News

On Monday 31 March 2025, BBC One broadcasts Escape to the Country!

Somerset Season 25 Episode 44 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Escape to the Country,” titled “Somerset,” promises to be an exciting journey for viewers. Sonali Shah takes center stage as she helps a couple from New York find their dream home in the picturesque Somerset countryside. The couple is ready to leave behind the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple for a more peaceful and sunny lifestyle.

With a generous budget at their disposal, Sonali has the opportunity to showcase a variety of stunning properties that reflect the charm and character of Somerset. From quaint cottages to more modern homes, each option offers something unique. The episode will highlight the beauty of the countryside, allowing audiences to experience the tranquil scenery and rich history of the area.

As Sonali guides the couple through their house-hunting adventure, viewers can expect to...

Alice Hirson, who had long-running roles on soaps Another World and One Life To Live in the 1970s before becoming a busy and familiar presence in primetime on Dallas, Full House, 7th Heaven and the Ellen DeGeneres sitcom Ellen, died Friday, February 14, at Los Angeles’ Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital. She was 95.

General Hospital actor and friend of Hirson Chris McKenna shared the news on Instagram, writing, “Alice Hirson shone her light on this world for 95 glorious years. My family and I were so blessed to have her in our lives however briefly. Unforgettable woman. Her final words were ‘It’s nice to have an audience.’ Thank you, Alice. Good night. Legend.”

As Lois Morgan, mother of DeGeneres’ character Ellen Morgan, Hirson was part of one of the 1990s most controversial TV stories. After Ellen came out as gay in the April 1997 episode “The Puppy Episode,” the title...

Alice Hirson, a veteran character actress whose TV credits included more than a half dozen daytime and primetime soaps, and who played mom to Ellen on the 1990s ABC sitcom, died Feb. 14 of natural causes, her son David told THR.com.

Hirson was 95.

More from TVLinePeter Jason, Deadwood Actor, Dead at 80 - Read Tributes From CastmatesKim Sae-ron, Star of Bloodhounds and Leverage, Dead at 24Bruce French, Passions Actor, Dead at 79

After beginning her acting career in the 1950s with appearances on a few anthology series, Hirson joined ABC’s daytime serial The Edge of Night in the series regular role...

Alice Hirson, who played a confidante of Barbara Bel Geddes’ Miss Ellie Ewing on Dallas and the mother of Ellen DeGeneres’ character on the comic’s groundbreaking ABC sitcom, has died. She was 95.

Hirson died Friday of natural causes at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills, her son David Hirson told The Hollywood Reporter. She had been there for about a year.

From 1969-93, Hirson appeared on such daytime soap operas as CBS’ The Edge of Night as Stephanie Martin; on NBC’s Another World and its spinoff, Somerset, as Marsha Davis; on ABC’s One Life to Live as Eileen Siegel; on ABC’s General Hospital as Mrs. Van Gelder; and on ABC’s Loving as Dr. Lisa Helman.

On the big screen, she played the wife of Colonel Thornbush (Robert Webber), head of the paratrooper unit known as the Thornbirds, in Private Benjamin...

General Hospital (Gh) star, Chris McKenna (Jack Brennan) recently hopped on social media to reveal some sad news. He posted about One Life to Live (Oltl) fellow alum, Alice Hirson, who passed away at the age of 95. More details on this are below.

Remembering Alice Hirson

McKenna shared a number of photos of Hirson on Instagram. In the caption he started with, “We lost a radiant soul and a daytime legend yesterday. Alice Hirson shone her light on this world for 95 glorious years.”

McKenna went on to say, “My family and I were so blessed to have her in our lives however briefly. Unforgettable woman. Her final words were ‘It’s nice to have an audience.’”

He ended the caption with, “Thank you, Alice. Good night. Legend. #Gh #Oltl #Dallas #Ellen”

Hirson’s Incredible Career

Hirson first began her soap opera career on the CBS daytime drama The Edge of Night...

On Monday 6 January 2025, BBC One broadcasts I Escaped to the Country!

Somerset Season 9 Episode 1 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “I Escaped to the Country,” titled “Somerset,” promises to be an engaging journey for viewers. In this episode, Nicki Chapman returns to the West Country, a place filled with beautiful landscapes and charming communities.

Nicki will meet two sets of escapees who have made Somerset their home. These individuals have taken the leap to start new lives away from the hustle and bustle of city living. Their stories will highlight the joys and challenges of moving to a rural area, showcasing how they have adapted and thrived in their new surroundings.

