Recently in The Young and the Restless

THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS' Eric Roberts (ex-Vance) loves portraying bad guys, and the one he's taken on in the upcoming film, West End, is doozy! "I play a classic 'family' -- aka mob -- guy, embroiled in an emotional story fueled by a screwed sense of loyalty," he tells Soaps In Depth with a grin. "I'd kill for my brother, but I'd also sleep with his wife."

Actually, it's his grown son, played by Neal Bledsoe (Gary, AS THE WORLD TURNS; Quinn, GUIDING LIGHT) that Roberts' character will have to look out for: he's come home gunning for answers! But first the young man will have to deal with his own past. Namely some complicated feelings for his ex-girlfriend, played by ONE LIFE TO LIVE's Melissa Archer (Natalie).

Although he'd already wrapped his scenes on the Asbury Park, NJ, set and headed off on a trip to Europe, Roberts was happy to share his experience. "The fun of the project was the cast, the director, and the location," he confides. "You can't beat the Jersey Shore!"

Los Angeles residents can check out a segment on Thom Bierdz (ex-Phillip, THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS) set to air tonight, Wednesday, May 16, on the Channel 2 CBS news, which starts at 11 p.m. The interview will also appear on CBSLA.com starting tomorrow. "This piece will also be part of a much longer interview - a half hour episode on my life and art - which will be on CBS' new show called CROSSROADS about people who have overcome many obstacles and changed paths," Bierdz shared in an email.

The actor says that he continues to enjoy living in Lake Arrowhead where he works as a painter, creating commissioned portraits. "After decades in Hollywood, this escape to nature makes this the best year in my entire life."

Check out Bierdz's segment on CBSLA and his revamped website www.ThomBierdz.com where the actor displays about 100 of his portraits.

With DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES having aired its final episode this past weekend, Darcy Rose Byrnes (ex-Abby, THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS) posted this original composition "Curtain Call" to YouTube as a farewell to her DH friends and family. Byrnes played Penny Scavo on the primetime soap, on-screen daughter to Felicity Huffman and Doug Savant's Lynn and Tom Scavo.

"Already missing my TV family & friends like crazy! ;D" Byrnes tweeted.

Brett Butler -- the comedienne who starred in the mid-'90s sitcom GRACE UNDER FIRE -- will be making a guest appearance on THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS next month. On Tuesday, June 12, and Thursday, June 14, Butler will play Beth, Paul's next-door neighbor. The actress also has a recurring role as a bartender on the upcoming Charlie Sheen sitcom ANGER MANAGEMENT, debuting Thursday, June 28, on FX.

A wave of SORAS has hit Genoa City! THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS has aged the characters of Fenmore and Summer. Lindsay Bushman will make her debut as Phyllis and Nick's daughter on Friday, June 8, followed by Max Ehrich, playing Lauren and Michael's son, on Monday, June 11.

Bushman has made guest appearances on BIG TIME RUSH, RINGER, THE FINDER and even played a young Kate on GENERAL HOSPITAL. Working as a model, she's appeared in print ads for Hot Topic and American Apparel, as well as in videos for Lady Antebellum and Nickelodeon's teen band Big Time Rush. Ehrich played the main character's babydaddy in the 2010 Lifetime movie The Pregnancy Pact, based on real-life events at a Massachusetts high school. He's also appeared on UGLY BETTY, PARENTHOOD and iCARLY. The 20-year-old New Jersey native is also a singer and dancer, and last year appeared in a production of Disney's Newsies at N.J.'s Paper Mill Playhouse prior to the musical's move to Broadway.

Just in time for Mother's Day! Catch Genie Francis (Genevieve, THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS; ex-Laura, GENERAL HOSPITAL) when she appears opposite Ted McGinley in the Hallmark Channel Original Movie, Notes From The Heart Healer. In this third installment of the popular made-for-television movie series, newly married columnist Peyton MacGruder (Francis) finds a baby on her doorstep and is forced to confront painful memories of giving up a child herself years ago. "I watched it and I was thrilled," the actress offers. "There was never a dull moment, and it moves very quickly. They really created a wonderful movie." Tune in for the world premiere on Saturday, May 12, at 8 p.m. ET.

