Gilles Marini Joins 'Days of our Lives' as Ted

Switched at Birth star Gilles Marini has joined the cast of NBC soap opera Days of our Lives, according to EW.com. Marini will play an attorney named Ted who finds himself drawn to Kate Roberts DiMera (Lauren Koslow).

In addition to his role as Angelo Sorrento in Switched at Birth, Marini has played Sebastien Dussault on Devious Maids, Luc Laurent in Brothers & Sisters and Dr. Ghode on The Bold and the Beautiful.

Look for Marini to make his Days debut in early June. He is expected to stick around for a few months.

'Switched at Birth' and 'The Fosters' Return on January 31

The final season of Switched at Birth premieres January 31.

Freeform has announced winter premiere dates for The Fosters and Switched at Birth. These series join previously announced January premieres for Shadowhunters and Beyond.

Critically acclaimed family drama The Fosters returns with new episodes on Tuesday, January 31 at 8 p.m. ET. As the fourth season of "The Fosters" continues, the show picks up from the summer cliffhanger finale that left several family members in peril. The series stars Teri Polo, Sherri Saum, Hayden Byerly, Noah Centineo, David Lambert, Maia Mitchell, Danny Nucci and Cierra Ramirez.

The fifth and final season of Switched at Birth, premieres on Tuesday, January 31 at 9 p.m. EST. The Peabody Award-winning family drama explores blended families and deaf culture, with an array of deaf and hard-of-hearing actors, and includes scenes shot entirely in American Sign Language (ASL). A groundbreaking all-ASL episode aired in March 2013. The final season will include the topical issue of campus race relations -- culminating with an episode told from the perspective of several African-American characters -- and the milestone 100th episode of the series. Switched at Birth stars Katie Leclerc, Vanessa Marano, Constance Marie, D.W. Moffett, Lea Thompson and Lucas Grabeel with guest stars Sean Berdy and Marlee Matlin.

SUMMARY OF FREEFORM'S WINTER SCHEDULE:

Monday, January 2, 2017, 8:00 - 9:00 P.M. EST - Season two premiere of Shadowhunters

Monday, January 2, 2017, 9:00 - 11:00 P.M. EST - Special two-hour series premiere of Beyond

Tuesday, January 31, 2017, 8:00 - 9:00 P.M. EST - Winter premiere of The Fosters

Tuesday, January 31, 2017, 9:00 - 10:00 P.M. EST - Season five premiere of Switched at Birth

'Switched at Birth' Renewed for Fifth Season on ABC Family

The cast of Switched at Birth. Photo Credit: ABC Family/Todd Wawrychuk

Switched at Birth has been renewed for a fifth season! ABC Family announced the renewal today, meaning the series will reach a milestone 100 episodes in the upcoming run. The fourth season finale of the Peabody Award-winning drama airs Monday, October 26, 2015 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. ABC Family is becoming Freeform in January 2016.

"Every season Switched at Birth continues to deliver fresh, relatable storylines that tackle important social issues, reflecting what our audience experiences daily," said Karey Burke, Executive Vice President, Programming and Development. "We're excited to see where Lizzy [Weiss, executive producer] will take these characters next."

The critically acclaimed Switched at Birth is a family drama exploring early adulthood, blended families and deaf culture, and includes scenes shot entirely in American Sign Language.

Switched at Birth has been honored with a Peabody Award as well as a Television Critics Association Award for Outstanding Achievement in Youth Programming and an Imagen Award for Best Primetime Program. The series stars Katie Leclerc as Daphne Vasquez, Vanessa Marano as Bay Kennish, Constance Marie as Regina Vasquez, D.W. Moffett as John Kennish, Lea Thompson as Kathryn Kennish; Lucas Grabeel as Toby Kennish, Sean Berdy as Emmett Bledsoe with guest star Marlee Matlin as Melody Bledsoe.

Katie Leclerc Previews the Summer Premiere of 'Switched at Birth'

Katie Leclerc stars as Daphne Vasquez in Switched at Birth.
Photo Credit: ABC Family

In the summer premiere of ABC Family drama Switched at Birth, Bay copes with heartbreak, Daphne struggles with speculation, and someone reveals an unexpected pregnancy.