In addition to meeting the escapees, Nicki will also explore some of the local produce that Somerset has to offer. This segment will provide a glimpse into the region’s rich agricultural heritage and the delicious foods that come from it.

Netflix's A Man on the Inside surrounds Cheers star Ted Danson with a talented cast of veteran actors. Set in a retirement community, the show follows Charles, a widower and retired professor who decides to answer an ad for a private detective. Excited to try something new, Charles goes undercover in a retirement home in San Francisco to help search for a family heirloom that has been stolen from one of the residents, meeting new friends and gaining a new perspective along the way.

A Man on the Inside stars many film and television veterans that fans will recognize from their previous projects, speaking highly of the comedic and dramatic chops the cast brings to the production. Alongside a well-known and talented cast, A Man on the Inside comes from creator Mike Schur. Schur is known as a producer and writer of The Office, a co-creator of Parks and Recreation and Brooklyn Nine-Nine,...

In 1995, the crime horror movie, Se7en, shocked audiences with its violent ending, yet this iconic final scene might never have happened if it wasn't for the movie's star, Brad Pitt. David Fincher's movie, Se7en, tells the story of a retired detective and newbie teaming up to solve a string of horrific murders. The men soon discover that the crimes are being committed by a sadistic serial killer who is targeting those he believes represent the seven deadly sins. Close to his tail, the detectives start to realize that this killer may be smarter than they thought possible.

Arguably, Se7en has one of the most shocking endings in recent movie history. Morgan Freeman's Somerset and Brad Pitt's Mills are about to apprehend the serial killer Doe, when Mills receives a disturbing package in a simple cardboard box. The camera never actually shows what's inside the box, but...

In light of the news that All My Children is potentially being rebooted as a holiday movie on Lifetime, Soap Hub reached out to a few of your favorite Another World alums to see their thoughts about the potential to bring their show back.

Aw History

Aw aired on NBC from May 4, 1964, to June 25, 1999. The show also had two spinoffs: Somerset, which aired from 1970-1976, and Texas, which aired from 1980-1982.

Joe Barbara (Joe)

How would you feel about Aw being rebooted as a movie? I’d love to see the show rebooted as a movie. My first question would be who’s going to write it? Which “Joe Carlino” would they have in mind… the original one who came on as a renegade and took risks? Or the eventual one who told everyone they needed to follow the rules…?

Where do you see Joe at this stage of his life?...

Ted Danson's impact on Hollywood runs deep as he transcends genre and makes his mark on some of the most seminal comedies and dramas of the 20th and 21st centuries. Today, people might recognize his face from ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ or ‘The Good Place.’ Meanwhile, Danson made his mark on the sitcom genre early in his career with his iconic role as Sam Malone on ‘Cheers.’ Let’s take a look at some of Ted Danson’s most iconic work. Career Beginnings: Working His Way Up It’s incredibly common to need to work your way to stardom. This often includes guest spots or small recurring roles wherever you can find them, and any resume building is good resume building. Ted Danson was no different, but his start to acting was slower than most young stars. Standing at over six feet tall, Danson’s first love was basketball, naturally.

After a 15 years absence in the genre, P&g Studios will produce The Gates, a 2025 daytime drama about a wealthy Black family which is being developed by a partnership between CBS and the NAACP.

P&g is headquartered in Cincinnati, Oh and has a long history when it comes to daytime soaps. They exited the genre in 2010 when CBS cancelled As the World Turns. In 2009, CBS also cancelled Guiding Light which aired for 72 years on radio and television.

The Gates will have a predominately African American cast

The Gates will depict the lives of a wealthy black family in a luxurious gated community, Michele Val Jean will serve as writer and showrunner.

Val Jean has written over 2,000 episodes of daytime drama and has won multiple daytime Emmys and WGA Awards for her work on such shows as The Bold & The Beautiful and General Hospital. Val Jean will also serve as...

On Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 3:00 Pm on BBC One, “Escape to the Country” Season 23 presents an episode titled “Somerset.”

In this episode, a couple from urban Hertfordshire, with a budget of £550,000, plans to move to the Somerset countryside.

They seek the expertise of Jules Hudson, who has selected some splendid properties to show them. Tune in to see their journey and the houses they explore in beautiful Somerset. Don’t miss it!

Release Date & Time: 3:00 Pm Saturday 21 October 2023 on BBC One

Escape to the Country Somerset Cast – Season 23: Main Cast Jules Hudson

Alistair Appleton

Nicki Chapman

Jonnie Irwin

Sonali Shah

Ginny Buckley

Denise Nurse

Tim Vincent

Catherine Gee

Nick Page

Aled Jones

Margherita Taylor

Steve Brown

Nicki Shields

Anita Rani

Melissa Porter

Briony May Williams...

On Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at 3:00 Pm, BBC One will broadcast Season 24, Episode 11 of “Escape to the Country,” titled “Somerset.”

In this episode, two artists seek the assistance of Alistair Appleton to find a rural retreat in Somerset. They are looking for a place that will inspire their creativity and provide them with a peaceful setting for their work. Alistair will help them explore potential properties that match their artistic aspirations.

Additionally, viewers will meet a young couple who made the move to the countryside in search of a simpler life. Despite facing challenges along the way, they have chosen to embrace the rural lifestyle.

“Escape to the Country” is a show where individuals and couples look for new homes in the countryside, seeking tranquility and a change of scenery.

If you are interested in countryside living or enjoy exploring property options, you can watch “Escape to the Country” on BBC...

We have some sad TV news to report this morning as it has been revealed that one of daytime TV's most familiar faces has died.

Nicolas Coster, best known for his work on Santa Barbara as Lionel Lockridge, passed away on Monday.

He was 89.

The news broke early Tuesday morning via a social media post by the actor's daughter Dinneen Coster.

"There is great sadness in my heart this evening, my father actor Nicolas Coster has passed on in Florida at 9:01 pm in the hospital," the Facebook post reads.

"Please be inspired by his artistic achievements and know he was a real actor's actor."

"I will remember him as always doing his best and being a great father. Rest In Peace."

Coster was well known for his work on Santa Barbara, a role he held off and on from 1984-93.

Lionel struck a chord with viewers for being a...

Soap vet Nicolas Coster, best known for his role as Lionel Lockridge on the late NBC soap Santa Barbara, died late Monday. He was 89.

“There is great sadness in my heart this evening, my father actor Nicolas Coster has passed on in Florida at 9:01 pm in the hospital,” Coster’s daughter, Dinneen Coster, shared on Facebook. “Please be inspired by his artistic achievements and know he was a real actor’s actor! I will remember him as always doing his best and being a great father. Rest In Peace.”

More from TVLineWWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk Dead at...

1984: Guiding Light's Darcy held Beth and Alexandra hostage.

1984: Santa Barbara's Jade was upset when her brother was called "Killer Perkins".

1985: Mike Horton arrived in Salem on Days of our Lives.

1994: General Hospital's Lulu was born."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"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...

1968: On Another World, John Randolph (Michael M. Ryan) convinced his daughter, Lee (Barbara Rodell), that he still loved her.

1973: On The Doctors, Dr. Mike Powers (Peter Burnell) continued to pop pills before picking up Penny Davis (Julia Duffy) so they could go watch the eclipse.

1968: Dark Shadows' Adam jumped from Widows' Hill.

1984: Steve and Betsy were married on As the World Turns.

1984: Y&R's Nikki wanted to track down Victor's mother.

1996: "Clink, Boom!" on General Hospital."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"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...

1943: Radio soap opera Lora Lawton debuted on NBC Radio. Joan Tompkins starred as Lora, housekeeper to important, dynamic shipbuilder Peter Carver. Lora would later marry Peter. Frank and Anne Hummert produced the series.

1966: On Morning Star, Katy Elliott (Elizabeth Perry), Hank Stover (Warren Remmerling...

1974: The first Daytime Emmys ceremony was held in New York.

1980: All My Children's Benny tried to get Estelle help.

1990: General Hospital's Shep Casey looked familiar to Anna.

2013: The Young and the Restless aired a special Jeanne Cooper tribute episode."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"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...

1968: On The Doctors, Liz (Pamela Toll) reassured Penny (Jami Fields) when they talked about feeling different.

1970: On Dark Shadows, Maggie Collins was trying to preserve her marriage to Quentin (David Selby) unaware his first wife, Angelique, had...

1965: Peyton Place's Allison met Elliot.

1974: Days of our Lives' Addie gave birth to Hope.

1983: Gh's Bobbie was shocked to learn of Luke's death.

1994: Brookside's Beth and Margaret shared an historic kiss."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"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...

1958: On The Edge of Night, Mike Karr (John Larkin) and Peter Dalton (Stephen Elliot) discussed the Nicholson-McGinnis case and determined they would have to be tried separately. Peter would prosecute Commissioner Wheeler Nicholson, while Mike took on newspaperman Mac McGinnis.

1965: On Peyton Place, the newly...