Eileen Davidson (Ashley) has been let go from THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS! "Last week I lost my childcare. This week I lost my job!" she tweeted on Wednesday morning. "It all works out because I don't need a babysitter if I'm not working. #beingpositive"

The actress posted a follow-up on her Twitter page on Thursday, stating, "It's official. I've been let go from Y and R. Not really sure exactly why but in the big picture I guess it doesn't really matter!"

Soaps In Depth staffers have been on the phone with Daytime Emmy Award nominees all day, offering our congratulations. Here are just a few of our interviews, so keep checking back for more updates!

"I was so surprised, I couldn't believe it," confesses Genie Francis, nominated in the Lead Actress category for playing THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS' Genevieve. "I feel like I've had tremendous good fortune with this new show, and I'm thrilled to be part of them." Headwriter Maria Arena Bell phoned Francis this morning to share the news of her nomination. "We get up very early over here. The kids go to school at 7 a.m., so we were all up when I got the call. It was a very nice surprise. I really did not expect it." For her reel, the actress submitted the scenes where Genevieve tells Jack about her daughter that died and needing to get a divorce from Colin. "It was a very long, heartfelt speech and it ends with them sleeping together for the first time. Genevieve came on so angry, and bitter and driven for revenge, but that scene told the audience why."

It's been a while since John McCook (Eric, THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL) was last nominated, but he's kept a sense of humor about it! "[My wife] Laurette said, 'Finally, you get another nomination!' I said, 'Well, I'm glad I wasn't holding my breath! I'd be long dead!'" In all seriousness, the actor adds that his submission of scenes between Eric and Stephanie where he brings her a gift, hoping to get more intimate with her, were quality ones. "He talks in very adult terms about his needs. I was very glad to have scenes that talked about something adult. The adults on our show talk a great deal about the young people, and that's okay, but let's keep being interested in these adult characters."

Although she's taken home Emmys in the Younger and Supporting Actress categories, B&B's Heather Tom (Katie) will be competing for Lead Actress for the first time. "The category change makes this year very special for me," she confesses. "I kind of debated whether I should or shouldn't, and I was like, 'I've been on daytime for 22 years and if I can't compete in Lead at this point, I should just hang it up!'" Returning home from an early-morning yoga class, Tom found out that her scenes following Katie's heart attack had done the trick in bumping her up on the category ladder. But as far as being the first to win the Trifecta, Tom says she isn't putting the cart before the horse! "I'm just happy with a nomination!"

For Elizabeth Hendrickson (Chloe, Y&R), a live video chat played a part in how she learned of her nomination. "It wasn't airing here [on the West Coast] yet, so my mom called me on FaceTime. But they didn't finish all the announcements on TV, so I had to go on-line to see the rest. Thankfully, my name is really long so it stands out! My eyes went to that directly and I couldn't believe it! I was screaming my head off!" For her scenes, Hendrickson submitted the episode in which Chloe learns of her daughter Delia's cancer. "Now, we only get to submit one show. This year, I had this amazing show that had a full arc, everything wrapped up in this sweet little package. I guess the Academy always loves a good cancer story! My biggest competition, I know, is Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth, GENERAL HOSPITAL) because her baby died!"

Naturally, Y&R headwriter Maria Arena Bell is thrilled to see the soap nominated in the Best Drama, directing and writing categories. "I'm very happy for the acting nominees we have -- Genie, Christel [Khalil, Lily] and Lizzie. It's great to see Debbi Morgan (Harmony), Darnell Williams (Sarge) and Missy Egan (Chelsea) all nominated because it honors their work on ALL MY CHILDREN. They so deserve it." Of course, the scribe was disappointed for her colleagues who were not recognized. "There were certain standouts this year that I was surprised weren't nominated," she confesses. "To have a year where you don't see Michelle Stafford (Phyllis) or Peter Bergman (Jack)... [Thomas Scott, Nikki] had a brilliant year with the alcoholism with her special show, that we submitted as one of our Best Drama shows. She has never been more brilliant. The list goes on and on of people I wished I'd seen nominated. They tried a new system this year; it got some new names in there. I hope that those actors who I'd hope should have been nominated know that they helped bring to life the nominations we received for show, writing and directing."

