Top 5 Current Soap Actors Who Have Leveled Up

On episode 1201 of Daytime Confidential, Luke Kerr, Melodie Aikels and Joshua Baldwin count down the Top 5 Current Soap Actors Who Have Leveled Up.  These are the soap opera actors from your favorite soaps who started out their runs not knowing how to act or made questionable acting decisions but who have since improved.  Some of these actor's left soaps and returned better actors. Others were "learned" at the knee of soap thespians like Maura West, Heather Tom, Don Diamont, Rena Sofer, Rick Hearst, Jane Elliot and more.  All this and more on the latest Daytime Confidential podcast! Bluesky: @DCConfidential, LukeKerr, JillianBowe, Josh Baldwin, and Melodie Aikels. Facebook: Daytime Confidential Subscribe to Daytime Confidential on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify.

Daytime Confidential celebrates its 1200th episode with the return of Jamey Giddens to the podcast. Join Luke Kerr and Jamey Giddens as they reminisce over the show's 1200 episodes, dive into Jamey's award-winning writing career, the great news of Beyond the Gates' two year renewal and reveals publicly for the first time the cancer diagnosis and treatment he underwent over the past year. The duo discusses Jamey's evolution from soap opera journalist to daytime and primetime soap opera writer on shows like The Rich and the Ruthless, Tyler Perry's Sistas, Days of Our Lives and Beyond the Gates. Jamey recounts the impact of Will Packer's mentorship through their show Ambitions and acknowledges the karma in going from a podcast journalist critiquing TV writing to being on the receiving end of fan critiques. The two celebrate the two-year renewal of Beyond the Gates, what it means for the show and for the soap opera genre as an industry. Jamey credits Michelle Val Jean for the show's success and gives a shout out to the show's amazing cast, crew, writing team and production assistant. Luke and Jamey observe how daytime talk shows are being slaughtered by video podcasts and which talk shows remain unique while others seem to be Oprah or Ellen knockoffs. Luke and Jamey remember early Daytime Confidential listener The Best, better known as Tiggz, and co-host of The Chat. Our thoughts go out to those closest to him. Luke and Jamey delve into the nuance of the WGA's new deal with the studios. Jamey shares his life-altering prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment and how the experience and his continued recovery has made him face some things he never anticipated. All this and more on Daytime Confidential's 1200th Episode! Bluesky: @DCConfidential, LukeKerr, JillianBowe, Josh Baldwin, and Melodie Aikels. Facebook: Daytime Confidential Subscribe to Daytime Confidential on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify.

On episode 1199 of Daytime Confidential, Luke Kerr, Jillian Bowe and Melodie Aikels dive into the latest Daytime Emmy Award Nomination changes and juicy storylines from Beyond the Gates, The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of Our Lives, General Hospital and The Young and the Restless.  All this and more on the latest Daytime Confidential podcast! Bluesky: @DCConfidential, LukeKerr, JillianBowe, Josh Baldwin, and Melodie Aikels. Facebook: Daytime Confidential Subscribe to Daytime Confidential on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify.

On episode #1198 of Daytime Confidential, Luke Kerr, Jillian Bowe, Joshua Baldwin and Melodie Aikels dish the latest Beyond the Gates, The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of Our Lives, General Hospital and The Young and the Restless storylines.  All this and more on the latest Daytime Confidential podcast! Bluesky: @DCConfidential, LukeKerr, JillianBowe, Josh Baldwin, and Melodie Aikels. Facebook: Daytime Confidential Subscribe to Daytime Confidential on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify.

On episode 1197 of Daytime Confidential, Luke Kerr, Joshua Baldwin and Melodie Aikels look back at the first year of the new CBS soap opera Beyond the Gates.  Find out what stood out about Beyond the Gates year one for each of the DC co-hosts. They then dive into BTG's biggest strengths and biggest opportunities for improvement after the first year.  What were the best storylines BTG told, must-see character(s) and best couple of year one?  Listen as the Daytime Confidential crew share the things about Beyond the Gates that they either loved or hated when BTG premiered but feel the opposite about it now? The episode then looks forward to Beyond the Gates Year 2 and what changes they would like to see.  All this and more on the latest Daytime Confidential podcast! Bluesky: @DCConfidential, LukeKerr, JillianBowe, Josh Baldwin, and Melodie Aikels. Facebook: Daytime Confidential Subscribe to Daytime Confidential on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify.