Airing Monday, August 24 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, "To Repel Ghosts" finds Bay haunted by her breakup with Emmett and struggling to figure out where their relationship fell apart. Meanwhile, Daphne’s excitement about her new relationship with Mingo is hampered by her friends’ opinion of him. Elsewhere, John and Kathryn’s new accountant has some bad news, Regina digs deeper into the story of Eric’s ex-wife, and everyone is shocked by the news that someone is pregnant.

Katie Leclerc, who stars as Daphne, met with the media to preview the summer premiere. What's ahead for the Kennish-Vasquez family? Read what Leclerc had to say to find out.

How do we see Bay and Daphne, along with the rest of the blended family’s relationship develop and change in the second half of this season?
KATIE LECLERC: The heart of the show has always been Bay and Daphne and when Daphne had her downward spiral, her family really jumped in and saved the day for Daphne in a huge way. I think Daphne is still feeling guilt from that and sometimes guilt is bad and sometimes guilt is a huge motivator. So for Daphne, having so much at stake and having her family really risk their livelihood for her, it puts her in a place where she is highly motivated for school and to become a doctor.

Her pre-med quest is really fueled by the love of her family and the fact that she doesn’t want to disappoint them again. Pre-med’s super hard regardless of whether you’re deaf or not, so for Daphne, I think, the big challenge this season and the way that Bay and Daphne’s relationship changes is Daphne comes to the realization that she can do it and it’s going to be a struggle, but she’s always got Bay there supporting her and always behind her.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 9)

1968: Search for Tomorrow and The Guiding Light each
expanded to a half hour.  1985: GH's Robert tried to figure out who
Robin was.  2009: Andrea died at the carnival on GH.

"To believe what has not occurred in history will not occur at all, is to argue disbelief in the dignity of man."
- Mahatma Gandhi

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1965: On Peyton Place, Stella Chernak (Lee Grant) broke down at Ada Jacks' (Evelyn Scott) bar. Adam made an emergency call to Dr. Michael Rossi (Ed Nelson), who suddenly left the dinner party thrown by David (William Smithers) and Doris (Gail Kobe) Schuster.

'Switched at Birth' Summer Finale Preview: Graduation Day

Bay and Daphne graduate from Carlton on tonight's Switched at Birth.
Photo Credit: ABC Family

The Kennishes and the Vasquezes celebrate high-school graduation on an all-new episode of Switched at Birth, airing Monday, August 18 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC Family.

Everyone is looking forward to commencement until shocking news about Carlton threatens to overshadow their special day. Daphne fears her future is in jeopardy when her past catches up with her. John and Kathryn are not happy when they learn about Bay’s non-traditional post-graduation plans.

Meanwhile, Mary Beth is pleased when Travis’s wish comes true. le, Tank helps Toby grow his deejay business, but their bromance is tested when Toby is offered a gig at Omega Psi.

Watch a sneak peek video below:

ABC Family Renews 'Switched at Birth," Cancels 'Twisted'

Switched at Birth will airs its third season
finale next week.

ABC Family today announced the network has picked up a fourth season of its hit drama Switched at Birth. The third season finale of the Peabody Award-winning series airs Monday, August 18th at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Switched at Birth remains one of basic cable's strongest dramas this summer, ranking as cable TV's #1 series in its time period in key female demos.

"Fans will be clamoring for season four and to know what happens with Daphne and Bay after the season three finale next week," said Tom Ascheim, President ABC Family.

The critically-acclaimed Switched at Birth tells the story of two teenage girls who discover they were accidentally switched as newborns in the hospital. Despite overwhelming socio-economic and ethnic differences, both families must learn to co-exist as parents and blend their lives into one for the sake of their daughters.

Meanwhile, Twisted will not return after failing to catch on with fans after one season.

In Tuesday's ratings race, Pretty Little Liars emerged as Tuesday's #1 cable TV telecast at 8 o'clock for the 105th-consecutive original telecast in Females 12-34 (1.1 million/2.4 rating) - each telecast since its June 2010 series debut - 57th in Adults 18-34 (844,000/1.2 rating), 64th in Women 18-34 (672,000/2.0 rating), 60th in Women 18-49 (902,000/1.4 rating) and 68th in Viewers 12-34 (1.3 million/1.4 rating).

