“Bold and Beautiful’s” Susan Flannery (Stephanie) has asked the show for a medical leave of absence. Flannery has been suffering with fibromyalgia. The condition (we know of what we speak) comes and goes and comes and goes — like a bad relationship.
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| “Bold and Beautiful’s” Susan Flannery Asks For Medical Leave (image: Wenn) |
The interconnective tissue ailment is not fatal but has numerous debilitating symptoms. At its worst, “sleep” becomes the sufferers one and only hobby. Every muscle in your body aches, and even gripping a steering wheel or trying to applaud becomes an Olympic event.
B&B has granted Flannery’s request. Her flare-up has come at an essential time in her character’s storyline. Recasting Flannery even for a few episodes is not an option. So until Flannery returns, B&B will be Stephanie-light. Remember, it is a soap — so Stephanie can always do her evil behind the curtain.
Olivia Dicopoulos, daughter of “Guiding Light” star Frank Dicopoulos (Frank), will take over the GL role of Maureen Reardon, Matt and Vanessa’s daughter. Look for her on Tuesday, Oct. 16.
Kelly Monaco (Samantha) has signed a new contract with “General Hospital.” The length has not been disclosed, but GH head writer Robert Guza is thrilled. “We have lots of storyline planned for Sam,” he says. “Kelly has proven she is perfect for the role. Recasting would have been a nightmare.” Look for a major twist in Sam’s storyline.
GH is also thrilled that Tyler Christopher (Nikolas) has agreed to stay. He will have a front-burner storyline.
While Americans were delighted that “Passions” found a home on DirecTV, the folks in Canada were uncertain about their being able to watch the soap. No need to worry. “Passions” has found a place on Superchannel, Canada’s new national pay television network set to launch this fall.
“Superchannel is committed to giving Canadians the best TV there is,” said Sandy Perkins, Superchannel vice president of programming. “When we saw the Canadian fan outcry at the possibility of losing ‘Passions,’ we acted fast. Just like ‘Passions’ breaks the mold for daytime drama, Superchannel is breaking the mold for premium TV.”
“It is wonderful news that Superchannel has licensed ‘Passions’ to serve the loyal fan base that this series created here in Canada,” says Ron Suter, senior vice president and general manager of NBC Universal Canada. “This is a perfect match that hopefully will continue for many years to come.”