Stephanie Sloane here, though some of you on social media may know me as SoapSteph. I’ve been a soap opera fan since I was 10 years old when I was completely hooked by Luke and Laura’s love story on General Hospital. Before long, I was watching multiple soaps and devouring every issue of Soap Opera Digest. 

After graduating from Syracuse University in 1990, I knew I wanted to work in daytime television. A chance meeting on a rooftop in New York City led to my first job that September as assistant to the editor of Soap Opera Digest. I ended up spending 33 years at the magazine, eventually becoming its editorial director. 

My time at SOD was everything I dreamed it would be and more, and I was able to take what I learned there and bring it to my current role writing about soaps for TV Guide and its websites (tvinsider.com, swooon.com and remindmagazine.com). But I missed reporting soap news and sharing my thoughts and interviews on a regular basis … so here we are.

This newsletter is your go-to for scoop, behind-the-scenes tidbits from interviews, commentary on current storylines, links to my latest articles and more — all in one place. So please subscribe here— and welcome!

Exclusive casting news! Look who joined the cast of Days of our Lives! Sofia Mattsson, who wrapped up her seven-year run as General Hospital’s Sasha Gilmore in July 2025, will make her Salem debut early next year!

Roger Howarth will return to The Young and the Restless this week as Matt Clark.… It’s that time again — shows are putting together their Daytime Emmy reels! Cast members from each show are revisiting their standout moments from the past year. Voting begins in May, with nominations announced in July. The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards will take place on Friday, October 30.

Newsletter-exclusive highlights from my recent interviews

I was the first to speak with Adrian Anchondo about his departure from General Hospital and his role as Marco Rios. He shared that while he’s sad to move on, he’s also deeply grateful for the experience. “I never thought it would be possible to do 80 episodes in a year,” Anchondo told me. “I learned I could do a lot more than I thought I was capable of.”

He was quick to credit the entire team at GH, adding, “It has so much to do with the amazing crew, makeup and wardrobe departments — all the people you don’t see on screen. This production is so much more than that. I admire so many people that probably don't get the articles written about them and I’ve had a lovely time with all of them.”

Anchondo also shared that two people, in particular, quietly helped him find his footing early on: Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis) and Bruce Cooperman, a camera operator. “Nancy and Bruce both did something for me during that time that I really needed,” Anchondo explained to me. “There was a time at the beginning where I was feeling kind of anxious and Nancy just gave me a wink. And another time, Bruce patted me on the back, and he just nodded and smiled, and those little gestures meant so much. It just gave me so much strength to keep going and get better and better. I think that’s something that I’ll never forget, and I'll remember that for my next job.”

Playing multiple roles may be a soap staple, but making each character feel distinct is no small feat. Stacy Haiduk has it down to an art. Now back as Patty Williams on The Young and the Restless, she previously pulled triple duty in Genoa City, also portraying Patty’s doppelgänger Emily Peterson and her alias, Mary Jane Benson. Over on Days of our Lives, she seamlessly switches between Kristen DiMera and Susan Banks. I asked how she keeps it all straight, especially when both characters appear in the same episode, and she admitted that it’s not always easy — but it’s always fun.

“Getting to play Mary Jane Benson and Patty, then Emily, I had such a ball doing that,” Haiduk enthused. “It's chaotic when you’re playing one character who’s pretending to be another character. I remember playing Patty and she was pretending to be Emily and I do the same at Days with Susan as Kristen. Sometimes, I can't even remember who’s whom, but there's something in that that I love.”

That knack for juggling identities certainly worked in her favor when Salem came calling, and I wondered how she felt about being part of a very small group of actors who’ve played multiple roles on more than one show. “I think it was Ron [Carlivati, former head writer of Days] who saw me on Young and the Restless,” she told me. “I remember he said, ‘I chose you, and I was hoping you could do the part because I think you could manage these two different characters.’ But honestly, I think that’s what any actor would want. I love my characters so much. When one doesn't come on for a long time, I miss the other one, and I wouldn't have in any other way. It’s chaotic and it’s a delight for me. I couldn't be happier or more grateful to have all of them in my life.”

Why is Bold and Beautiful’s Ivy pushing so hard for Electra and R.J. to be together? She realizes they all share the same last name, right? At this point, should we turn it into a drinking game every time Ivy says, “It’s just not proper”? And is it me or did you hope Eric would stay at Logan? I am so invested in this fashion and family drama — I love it!

As someone who lost both of my parents to cancer, Anita’s story on Beyond the Gates is one of the most accurate and emotionally devastating portrayals I have seen of the disease and its impact on both the patient and their family. Tamara Tunie (Anita) has been absolutely brilliant in her performances, and so has everyone involved in telling this story. Bravo.

