Everyone is still buzzing about last week’s nominations for the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards. The ballot spotlights a strong class of first-time nominees, an impressive showing by Beyond the Gates in its first year of eligibility, and the performances and shows that made the biggest impact on daytime television over the past year.

To celebrate, I sent out a bonus newsletter on Saturday, filled with interviews with nominees including Karla Mosley (Dani, Beyond the Gates), Michelle Stafford (Phyllis, The Young and the Restless), Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter, The Bold and the Beautiful), Mike Manning (Smitty, BTG), Linsey Godfrey (Sarah, Days of our Lives) and many more. If you missed it, you can check it out here! Visit tvinsider.com for additional coverage.

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Kirsten Storms (Maxie, General Hospital), who briefly returned to Port Charles in February after a six-month break, shared a lengthy life update on social media, and debuted a new brunette look.

Kirsten relocated to Tennessee with her 12-year-old daughter, Harper, in 2025. Two months before the move, I spoke with her to mark her 20th anniversary on General Hospital. Reflecting on her career, which began when she was a child, she said, “I love being an actor now, and have a true appreciation for this craft, but back then, it was not what it is to me now.” Looking back on booking 7th Heaven in 1998, she added, “I just remember it being a really great thing because I got a job, which was a good thing.”

Kirsten revisited that chapter of her life in her latest post. “Despite everything that’s been going on in my life right now (…and I will be honest, it’s more than upsetting) - I still feel that the move to Tennessee was the best choice for me,” she wrote. “I might not be at the best part of this choice yet, but LA never felt like my real home. I’m grateful and really f*ing proud of the accomplishments I’ve achieved during my acting career, however my career started before I was out of elementary school. I spent years working nonstop and feeling envious of anyone who lived in “the real world”. I DO NOT MEAN FOR THAT TO BE OFFENSIVE My life in California (and work there) was chosen for me at a young age.”

She also addressed her heath issues. In October 2025, Storms revealed she had a brain aneurysm. “I swear I’m not going to continue to bring up my medical situation (I’ll make jokes and it will be awkward), but until I began to understand how precious time is and how what we prioritize becomes ALL we have, there was never a thought that my life would ever change,” she added. “Definitely not in the way I’ve always wanted it to.”

Of her legal situation with ex-husband Brandon Barash (ex-Johnny, GH et al), Kirsten noted, “I will briefly acknowledge that there is an ongoing situation with Brandon that will be getting sorted out (soon hopefully). I would appreciate (and encourage) for people on here not to worry about me, or think there is something larger going on, other than 2 ex-spouses dealing with a ‘disagreement’, that WILL be resolved.”

Though Maxie has been absent on-screen, it was mentioned that she went on a trip to the Grand Canyon with Spinelli, Georgie and Bailey.

Entertainment Tonight host Nischelle Turner appears as The Bold and the Beautiful’s Sienna on Monday, July 20.

Kacey Leggett, Olga Zhukova and Kayla Ehle return as Forrester models Maddie, Brittany and Michaela on Monday, July 20 on B&B.

Miles Anderson portrays Foster on Days on Tuesday, July 21 .

Delon de Metz will appear as Zende on B&B on Tuesday, July 21.

Jennifer Gareis returns as B&B’s Donna on Thursday, July 23 and Friday, July 24.

Sissy Sheridan is back as Jessica on B&B on Thursday, July 23.

Tina Huang returns as Days of our Lives’s Melinda on Friday, July 24.

Ashley Jones will appear as Beyond the Gates’s Heather this week.

Eileen Davidson is back in action as The Young and the Restless’s Ashley this week.

Easton Winn is temporarily filling for Gary James Fuller in as GH’s James. Fuller revealed in June that he had an accident on his mini bike. “I’m home now, healing up, and already looking forward to getting back to baseball, racing, filming, and all the things I love to do,” he posted.

Grady Eldridge is playing GH’s new A&R music exec, Simon.

