Back in 1990 when I started at Soap Opera Digest, the daytime landscape looked very different. Actors typically signed three-year contracts, and crossovers only happened between “sister” soaps, like The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful or All My Children and One Life to Live. The genre operated in much more rigid lanes.

Over the years, though, soaps have become far more flexible, and I’d argue that’s been a very good thing. Actors now return for short visits, like Days of our Lives favorites Melissa Reeves (Jennifer) and Matthew Ashford (Jack), or take on limited-run roles, as Erika Slezak did last year when she appeared on General Hospital as Ronnie.

We’ve also seen actors successfully juggle roles on multiple soaps. Wally Kurth is probably the gold standard, moving seamlessly between Justin on Days and Ned on GH for more than a decade. But he’s hardly alone. Stacy Haiduk can still be seen as Kristen/Susan on DAYS while also playing Patty on Y&R, and Greg Rikaart has returned to Y&R as Kevin during his run as Days’s Leo.

I think this evolution has been a welcome one. It gives actors more opportunity, keeps familiar faces in play across the soap landscape, and makes the genre feel more interconnected.

Now comes the news that Lauren Koslow (Kate, Days) will temporarily step in for Jess Walton as Y&R’s Jill. It’s the kind of casting move that would have felt almost unthinkable 15 or 20 years ago, and yet now feels like another great example of how the rules of daytime have loosened.

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As I first reported exclusively on tvinsider.com, Lauren Koslow (Kate, Days) will temporarily fill in as Jill Abbott on The Young and the Restless beginning Thursday, June 25. A scheduling conflict prevented Jill’s portrayer, Jess Walton — who lives in Oregon — from returning to Los Angeles to film.

Koslow is no stranger to Genoa City. She began her soap career there playing Lindsey Wells from 1984-86. It’s also where she met her husband, makeup artist Nick Schillace, whom she married in 1987. The couple later welcomed two children, Zachariah and Millikate.

This temporary assignment will not impact Lauren’s appearances on Days, where she is still busy filming as Kate, and the powers-that-be at Y&R appreciate that she is able to pinch-hit for Jess. “We’re extremely grateful to Lauren Koslow for returning to her Y&R roots and temporarily stepping into the role of Jill,” said Executive Producer Sally McDonald and Head Writer Josh Griffith in a joint statement. “We want to extend our sincere thanks to [executive producer] Ken Corday and [co-executive producer] Noel Maxam at Days of our Lives and Peacock. Their support embodies the collaborative spirit of the daytime television community.”

The duo also assured fans that Jess will be back down the road. “Jess Walton is an enduring cornerstone of Y&R. We look forward to welcoming her back to Genoa City as her schedule permits and celebrating her extraordinary 40th anniversary as the iconic Jill Abbott,” they added.

A spokesperson for Days says, “Days is happy to be able to share Lauren with Y&R, and this does not affect her status with the show in any way.”

Josh Griffith is stepping down as executive producer of Y&R to focus exclusively on his duties as the show’s head writer. Sally McDonald, who served as co-executive producer alongside Griffith since 2025, will now take over as the soap’s sole EP.

If you’re a soap fan in the Los Angeles area on May 20th, head to The Grove for a special, star-studded event. Y&R’s Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea), Mark Grossman (Adam), Michael Graziadei (Daniel) and Elizabeth Hendrickson (Chloe) will do a dramatic reading of She Wrote, He Wrote: A New York Love Story, written by Ashley Wren Collins and Jordan Rockwell, and directed by Emmy-winning director Fritz Brekeller. A Q&A session will follow the performance. Advance tickets are available here.

Toronto, Canada is the place to be on Sunday, May 31 for Kate Linder & Friends Annual Charity Tea benefiting Million Dollar Smiles. Y&R’s Kate (Esther) will be joined by co-stars Christian J. LeBlanc (Michael), Bryton James (Devon), Sean Dominic (Nate) and Michael Graziadei (Daniel), along with local anchor Candace Daniel for a Q&A, live auction and autograph session. Highlights of the live auction include a Y&R set tour hosted by Kate and a framed print painted by Christian. For more information and ticket details, go here.

Rachel Boyd will air on Days as Sophia on Monday, May 11.

Thaao Penghlis will log more time as Days’s Tony on Monday, May 11.