While Shelley Hennig (ex-Stephanie) has moved on from DAYS OF OUR LIVES and now stars on The CW's hit drama THE SECRET CIRCLE, she hasn't forgotten her daytime roots. "I woke up to an excited voicemail from the DAYS hair and makeup room," she says. "What a nice surprise! DAYS was my first TV family, and this nomination reminds me of that. I'm also in great company with my friends Molly Burnett (Melanie), Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (Steffy, B&B) and Christel Khalil (Lily, Y&R). So happy for the all the DAYS nominations as well!"

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has announced the nominations for the 39th Annual Daytime Entertainment Emmy Awards. Without further ado, those competing for the gold statuette this year are...

OUTSTANDING DRAMA
ALL MY CHILDREN
DAYS OF OUR LIVES
GENERAL HOSPITAL
THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS

LEAD ACTRESS
Crystal Chappell (ex-Carly, DAYS)
Debbi Morgan (Angie, AMC)
Erika Slezak (Viki, OLTL)
Heather Tom (Katie, THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL)
Laura Wright (Carly, GH)

LEAD ACTOR
Maurice Benard (Sonny, GH)
Anthony Geary (Luke, GH)
John McCook (Eric, B&B)
Darnell Williams (Jesse, AMC)
Robert S. Woods (Bo, OLTL)

Read more after the jump!

The 33rd Annual Young Artist Awards were given out to Hollywood's up-and-comers this past weekend, and several daytimers were recognized! THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS' Robbie Tucker (Fen) tied ALL MY CHILDREN's Tate Berney (AJ) for Best Performance In A Daytime TV Series in the 12 And Under category, while ONE LIFE TO LIVE rivals Andrew Trischitta (Jack) and Austin Williams (Shane) tied in the category's older group.

GENERAL HOSPITAL's Haley Pullos (Molly) took home two awards! She was named the winner in the Guest Starring Young Actress 11-13 category for her appearance on HOUSE, as well as for the Best Performance In A Daytime TV Series. ALL MY CHILDREN's Danielle Parker (Emma) won for the same title in the 10 And Under category.

AMC alum Emily Alyn Lind (Emma) won the Best Performance In A TV Series by a Recurring Young Actress 10 And Under for her role on REVENGE, while Y&R grad Erin Sanders (ex-Eden) was named in the Recurring Actress 17-21 category for her part on Nickelodeon's BIG TIME RUSH.

Although the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences was due to reveal the nominees for the Daytime Emmy Awards today, the announcement has been postponed until Wednesday, May 9. According to a report from Broadcasting & Cable, NATAS is hammering out details for cable channel HLN (formerly known as CNN Headline News) to telecast the ceremony and AOL to be the social media partner for the show, and has put off the nominations announcement in order to secure the deals. In recent years, HLN has morphed from an all-news cable station to include pop culture events and opinion programming as well. The Daytime Emmy Awards are set to take place on Saturday, June 23, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, CA.

*** VOTING FOR THIS ROUND HAS CLOSED ***

Once again, it's time to express your opinions for our Readers' Poll. In the comments section for this article, please respond to the question, and feel free to explain your answer, but remember that any comments here may be considered for publication in the magazine. Any extra comments you have that have nothing to do with this week's poll question should be directed to the Message Boards section of our Web site!

THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL: Do you see potential in a Bill and Taylor pairing?

THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS: Do you prefer Neil with Sofia or Harmony?

Please note that the cut-off date for your votes to be counted will be Thursday, April 26. And please, only one vote per person!

To vote on your favorite actor, actress and couple currently appearing on a CBS soap, please mail your choices to:

CBS Readers' Poll
c/o Soaps In Depth
270 Sylvan Ave.
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632

Multiple mail-in votes during the same voting period will not be counted, so don't waste our time, your time, or the postage!

VOTES FOR ACTORS, ACTRESSES AND COUPLES CAST IN THE COMMENTS TO THIS ARTICLE WILL NOT BE COUNTED.

Are you ready for romance? THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS' Eyal Podell (ex-Adrian) is poised to deliver in the Hallmark Movie Channel Original, Lake Effects, airing this Sunday! "It's a nice little touching story about this family that loses their father and about returning home for the right reasons," he explains.

The film stars Scottie Thompson as Sara who returns to the small community of Smith Mountain Lake following the death of her father and must reconcile with the family -- including her mother, played by Jane Seymour, and high school boyfriend, Podell's Tyler -- that she'd left behind. "Scottie was great. We had a fantastic time," he shares. "She is really smart and so easy to look at. She is just a really cool girl."

