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Soap star killed in robbery gone wrong

<p><em>General Hospital</em> actor Johnny Wactor has died at the age of 37.</p> <p>The soap star was killed in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday morning when he stumbled across three men allegedly breaking into his car, according to <a href="https://www.tmz.com/2024/05/26/general-hospital-actor-johnny-wactor-dead-shot-killed-robbery-attempt-car-catalytic-converter/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>TMZ</em></a>. </p> <p>His mother, Scarlett, told the outlet that he was with a co-worker when they “saw three men messing with Johnny’s car”, but he didn't attempt to confront or fight them. </p> <p>Unfortunately, he was shot as the group took off. </p> <p>Paramedics arrived at the scene around 3am and took Johnny to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. </p> <p>According to the outlet, the description matched a reported incident in the area where three men were attempting to steal a catalytic converter from a vehicle. </p> <p>The suspects have not yet been found, and police have yet to release descriptions of the alleged thieves. </p> <p>Johnny's agent, David Shaul, has paid tribute to the actor and remembered him as “a spectacular human being” in an interview with <em>People</em>. </p> <p>“Not just a talented actor who was committed to his craft but a real moral example to everyone who knew him,” Shaul said.</p> <p>“Standing for hard work, tenacity and a never give up attitude. In the highs and lows of a challenging profession he always kept his chin up and kept striving for the best he could be.</p> <p>“Our time with Johnny was a privilege we would wish on everyone. He would literally give you the shirt off his back," he added. </p> <p>“After over a decade together, he will leave a hole in our hearts forever.”</p> <p>Johnny began his career in 2007 playing various roles on the show <em>Army Wives</em>.</p> <p>He most notably played Brando Corbin on <em>General Hospital</em>, appearing in almost 200 episodes of the show. </p> <p>He also appeared on hit shows like <em>NCIS, Criminal Minds, Station 19, The OA </em>and <em>Westworld</em>.</p> <p>Fans have taken also taken to social media to pay tribute to the actor. </p> <p>“How sad to learn of the death of Johnny Wactor so young and in such conditions! A star will shine brighter tonight [star] Condolences to his family and all the actor’s fans,” one tweeted. </p> <p>“RIP #JohnnyWactor. This world is such a cruel place. :(,” another added. </p> <p>“I am beyond words about Johnny Wactor, a life that was taken without cause. I hope whoever did this spend the rest of their life in prison," a third wrote. </p> <p>Johnny is survived by his mother and younger brothers Grant and Lance.</p> <p><em>Image: Ouzounova/ Shutterstock editorial</em></p>

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Legendary Aussie soap star dies just weeks before birthday

<p>Brian Wenzel has died aged 94.</p> <p>The beloved Aussie actor, known for his role on <em>A Country Practice</em>, passed away peacefully in an Adelaide nursing home, just weeks away from his 95th birthday.</p> <p>“It is with great sadness that we remember the life of beloved Australian actor Brian Wenzel,” the soap star's agent, Jennifer Hennessy confirmed in a statement. </p> <p>“His iconic and revered performances spanned multiple Australian generations with his wit and humour shining through to the end.</p> <p>“A passionate family man and devoted Carlton supporter leaves an irreplaceable mark on the Australian film and television industry.”</p> <p>Born on the 24th of May in 1929, Wenzel began his acting career at the age of just 17. </p> <p>He became a popular figure on Aussie TV in the 60s and 70s, starring in shows like <em>Homicide, Division 4</em>, and <em>Matlock Police</em>.</p> <p>He then scored his most memorable role as Frank Gilroy, an old-fashioned and uptight sergeant who was the heart of <em>A Country Practice</em> for 12 years. </p> <p>The show ran from 1981 to 1993, with a whopping 1,058 episodes, and he also briefly appeared on <em>Neighbours </em>after the show ended. </p> <p>Wenzel's role as Gilroy earned him a Logie Award for Best Actor in 1981.</p> <p>His final role on-screen was in 2014 for <em>John Doe: Vigilante</em>.</p> <p>In 2018 the actor had suffered two mini strokes that made him unable to walk unaided. </p> <p>“It’s terrible to not be able to walk and I can’t sing anymore, which is terrible. I’m hoping against all hope that I can get it all back again," he said at the time. </p> <p>Four years later, he was marred by his tragic battle with dementia and entered nursing care which he shared with his beloved wife Linda. </p> <p><em>Image: news.com.au/ Michael Marschall</em></p>

