Nelson Branco's Soap Opera Uncensored: Issue 41 Read online

back from the dead! But would Sony want that headache again? I’d bring her back for the sake of the story and the ratings, but CBS may not want to upset the cast over bringing on the polarizing diva.

  I’m hearing CBS/Sony isn’t crazy about Elizabeth Hendrickson, Greg Rikaart, Michael Graziadei, Jessica Heap, and Blake Hood, either, but this young-ish group may be hard to get rid if Y&R is serious about building a new generation.

  The actors possibly moving to the backburner are mostly vets like Eric Braeden, Jeanne Cooper, Peter Bergman, Melody Thomas Scott, Doug Davidson and Tracey Bregman.

  Lane fans will be happy because the higher-ups are content with Daniel Goddard and Christel Khalil, “who serve their purpose in their own way but not a big one.”

  Michelle Stafford will more than likely not steal all the airtime, either. Expect a more balanced cast with Griffith in charge.

  So what kind of team will JFP and Griffith make?

  Many are understandably worried because JFP almost drove GH to an early grave before Ron Carlivati and Frank Valentini saved ABC’s lone soap.

  But apparently, JFP’s time on HOLLYWOOD HEIGHTS humbled her. “Nick At Nite called the shots and Jill wasn’t used to that. She actually had to work in the control booth. I think that’s why she was so emotional when she picked up her last Emmy for producing GH because she realized how tough it is outside of daytime. But we’ll see how long her new attitude lasts.”

  Regardless, sources say Sony wants people in charge of Y&R who will do what they want: backburner the old people, strengthening the core cast, and get rid of the newbies.

  “The DALLAS reboot is what Sony is thinking,” says a source.

  Meanwhile, Griffith assures UNCENSORED that “Jill will be great.”

  A GH crewmember agrees, telling UNCENSORED, “From what I understand there  has been a lot of turmoil at Y&R for years (I guess they really are restless). I think Jill is great at healing. And I think a new vision, someone coming from outside may be just what they need!”

  She better since she can’t balance a budget any better than Maria. Nor can she help but hire her pals on her shows like MAB, too.

  An actress is keeping positive, telling me over the weekend, “I believe this show is now in the best hands it has been in since Bill Bell. It’s got a shot at making ratings history and having another long, long run on CBS. That’s a very rare position to be in., not difficult, just rare.”