Viewers can expect to experience tears, laughter, love, and even a mysterious lake monster in this film that the real-life mountain's locals contributed to. "There were lot of really cool, grassroots efforts made, and it was a movie unlike any other I've ever done," Podell says. The film also features Y&R's Sean Patrick Flannery (ex-Sam). Tune in to the Hallmark Movie Channel on Sunday, May 6, at 8 p.m. ET for the debut of Lake Effects.

But the Hallmark movie isn't your only chance to catch Podell on your television this month. He'll also appear as The Passenger on the two-hour season finale of NCIS: LOS ANGELES, airing Tuesday, May 15, on CBS! For more about Podell's post-soap career, check out his Keeping Track feature in the issue of Soaps In Depth on sale until Monday, May 7!

Paul's daughter is coming back to Genoa City! THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS has cast AS THE WORLD TURNS fan favorite Jennifer Landon (Gwen) in the role most recently played by Eden Riegel. During her 2005-'08 tenure at ATWT, Landon -- the daughter of the late TV icon Michael Landon -- won three back-to-back Emmy Awards in the Outstanding Younger Actress category. She returned to the soap in 2010 as ATWT was coming to an end.

Heather left town last year with her career and reputation in tatters after Restless Style posted photos -- taken by her own brother, Ricky -- of her drunken hook-up with Adam. According to TV Guide, which first broke the news, Landon reports to the Y&R set tomorrow and will make her debut on Thursday, June 7.

In honor of her 30th Anniversary on THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS, Kate Linder (Esther) will be a guest on talk radio host Mark Isler's show this Saturday, May 5! The actress will be joined by her longtime friend, Highlight Hollywood editor-in-chief Tommy Lightfoot Garrett.

The Mark Isler Show airs every Saturday night on 870 AM KRLA from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. PT. Fans can call (866) 867-KRLA to ask Linder questions during her appearance. If you do not live in the L.A. area to listen to the show on your radio, you can log on to www.krla870.com and click on "Listen Live" to tune in!

Director Michael Damian (Danny, THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS) and his producer wife, Janine Damian, have done it again! The latest release from their production company, Riviera Films, is Flicka: Country Pride, the third movie in the heartwarming series based on Mary O'Hara's classic novel, My Friend Flicka.

"It stars [country music sensation] Clint Black, his lovely wife, Lisa Hartman Black (KNOTS LANDING), and their [11-year-old] daughter, Lily Pearl Black -- we've got their whole family in the film!" enthuses Damian. The good news for fans of the franchise? The tale picks up where Flicka 2 (also directed by Damian) left off. "It follows Toby, the ranch hand in the last story, and this is the journey taking him and the horses, including Flicka, to another place for a few months while the ranch is being rebuilt after a fire," Damian explains.

Look for the cowboy to cross paths with the owner's daughter, an aspiring Equestrian rider with designs on breaking Flicka for an upcoming competition despite her mother's disapproval. However, things get dicey when a rival trainer attempts to steal business and it looks like the stable might have to be sold. Can Toby turn things around in time? Find out on Tuesday, May 1, when the movie releases on Blu-ray and DVD exclusively at Walmart, Walmart.com, and Sam's Club.

We smell big trouble ahead for THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS' Phyllis! TV Guide is reporting that Aaron Lustig is returning to the soap as Dr. Tim Reid, her marriage counsellor-turned-bed partner whom she blackmailed with a sex tape back in the '90s. Dr. Reid returns to the scene when the Genoa City P.D. reopens the cold case file from when Phyllis attempted to kill Christine in a hit-and-run. Ricky will reportedly track down the psychiatrist during his investigation of Phyllis' sordid past.

Lustig was last seen on Y&R in 1997, but played Dr. Reid on sister soap THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL for a stint in 2002. Since his soap days, the actor/director has been quite busy working in feature films like The Rum Diary, Due Date, and the new romantic comedy The Five-Year Engagement, as well as TV shows like BOSTON LEGAL, NCIS, CHUCK and DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, where he had a multi-episode arc last year as Susan's transplant coordinator. According to TV Guide, Lustig reports to the Y&R studio this week for what is currently set as a six-episode run that will begin airing on Wednesday, May 30.

