News Brief

Richmond Times Dispatch: For the past five months, the life of Ashlee Holland, 28, could have been written for television. The former Roanoker appeared on a reality show, beat out nine other contestants and won a role as Crystal the Psychic on "Days of Our Lives." Holland, a graduate of William Fleming High School, made her debut on "Days" last week -- opposite actress Deidre Hall, who has been on the soap since before Holland was born. Winning SOAPnet's "I Wanna Be a Soap Star" show earned Holland a 13-week contract, but then "Days" offered her one for three years. Holland accepted.

St. Petersburg Times: She's involved in a love triangle, was drugged and nearly raped, and helped her sorority sisters hide a body in the basement. It's all in a day's work for former Countryside High School student Kristen Renton, who recently snagged a yearlong contract on NBC's Days of Our Lives. "It's extremely exciting; you never know what's going to happen next," said Renton, 25, who grew up in Clearwater. "When I get a new script, I can't wait to read it and see where things are going."

Asian Journal: LA Gets $72 Million to Fight Homelessness. The annual Christmas Eve Lunch at the LA Mission attracts hundreds of volunteers, including many celebrities, community and city leaders. “This is an incredible expression of love,” says Kate Linder who plays Esther Valentine in the 25-year-old soap, The Young and the Restless. “What is really great about it is that people do not have to stand in line to get food. We serve the food to them,” she said. Linder has been volunteering yearly at LA Mission for many years, including during Thanksgiving and Easter.

Press Association: The start date of new soap opera "Echo Beach" has been announced. The soap, along with the behind-the-scenes series "Moving Wallpaper," will air on January 11 on ITV1. The new serial stars ex-"EastEnders" actress Martine McCutcheon and former "Neighbours" heart-throb Jason Donovan. McCutcheon and Donovan aren't the only soap connections in the fictional series. Both have been penned by Tony Jordan, whose scripts for "EastEnders" made it one of the top-rated soaps.

Metro: It seems that Martine McCutcheon is a home girl at heart - according to the Daily Express the star is thrilled to be back in Blighty and back in soap. Since her days on "EastEnders," the 31-year-old has drifted through various roles and moved from London to LA. But Martine, who is starring in new soap "Echo Beach," has apparently revealed that she has found happiness by returning to her roots. "Soaps and television are what I know and love, so this role feels like coming home," she told the paper. "It's like stepping into a pair of comfy slippers - but decorated with rhinestones."

Serial Drama: Best and Worst of 2007.

Soap Talk: 1st Annual Soap Talk Awards. "As The World Turns" named Best Soap (Log in required).