, December 30, Tuesday, December 31 and Thursday, January 2
Christian Weissman continues wreaking havoc as Remy Price. The creepy young man from Electra’s (Laneya Grace) past airs on Monday, December 30, Tuesday, December 31, and Thursday, January 2.
Ashleigh Brewer gets more screen time as Ivy Forrester. The jewelry designer appears on Monday, December 30, Tuesday, December 31, Thursday, January 2, and Friday, January 3, and interacts with Annika Noelle’s Hope, Lawrence Saint-Victor’s Carter, and Heather Tom’s Katie.
The Young and the Restless
Michael Damian is back on the Y&R scene as Daniel Romalotti. The rock star takes a break from his concert tour to surprise Lauralee Bell’s Christine on Monday, December 30.
Colleen Zenk returns as the evil Jordan Howard. The character targets a new victim on Thursday, January 2.
Ray Wise is back as masterful manipulator Ian Ward. He appears on Monday, December 30, in scenes with Cait Fairbanks’ Tessa Porter and on Friday, January 3, in a confrontation with Eric Braeden’s Victor Newman.
Days of our Lives
With her storyline gaining momentum on DAYS, Madelyn Kientz is back as Sophia Choi. The character interacts with Leo Howard’s Tate and Ashley Puzemis’ Holly on Monday, December 30, 2024
Sophia’s mother has finally been cast. Shi Ne Nielsen makes her premiere as Amy Choi on Tuesday, December 31 in powerful scenes opposite Leo Howard. The actress’ credits include recurring roles on Charmed and Chasing Life.
Galen Gering continues his double-duty stint as Rafe’s lookalike, Arnold Feniger. The ex-con, who surfaced last week, is back for a storyline arc.
On the exit front, Sal Stowers and Lamon Archey wrapped up their Salem visit as Lani and Eli Grant. The pair headed home to Washington DC with their adorable onscreen twins – Dion and Raegen Yancy, who play Jules Grant, and Zyair and Zamir Ashford, who portray Carver Grant. As always, the door has been left open for their return.
Daytime Drama Casting: Familiar Faces Return, Newcomers Arrive, and favorites Say Goodbye
This weekS daytime drama casting shakeup brings back beloved characters, introduces fresh faces, and bids farewell to some familiar names.
From The Set to the Screen: world-Today-News.com Senior Editor Speaks with Soap Opera Expert, Dr. Sarah Ellis
Senior Editor of world-today-news.com Jeff Weber recently sat down with Dr. Sarah Ellis, a leading sociologist specializing in the influence of daytime television, to discuss the latest casting news and its impact on viewers.
Weber: Dr. Ellis, thank you for joining us today. Let’s dive right in. This week’s casting announcements across the four major daytime dramas are quite a mix, with familiar faces returning, new actors joining the cast, and some long-time favorites saying goodbye.
ellis: It’s certainly an exciting time for daytime drama fans. these casting changes often reflect shifts in storyline, introducing new dynamics and conflicts while also revisiting beloved characters and relationships.
Weber: Let’s start with “General Hospital.” James Patrick Stuart’s return as Valentin Cassadine after five months is a major event.What’s the significance of his comeback,and what do you think fans can expect?
Ellis: Valentin is a complex and ever-intriguing character. His return undoubtedly promises to shake things up in Port Charles. Fans can anticipate renewed tension with Nina and perhaps even a rekindling of his intricate relationship with Anna. Plus, his daughter, Charlotte, is also back, which creates even more opportunities for drama.
weber: Over on “Days of our Lives,” “Days” has been making some bold moves with new characters like Sophia Choi and amy Choi. How do these additions contribute to the show’s current storylines?
Ellis: ”Days of our Lives” has always excelled at introducing intriguing new characters, and Sophia and amy are no exception. They bring a fresh perspective to the existing dynamics and have the potential to become central players in future storylines.Thier connection to Leo Howard’s Tate adds an extra layer of emotion and complexity.
Weber: It’s certainly bittersweet to see some beloved actors bid farewell, like Sal Stowers and Lamon Archey on “Days.” What impact do their departures have on the show, and how do shows typically handle these transitions?
Ellis: Departures are certain in the world of daytime drama, and they frequently enough pave the way for new narratives and character development. While fans will undoubtedly miss Lani and Eli, “Days” has a history of gracefully handling these moments, frequently enough leaving the door open for potential returns down the road.
Weber: Looking forward, what broader trends do you foresee in daytime drama casting?
Ellis: Daytime drama has always reflected societal shifts, and casting is no exception. We’re seeing a greater emphasis on diversity and depiction, and also a willingness to explore bolder storylines and character dynamics.
Weber: Dr. Ellis, this has been a fascinating insight into the world of daytime drama casting. Thank you for yoru expertise.
Ellis: My pleasure.It’s always a delight to discuss the world of daytime television!