Jennifer Gareis will be back as B&B’s Donna on Monday, May 11 and Tuesday, May 12.

Daniel Sean Smith plays Jesse, a Forrester employee, on Tuesday, May 12.

Delon de Metz will appear again as Zende on Friday, May 15.

Newsletter-exclusive highlights from my recent interviews

I recently spoke to Sydney Bullock about the twist that B&B’s Dylan and Remy [Christian Weissmann] are cousins and I had one burning question — did she know her character’s real first name was Melissa/Missy? The answer is no. “I had no idea; it was a total surprise,” she told me. “I read through that, like, five times, because I was like, ‘What do you mean my name’s Melissa and I go by Missy?’ I was so confused. It’s such a funny little thing they put in there, that Dylan goes by a nickname, and I like it.”

Sydney says she’s been having a great time on the soap and can’t believe how much she’s gotten to do in just a few months. “I was sending photos to one of my friends back home [in Kentucky],” she added. “She said, ‘I want to see what Dylan’s been up to,’ and it was a month of stills and photos. There were photos in the Dumpster, and then she’s kissing Will, and then Ivy’s breaking into her room and she’s showering and she’s dancing and now she’s wearing pearls at Forrester. There’s so much that has happened, so I was like, ‘Wow,’ going through everything Dylan’s done.”

As for what’s next for her character, Sydney teased, “We’ve been filming the past few weeks and coming up on the summer storylines. It’s getting really good. I’m very excited. We’ve got twists and turns. Dylan is really working hard to get her life back on track. She’s going to go above and beyond to prove her friendship to Electra [Laneya Grace] and to make sure her work and her life and everything is put back together. Naturally, that may or may not be spiraling out of control again. Dylan, I think, likes to indulge in some messiness, so we might see that come again, but it’ll ebb and flow.”

Beyond the Gates: I really liked the scenes where Joey remembered his sister, Heather — they added an emotional depth that made him feel far more human and layered. Jon Lindstrom is doing a terrific job giving the character a lot more nuance…. And I love how Hayley seems convinced she’s in the clear where Lynette is concerned, while practically everyone around her is quietly starting to put the pieces together…. Ashley secretly helping Grayson after his stabbing is a classic soap trope: caretaking that turns into romance.

The Bold and the Beautiful: I think it’s an interesting twist to connect Dylan and Remy and I’m definitely curious to see where that storyline leads…. Why would Hope and Brooke believe Brooke should be running Forrester alongside Ridge? It’s a family company, and despite all she’s done for the company, Brooke’s connection to the Forrester comes through marriage, so that expectation feels a little entitled…. That the show manages to find fresh ways for Steffy and Hope to clash after all these years is a testament to the writing team — the rivalry continues to evolve without feeling completely repetitive.

Days of our Lives: The performances from Leo Howard (Tate), Ashley Puzemis (Holly) and Vico Escorcia (Ari), not to mention She Ne Nielson (Amy), in the wake of Sophia’s suicide have been terrific. The Amy/Johnny scenes in the hospital were especially strong.… Philip bringing up Tyler Kiriakis (his bio son with Mimi, whom Steve and Kayla affectionally named Pocket) for the first time since 2007 has to mean something, no? That feels far too specific to be a throwaway reference.… Nice callback to the Julie and Susan story from 1967-1970 during Julie’s conversation with Stephanie, although it really made me wonder: why no flashbacks?! … Seeing Tony and Anna back for the reading of Stefano’s will was such a treat. More of them, please!

General Hospital: What a week on GH! The Carly/Brennan showdown was everything I’d hoped for and more. Laura Wright was absolutely masterful as Carly finally confronted Jack, revealed that she’s known for months that Josslyn was WSB and ended their relationship. Speaking of Josslyn, her fight scenes with Cassius were incredibly intense…. I was on the edge of my seat waiting for Liz to drop the bomb on Dante that she suspects Rocco shot Cullum…. And then to top it off, the Nina/Valentin/Jack material was downright explosive. Nina stabbing Jack with the same drug Willow has been using on Drew was such a smart, shocking twist.

