News Round-up: So Long Springfield, Linder, Jacksons

Fans flock to Pittsburgh as GUIDING LIGHT goes out
Hundreds of devotees traveled from around the country over the weekend to bid farewell to GUIDING LIGHT, a soap opera that spanned seven decades, three generations and two mediums as it evolved from a brief radio spot into a complex television drama.

Local followers forsook the Steelers, checking the score of the simultaneous football game by phone, while far-flung fans drove for hours to reach the crowded halls of the Hyatt Regency Hotel at Pittsburgh International Airport.

VIDEO: Fans Meet Stars At 'So Long Springfield' Event
"Pittsburgh is one of the great GUIDING LIGHT cities. I mean, we are loved here. We can't walk down the streets. We're like superstars in this town, so of course we love Pittsburgh and the Steelers," actor Ron Raines, who played Alan Spaulding said.

"This turnout is amazing. Having all these people come out to see us and say goodbye to us, it's very touching because I know that they are in a lot of pain and disappointment and if we can bring a little joy in their life once more because they've certainly brought a lot of joy in our life we're thrilled to be here," Raines said.

The Tale Of Two Kates, Linder And Flannery
What started as a red carpet joke is now being called, “The Tale of Two Kates,” referencing Kate Linder (Esther, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS) and Kate Flannery (THE OFFICE), both looking beautiful and smashing at this year's L.A. Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Gala, while onlookers said the two enjoyed chatting during the evening after Linder presented an award. Flannery’s boyfriend, Chris Haston was also in attendance and enjoyed drinks and dinner with his girlfriend and Ms. Linder.

“The gay community has always been so loving to me over the years, both on the show [Y&R] and to me personally. I was honored to be a presenter at the 2009 L.A. Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Gala.”

Jackson Family Reunion on EASTENDERS
Next year EastEnders will welcome back some familiar faces to Albert Square – the Jackson family. Carol Jackson, played by Lindsey Coulson, returns to Walford early next year, as do three of her children, Robbie, Sonia and Billie – but why are they there and for how long will they stick around? And how will things be between Carol and her estranged eldest daughter Bianca?

TV Land branches out into original programming
TV Land is venturing into the arena of original scripted series for the first time, giving cast-contingent pilot orders last week to two projects, one from Sean Hayes' Hazy Mills shingle, the other from sitcom vets Mindy Schultheis and Michael Hanel.

Ausiello: Fall TV's best/worst
Six weeks in, Michael Ausiello's seen enough to name winners and losers so far.