Starting this week, there's a new -- and older -- Kyle Jenkins Abbott on THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS. Daytime newcomer Blake Hood debuts on Friday, April 27, as the son of Jack and the late Diane. Watch for Kyle to be less than pleased that his father is re-developing a relationship with his ex-wife Nikki, who killed his mother in self-defense.

"Peter's the best," Hood says of his TV dad, Peter Bergman (Jack). "He cares so much about being good - not just himself, but collectively. He's been here for 20 plus years, but he still comes in every day and asks, 'How can I make this the best it can be?'"

What's Kyle's agenda when he returns home? "He's come back to be close to his dad and move on with his life," Hood says. "He wants to live a happy full life and he just happens to have stepped into this situation where the woman who killed his mother is still here."

Hood's previous credits include a recurring role as Mark Driscoll on the 90210 reboot, Easy A, and a February appearance on the CBS sitcom 2 BROKE GIRLS. Unlike Kevin Schmidt (Noah), Hood says he won't be coming and going from the show in order to do other projects. "I'm here," he insists. "I've been here every day this week. I'm busy here. There's not much time for anything else."

If going on a tour of THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS set with Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki) as your personal guide has always been your dream, then this could be your chance to have it come true! Charity Buzz, the leading charity auction site, is offering a once-in-a-lifetime, behind-the-scenes look at how this top soap opera comes together every day. The winner and a guest will be treated to a two-hour tour of the Y&R set at the CBS Television Studio in Hollywood, watching the cast and crew tape an episode. Proceeds from this auction will benefit The RFK Center for Justice and Human Rights. For more details on the Y&R auction, or to make a bid, visit www.charitybuzz.com.

*** VOTING HAS CLOSED FOR THIS ROUND ***

Once again, it's time to express your opinions for our Readers' Poll. In the comments section for this article, please respond to the question, and feel free to explain your answer, but remember that any comments here may be considered for publication in the magazine. Any extra comments you have that have nothing to do with this week's poll question should be directed to the Message Boards section of our Web site!

THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL: Which underused character do you want to see more of?

THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS: Would you rather see Nikki with Victor or Jack?

Please note that the cut-off date for your votes to be counted will be Thursday, April 26. And please, only one vote per person!

To vote on your favorite actor, actress and couple currently appearing on a CBS soap, please mail your choices to:

CBS Readers' Poll
c/o Soaps In Depth
270 Sylvan Ave.
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632

Multiple mail-in votes during the same voting period will not be counted, so don't waste our time, your time, or the postage!

VOTES FOR ACTORS, ACTRESSES AND COUPLES CAST IN THE COMMENTS TO THIS ARTICLE WILL NOT BE COUNTED.

Soaps In Depth editor Michael Maloney, along with Lee Phillip Bell, has written an authorized biography of Bell's late husband, THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS and THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL creator William J. Bell. The Young and Restless Life Of William J. Bell is set to hit bookstores on June 1 and is available for pre-order now on Amazon.com.

The book details the Chicago native's pre-soap opera life as an advertising executive in the era just before MAD MEN to his unparalleled career as television's most prolific writer. Bell not only is the mastermind behind the two surviving CBS soaps, but he also wrote for suders GUIDING LIGHT, AS THE WORLD TURNS (for nine years), and ANOTHER WORLD, which he co-created along with his mentor, soap opera legend Irna Phillips. In 1966, Bell left Phillips and took over as headwriter of DAYS OF OUR LIVES, saving the show from cancelation.

The Young And Restless Life Of William J. Bell offers insights into Bill's creative process -- how he felt about recasting, publicity, spoilers, sweeps, stunt casting and, of course, storytelling! The tome contains backstage dish and never-before-seen photos from the Bell family's personal albums. Lee's successful career as a broadcast journalist in the days of live television in Chicago is also covered, and the book contains information from the "bibles" for AW, Y&R and B&B that any soap fan will want to read!

Over 65 people -- including family members, actors, writers, producers, network executives and other notables from the soap opera world -- were interviewed for this book that every soap fan will want to have! So pre-order your copy today!