Newsletter-exclusive highlights from my recent interviews.

Beyond the Gates’s Arielle Prepetit was happy to finally film the scenes in which Naomi reveals that she tested positive for the BRCA gene six months earlier but falsely told her family that the results were negative.

“I know the fans are all like, ‘When is Naomi gonna tell?’ and I was like, ‘Yeah, when will we finally get to see this happen?’” Arielle shares. “Because so much has happened in between the time she found out and the time she’s telling everybody — the cotillion and Derek getting killed and the tornado — that it never was the right time for her to tell her family about this gene, so what a relief to finally get it out so everybody can finally know. She doesn't have to keep holding on to this secret anymore. I think she had the right reasons for keeping it a secret, and I know she never wants to be a burden to anyone, but so much drama kept happening, she could never just come clean.”

Arielle embraced the emotional weight of the material. “I could literally feel the stress in my chest when I was doing the scenes,” she relays. “The first person Naomi told was Dani, so I got to do those scenes with Karla [Mosley] and there’s just something about acting with Karla — she can just make me cry. I just get so vulnerable and cry with Karla. I don’t know what it is as a person or her as Dani, it just came out and it felt so good to feel that with her. So, I was really glad that that was the first person that Naomi told, and then to tell Jacob, there was just so much that she had to explain, and for him to be as understanding as he was, was really sweet to me. For him to stand by her side even though he has his own thoughts and opinions, I was like, ‘Oh, yeah, that’s the kind of support you need in a marriage. They’re gonna be fine.’ That's how I felt when I read the scene. I was like ‘They’re gonna be fine because he is supporting her choice.’ Because it is ultimately her choice.”

Dean Geyer’s (Tristan, General Hospital) journey to Port Charles took a few unexpected turns before he found his footing as an actor.

“I was a musician to begin with, and I was always super passionate about that world of entertainment,” he told me during a recent interview. “I entered Australian Idol in 2006 where I came third in the competition, and I ended up signing a record contract with Sony BMG. I released an album through Sony, toured Australia and then I was approached by [the Australian soap] Neighbours, and they said, ‘Would you be interested in signing a year contract and joining the show?’ I said to them, ‘Look, I’ve never acted before; at least send me to some acting lessons.’ So, they did, and after a couple of weeks, I decided to join the show. And then I met an American manager at an event and he said, ‘Hey, you’re that actor on Neighbours, right?’ And the way he approached me, I thought, ‘He could be a creep. I don’t know who he is. Let me look him up.’ So I took his card and once I looked him up, he’s one of the heads of one of the biggest management companies in Los Angeles.”

That chance encounter ultimately led Geyer to Hollywood, though success didn’t happen overnight. “I did my first pilot season in 2009 and didn’t book anything, unfortunately. So, I went back to Australia,” he recalls. “I waited for the second pilot season in 2010, didn’t book anything. And then when I went back to Australia for the second time, I put an audition down on tape for a movie called Never Back Down 2 [The Beatdown] and ended up booking the role. The rest is history. I did a chemistry read with none other than Jillian Murray, who is now my wife. So that relationship blossomed on set. It was my first American production. I got a beautiful American girl. And that’s how it really all started. I decided to move to America at the end of 2010.”

Beyond the Gates: I loved the scenes of Kat trying to explain to her therapist mother Nicole why she was ready to move into her own apartment. Good luck getting anything past Nicole…. Dani and Andre having issues makes perfect sense, considering she’s hiding what happened with Bill during the tornado. I also understand why Dani needed to unburden herself to Pamela. She’s been carrying far too much guilt on her shoulders…. Count me among the viewers who were thrilled that Naomi finally told Jacob and the rest of her family about testing positive for the BRCA gene. It may have taken six months to get there, but the emotional payoff made the wait worthwhile…. I’m also really enjoying the story of Deanna having Joey’s number. He seems genuinely rattled, which is a rare look from him, and Vanessa complete obliviousness to her daughter’s intentions adds another compelling layer.