At 9 o'clock, Chasing Life surged to series highs in Adults 18-34 (521,000/0.8 rating), Women 18-34 (443,000/1.3 rating), Adults 18-49 (730,000/0.6 rating) and Women 18-49 (590,000/0.9 rating), and garnered near series highs in Total Viewers (1.3 million), Viewers 12-34 (724,000/0.8 rating) and Females 12-34 (639,000/1.4 rating), behind only its series launch in mid-June. Moreover, Chasing Life stood as the night's #1 cable TV telecast in the hour in Women 18-34 and Females 12-34.

'Switched at Birth' Preview: D.W. Moffett Directs "The Girl on the Cliff"

Photo Credit: ABC Family.

Bay and Emmett are elected senior prom queen and king on a new episode of Switched at Birth, airing Monday, August 11 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC Family. D.W. Moffett, who stars as John Kennish, directed for the first time.

In "The Girl on the Cliff," Regina, Kathryn and John are shocked when Bay tells them about the extent of Daphne's self-destructive behavior, prompting the parents to set some ground rules. Bay reconsiders attending the prom when the school board implements a new rule regarding dance dress code. Daphne continues her downward spiral when a bad decision puts her job at the clinic in jeopardy.

Meanwhile, Tank helps Toby grow his deejay business, but their bromance is tested when Toby is offered a gig at Omega Psi.

Watch a sneak peek video below:

'Switched at Birth' Preview: You Will Not Escape

Photo Credit: ABC Family.

Daphne encourages her classmates to join her in a senior ditch day on an all-new episode of Switched at Birth, airing Monday, August 4 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC Family.

Looking for a distraction, Daphne organizes a senior ditch day for her Carlton classmates, but things get out of hand. Bay meets with Angelo’s doctor to discuss their family medical history.

Meanwhile, Kathryn brings Regina to her book publisher’s author party in New York.

Watch a sneak peek video below:

'Switched at Birth' Preview: It Isn't What You Think

Photo Credit: ABC Family.

Rattled by surprising news, Bay makes an effort to be friends with Tank in an all-new episode of Switched at Birth, airing Monday, July 28 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC Family.

When Bay offers to be moral support for Tank (guest star Max Adler, Glee) as he meets his father (guest star Jim O'Heir, Parks and Recreation) for dinner, she finds that she may have bitten off more than she can chew. Toby continues to stir things up with Lily (guest star Rachel Shenton, Hollyoaks), yet a conflict regarding a make-up test for Sharee raises unwanted confrontation between the two.

Meanwhile, Daphne and Travis make life-changing decisions when they find out their admission results from Gallaudet University.

Watch a sneak peek video below:

'The Fosters' Hits Near Five-Month Ratings Highs

Photo Credit: ABC Family

With Season Highs, The Fosters posted its fourth consecutive week of increases in Adults 18-34, Adults 18-49 and Women 18-49 on Monday night, hitting near 5-Month highs in the demos. The show also scored a season high in Total Viewers. Here's what ABC Family had to say about the Monday ratings:

The Fosters (9:00 - 10:00 p.m.)

At 9 o'clock, The Fosters posted season highs across Total Viewers (1.6 million), Adults 18-34 (504,000/0.7 rating), Women 18-34 (436,000/1.3 rating), Adults 18-49 (830,000/0.7 rating), Women 18-49 (668,000/1.0 rating), Viewers 12-34 (841,000/0.9 rating) and Females 12-34 (752,000/1.6 rating).

In fact, the series generated its 4th-consecutive week of gains among Adults 18-34, Adults 18-49 and Women 18-49 to post its best ratings in virtually 5 months - since 2/17/14, 2/10/14 and 2/10/14, respectively.

· At 9 o'clock, The Fosters ranked as Monday's #2 cable TV telecast in Women 18-34 and Females 12-34 and was the #2 scripted cable TV telecast in Adults 18-34.

· Based on L+3 ratings season to date, The Fosters surges to 2.4 million Total Viewers, 1.2 million Adults 18-49 and 1.3 million Viewers 12-34.

Source: NTI, U.S. ratings, Live +SD, 7/14/14; L+3, 6/6/14-7/7/14.

EDITOR'S NOTE: ABC Family's other Monday serial, Switched at Birth, scored a 0.6 Adults 18-49 rating and 1.558 million viewers.