Four NBC daytime soap operas aired for the final time on December 31st:

Somerset (1976), Texas (1982), The Doctors (1982) and Sunset Beach (1999)."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"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 Scarlett Hill, Kate (Beth Lockerbie) and Pearl discussed their fears that Ruth was only marrying Mr. Quill for his money. Sheila became extremely rude to Pearl when Pearl tried to show her pictures of the five-year-old she was about to adopt. Sheila revealed a bit of her tragic life to Stan. Ruth openly admitted to Kate that she was only getting married for the money,...

1981: Thaao Penghlis debuted as Tony on Days of our Lives.

1981: The Edge of Night's Raven enjoyed being rich.

1989: Guiding Light's Reva realized Dylan was her son.

2008: One Life to Live's Starr gave birth to a baby girl."The best prophet of the future is the past."

― Lord Byron

"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...

1950: On The Guiding Light radio soap opera, Meta (Jone Allison) shot and killed her husband, Ted, after their son, Chuckie, died. Bill and Papa Bauer were shocked to hear the news and Bill vowed to get his sister, Meta, out of jail.

1957: On "the continuing story of" The Edge of Night,...

1984: Guiding Light's Darcy held Beth and Alexandra hostage.

1984: Santa Barbara's Jade was upset when her brother was

called "Killer Perkins". 1985: Mike Horton arrived in Salem.

1994: General Hospital's Lulu was born."The best prophet of the future is the past."

― Lord Byron

"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...

1968: On Another World, John Randolph (Michael M. Ryan) convinced his daughter, Lee (Barbara Rodell), that he still loved her.

1973: On The Doctors, Dr. Mike Powers (Peter Burnell) continued to pop pills before picking up Penny Davis (Julia Duffy) so they could go watch the eclipse.

1979: On The Edge of Night, Margo (Ann Williams) reminded David he owed her a favor.

1966: Dark Shadows' Victoria noticed her letter had moved.

1987: As the World Turns' Margo and Hal shared a kiss.

1994: Days of our Lives' Salem said goodbye to Dr. Tom Horton.

2012: The Young and the Restless' Paul shot his son, Ricky."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."

― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"

"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...

1915: Future soap opera legend Ruth Warrick was born. Her daytime roles included Phoebe on All My Children,...

1968: Dark Shadows' Adam jumped from Widows' Hill.

1984: Steve and Betsy were married on As the World Turns.

1984: Y&R's Nikki wanted to track down Victor's mother.

1996: "Clink, Boom!" on General Hospital."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."

― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"

"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...

1943: Radio soap opera Lora Lawton debuted on NBC Radio. Joan Tompkins starred as Lora, housekeeper to important, dynamic shipbuilder Peter Carver. Lora would later marry Peter.

1974: The first Daytime Emmys ceremony was held in New York.

1980: All My Children's Benny tried to get Estelle help.

1990: General Hospital's Shep Casey looked familiar to Anna.

2013: The Young and the Restless aired a special Jeanne

Cooper episode."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."

― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"

"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...

1968: On The Doctors, Liz (Pamela Toll) reassured Penny (Jami Fields) when they talked about feeling different.

1970: On Dark Shadows,...

Four NBC daytime soap operas aired for the final time on

December 31st: Somerset (1976), Texas (1982),

The Doctors (1982) and Sunset Beach (1999)."History is a vast early warning system."

― Norman Cousins

"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 Scarlett Hill, Kate (Beth Lockerbie) and Pearl discussed their fears that Ruth was only marrying Mr. Quill for his money. Sheila became extremely rude to Pearl when Pearl tried to show her pictures of the five-year-old she was about to adopt. Sheila revealed a bit of her tragic life to Stan. Ruth openly admitted to Kate that she was only getting married for the money, knowing there was nothing Kate could do to stop her,...

1967: Days of our Lives' Mickey and Laura were married.

1975: Another World's Marianne had an abortion.

1982: Kvik hosted a telethon on Texas.

1995: General Hospital's Ned found Jason unconscious."History is a vast early warning system."

― Norman Cousins

"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...

1961: NBC aired the final episode of From These Roots after a three and a half year run. Ftr actress Ann Flood starred as Liz, a successful writer who had returned to her New England hometown of Strathfield to run her family's newspaper, the Strathfield Record. The cast included Robert Mandan (Sam), Millette Alexander (Gloria) and Barbara Berjer (Lynn).

1967: On The Edge of Night,...

Robert Keeling Apr 25, 2017

Saluting the movie characters who make an impression, the minute they appear on the screen...

One thing that unites all of cinema’s most iconic characters is that they were able to make a memorable first impression. Whether it’s bursting onto the scene in a flurry of noise or slowly skulking their way into shot, there’s a fine art to ensuring a character makes an instant impact on screen. An iconic entrance is not just about a momentary impact however, it can also emphasise a character’s importance and help to cement their influence over the rest of the movie.