It's time for the rumor of the day! The latest buzz making the rounds on the Internet is that Kimberlin Brown will be bringing the character of Sheila back to THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL later this month. (Yes, yes. We know that Sheila had reconstructive plastic surgery to look like THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS' Phyllis a few years back and was killed.) Wikipedia even has Brown's first air date listed as Friday, April 27! Alas, a spokesperson for B&B tells Soaps In Depth that Wikipedia is incorrect! But whether or not Sheila may rise from the dead at some point in the future... well, that is anyone's guess!

While THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS is SORAS-ing its kids into sexy teenagers, the soap has also beefed up its younger cast by bringing Noah Newman back to Genoa City! Kevin Schmidt just posted this photo taken at the Y&R set today on Twitter and posted: "Guess who's back, ba da ba, back again, ba da ba, "Noah's" back, ba da ba, retweet your friends!" As to what Noah might be getting up to once he returns from The Big Apple, you'll just have to tune in to find out!

Kyle isn't the only Genoa City youngster who will be hit with a case of SORAS this summer: THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS is aging the characters of Summer and Fen, as well, meaning that cuties Samantha Bailey and Robbie Tucker will be leaving the soap.

Y&R has issued casting calls for 18-year-old actors who can play 15 or 16, and will begin auditions for the recurring roles next week. Phyllis and Nick's daughter is being described as fiesty and fun budding beauty, who is a typical teenager, while Michael and Lauren's son is an all-American good kid who is returning from boarding school and having some issues adjusting to life back home.

Restless Style is going to have some competition when The Huffington Post's Karla Cavalli appears on THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS as Bev, a tabloid reporter who locks horns with Phyllis. The actress and hostess will be in episodes on Monday, April 16, and Tuesday, April 17. (And then we would assume that Phyllis makes mincemeat of her and sends her scrambling away with her tail between her legs!)

THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS' Christel Khalil (Lily) will guest star on NCIS: LOS ANGELES tomorrow night, Tuesday, April 10! Khalil has a small role in the episode, which she was able to film on a day off from Y&R!

In "Patriot Acts," when a former Marine is suspected of creating a chemical bomb, the NCIS: LA team joins forces with the FBI's domestic terrorist task force. Khalil appears as a young woman who gets into a fender-bender. "I drove the car, [but] a stunt driver crashed it," she tell Soaps In Depth. Tune in at 9 p.m. ET on CBS!

*** VOTING HAS CLOSED FOR THIS ROUND ***

Once again, it's time to express your opinions for our Readers' Poll. In the comments section for this article, please respond to the question, and feel free to explain your answer, but remember that any comments here may be considered for publication in the magazine. Any extra comments you have that have nothing to do with this week's poll question should be directed to the Message Boards section of our Web site!

THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL: Is Caroline a better match with Rick or Thomas?

THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS: Would you like Victor and Genevieve as a couple?

Please note that the cut-off date for your votes to be counted will be Thursday, April 12. And please, only one vote per person!

To vote on your favorite actor, actress and couple currently appearing on a CBS soap, please mail your choices to:

CBS Readers' Poll
c/o Soaps In Depth
270 Sylvan Ave.
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632

Multiple mail-in votes during the same voting period will not be counted, so don't waste our time, your time, or the postage!

VOTES FOR ACTORS, ACTRESSES AND COUPLES CAST IN THE COMMENTS TO THIS ARTICLE WILL NOT BE COUNTED.

THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS' Sean Kanan (ex-Deacon) is finding out first hand what it means to have a woman who challenges you. His fiancée, producer Michele Vega, explains. "When I first met Sean, we were talking about his career and discussing what he'd not yet done. He laughed and said, 'Yeah, I've never done a rap video -- and I could never see myself doing one either,'" she recalls of the impetus for offering up her dare. "So we just jumped on it." After rounding up original music by JR Oliney and lyrics by Darrell Johnson, the joke was suddenly a reality!

Of course, everything feels less crazy when shared with friends, so Kanan enlisted a few of his favorites. Joining him on the hilarious music video, aptly titled "I'm A Soap Star," are THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL's Ronn Moss (Ridge) and Kim Matula (Hope), DAYS OF FOUR LIVES' Patrika Darbo (ex-Nancy), Y&R's Joshua Morrow (Nick), Scott L. Schwartz (who played Bruiser in Oceans Eleven and the sequels), Betsy Russell (from the series of Saw movies) and former pro skater Pancho Moler. "We are all in white track suits with big necklaces, then there's another shot where we are dressed like [Latin gangsters] cholos," Kanan grins. "Wait 'til you see Ronn Moss rapping in this. It's hysterical!"