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Award-winning soap actress dies at age 70

<p dir="ltr">Nancy Fragione has died at the age of 70. </p> <p dir="ltr">The award-winning actress was best known for her starring role on <em>All My Children</em>, in which she played Tara Martin from 1977 to 1979. </p> <p dir="ltr">According to an online obituary, Fragione passed away on August 18th in her native Massachusetts, however her cause of death is still unknown. </p> <p dir="ltr">The actress is remembered for her iconic portrayal of villainess Cecile de Poulignac in <em>Another World</em> from 1981 to 1984, in the role that earned her a Soap Opera Digest award for outstanding villainess in a daytime soap opera.</p> <p dir="ltr">Fragione was revered by soap opera lovers, with devastated fans taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express their grief over her passing. </p> <p dir="ltr">"One of the most famous villainesses in soap opera history has passed away," one fan expressed.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Nancy Fangione was truly a soap icon," another said.</p> <p dir="ltr">The soap star also had a string of primetime television credits to her name including a guest starring role as Fran Fine's cousin Marsha on <em>The Nanny</em>, <em>Highway To Heaven</em>, <em>Matlock</em> and <em>Buck Rogers</em>. </p> <p dir="ltr">Nancy met her husband, Christopher Rich, on the set of <em>Another World</em>, as the co-stars married in 1982. </p> <p dir="ltr">The pair welcomed one daughter, Mariel, together during their marriage but ultimately divorced 14 years later in 1996.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

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Amazon’s resuscitation of Neighbours: can Aussie TV become good friends with streaming?