The Bold and the Beautiful: At long last, the show returned to Carter and Daphne’s baby journey, with Daphne learning she’s infertile due to early menopause. It’s an important subject that’s rarely explored on soaps, and it has the potential to generate some compelling drama. I am here for it…. Doesn’t Dylan work at Forrester? Why was she tending bar at Bikini in the middle of a work day? And despite insisting that her friendship with Electra means the world to her, the way she kept gravitating toward Will in every scene suggested otherwise…. So, I’m confused. The Forrester couture line — and the jewelry collection — are still moving forward, so what exactly is driving the conflict between Will and Electra now? “Forresters and Spencers don’t mix”? Poor Kelly! Have Eric and Ridge forgotten that their great-granddaughter and granddaughter is both a Forrester (and Marone) and a Spencer? … I always love seeing John McCook, but Eric ordering Electra to throw Will out of the mansion felt both uncomfortable and, frankly, a little strange. (Is he okay?)

Days of our Lives: Good for Lexie, who told Kristen that EJ was plotting to get rid of her. Forewarned is forearmed! … The revelation that the arsenic poisoning on Smith Island may have caused Chanel’s cancers is an intriguing twist. It also evokes shades of the 1992 storyline with Jack and Abby’s aplastic anemia…. I really enjoyed the scenes of Julie and Marlena discussing Foster. Relationship challenges don’t disappear with age, and the story offers a realistic depiction of moving on after the loss of a spouse, along with the insecurities and emotional hurdles that can accompany a new romance…. Alex can really be a bit of a dope when it comes to Stephanie. Why would he call his wife in front of Joy to tell her he was staying with Joy and Kelsey at the Salem Inn? Next time, find somewhere private to make that call…. I am enjoying the new friction between Sarah and Holly. It’s easy to understand Holly’s frustration with everyone assuming she’s using drugs again.

General Hospital: I got a little choked up when Curtis held his son for the first time. That baby is absolutely adorable! On the other hand, Curtis was kind of a jerk for making Isaiah leave, and dismissing him by saying it was a “private moment.” ... I know I’ve said it before, but Cameron Mathison really deserves a lot of credit for the work he’s done with Drew’s locked-in syndrome storyline. For months, he’s had little more than his eyes to act with, yet he’s consistently conveyed everything Drew was thinking and feeling. I’m glad Drew is finally starting to regain movement. The walls are beginning to close in on Willow…. I also appreciated the scenes between Josslyn and Anna, as they reflected on their shared experience of being held captive, as well as Anna’s subsequent confrontation with Britt. The conversation between Josslyn and Trina was equally strong and long-overdue.

Young and Restless: I loved the John Abbott-centric episode! I feel it had been far too long since the show featured flashbacks of Jerry Douglas, and they added so much emotional weight to the discussion…. Apparently, I’m a sucker for tender Victor moments, because my heart swelled a little when he comforted Nikki as she confided her fears about her current condition…. Speaking of Nikki, I loved her interaction with Jack at the hospital. Their unshakable bond continues to work well, no matter the circumstances…. It was a good callback when Adam referenced his own experience with blindness after seeing Nikki for the first time…. And how great was it when Sally actually overheard Chelsea and Adam talking about Spectra Charles Media? So often on soaps, scenes like that turn out to be a fake-out, with the eavesdropper conveniently missing the crucial part of the conversation…. Claire and Victoria also shared some lovely scenes as they remembered Cole. I am curious to see where the dynamic between Victoria and Kyle is headed.

MONDAY, JULY 20

Beyond the Gates: Kat and Nicole discuss matters of the heart; Ted and Shanice reach a major milestone in their relationship; Bill and Dani clash; and Grayson provides an ear for troubled Tomas.

