All My Children has a couple of casting changes this month, with one character returning and another one being given a stand-in.

In other news, one of All My Children's longest-serving cast members has spoken out about the state of the show and what she hopes to see more of in the future.

At the moment, Jerome Preston Bates has taken over the role of Detective Derek.  Charles Parnell, who normally plays the part, is currently on leave from All My Children as he is busy doing The Overwhelming on Broadway.  Bates is slated to stay on as the temporary stand-in for an indefinite period as Parnell's stage commitment will reportedly last at least until later this month.

In other All My Children casting news, JQ DePaiva is set to return to the drama in the episode which will air December 12.  The only child of One Life to Live's James and Kassie DePaiva will reprise his role as Jason, a young man with cochlear implants.  JQ's character will lend moral support to Kendall (Alicia Minshew) when her son, Spike, undergoes surgery to get the same implants.

In still more news, Susan Lucci, the most recognizable name and face from All My Children, shared her feelings about the direction the soap has been taking.  Lucci, who finally bagged the award for Best Actress at the 1999 Emmys, offered her two cents worth during the recently held Super Soap Weekend in Florida.

"I really wish there were more of the balance,” the actress said. “Just as an audience member, I like to see the show when there's a balance between the drama and the fun... let's see the whole canvas, you know, not just one portion 90 percent of the time.  I don't think it's great entertainment.  The show is better than that.”


-Rosario Santiago, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: Soap Zone, Soap Opera Digest
(Image Courtesy of ABC)