<p>Many were shocked by the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/nov/17/neighbours-soap-opera-australia-to-return-on-amazon" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announcement</a> that Australian soap opera Neighbours would return to screens in 2023, courtesy of a new deal between production house Fremantle Australia and multinational digital streamer Amazon. Significantly, this announcement overturns many expectations about television in the age of streaming.</p> <p>When <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-03-03/neighbours-tv-show-cancelled-after-37-years/100880272" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news of Neighbours’ cancellation</a> broke earlier this year, streamers declined to offer a lifeline, with veteran cast member Stefan Dennis (aka Paul Robinson) lamenting that soaps seemed <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-loss-of-neighbours-is-a-loss-of-career-pathways-for-australias-emerging-screen-professionals-185289" target="_blank" rel="noopener">out-of-kilter</a> with the demands of streaming.</p> <p>Back in February, journalist <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/please-explain-1/everybody-needs-good-neighbours-now-neighbours-nee" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Michael Idato noted</a> streamers were focused on “short-order, very high quality” blue-chip programming, with long-running, continuing soaps like Neighbours presenting a less attractive option despite loyal fans and healthy audience numbers. After all, when axed by UK Channel 5, Neighbours was still attracting 1 million daily viewers in the UK alone.</p> <p>So what has changed? Why is Melbourne’s own beige yet beloved (by some) Neighbours positioned at the precipice of a new dawn in streaming’s evolution?</p> <h2>What’s the value of Neighbours to a streamer?</h2> <p>Amazon’s resuscitation of Neighbours is unprecedented in the Australian context, as it represents the first time a multinational streaming service has commissioned a stripped (weeknightly), continuing soap. Yet, in a global context, Neighbours seems to be part of a recent trend. This year, soaps in other significant Anglophone markets shifted from daily broadcast to online streaming: Hollyoaks in the UK and Days of Our Lives in the US.</p> <p>No one knows how this will play out for the US-based streamer and its new ad-supported, free streaming service <a href="https://www.amazon.com/adlp/freevee-about" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amazon Freevee</a>. What we do know is there are very good reasons why a streaming platform could be interested in a show like Neighbours.</p> <p>The value of soaps is entrenched in industry lore. Since their transition from radio to television in the US during the 1950s, continuing soap operas have provided the backbone of many a network, ensuring consistent, returning and ardently loyal audiences. In doing so, soaps have a proven ability to weather the storms of radical technological and industrial change.</p> <p>A similar logic prevailed presumably in 2011, when Network 10 shifted Neighbours onto its new free-to-air channel <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/10_Peach" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10 Peach</a>. On the one hand, this move signalled a marginalisation of the prime-time soap. On the other hand, it was a means to lure a valuable audience to the fledgling multichannel.</p> <p>Idato refers to Neighbours as a “<a href="https://omny.fm/shows/please-explain-1/everybody-needs-good-neighbours-now-neighbours-nee" target="_blank" rel="noopener">library series</a>”: one with an extensive back catalogue of content. With 37 seasons and more than 8,000 episodes under its belt, Neighbours puts supposedly mega-series like Game of Thrones, The Simpsons and Supernatural to shame. Library series bring inventory and depth to a streaming service in a way that new content cannot, no matter how heavily promoted or highly produced it might be.</p> <p>Currently, streamers are looking not just to attract new subscribers, but to retain them by keeping them engaged with the platform. Series that come with their own in-built library of content developed over multiple years or decades can benefit streamers precisely by bringing with them their large, loyal audiences while offering countless episodes for fans to explore.</p> <p>The Fremantle/Amazon deal seems to signal something quite the opposite of previous predictions, pointing to the increase of “low-prestige” programming on streaming platforms and the rising tendency for streamers to adopt and adapt pre-existing televisual logics and strategies. We are seeing the resumption and resurrection of patterns of broadcast, free-to-air programming, not its demise.</p> <p>In the context of Amazon, one reason for this shift is likely the Federal Arts Minister Tony Burke’s confirmation last Thursday of <a href="https://www.afr.com/companies/media-and-marketing/streaming-services-will-be-forced-to-meet-local-drama-quotas-burke-20221118-p5bzf5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">government plans to introduce local content quotas for streaming</a> services. At the 55th annual Australian Writers Guild Awards, Burke stated he had already met with streamers to inform them of the forthcoming policy. In light of this development, Amazon’s renewal of Neighbours will help it to meet Australian content requirements.</p> <h2>Has TV streaming reached maturity?</h2> <p>It seems we are moving into a new, more mature phase of streaming television. Initially, streamers sought to loudly distinguish themselves from older forms of television, but they now seem less focused on branded distinction and more concerned with getting down to business.</p> <p>Like the networks that dominated TV in the 20th century, streamers now pursue multiple interests, popular taste communities and tried and tested formulas, alongside edgier-style, prestige programming like Sex Education and this year’s Australian reboot <a href="https://theconversation.com/teenage-misfits-messy-emotions-and-joyous-discussions-on-consent-heartbreak-high-is-a-bright-new-piece-of-television-188733" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Heartbreak High</a>.</p> <p>Similarly, streamers are now reverting to old-style revenue models through the <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/culture/tv-and-radio/why-the-future-of-streaming-is-looking-unexpectedly-like-tv-s-past-20221121-p5c00d.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">introduction of ad-supported subscription tiers</a>.</p> <p>Television is changing, most notably in its separation from the broadcast programming schedule. But the logics of what attracts and retains audiences are far from obsolete – they are merely being updated for digital delivery. Soap operas are widely denigrated, but they can prove to be a guiding light in moments of media transformation.</p> <p><strong>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/amazons-resuscitation-of-neighbours-can-aussie-tv-become-good-friends-with-streaming-195101" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation.</a></strong></p> <p><em>Image: Ten</em></p>

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Neighbours is saved!

<p>Get ready to return to Ramsay Street in 2023, with the new year bringing along a new season of Neighbours.</p> <p>Amazon have swooped in and saved our beloved Aussie soap just as the long-running series wrapped up in July after a huge 37 years on air.</p> <p>Actors Stefan Dennis, Alan Fletcher, Ryan Moloney and Jackie Woodburne are all signing on to reprise their roles as Ramsay Street residents, in the fictional suburb of Melbourne known as Erinsborough.</p> <p>"Neighbours has captivated its audience for nearly 40 years, building a dedicated and loyal following for the lives and stories of the characters on Ramsay Street," Lauren Anderson, head of AVOD original content and programming for Amazon Studios said in a statement when announcing the news.</p> <p>"With the power of streaming, we're able to offer a catalogue of thousands of Neighbours episodes for new audiences to discover this legendary series and current fans to relive their favourite moments.</p> <p>"We look forward to immersing the audience in new Ramsay Street experiences when we relaunch the show next year for Amazon Freevee and Prime Video customers.”</p> <p>For us watching in Australia, the series will return to channel 10 for the first-run episodes but will be available a week later on Amazon Prime Video which will host the series for viewers in New Zealand and Canada.</p> <p>Fans in the UK and US will be able to watch it on Amazon Freevee.</p> <p>"Neighbours is a unique series with a powerful connection with its fans across the world," Jennifer Mullin, global CEO of production company Fremantle, said in the announcement.</p> <p>"We cherish the show and all those who have been part of its incredible story over many decades, so we are thrilled that we have found a new home with Amazon Freevee.”</p> <p>We can expect new episodes to roll out later in the year, with the soap going back into full production in 2023.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