'Switched at Birth' Preview: And We Bring the Light

Photo Credit: ABC Family.

Toby returns from Iceland with a new attitude and a new aspiration in an all-new episode of Switched at Birth, airing Monday, July 7 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC Family.

Back from a soul-searching trip to Iceland after his failed marriage, Toby returns with a new perspective on life and a surprising new aspiration for his career. Bay’s college dreams are knocked for a loop when she doesn’t get the news she expected. Angelo helps Daphne redirect her senior year stresses with a baking challenge.

Meanwhile, Regina's participation in the East Riverside project brings her to yet another moral crossroad.

Watch a sneak peek video below:

'Switched at Birth' Preview: A Surprise Wedding

Travis meets his hero, Derrick Colement of the Seattle Seahawks.
Photo Credit: ABC Family.

Emmett gets unexpected news when he and Bay attend his father’s housewarming party in an all-new episode of Switched at Birth, airing Monday, June 30 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC Family.

When she discovers Melody is considering an out-of-state move that would take Emmett with her, Bay encourages Emmett to strengthen his relationship with his father. But a visit with Emmett's dad reveals news that may change their relationship altogether. Kathryn and John clash with Regina over funding Daphne’s college expenses, while Daphne interviews for a Latina college scholarship.

Meanwhile, Mary Beth surprises Travis when she tracks down his hero, Super Bowl Champion Derrick Coleman, at a local restaurant.

Watch a sneak peek video below:

'Switched at Birth' Preview: Like a Snowball Down a Mountain

Photo Credit: ABC Family.

Bay and Emmett stumble upon a surprising discovery in an all-new episode of Switched at Birth, airing Monday, June 23 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC Family.

Bay and Emmett work together to combat Matthew’s blackmail threat and make an unexpected discovery. Daphne gets a big opportunity at the clinic but worries about how it affects her boyfriend Campbell (guest star RJ Mitte, Breaking Bad).

Meanwhile, Kathryn enjoys the perks of being the author of a highly-anticipated book, until someone from her past threatens its publication.

Watch a sneak peek video below:

'Switched at Birth' Summer Premiere Preview

Matthew continues to bully Emmett on the Switched at Birth
summer premiere. Photo Credit: ABC Family.

Bay struggles with her feelings about Emmett and Tank while Daphne risks her safety to protect Regina in the summer premiere of Switched at Birth, airing Monday, June 16 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC Family.

In "Love Among the Ruins," Bay faces the consequences of her unplanned romantic encounter with Emmett. Will she break up with Tank (guest star Max Adler, Glee)? Will Bay and Emmett start a new life together?

Meanwhile, Daphne is concerned about Regina's safety and sets out to find the person who vandalized her mom's design studio. And Matthew (Daniel Durant) continues to bully Emmett, who lies to Melody about his bruise.

Watch a sneak peek video below:

SWITCHED AT BIRTH Spring Finale Preview

Bay has reservations about Emmett’s new girlfriend in the spring finale of SWITCHED AT BIRTH, airing Monday, March 24 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC Family.

Bay sets out to find out the real story behind Emmett’s girlfriend. Daphne questions her ability to volunteer at the clinic when she runs into someone from her past. Feeling guilty about her actions, Regina takes a chance at work.

Meanwhile, Kathryn is shocked to discover that her book has been leaked ahead of publication.

Watch a sneak peek video below:

ABC Family Announces Summer 2014 Schedule, Including CHASING LIFE, PRETTY LITTLE LIARS, THE FOSTERS, SWITCHED AT BIRTH

ABC Family announces the summer premieres of three highly-anticipated new original series, including the drama CHASING LIFE and comedies YOUNG & HUNGRY, starring Emily Osment, and MYSTERY GIRLS, starring and executive produced by Tori Spelling and Jennie Garth. Fan favorites PRETTY LITTLE LIARS, SWITCHED AT BIRTH and THE FOSTERS also return in June with brand-new episodes.

