News Brief

New York Post: We knew that ALL MY CHILDREN diva Erica Kane had friends in high places - but Warren Buffett? Yep. That Warren Buffett. The billionaire investor, one of the world's richest men, will play himself in an upcoming episode of "AMC" when he comes to Erica's aid while she's in prison on a fraud rap. It's Buffett's second appearance on the ABC soap, but his first since 1992. In the episode, scheduled to air during May sweeps, Buffett is called to Pine Valley by his pal Opal Cortland (Jill Larson, above right with Buffett). Opal wants him to help her best friend, Erica (Susan Lucci, left and inset with Buffett), who was caught after going on the lam following her guilty plea to insider trading. Buffett agrees to visit Erica in prison, accompanied by Opal, who's hopeful that one of the world's richest men can leverage a deal on Erica's behalf.

Asbury Park Press: Filming for the soap opera ONE LIFE TO LIVE is scheduled for the week of April 14 at popular Seaside Heights boardwalk spots including Casino Pier, Lucky's Arcade and Pizza, and lifeguard headquarters. "It's very exciting because it's a national show and a national network," said Peter Smith, borough director of public relations, as the director and producers visited the boardwalk Tuesday to scout out locations for filming." Smith said he believes Kristen Alderson, who plays Starr Manning on the show, may be among the actors coming to the borough.

TV Guide Canada: As THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS celebrates its 35th anniversary, Nelson Branco catches up with our favourite vixen, Michelle Stafford.

Fort Worth Star Telegram: THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS is looking for a North Texan actress for an episode of the CBS soap. First-round auditions will be from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 28 at the Hyatt Regency Dallas, 300 Reunion Blvd. Daniel Goodard, who plays the mysterious Australian bartender Cane on the show, will be at the screen test. For more information, a registration form and a release, go to www.theyoungandtherestless.com or www.cbs11tv.com.

TV Guide: Michael Logan rates daytime's big returns with Debbi Morgan and Darnell Willams receiving the highest rating.

Muslim Media Watch: The soap opera AS THE WORLD TURNS has recently introduced a Muslim character: Ameera Ali Aziz, an Iraqi woman. Played by Iranian-American actress Tala Ashe, Ameera appears one day and becomes complexly entangled in the other characters’ lives. Ameera’s religion is never explicitly stated, but she wears a hijab and there are vague references to Islam. The show exudes great ignorance about both Islam and foreign cultures.

Daily Star: She was once a self-styled chav but now Michelle Keegan is the hottest soap babe of ’em all. The CORONATION STREET sex kitten has had the show’s fans purring ever since she set foot on the famous cobbles last year. But while her fabulous curves have won 20-year-old Michelle millions of admirers, she admits that she never used to be bothered about her looks.

Press Association: It's been just three months since actress Tina O'Brien quit long-running ITV1 soap CORONATION STREET. The petite star ditched her alter ego, Sarah Platt, last December, saying she wanted to try new projects. Sadly, it looks as though O'Brien's best-laid plans have fallen flat, and rumour has it, she's seeking a "gradual" return to the soap.

Bryan Datillo Online: Chat transcript with DAYS OF OUR LIVES star Bryan Datillo.