I was pretty riveted by the back-to-back legal drama on Days of our Lives, and the fact that the judge du jour called out Belle for playing fast and loose with her duty to uphold her job as district attorney while protecting her niece Rachel. (Brady and Kristen coming to terms with the fact that their daughter is still pretty troubled was also great.) Sophia’s 11th hour attempt to prevent Johnny and Chanel from adopting her baby was equally engrossing. And how darling is the Ryan Gosling-Deidre Hall (Marlena) connection that has been playing out on social media and TV — especially since she will mark 50 years since joining Days on June 21?

The one-two punch of Cullum stabbing Marco followed by Rocco shooting Cullum on General Hospital was soap opera storytelling at its finest — high stakes, emotional drama and real consequences. Not to mention the acting was outstanding. This is why we watch and keep tuning in.

While I wasn’t the biggest fan of the language Victor used while fighting with Nikki recently on The Young and the Restless, I did appreciate Jack and Victor’s subsequent showdown. As the old saying goes, I could watch Peter Bergman (Jack) and Eric Braeden (Victor) read the phone book. And welcome back, Christel Khalil (Lily)!

MONDAY, MARCH 30

Beyond the Gates: Hayley tries to poison Bill against Tomas; Ashley comforts a distraught Naomi; and Jacob and Smitty get a shocking new lead in the case.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Sheila (Kimberlin Brown, below) misinterprets the situation, and Taylor and Deacon scramble to get out of a dangerous situation.

Days of our Lives: Tate and Holly begin to figure things out; Belle reassures Marlena; Brady confronts Rachel; and Johnny and Chanel decompress at home.

General Hospital: Carly gets bad news; Michael offers assistance; Josslyn covers her tracks; Tracy’s curiosity is piqued; and Molly accepts an offer from Cody.

The Young and the Restless: Victor gives Cane a warning shot; Lily finds herself in hot water with Devon and Nate; and Nikki is standing on business with her family.

TUESDAY, MARCH 31

Beyond the Gates: Andre and Dani (Karla Mosley and Sean Freeman, below) do something they’ve never done before; Bill seeks out Joey for help; Ted blurts something to Shanice; Tomas keeps a secret; and Chelsea inadvertently upsets Kat.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Steffy is furious when she learns what happened.

Days of our Lives: Stephanie confides in Chanel; Owen provokes Jeremy and Alex; Kate pulls a fast one on Johnny; and Amy begs Sophia to stay home.

General Hospital: Nathan receives a mysterious text; Chase asks for a favor; Brook Lynn vents to Michael; Jordan is rattled; and Curtis surprises Portia. 

The Young and the Restless: Devon and Abby receive upsetting news; Kyle and Claire find themselves on a different side of an issue; and Tessa faces a tough decision.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1

Beyond the Gates: Carlton and Joey clash while out with Nicole and Vanessa; Naomi holds a past lie of Hayley’s over her head; and Donnell confides in Kat.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Sheila begins to put the pieces together, and Steffy becomes concerned about Taylor’s safety.

Days of our Lives: Tate and Holly feel vindicated; Kristen rips into Sophia; Gwen brings EJ (Dan Feuerriegel, below) news; and Xander struggles to be around Sarah.

General Hospital: Willow makes a shocking realization; Laura is suspicious; Nathan issues a warning; Brennan loses patience with Nina; and Sidwell issues new orders.

The Young and the Restless: Nick travels down a dangerous path; Danny presents Daniel and Tessa with an exciting opportunity; and Adam embraces his alter ego.

THURSDAY, APRIL 2

Beyond the Gates: Bill updates Dani on his future; Carlton steps in it with Nicole; Lynette blackmails Hayley; and Vanessa doubles down on her relationship with Joey.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Steffy confronts Deacon; Electra learns something about Ivy; and Brooke presses R.J. for information.

Days of our Lives: EJ is thrilled when Johnny asks for his help; Philip asks Maggie for a favor; Justin urges Bonnie to see reason; and Chanel questions Paulina.

General Hospital: Sonny makes a bold suggestion to Laura; Elizabeth’s news surprises Dante; Ric offers reassurance; Lucas is taken aback; and Nathan receives new intel.

The Young and the Restless: Phyllis holds Lily accountable for her actions; Victoria defends Victor’s actions; and Matt Clark closes in on Nick.

FRIDAY, APRIL 3

Beyond the Gates: Special guest star Jennifer Holliday sings for a friend; Nicole takes Kial to her family’s Easter brunch; Ted advises Carlton; Anita puts Anastasia in her place; Hayley feels like an outsider; and Grayson receives a threat.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Sheila reverts to old habits; Brooke and Ridge witness something they shouldn’t have; and Ivy continues to push Electra and R.J. together.

Days of our Lives: Belle is hurt when Shawn turns down her offer; Steve offers Jeremy an apology; Stephanie confronts Owen; and Julie encourages JJ to seek help.

General Hospital: Sonny explains his actions to Carly; Nina tries to make amends; Molly undergoes surgery; and Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn, below) makes an admission. 

The Young and the Restless: Victor makes good on a threat; Nikki uses her power of persuasion with Jack; and Diane and Kyle interrogate Victoria.

Check out these recent articles I’ve written for TV Insider.

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