Read Nelson Branco's Soap Opera Uncensored: Issue 40 Page 2
BREAKING NEWS
INSIDE Y&R’s MAJOR SHAKEUP! Cast Bloodbath On The Horizon?
And so it begins. As UNCENSORED readers learned this past May, CBS/Sony is thisclose to seizing creative control of daytime’s number-one soap opera as the sudser approaches its 40th anniversary this March after new network CBS Daytime President Angelica McDaniel took over the reins on June 1.
And just when you thought she was out, they pull her back in. DAYTIMECONFIDENTIAL’s Jamey Giddens reported yesterday that controversial former GH executive producer Jill Farren Phelps, who recently won yet another Emmy for her daytime producing efforts, will be named Y&R’s new showrunner.
Meanwhile, moments later, SOAP OPERA DIGEST learned that Scott Hamner, Y&R's co-head writer, has “quit.” He said, "I had decided to let my contract expire but Maria [Arena Bell, executive producer/head writer] asked if we could call it a sabbatical instead. She really didn't want me to leave, so I agreed to take a few months off. She has been so gracious and generous about my need to take a break and I appreciate that."
Moreover, UNCENSORED has learned Y&R’s domestic publicist quit yesterday, too. “She’s leaving for a bigger opportunity at a studio,” says a crewmember. “The eerie timing of Julie leaving is just a coincidence.”
When UNCENSORED investigated, our set-side sources whispered that Maria Arena Bell was showing JFP around the set yesterday. The actors and crew are in the dark and have no clue what is happening. “But it doesn’t sound good,” said one actor. “As much as we disagree with some of Maria’s choices, she loves the show, and she produces good soap when she wants to. Jill has no connection to the series.”
What is unclear is if Maria Arena Bell will continue on as part of the writing team, but our insiders predict “she’s out for good.” No word if Hogan Sheffer will remain as co-head writer, but that seems unlikely. Also, DAYTIMECONFIDENTIAL is hearing JFP’s partner on Sony’s HOLLYWOOD HEIGHTS, Josh Griffith, who won an Emmy for writing ONE LIFE TO LIVE and produced Y&R a few years ago, may be joining the writing team.