Now in post-production, the video is set to hit YouTube soon (we'll keep you posted). However, Kanan was good enough to offer Soaps In Depth, and fans, this sneak peek! Check it out below!

Rumors that Jess Walton (Jill) will be leaving THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS are technically true. But the whole truth according to a rep for the actress is that she will be taking a 6 month leave of absence because her son and his wife are having a baby. Walton will return to the soap when her "grandma-ternity leave" is up.

"I am very excited to have the time off, as I have been working on daytime TV for about 29 years straight!" the actress told her Facebook followers. "I wanted to be there for my son Cole and his lovely Ashley, for the birth of their son, and the precious time that follows. Also, my husband John and I want to put our new home in order for the country life we have planned up in Oregon. Maria Bell was very understanding of all this, and kindly gave me the time I need!"

Her final tape date is Tuesday, April 3, so look for Jill to exit the canvas temporarily in early May. And could her departure have something to do with the return of Tristan Rogers' Colin around the same time? It's a safe bet, but be sure to tune in to find out!

The nominees for the 33rd annual Young Artist Awards have been announced, and are full of plenty of daytime talent!

Best Performance In A Daytime TV Series: Young Actor
Aramis Knight (Young Sonny, GENERAL HOSPITAL)
Garrett Ryan (ex-Kyle, THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS)
Aaron Sanders (ex-Morgan, GH)
Andrew Trischitta (Jack, ONE LIFE TO LIVE)
Austin Williams (Shane, OLTL)

Best Performance In A Daytime TV Series: Young Actor 12 and Under
Tate Berney (AJ, ALL MY CHILDREN)
Robbie Tucker (Fenmore, Y&R)
Jake Vaughn (Spike, AMC)

Best Performance In A Daytime TV Series: Young Actress
Lexi Ainsworth (ex-Kristina, GH)
Haley Pullos (Molly, GH)
Ellery Sprayberry (ex-Piper, Y&R)

Best Performance In A Daytime Series: Young Actress 10 and Under
Mackenzie Aladjem (Miranda, AMC)
Laura Boles (Ciara, DAYS OF OUR LIVES)
Dannika Liddell (Kathy, AMC)
Danielle Parker (Emma, AMC)

Some of soaps' young actors are also in Best Performance In A TV Series categories for their guest-starring roles in primetime series. Williams is nominated for A GIFTED MAN, Pullos for HOUSE MD and Erin Sanders (ex-Eden, Y&R) and Parker for episodes of CSI: MIAMI. In recurring roles, Sanders is nominated for BIG TIME RUSH, Aladjem for NURSE JACKIE, and Emily Alyn Lind (Emma, AMC) for REVENGE.

The 33rd annual Young Artist Awards will be held on Sunday, May 6, and we'll report the winners as soon as they're announced!

Tristan Rogers has confirmed to Soaps In Depth that he'll be bringing his dastardly THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS alter ego, Colin, back to the soap later this Spring! "This is a two part thing," says the actor, who is due back to the set in early April. "I go back briefly to set the scene and then you don't see me again for quite a while."

A spokesperson for Y&R reminds us that they do not comment on casting rumors.

Not only is Michael Damian (Danny) soon returning to THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS, but he'll be back on the screen with Lauralee Bell's Christine! TV Guide first reported that the two actors -- who played the soap supercouple in the '80s and '90s -- will be back in Genoa City for a major story development in May. Although both actors have made return visits to Y&R on their own, this is the first time in almost eight years that they'll be on the screen at the same time.

According to TV Guide, Bell will first air on Thursday, May 17, with Damian arriving in town the following day as the soap revisits the hit-and-run accident in which crazy Phyllis tried to kill Christine. "It's official! I will be on in May doing some shows with Lauralee and Michelle [Stafford, Phyllis] and [Michael Graziadei's] Daniel," Damian tells Soaps In Depth. "I shoot in April but don't have a script as of yet."