On episode #1196 of Daytime Confidential, Luke Kerr, Jillian Bowe and Melodie Aikels dish the latest Beyond the Gates, The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of Our Lives, General Hospital and The Young and the Restless storylines.  All this and more on the latest Daytime Confidential podcast! Bluesky: @DCConfidential, LukeKerr, JillianBowe, Josh Baldwin, and Melodie Aikels. Facebook: Daytime Confidential Subscribe to Daytime Confidential on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify.

On episode 1195 of Daytime Confidential, Luke Kerr, Jillian Bowe, Joshua Baldwin and Melodie Aikels dish the latest Beyond the Gates, The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of Our Lives, General Hospital and The Young and the Restless headlines and storylines. BEYOND THE GATES Anita's cancer story is must-see, and Tamara Tunie is doing the work. Nicole leans into single life with Carlton and Kyle back-to-back. Bill stays protective of Hayley while her scam keeps tightening around her. Luke compares Lynette to a classic soap villainess. Shanice and Dani tag team Leslie. Vanessa and Joey's Valentine scenes split the hosts, right down to the wig. THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Ivy acts unhinged. Electra gives Will an ultimatum. The DC crew needs more of Sheila, Deacon and Taylor. Why doesn't B&B dirty up Steffy? DAYS OF OUR LIVES Xander and Gwen still have chemistry. Kristen's jealousy makes the Sarah and Brady situation more watchable, even if nobody likes the pairing. Why does there need to be another romance storyline? Michael Roark's exit frustrates everyone. Why is DAYS churning through so many talented actors? Billy Flynn's exit scenes with Susan Seaforth Hayes warmed our hearts. GENERAL HOSPITAL General Hospital airs a special tribute for Anthony Geary. Portia's baby drama keeps the DC crew watching. Luke goes off on Chase torching his life for Willow. THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS The Mariah kidnapping story is really bad but Sharon Case is doing the work. The Cane, Victor, Lily, Phyllis and Billy mess is giving migraines. Daniel and Lily being ignored is just wrong. The DC crew is divided over Nick's pill poppin' problem. EPISODE OUTLINE 00:00 – Cold Open • Luke explains it has been a couple weeks and the crew is catching up on what stood out. 01:14 – General Hospital • Anthony Geary tribute and Laura, Sonny, Carly, Tracy and Lulu's Luke Spencer memories • Portia baby drama and DNA questions • Chase needs to die. 14:53 – The Young and the Restless • The Mariah kidnapping story is really bad. • Kidnappings and double-crosses • Daniel and Lily missing from the center of the story • Nick's pill popping 28:00 – The Bold and the Beautiful • Ivy is lurking in bushes • Electra gives an ultimatum • Sheila, Deacon and Taylor 40:46 – Days of Our Lives • Xander and Gwen still have chemistry • Why do we need another romance novel storyline? • Why does DAYS keeping churning through actors? • Billy Flynn exit episode praise with Susan Seaforth Hayes 55:21 – Beyond the Gates • Anita's cancer storyline • Lynette has the making of a classic soap villainess. • Shanice and Dani vs Leslie • Vanessa and Joey's Valentines Day  01:09:40 – Final Thoughts • Jillian: Jennifer Hudson renewal • Josh: Trisha Mann Grant • Mel: wants a Jill update on Y&R • Luke: looking forward to Shamar Moore and Vivica A. Fox; not looking forward to "He Who Shall Not Be Named" on Days All this and more on the latest Daytime Confidential podcast! Bluesky: @DCConfidential, LukeKerr, JillianBowe, Josh Baldwin, and Melodie Aikels. Facebook: Daytime Confidential Subscribe to Daytime Confidential on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify.