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Neighbours star furious over Logies snub

<p>Ryan Moloney – who has played Jarrod “Toadie” Rebecchi on Neighbours since 1995 – held nothing back as he blasted the treatment of the cast from the long-running show at the recent Logie Awards.</p> <p>Taking to 2Day FM’s Hughesy, Ed and Erin breakfasts’ show, Moloney ripped into the awards ceremony’s efforts in acknowledging Neighbours is about to come to an end.</p> <p>He argued those in the "In Memoriam" segment got a better run than they did.</p> <p>Moloney launched a hearty rant against the award show organisers for seating the team “behind the cameras” on Sunday night, and having former cast members Daniel MacPherson and Natalie Bassingthwaighte represent the cast on stage, rather than actors who have been part of the show for decades.</p> <p>“We turned up, and we did our mandatory three-hour talking to people on the red carpet... When we got in the room we ended up being split up and stuck on two different tables, it was horrible!” Moloney said on air.</p> <p>“Our table was actually even stuck behind the cameras, we couldn’t even see the stage... So we figured we weren’t going to get a gig then,” he added.</p> <p>Moloney said he found the package of snippets from the show that played during the ceremony “incredibly disappointing.”</p> <p>Elsewhere, he suggested having Bassingthwaighte and MacPherson represent the cast on stage was an affront to the show’s veteran stars, given they were both only part of the cast for four years.</p> <p>“Daniel and Nat are just absolutely gorgeous people and absolutely nothing against them, but we’ve got people who have been on TV for nearly 30 years each, and I think probably the least they could do is get us to say something … I mean we’re in the bloody Hall of Fame, that’s not how you treat a show that’s in the Hall of Fame. I mean good luck to the Logies really,” he fumed.</p> <p>His rampage didn’t stop there: “If it’s any indication, the In Memoriam section … I mean half the people in that have worked on Neighbours … They got a better guernsey than we did.”</p> <p>He said that actors from the show’s rival Channel 7 soap, Home and Away, even noticed the snub, approaching the table to offer their sympathy later in the night.</p> <p>“The cast of Home and Away came up afterwards and said how sorry they were that we got (snubbed),” he said.</p> <p>In March, it was announced to devastated fans that Neighbours was coming to an end. The soap drew around 1.5 million UK viewers daily and up to 170,000 metro viewers in Australia.</p> <p>The finale, which will feature special guest appearances from <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/another-neighbours-alum-to-return-for-final-episode" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Guy Pearce</a>, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/kylie-minogue-and-jason-donovan-return-to-neighbours" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Jason Donovan and Kylie Minogue</a>, is expected to air in August, truly marking the end of an era.</p>