Young and Restless: Once again, I have to praise Joshua Morrow for his performances. The scenes where Nick told Nikki, and then Victoria, about his drug problem are exactly why I watch soaps: grounded, believable, emotionally honest family drama that feels true to life…. I’m already picking up on a connection between Phyllis and “Missing Memory Matt,” and I have to admit, I’m intrigued by it…. I’ve really enjoyed seeing Tracey E. Bregman and Christian J. LeBlanc working more as Lauren and Michael help out Phyllis; those characters always being a warmth and history to the canvas.

MONDAY, MAY 11

Beyond the Gates: Anita hits a milestone; Nicole makes a stunning admission to Dani; Ted clashes with Leslie over Shanice; and Derek apologizes to Ashley.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Donna urges Katie to put family before business; Liam is concerned Hope is second-guessing her future; and Brooke makes Ridge an offer he can’t refuse.

Days of our Lives: Lexie crashes the reading of Stefano’s will; Tony makes Gabi an unexpected offer; Kristen sees Sophia; and EJ questions Cat.

General Hospital: Nina warns Willow; Lulu is in the hot seat; Elizabeth puts the pieces together; and Ethan and Ava clash.

The Young and the Restless: Victor recruits Christine in his plot against Phyllis; Nick struggles with sobriety; and Noah launches a defense against Matt Clark.

TUESDAY, MAY 12

Beyond the Gates: Joey confronts Smitty; Bill gets an unwelcome blast form the past; Naomi’s news hits close to home for Ashley; and Nicole reconnects with Carlton.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Ridge catches Steffy off guard, and Hope sees a different side of Brooke.

Days of our Lives: Belle asks Marlena for advice; Holly lashes out at Tate; Brady and Sarah comfort each other; Philip comes through for Gabi; and Ari opens up to Liam.

General Hospital: Lulu seeks out Britt; Rocco clashes with Danny and Charlotte; Curtis takes on a mission; and Dante has words with “Nathan”.

The Young and the Restless: Nikki makes a shocking confession to Jack; Cane takes a big step with Lily; and Patty pleads her case to Billy.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13

Beyond the Gates: Chelsea deals with a crisis head on with Dani, Kate, Bill and Naomi’s help; Eva and Izaiah say something they can’t take back; and Vanessa advises a friend.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Steffy’s reaction leaves Ridge with more doubts than answers, and Brooke and Hope create a path forward.

Days of our Lives: Steve pays Alex a visit; EJ pulls a fast one on Gwen; and Marlena offers Paulina support.

General Hospital: Ethan issues an invitation to Kristina; Michael lets Jacinda in on his plan; Willow meets with Sidwell; and Curtis worries about Jordan.

The Young and the Restless: Victor leads the manhunt for Matt Clark; Adam questions Nick’s recovery; and Devon worries about Lily’s decision making.

THURSDAY, MAY 14

Beyond the Gates: Anita and Vernon discuss what’s next with Dr. Bauer; The Belleclaires battle Nicole and bully Samantha; Joey steps in it with Vanessa; and Mona’s words affect Randy.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Dylan is given a new job opportunity at Forrester Creations, and Brooke’s power play concerns Bill and Katie.

Days of our Lives: Johnny and Chanel lean on each other; Shawn moves into Jada’s; Gabi presses Ari about her relationship with Liam; and Amy confronts Holly.

General Hospital: Britt weighs her options; Tracy is outraged; Laura explains her actions; Carly has questions for Nina; and Dante has a tough conversation.

The Young and the Restless: Victor gives Nick some tough love; Jack turns the tables on Patty; and Phyllis sets a trap.

FRIDAY, MAY 15

Beyond the Gates: Grayson receives a new life or death deadline; Marcel questions Lia; Ted enlists Monica’s help with Shanice; and Jacob and Smitty realize the plasma ring operation is about to come to an end.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Zende grows frustrated with his role as a designer, and Brooke is hopeful Ridge will make the right decision.

Days of our Lives: EJ wants to explore his past with Cat; Javi opens up to Rafe; Gwen plays hardball with Xander; and Kristen and Chad discuss life and death.

General Hospital: Carly stonewalls Cullum; Elizabeth opens up to Dante; Ric and Alexis come together for Molly; and “Nathan” confides in someone surprising.

The Young and the Restless: Lily catches Cane off guard; Holden and Claire explore new territory; and Nick strikes a dangerous deal.

Check out these recent articles I’ve written for tvinsider.com.