See related Westworld episode 10 review: The Bicameral Mind Westworld episode 9 review: The Well-Tempered Clavier

There are any number of contributory factors that can be blended together in order to make an entrance truly memorable. These include the accompanying music, the choice of camera shot, the...

We look at the films that slipped through Hollywood's net, from biblical epics to a time travelling Gladiator sequel...

This article contains a spoiler for Gladiator.

If you're one of those frustrated over the quality of many of the blockbusters that make it to the inside of a multiplex, then ponder the following. For each of these were supposed to be major projects, that for one reason or another, stalled on their way to the big screen. Some still may make it. But for many others, the journey is over. Here are the big blockbusters that never were...

1. Airframe

The late Michael Crichton scored another residential on the bestseller list with his impressive thriller, Airframe. It was published in 1996, just after films of Crichton works such as Jurassic Park, Rising Sun, Disclosure and the immortal Congo had proven to be hits of various sizes.

So: a hit book, another techno thriller,...

From the world's tallest building to Adele's 'modern jazz'-inspired third album, the big events of 2014 are lining up

Television

True Detective

Crime drama is always looking for new ways of dramatising a murder investigation: one killing investigated over 10 episodes; alternating viewpoints of cops, killer, victims and so on. However, in this ambitious series from HBO, multiple seasons will follow the search for a serial killer in Louisiana over 17 years, with each year introducing a new cast. Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey are in the first group. Either magnificent or mad. Mark Lawson HBO.

Penny Dreadful

This has a remarkable lineage: it is produced by film and stage director Sam Mendes and John Logan, who wrote Skyfall for Mendes as well as Hugo, The Aviator and Gladiator. Its disadvantage may be the daring concept, in which a number of fictional horror story characters – Dracula, Frankenstein's monster and Dorian Gray – are living in Victorian London.

Princess Anne has met with patients at a drug rehabilitation centre. The Princess Royal made an official visit to The Addiction Recovery Agency (Ara) in Kings Court , Bristol, Southern England, to mark its 25th anniversary, which took place in January. The centre helps more than 1,500 people a year through its services in Bristol and North Somerset and Chief Executive Peter Walker said the visit was a 'great acknowledgment' of their work. Anne met some of the 60 staff and 60 volunteers who work at the centre, as well as unveiling a plaque marking her visit. Peter explained: 'The visit recognises with the kind of treatment and support that Ara has provided over the past 25 years, people can...

All My Children's Natalie Hall is set to star in an upcoming Hallmark mini-series with Greg Vaughan, Dylan Bruce and JoBeth Williams. Former As The World Turns star Trent Dawson has been nominated for an Off-Off Broadway Award. Syfy's Haven will have a TV/Twitter-Crossing arc. Pay TV industry is losing a record number of subscribers. Kevin Bacon may return to television. Sarah Paulson returning to Desperate Housewives. Alec Baldwin may run for Mayor of New York City. Syfy orders one final episode of Eureka.

All My Children's Natalie Hall to Star in Hallmark Mini-Series Love's Christmas Journey

In the two-hour, two-part miniseries, slated to air in November, Hall will play Ellie King, a young pioneer woman who has suffered the loss of her husband and daughter. (She's also appearing on Pretty Little Liars soon.

In the mini, part of the Love Comes Softly series based on the books by Janette Oke,...

On this date in...

1999: On The Young And The Restless, Nikki couldn't help but respond to a kiss from Brad.

2002: On General Hospital, Sonny and Carly patched things up in Martinique (watch below).

Celebrating a birthday today are:

Kevin Spirtas (ex-Craig, Days Of Our Lives; ex-Jonas, One Life To Live; ex-Tom, Rituals) - 49

Lisa Peluso (Veronica, Gotham; ex-Wendy, Search For Tomorrow; ex-Billie/Gina, One Life To Live; ex-Ava, Loving; ex-Lila, Another World/As The World Turns; ex-Libby, Somerset) - 47

Bryan Dattilo (ex-Lucas, Days Of Our Lives) - 40

Rachel Miner (ex-Michelle, Guiding Light) - 31

Editor's Note: If you would like to submit a piece of soap opera history for this daily column, please email it to editor@welovesoaps.com.

On this date in...

1968: Percy Rodriguez debuted on Peyton Place as Dr. Harry Miles.

2008: The second season of General Hospital: Night Shift premiered.