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Soap star dies at 21

<p dir="ltr">TV actress Chethana Raj, known for her roles in popular Indian soap operas, has passed away from unexpected complications during a fat removal surgery at a private hospital.</p> <p dir="ltr">The star was just 21 years old.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to several news outlets, she was admitted to a hospital that specialises in plastic surgery in Bengaluru, Karnataka, on Monday. </p> <p dir="ltr">It is understood that she then developed complications, with fluid starting to accumulate in her lungs.</p> <p dir="ltr">Raj later passed away after a cardiac arrest after doctors reportedly attempted CPR for 45 minutes.</p> <p dir="ltr">She was known for her work in television series including <em>Geetha</em>, <em>Doresaani</em>, and <em>Olavina Nildana</em>, as well as her role in the Kannada film <em>Havayaami</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Several outlets reported that Raj didn’t inform her parents about the surgery, who instead went to the hospital with her friends.</p> <p dir="ltr">When her surgery didn’t go as planned, she was rushed to another hospital for treatment.</p> <p dir="ltr">Raj’s father, K Varadaraj, told The Indian Express that she asked him for permission to have the surgery, but he “declined to give permission and told her that such a surgery was not necessary”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“But she went ahead with the surgery and died owing to negligence,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“How did the centre conduct surgery without taking consent from the parents or guardians?”</p> <p dir="ltr">Raj’s father also told The Tribune he will be pursuing legal action against the hospital where the surgery was conducted.</p> <p dir="ltr">“My daughter was hale and hearty. She was absolutely fine. She had gone to hospital with her friends,” he told the publication.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Someone has suggested to her that she had more fat in the waist and without consulting any family member she had come for the surgery.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Raj’s uncle Rajappa told IndiaToday.in someone had told her “to reduce weight as she appeared fat”, prompting her to go to the hospital.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The hospital is not equipped with an ICU and the surgery was done,” Rajappa said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“After the surgery, water accumulated in her lungs.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Later, they shifted her to another hospital nearby where she was declared ‘brought dead’.”</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-926474fc-7fff-486f-0b49-c87ec998be19"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Twitter</em></p>

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Australia’s longest-running soap ends

<p dir="ltr">Hailed as one of Australia’s longest-running TV dramas, <em>Neighbours</em> will come to an end after 37 years on air. </p> <p dir="ltr">The TV soap that gave national sweethearts like Kylie Minogue, Margot Robbie, Guy Pearce and Liam Hemsworth a name around the globe, ended its streak after failing to secure another UK broadcaster.</p> <p dir="ltr">In a statement on their social media, <em>Neighbours</em> announced the devastating news to fans. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We are so sorry to say that after nearly 37 years and almost 9000 episodes broadcast we have to confirm that Neighbours will cease production in June,” the statement read.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Following the loss of our key broadcast partner in the UK and despite an extensive search for alternative funding, we simply have no option but to rest the show.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The team thanked their loyal fans and promised to end the show on an “incredible high”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“To our amazing, loyal fans, we know this is a huge disappointment, as it is to all of us on the team. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We thank you for all your messages and support and promise to end the show on an incredible high. From here on, we are celebrating Neighbours.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The news comes just weeks after Channel 5, the British production company that aired the show in the UK since 2008, announced it won’t do so anymore.</p> <p dir="ltr">The final episodes are expected to air in September 2022. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Instagram</em></p></p>

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Entire cast of long-running TV soap axed unexpectedly

<p>The cast of the popular and long running soap opera known as<span> </span><em>Days of Our Lives </em>have reportedly been released from their contracts as the series’ future is uncertain.</p> <p>According to<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://tvline.com/2019/11/12/days-of-our-lives-cancelled-cast-fired-season-56/" target="_blank">TVLine</a></em>, the entire cast was released from their contracts and the show is expected to go on an indefinite hiatus at the end of November.</p> <p>Representatives for NBC and Sony have declined to comment on the speculation, but fans are worried as the move comes at a time where Sony and NBC are in negotiations to renew series.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BzLxWGUFU7M/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BzLxWGUFU7M/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">We loved seeing this #DAYS family reunion. ❤️ 📸: @alisweeney</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/nbcdays/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Days of our Lives</a> (@nbcdays) on Jun 26, 2019 at 12:00pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>An insider for Sony has said that the studio isn’t involved in the contract negotiations with the cast as “the actor deals are through Corday Productions”.</p> <p>“It’s actually a shrewd — if cynical — business move,” said one insider to<em> <a rel="noopener" href="https://tvline.com/2019/11/12/days-of-our-lives-cancelled-cast-fired-season-56/" target="_blank">TVLine</a></em>. “If Days gets picked up, [Corday] can offer the actors new contacts at a reduced rate and with a ‘take-it-or-leave’ it attitude. Worst case scenario, they lose half their cast. Best case scenario [for Corday], everyone agrees to return at a lower salary.”</p> <p>Despite low ratings and the soap opera genre being in decline, NBC have said that they would like to keep the show.</p> <p>“All indications are that NBC would like to keep the show going,” an insider confirmed.</p> <p>The news comes just days after the<span> </span><em>Days of Our Lives</em><span> </span>soap opera is shaking things up on-screen.</p> <p>This week’s episode is fast-forwarding the show’s timeline by one year.</p> <p>“This is a great way to reset things in Salem,” executive producer Ken Corday told<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.tvinsider.com/828413/days-of-our-lives-time-jump-hattie-marlena-john-black/" target="_blank"><em>TVInsider</em></a><span> </span>of the time jump. “It will be a catalyst for many more [changes] to follow.”</p> <p><em>Days of Our Lives</em><span> </span>has been on the smaller screens since 1965 and has aired 13,705 episodes to date. The show is in its 56th season.</p>