CHASING LIFE premieres Tuesday, June 10th, at 9:00 - 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. The new one-hour drama follows April (Italia Ricci), a smart, twenty-something, aspiring journalist who tries to balance her ambitious career with her family, which includes her widowed mom, Sara (Mary Page Keller), rebellious little sister, Brenna (Haley Ramm), and her grandmother, Emma (Rebecca Schull). We meet April at a pivotal moment in her life: she's landed a fantastic opportunity to impress her hard-nosed Boston newspaper editor and an office romance with her super-sexy co-worker Dominic (Richard Brancatisano) is just beginning to blossom. In an unexpected twist of fate, April lands in the hospital where her estranged uncle George (Steven Weber) works as an oncologist, and she learns the devastating news that she has cancer. The series follows April through her journey in the face of this daunting revelation, during a time in her life when the challenges of finding love and success would be enough to keep any girl occupied. But April is determined to fight and refuses to give up her dreams and goals. Along the way, she'll find new reserves of strength and passion within and discover that facing death may really be the only way to truly live.

Marlee Matlin of SWITCHED AT BIRTH and Jake T. Austin From THE FOSTERS to Chat Live Via Twitter During the East Coast Broadcasts of the ABC Family Series Tonight

Photo Credit: ABC Family

SWITCHED AT BIRTH guest star Marlee Matlin (Melody Bledsoe) and THE FOSTERS star Jake T. Austin (Jesus Foster) will tweet live with fans during the East Coast broadcasts of their drama series on ABC Family Monday, March 3rd.

Marlee Matlin of SWITCHED AT BIRTH will chat live with fans via her handle @MarleeMatlin during the East Coast feed of the show on Monday, March 3rd, 8-9 p.m. ET/5-6 p.m. PT. Fans can tweet their questions directly to Marlee and include the hashtag #SwitchedAtBirthChat in their messages. In the dance-themed episode titled "Dance Me to the End of Love," Daphne dances with the idea of pre-med studies and asks for more responsibility at the free clinic, but is it too much too soon? Worried that his hearing girlfriend will lose interest, Travis hesitantly invites her to a school formal, even though he doesn't know how to dance. Bay is left spinning when her teacher demands more of her art, despite her injury. Meanwhile, John jumps at the chance to win Kathryn over.

Vanessa Marano of SWITCHED AT BIRTH and THE FOSTERS Guest Star Marla Sokoloff to Chat Live Via Twitter During the East Coast Broadcasts of the ABC Family Series Tonight

Photo Credit: ABC Family

SWITCHED AT BIRTH star Vanessa Marano (Bay Kennish) and guest star Marla Sokoloff, who plays Dani, Mike’s new girlfriend on “The Fosters,” will live tweet with fans during the East Coast broadcasts of the original drama series on ABC Family Monday, February 24th.

Vanessa Marano will take over the official SWITCHED AT BIRTH Twitter handle (@ABCFsab) to chat with fans live during the East Coast feed of the show on Monday, February 24th, 8-9 p.m. ET/5-6 p.m. PT. Fans can tweet their questions for Vanessa to @ABCFsab and include the hashtag #SwitchedAtBirthChat in their messages. In the all-new episode titled “Memory is Your Image of Perfection,” Daphne tries to convince Sharee that she needs to find help for her mother. Bay and Toby hatch a plan to get their parents on the same page. Adrianna is at odds with Regina over her new project. Meanwhile, Melody is confused by Travis’s behavior.

D.W. Moffett of SWITCHED AT BIRTH and David Lambert of THE FOSTERS to Chat Live Via Twitter During the East Coast Broadcasts of the ABC Family Series, Airing Monday, February 17

Photo Credit: ABC Family

SWITCHED AT BIRTH star D.W. Moffett ("John Kennish") and THE FOSTERS star David Lambert ("Brandon Foster") will live tweet with fans during the East Coast broadcasts of the original drama series on ABC Family Monday, February 17th.

D.W. Moffett will chat live during the East Coast feed of SWITCHED AT BIRTH, airing on Monday, February 17th, 8 p.m. - 9 p.m. ET/5 p.m. - 6 p.m. PT. Fans should tweet to D.W. at @DWMoffett to ask their questions and should include the hashtag #SwitchedAtBirthChat in their tweets. In the episode titled "The Scream," Kathryn's murder mystery party quickly gets complicated when both John and Kathryn discover something about each other. Bay tries to get an invite to Tank's fraternity luau. Meanwhile, Daphne plans a 21st birthday party for Campbell (guest star RJ Mitte).