Celebrating a birthday today are:

Jennifer Bassey (Marian, All My Children; ex-Abby, The Edge Of Night; ex-Dorothy, Somerset; ex-Jennifer, Love Of Life) - 69

Danny Glover (ex-Isaac, Brothers & Sisters) - 65

Joanna Going (ex-Lisa, Another World; ex-Evie, Search For Tomorrow; ex-Victoria, Dark Shadows) - 48

Terrell Tilford (Greg, One Life To Live; ex-Bob, Days Of Our Lives; ex-David, Guiding Light) - 42

Christopher Tavani (ex-Luke, As The World Turns) - 18

Editor's Note: If you would like to submit a piece of soap opera history for this daily column, please email it to editor@welovesoaps.com.

On this date in...

1920: Future Another World star Dolph Sweet (Gil McGowan) was born. He died in 1985.

1934: Darlene Conley, remembered by soap fans from her many years as Sally Sprectra on The Bold And The Beautiful, was born. Before that she played babynapping Rose DeVille on The Young And The Restless and stole Nina's baby. Conley also had roles on Days, Gh and Capitol. She died January 14, 2007.

1941: Radio soap opera Life Begins aired its final episode.

1986: Chris Hughes died in his sleep on As The World Turns. Watch Bob tell Kim and Lisa here.

1988: Another World debuted a rock instrumental theme during the end credits.

2010: Actor Larry Keith, best known for his role as Nick Davis on All My Children, died at age 79.

Celebrating a birthday today are:

Jonelle Allen (ex-Doreen, Generations) - 67

Audrey Landers (ex-Afton, Dallas; ex-Joanna, The Secret Storm; ex-Connie, Search For Tomorrow; ex-Heather,...

On this date in...

1905: Crossover soap actor Geoffrey Lumb, who took the character of Mitchell Dru to multiple soaps in the 1960s, was born. He died in 1990.

1922: Late actress Lois Kibbee, best known for her role as Geraldine on The Edge Of Night, was born. Kibbee also played roles on Somerset, Search For Tomorrow and One Life To Live. She even appeared in the movie Caddyshack. She died October 18, 1993, from a brain tumor.

2005: The character of Darcy Tyler left Neighbours after five years.

Celebrating a birthday today are:

Carmen Thomas (ex-Hillary, All My Children; ex-Karen, Melrose Place) - 44

Amy Stewart (ex-Helen, Undressed) - 38

Philip Barantini (ex-Danny, Doctors) - 31

Steven R. McQueen (Jeremy, The Vampire Diaries) - 23

Colton Haynes (Jackson, Teen Wolf; Brett, The Gates; ex-Jesse, Melrose Place; ex-Alexander, Privileged) - 23

Dylan Patton (ex-Will, Days Of Our Lives) - 19...

On this date in...

1943: Radio soap opera Lora Lawton debuted on NBC Radio. Joan Tompkins starred as Lora, housekeeper to important, dynamic shipbuilder Peter Carver. Lora would later marry Peter. Frank and Anne Hummert produced the series.

1984: On Guiding Light, Bert told Rick she knew he was upset because she had lost her leg, but she was going to be alright.

1987: Soap opera writer Roy Winsor died at the age of 87. Winsor was the creator of Search For Tomorrow, Love Of Life and The Secret Storm. The year Secret Storm was canceled (1974) he took over Somerset. He later would create the Cbn soap Another Life.

Celebrating a birthday today are:

Maeve Kinkead (Dinah, Gotham; ex-Vanessa, Guiding Light; ex-Angie, Another World) - 65

Nick Scotti (ex-Tony, The Young And The Restless) - 45

Ara Celi (ex-Raquel, All My Children) - 37

Matt Cavenaugh (ex-Adam, As The World Turns; ex-Mark One Life To Live...

Fan Fiction/Original Shows

By Steve Ungrey

When I was just about six years old in February 1974, I had my first taste with a soap opera being canceled. That was the month CBS axed the long-running show The Secret Storm following a 20-year run.

Over 35 years have passed and you can’t count on two hands how many beloved soaps have bitten the dust. Somerset. Love Of Life. The Doctors. Texas. Search For Tomorrow. Ryan’S Hope. Santa Barbara. And who can forget the demise of my all-time favorite show, the long-running mystery thriller The Edge Of Night?

I have seen far too many shows get canceled over the years. I’ve also seen a rise in popularity of so-called “fan fiction”, where budding or established writers put their own spin on the soap genre. I don't even want to call this fan fiction and deride the genre, because some...

Jed Allan (ex-Don, Days Of Our Lives; ex-c.C., Santa Barbara, ex-Edward, General Hospital; ex-Ed, Port Charles) - 74

Richard Shoberg (ex-Tom, All My Children; ex-Mitch, Somerset; ex-Kevin, The Edge Of Night) - 61

Maurice Benard (Sonny, General Hospital; ex-Nico, All My Children) - 48

Jensen Ackles (ex-Eric, Days Of Our Lives) - 33

Alicia Leigh Willis (ex-Courtney, General Hospital; ex-Allie, Another World) - 33

Denise Vasi (Randi, All My Children) - 30...

Tina Sloan (Theodora, Empire, Katherine, Venice; ex-Lillian, Guiding Light; ex-Patti, Search For Tomorrow; ex-Olivia, Another World; ex-Kate, Somerset) - 68

Vasili Bogazianos (ex-Benny, All My Children; ex-Al, The Young And The Restless; ex-Ozzie, Days Of Our Lives; ex-Mickey, The Edge Of Night) - 66

Brian Krause (ex-Matt, Another World) - 43

Jennifer Lien (ex-Hannah, Another World) - 37

Karl Girolamo (ex-Kevin, As The World Turns) - 25...

2010 has a banner year for We Love Soaps TV. We have enjoyed bringing you the hottest news stories, deepest interviews, classic clips, historical articles, and cutting edge indie soaps, 365 days of the year.  We have relished the opportunity to witness, and at times be a part of, the changing landscape of the soap industry, both on and off-screen.

We wanted to end 2010 with a special list of individuals who compelled, captivated, and fascinated us this past year.  These are people who one way or another broke new ground making soap history, blazed new trails, and inspired the creative souls of their audience and their peers.  Below is our list of the 15 Most Fascinating People of 2010.

Ken Corday (Executive Producer, Days Of Our Lives)

Why Is He So Fascinating? Corday pulled a rabbit out of his hat in 2010 by getting Days renewed for two years during the worst economy of its entire 45 year run.

Nicolas Coster (Jack, The Bay; ex-Lionel, Santa Barbara; ex-John, Our Private Wordl; ex-Eduardo, As The World Turns; ex-Robert, Another World/Somerset; ex-Steve, All My Children; ex-Anthony, One Life To Live) - 77

Mary Alice (ex-Allie, All My Children) - 69

Jennifer Harmon (ex-Cathy, One Life To Live; ex-Jean, Guiding Light; ex-Lucretia, Loving) - 67

Jack Stauffer (ex-Chuck, All My Childre; ex-Scott, The Young And The Restless) - 65

Melody Anderson (ex-Natalie, All My Children) - 55

Julianne Moore (ex-Frannie/Sabrina, As The World Turns; ex-Carmen, Edge Of Night) - 50

Mark Lewis (ex-Gregory, As The World Turns; ex-Andrew, Another World) - 38

Lauren E. Roman (ex-Laura, All My Children) - 35

Cristi Harris (ex-Tina, Passions; ex-Emily, Sunset Beach) - 33

Amanda Seyfried (ex-Lucy, As The World Turns; ex-Joni, All My Children) - 25

Michael Angarano (ex-Steven, Another World; ex-mj, As The World Turns) - 23...

According to the Internet Movie DataBase (IMDb.com): "The STARmeter rankings provide a snapshot of who's popular based on the searches of millions of IMDb users. Updated weekly, these rankings also graph the popularity of people over time and determine which events affect public awareness."  Here is a listing of some present and past soap stars and their current ranking, as well as some public figures.  Do you agree with the list? Is Lisa Rinna really more popular than President Obama? Weigh in below.   1. Darren Criss (Glee) 3. Leonardo DiCaprio (ex-santa Barbara)4. Johnny Depp (star of Dark Shadows movie)9. Dot Jones (Glee, Venice) 11. Jill Clayburgh (ex-sft)19. Brad Pitt (ex-aw)28. Amber Tamblyn (ex-gh)54. James Franco (ex-gh) 101. Parker Posey (ex-atwt)

119. Jessica Lowndes (90210) 121. Amanda Seyfried (ex-atwt)125. Demi Moore (ex-gh)134. Lyndsy Fonseca (ex Dh, ex-y&R)144. Courtney Thorne-Smith (ex-Melrose Place)157. Morgan Freeman (ex-aw)189. Josh Duhamel (ex-amc)200. Julianne Moore (ex-atwt)208. Paul Wesley (ex-gl)236. Lindsay Lohan...