On episode 1194 of Daytime Confidential, Luke Kerr, Jillian Bowe and Joshua Baldwin dish the latest Beyond the Gates, The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of Our Lives, General Hospital and The Young and the Restless headlines and storylines. BEYOND THE GATES Beyond the Gates and The Young and the Restless announce a June crossover. What are Victor and Vernon's ties? Should Beyond the Gates characters visit Genoa City? Nicole juggles Carlton and Kyle. The Bill, Dani, Andre and Hayley quad heats up. Will Bill's blood work expose Hayley's plot? Who is the Impaler? THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Taylor and Deacon cross lines in the therapy office. Does Sheila know more than she's letting on? Steffy threatens to cut Taylor off from the kids. Should this romance have been a slower burn? Why don't Taylor and Deacon have real talk-to scenes? Will, Electra and Dylan's triangle spirals. What is Ivy really watching for? DAYS OF OUR LIVES DNA confirms Stefano is dead. Was that confirmation necessary? EJ steps up as head of the DiMera family. Sophia stays silent and Bayview drags on. Did Rachel shoot EJ? Vivian returns and targets Dimitri again. With Javi gone, will Leo and Dimitri cross a line? GENERAL HOSPITAL General Hospital goes there with kissing cousins. Did the writers forget the Cassadine family tree? Is this shock value or a real story? Nathan contradicts his own backstory. Is Nathan really Peter August? What does Britt know? Carly and Valentin surprise with real chemistry. THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Mariah kidnaps Dominic. Why does this story make no sense? Where is the reaction to Chance's child being taken? Cane and Phyllis take over Newman through an AI plot. Why is Phyllis treated like the villain when Victor always does worse? Is blocking Victor the only upside? EPISODE OUTLINE 00:00 – Cold Open 01:05 – Beyond the Gates • June crossover with The Young and the Restless announced • Victor and Vernon connection teased • Bill, Dani, Andre and Hayley quad intensifies • Impaler theories 24:22 – The Young and the Restless • Mariah kidnaps Dominic • AI plot hands Newman to Cane and Phyllis • Phyllis isolated again 32:55 – The Bold and the Beautiful • Taylor and Deacon cross professional lines • Sheila senses betrayal • Will, Electra and Dylan triangle escalates 45:55 – Days of Our Lives • Stefano officially confirmed dead by DNA • Sophia silence and Bayview frustration • Vivian returns and targets Dimitri 56:20 – General Hospital • Kissing cousins backlash • Nathan contradicts his own story • Peter August theories • Carly and Valentin chemistry surprises All this and more on the latest Daytime Confidential podcast! Bluesky: @DCConfidential, LukeKerr, JillianBowe, Josh Baldwin, and Melodie Aikels. Facebook: Daytime Confidential Subscribe to Daytime Confidential on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify.

On episode 1193 of Daytime Confidential Luke Kerr, Joshua Baldwin and Melodie Aikels dish the latest Beyond the Gates, The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of Our Lives, General Hospital and The Young and the Restless headlines and storylines.  All this and more on the latest Daytime Confidential podcast! Bluesky: @DCConfidential, LukeKerr, JillianBowe, Josh Baldwin, and Melodie Aikels. Facebook: Daytime Confidential Subscribe to Daytime Confidential on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify.

On episode 1192, it's the first episode of 2026 and that mean's Daytime Confidential's Luke Kerr, Jillian Bowe and Joshua Baldwin are back from hiatus and have a lot of thoughts on Beyond the Gates, The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of Our Lives, General Hospital and The Young and the Restless. Get comfy and enjoy!  All this and more on the latest Daytime Confidential podcast! Bluesky: @DCConfidential, LukeKerr, JillianBowe, Josh Baldwin, and Melodie Aikels. Facebook: Daytime Confidential Subscribe to Daytime Confidential on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify.