News Brief

Nelson Branco's Weekly "Suds Report"
Genie Francis back on GENERAL HOSPITAL! ONE LIFE TO LIVE's Tuc Watkins out again!

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS is Paris-bound! Is Irizarry heading to GENERAL HOSPITAL?

Barbara Bloom still employed by CBS!

On the Soap Shrink’s Couch: ONE LIFE TO LIVE'Ss Dorian Cramer Lord
Damon L. Jacobs writes: "Each week the Soap Shrink tries to offer a glimpse into a soap character’s history, symptoms, and hopefully suggest an optimistic view of how, growth, change, and development are possible.

This week his hands are full. Because Dorian Lord, perhaps the most brilliant, yet self-destructive, person in Llanview has been very naughty lately."

Genie Francis Returning to GH
Genie Francis, one half of daytime’s famed duo Luke and Laura, is returning to GENERAL HOSPITAL, albeit briefly.

Francis will reprise her role as Laura on the ABC soap beginning August 26. Francis told the Associated Press the stint will be short and will deal mainly with her relationship with daughter Lulu Spencer (played by Emmy-nominated actress Julie Marie Berman). Genie Francis also indicated that she would resurrect her role as Laura on a more permanent basis if offered.

"I would stay on, but GENERAL HOSPITAL honestly doesn’t seem to want that relationship with this character at the moment. They want little short doses during sweeps periods. It’s not entirely up to me. I’m thrilled and delighted my audience stands behind me. If they didn’t, you can be sure I wouldn’t get to come back for these visits.”

Kyra Sedgwick is close to ideal
Sedgwick has now taken on the role of movie producer. That has been her dream since starting her career as a teen on ANOTHER WORLD.

"I produced Kevin [Bacon, her husband and former GUIDING LIGHT star] in Loverboy, and we're working on another film right snow called Story of a Girl, " she says. "Hopefully we'll be able to raise the money."

SAG: "We Did Not Reject AMPTP's Offer"
SAG issued a statement Friday denying media reports that it had rejected the AMPTP's "last best final" offer.

GH Fan Club Weekend
Michael Fariman takes a look at this weekend's events.

Deep Soap: DAYS' Kristen Renton Dishes Product Placement and Doggie DNA Testing
"When I first [got the part] it wasn’t supposed to be an extremely longterm role, but they were open to seeing how the story progressed. I went into it thinking that I was going to make Morgan as fun as possible so people would want her to stick around because I think she’s an amazing character to play. I’m glad that the fans saw it that way also. About two and a half months after I started, the producers offered me a long term contract. I was really excited that they saw Morgan’s potential."

DC #266: CBS & DAYS Pulling A Gun
Luke, Mike and Jamey discuss the CBS soaps and DAYS OF OUR LIVES on Friday's "Daytime Confidential" podcast.