Goldin and Ehlers Shoot New Opening Reel

A new video on SoapNet.com shows Beth Ehlers (Taylor Thompson) shooting her real for her new opening credits shot. Ricky Paull Goldin (Dr. Jake Martin) was also onset to shoot his opening reel and promotional photos that ran in the July 19th issue of Soap Opera Digest.

Ehlers looks amazing onset. I wish they would also shoot promotional photos on the Opening Credits set. That way, everyone would have up to date promotional photos and their would be a consistency to them. Or, ABC can wake up and rehire their best promotional photographer ever, Yolanda Perez.

The Insta-Couple Cometh: ABC Launches Marketing Blitz Around Goldin and Ehlers

Since the 2008 Daytime Emmys, ABC has done very little to conceal the fact that they landed soap opera veteran Beth Ehlers as Taylor Thompson on All My Children. They have done an even worst job of hiding the fact that they plan to reunite her with former Guiding Light co-star Ricky Paull Goldin (Dr. Jake Martin).

Though I will give them credit for doing a storyline about current issues (is AMC the first soap to address the War on Terror?), this whole situation has the stench of an the ill fated, plot driven, disastrous soap opera "insta-couples" (ie: Jax and Sam on General Hospital). Oh Pratty, do you never learn.

Check out ABC's latest promo:


Note: Goldin and Ehlers are not really Emmy winners. Nominees, yes. Winners, no.

Beth? Harley? Hayley? Taylor?

After weeks of speculation, including an announcement that Liza Colby was coming back to town, Beth Ehler's new role on All My Children has been revealed. She will be playing the new role of army brat Taylor McBride, an homage to one of current Headwriter Charles Pratt's Melrose Place characters.

Other than the questionable name, it is clear that Ehler's Taylor will be playing in the same circles as Jake Martin, played by Ehler's former onscreen love interest Ricky Paull Goldin.

For an interview with Ehlers about her new role, go HERE.

In other casting news, this week's Soap Opera Digest reveals little Pete Cortlandt will be less of a spoiled brat and more of a nerd ala Spinelli on General Hospital. In my opinion, bad move. What a way to ignore the character's very complex and already interesting history.

Ehlers leaves Springfield for the Valley

Beth Ehlers, best known for her role as Guiding Light's Harley Davidson Cooper (1987-93, 1997, 1997-2008), has joined the show in an undetermined role. She departed GL after contract negotiations fell through last month. Ehlers was first confirmed by Soap Opera Weekly as taking over the role of Liza Colby, but it looks like plans have changed.

Rumors continue to indicate Ehlers will take on the role of Hayley Santos, a role originated by Kelly Ripa in 1990. Though some critics believe Ripa would never return as Hayley, Ripa has stated otherwise on Live with Regis and Kelly.

It saddens me when Ripa has voiced her willingness to come back to the role she played for 12 years, and the producers have yet to call her. If the character is really necessary as a long term gig, and really Hayley is not at this point, I am sure they could work something out with Ripa to accommodate her schedule.

Hayley coming on would also most likely mean the end to another Santos supercouple as I do not see Mark Consuelos running back to reprise the role of Mateo Santos. Haven't the powers that be ruined enough of the Santos family supercouples by killing off Noah Keefer and Edmund Grey?

On the other hand, Marcy Walker-Smith has made it clear she has no plans on going back to acting , just read the personal handwritten note I received from her secretary at her new job with an autographed postcard. Liza has so much history that can be played up, and leaves potential for Ehlers to be paired with her one time co-star and love interest Ricky Paull Goldin (now AMC's Dr. Jake Martin, ex-GL's Gus Aitoro).

Much of Liza's former liaisons have made their way back to Pine Valley. There is so much interesting stories to be told here best o how Liza skipped town in 2004. Why ruin the happily ever after with Mateo and Hayley, when you can surely have magic with Ehlers as Liza with Goldin's Jake?

Either way, Ehlers is a welcomed addition to All My Children. She is a proven and talented actress that will prosper is any role she takes on... as long as it is not my Tinkerbell.