Anne Sargent (ex-Connie, The First Hundred Years) - 87

Linda Evans (ex-Krystle, Dynasty) - 68

Susan Sullivan (ex-Lenore, Another World; ex-Nancy, A World Apart; ex-Maggie, Falcon Crest) - 68

Peter Brouwer (ex-Alex, One Life To Live; ex-Brad, As The World Turns; ex-Joe, Love Of Life) - 65

Glenn Walken (ex-Mike, Guiding Light) - 65

Jameson Parker (ex-Dale, Somerset; ex-Brad, One Life To Live) - 63

Gilles Kohler (ex-Gilles, All My Children) - 62

Andrea Marcovicci (ex-Betsy, Love Is A Many Splendored Thing) - 62

Shari Shattuck (ex-Ashley, The Young And The Restless; ex-Heather, The Bold And The Beautiful) - 50

Paul Korver (ex-Chris, As The World Turns) - 39...

"The only thing that remains the same in this world is change."

I had a World History teacher in high school who often spoke this quote, referring to the fact that nothing in our world would ever be permanent, and the trick to survival was learning to adjust to change.  Tina Sloan (ex-Lillian, Guiding Light) has beautifully taken the lesson behind this quote and infused it with new energy and vitality in the inspiring new book, "Changing Shoes: Getting Older - Not Old - with Style, Humor, and Grace." 

Soap fans are well familiar with Tina Sloan's infectious positive attitude from her work on Guiding Light, as well her featured roles on the indie web series Empire and Venice. What you don't know is how this enduring talent has faced life's challenges and overcome adversities in order to learn, grow, and evolve.  She explains how at 67 years old she...

Former Guiding Light star Tina Sloan never slows down. After her 26 year run on Gl ended in 2009 she joined not one, but two indie soaps - Venice and Empire. Her Theodora Haven character on Empire harkens back to her bitchy Kate Cannell on Somerset in the mid-1970s. But not only is she acting in indie soaps and films (Oh My Love), Sloan wrote a fabulous fast-selling book called "Changing Shoes: Getting Older - Not Old - with Style, Humor, and Grace" (see the We Love Soaps TV review here). She has traveled the country signing books and performing her one woman show of the same name. Former President George H. W. Bush even attended the show in Houston.

Last Tuesday Sloan spoke at the New York Public Library sharing stories from the book and taking questions from the packed crowd of fans. Tonight she will be doing a Talk...

First Look At Lindsay Hartley As Mad Harriet In Smallville

In the episode, titled “Abandoned,” Mad Harriet is sent by Granny Goodness — Christine Willes, last seen in Season Nine's “Salvation” — to defeat Clark. The episode, airing November 12, also marks the debut of Teri Hatcher as Lois Lane’s mother Ella. Created by Jack Kirby, the insane Mad Harriet debuted in January 1972′s Mister Miracle #6 as member of the Female Furies, a group of warriors trained on Apokolips to serve its ruler Darkseid. She’s only the latest denizen of Apokolips to appear in Smallville‘s 10th and final season; we’ve already seen Granny Goodness, Desaad (Steve Byers), Gordon Godfrey (Michael Daingerfield) and Darkseid himself.

JoBeth Williams' memories of her role on Somerset are a bit hazy

"I remember that someone was out to get me," Williams recalled. "Someone put a dead bird in my desk!"

Julianne Moore speaks...

As David Fincher’s Seven makes its debut on Blu-ray, we take a timely look back at the director’s classic thriller…

By now, David Fincher's 1995 serial killer thriller should be hopelessly passé. More than a decade of cheap TV murder mysteries and needlessly sadistic horror movies, all of which have borrowed freely from Fincher's blackly recognisable visual style, must surely have stripped Seven (or Se7en) of its murky appeal.

That Fincher's movie relies so heavily on style over logic, with a shock ending ("What's in the box?") that probably ranks alongside The Sixth Sense as the most widely known denouement of the 90s, should also make it an unrewarding candidate for repeat viewings.

And yet, 15 years on from its initial release, here comes Seven once again, appearing in high definition for the first time.

Morgan Freeman stars as Somerset, the world weary detective who, after 35 exhausting years on the force,...

Yesterday, MTV's Eric Ditzian ran through five of the best movie gifts -- which is to say, gifts given in movies -- a person could ask for. From Buzz Lightyear in "Toy Story" (personally, I'd prefer a TurboMan from "Jingle All the Way") to the self-lacing Nike sneakers in "Back to the Future Part II," Eric shared some great holiday gift ideas. You probably won't be able to get your hands on any of them at this late hour, but you can at least look at the pictures and sigh wistfully at the missed opportunities.

I'm back today with another gifts list. Except these are prezzies that you're not going to find under the tree when you stumble into the living room on the morning of December 25. The history of cinema is rife with great examples of poor gift-giving, and I've collected some of the worst right here. So hit...