The Bold and the Beautiful: The Forrester couture line takes center stage; a wave of emotion leaves Eric struggling to keep his composure; and Deacon dares to believe that Sheila may have finally turned over a new leaf.

Days of our Lives: Rafe lends Gabi an ear and a shoulder; Chad and Belle realize all clues point toward Italy; Leo makes a difficult admission to Marlena; and Sarah and Tate confront Holly.

General Hospital: Carly is shaken; Lulu meets with Sonny; Valentin stands his ground; Willow makes an unpleasant realization; and Tracy grants a request.

The Young and the Restless: Jack causes another rift between Victor and Nikki; Adam makes a promise to Sally; and Nick holds Matt Clark accountable for his actions.

TUESDAY, JULY 21

Beyond the Gates: Anita and Vernon learn about Naomi’s health status; Kial gives Eva some much-needed advice; and Elon makes a push to reconcile with Izaiah.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Eric gets caught in the crosshairs of Will and R.J.’s feud.

Days of our Lives: Kristen proposes an escape plan to Lexie; Eli and Lani celebrate their anniversary; and Foster apologizes to Julie.

General Hospital: Carly keeps a secret from Valentin; Sonny gets encouraging news; Anna returns to work; Dante’s suggestion takes Lulu aback; and Britt and Tristan meet again.

The Young and the Restless: Diane helps Jack on his road to recovery; Kyle and Victoria trade secrets; and Traci takes a big risk to help her family.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22

Beyond the Gates: Anita refuses Dani’s request; Bill’s reaction to Naomi’s news stuns her; Shanice and Nicole have a candid chat about Red; and Deanna meets a handsome stranger in need.

The Bold and the Beautiful: R.J. stands up for his family, and the Spencer vs. Forrester rivalry gets more heated.

Days of our Lives: Kayla makes Cat an offer; EJ shares his concerns with Rita; Gabi and Leo team up; and Sarah turns to Xander for help.

General Hospital: Michael is caught off-guard; Valentin lays out his plan; Portia surprises Curtis; Britt receives some tough love; and Brennan has a warning for Anna.

The Young and the Restless: Victor makes a promise; Nikki receives news about her health; and Phyllis keeps tabs on Matt Clark.

THURSDAY, JULY 23

Beyond the Gates: Dani gets a gift that alarms Andre; Smitty asks Jacob for a favor; Hayley warns Randy off Mona; June gives Naomi some intriguing intel; and Vernon advises a stubborn Bill.

The Bold and the Beautiful: The Forresters draw a firm line, making their stance on Will and Electra crystal clear, and the Logan sisters attempt to make peace.

Days of our Lives: Abe and Lexie exchange vows and rings; Kristen shares a heartfelt moment with Rachel; and Shawn makes his feelings clear to Jada.

General Hospital: Nina gets a wild idea; Michael and Alexis compare notes; Sonny has a heart-to-heart with Rocco; Anna makes Chase an offer; and Laura gives Dante intel.

The Young and the Restless: Nick makes a confession to Sharon; Audra and Sally explore their options; and Chelsea and Adam make a power move to impress Victor.

FRIDAY, JULY 24

Beyond the Gates: Heather informs Joey that she’s back to tie up loose ends; Elon tells Jacob something he doesn’t want to hear; Chelsea’s livestream with Eva leaves Kat miffed; and Vanessa comforts Dani.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Dylan steps in to support Will as he struggles with the fallout from recent events, and Katie and Eric discuss past actions.

Days of our Lives: Sarah and Xander enjoy a rare moment of peace; Steve and Kayla worry about what’s coming next; and Melinda agrees to help Leo.

General Hospital: Jason and Danny return home; Brennan delivers bad news; Elizabeth challenges Willow; Dante puts Chase to the test; and Lucas offers an apology.

The Young and the Restless: Billy and Sally discover that Jill is keeping a secret; Cane strikes a hard bargain; and Devon finds common ground with Ashley.

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