TV Guide's Michael Logan is reporting that the Daytime Emmy Awards are expected to take place on Saturday, June 23, in Beverly Hills, CA. But whether the ceremony is televised or available for viewing on a live Internet stream -- or not at all -- has yet to be determined. The nominations will be announced on Friday, May 4.

UPDATE: An Emmy spokesman tells Soaps In Depth that an official announcement regarding this year's awards will be forthcoming, and that the TV Guide report "actually contains an inaccuracy. Stay tuned!"

At this past weekend's Soap Opera Festival in Atlantic City, NJ, featuring THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS stars, attendees got a juicy piece of casting news during the Q&A: Michelle Stafford (Phyllis) revealed that Michael Damian is returning to the soap! The actor/singer/producer played the role of rock star Danny Romalotti from 1980-'98, and has made sporadic appearances ever since. His most recent return to Genoa City was in March 2008 for the Restless Style launch party, after which he took his son, Daniel, on the road with him to serve as the official photographer for his concert tour. Damian appeared again that November for the funeral of Danny's step-mother, Katherine. (Even though it was actually her doppleganger, Marge, who was dead.)

There's no official word yet from Y&R regarding Damian's return, but sources tell Soaps In Depth that the show had been trying to work out a deal with the star for a while now. Could they have finally succeeded?

*** VOTING HAS CLOSED FOR THIS ROUND ***

Once again, it's time to express your opinions for our Readers' Poll. In the comments section for this article, please respond to the question, and feel free to explain your answer, but remember that any comments here may be considered for publication in the magazine. Any extra comments you have that have nothing to do with this week's poll question should be directed to the Message Boards section of our Web site!

THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL: Can Liam and Hope live happily ever after?

THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS: Would you like to see Nick and Sharon reunite?

Please note that the cut-off date for your votes to be counted will be Thursday, March 29. And please, only one vote per person!

To vote on your favorite actor, actress and couple currently appearing on a CBS soap, please mail your choices to:

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Rebecca Staab (ex-April, THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS, Jessie, GUIDING LIGHT; Elizabeth, PORT CHARLES; Cecelia, LOVING) filmed an episode of the hit FOX musical dramedy GLEE this week! "No singing. Just walkin' and talkin' and flirting with Puck while in a bikini," Staab tells Soaps In Depth. "Cougar stuff."

Staab will appear in the episode titled "Choke" later this season. "My scene is breif, but it's difficult to get on this show, so I'm thrilled.

Sean Kanan (ex-Deacon, THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS) makes a guest appearance on tonight's episode of HAPPILY DIVORCED, airing on TV Land at 10:30 p.m. ET.

In the episode, Kanan plays Keith, a leather jacket-wearing, motorcycle shop owner whom Peter has a crush on. When Peter's former father-in-law, Glen, plays wingman, will there be a love match made between the two? Tune in and find out! And to read what Kanan told Soaps In Depth about working on the hit sitcom, check this out!

On the Sunday, April 1, episode of DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, Eva Longoria's Gabi takes on a new job as a personal shopper now that hubby Carlos has quit his big-bucks corporate position in order to become a substance abuse counselor... and THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS' Sean Kanan (ex-Deacon) will be playing one of her clients!

"Gabi's working as a stylist for wealthy people, and I'm a client that she flirts with," Kanan tells Soaps In Depth. "And Carlos is forced to watch." Although he only appears in one scene, the gig did reunite Kanan with fellow Y&R alum Longoria (who played Paul's loco wife, Isabella). "It was great because I've known Eva forever."

Kanan will appear in the "With So Little To Be Sure Of" episode of DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, airing Sunday, April 1, at 9 p.m. ET.

It looks that SORAS Academy has a new graduate! Blake Hood has been cast as the new Kyle Jenkins Abbott on THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS! The actor, who played the villainous Mark Driscoll on season two of the CW's 90210, will be taking over the role when Kyle returns from boarding school as an adult. Hood will debut in the Friday, April 27, episode, and while Jack might be happy to see his son again, will Kyle feel the same way?

On Friday, March 23, THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS' Diana DeGarmo (Angelina) will debut an original song that she co-wrote with her live-in beau, fellow AMERICAN IDOL contestant Ace Young! Angelina will first sing the country ballad "The Good Goodbye" on that day's episode, and the tune will continue to be heard on several additional shows.

Check out this behind-the-scenes clip for more!