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10 more uses for Sunlight soap from the Over60 community

<p>Sunlight soap was the world’s first packaged and branded laundry soap, being introduced by the Lever Brothers in 1884. Since then, it has continued to impress customers with its quality and many uses. We shared with you <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a rel="noopener" href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/01/uses-for-sunlight-soap/" target="_blank">surprising uses for Sunlight soap</a></strong></span> and now, the Over60 community have shared 10 more ingenious uses for Sunlight soap.</p> <p><strong>1. Laundry</strong></p> <p>“I remember my Grandmother using this for laundry, cleaning and used it for the bath and washing dishes. Soap went into basket, locked it shut then as the water ran over it make suds… sunlight soap is amazing.” – Susan Lyzwa</p> <p><strong>2. Shampoo</strong></p> <p>“I always used it to wash hair when we were young... it was remarkable how soft it left our hair too… no conditioner in those days.” – Marlee Marley</p> <p><strong>3. Remove stains</strong></p> <p>“Fancy expensive stain removers are not necessary. Cold water and sunlight soap rubbed on any stains or marks, before placing item in the washing machine will do the trick.” – Fran Doyle</p> <p><strong>4. Discipline naughty children</strong></p> <p>“I remember having my mouth washed out with it for saying ‘bloody’. That was 55 years ago, and I never said it again in front of my Mum. I can still taste it!!” – Carolyn Korlaki</p> <p><strong>5. Remove splinters</strong></p> <p>“As a child I had a lot of splinters. My nan mixed grated sunlight soap and sugar to form a paste, place it on my finger then bandage it... later you would feel it drawing the splinter out, no tears.” – Lois Boon</p> <p><strong>6. Clean pets</strong></p> <p>“Old vet told me to use it on my dog years ago when he had some sort of mite rash on his skin. It fixed it.” -- Ellie Tarver </p> <p><strong>7. Treat grazes</strong></p> <p>“Very effective for those who get nasty grazes whilst playing various sports. Only 'treat' with sunlight soap and it will clear up very quickly!” -- Robyn Hern </p> <p><strong>8. Stop cramps</strong></p> <p>“Stops the cramps when you put it between the sheets, old wives’ tale but it works for me.” – Penny Button </p> <p>“Put a cake of sunlight soap under your pillow. Helps with pain, funny but true. Try it.” – Rhonda McWilliam</p> <p><strong>9. Treat boils</strong></p> <p>“Sunlight soap, little water and white sugar makes a paste. It fixes sores, boils and draws out splinters.” – Patti Cloake</p> <p><strong>10. Firelighter</strong></p> <p>“Nanna used to cut chunks of it to put into the wood fired copper.” – Maureen Snelson</p> <p>What are your favourite uses for Sunlight soap? Let us know in the comments below.</p>

Home & Garden

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British soap star reveals she was asked to "take a young Prince Charles' virginity"

<p>British actress Amanda Barrie has made explosive claims she was asked to “teach a young Prince Charles about sex”.</p> <p>The former <em>Coronation Street</em> and<em> Carry On</em> star, who is now appearing on <em>Celebrity Big Brother</em> in the UK, said that she was approached by an actor friend of Prince Philip called James Robertson Justice who had been tasked with finding Charles, then attending high school in Scotland, an experienced older woman to romance.</p> <p><img width="420" height="646" src="http://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/a742040091bbb313c22792c0faa5aa1f" alt="As a 17-year-old, Prince Charles spent two terms at the Timbertop campus of Geelong Grammar in 1966. Picture: The Courier-Mail Photo Archive." style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>Barrie, 82, said the actor, who died in 1975, called the invite the “ultimate compliment, but don’t be offended by it”.</p> <p>“He was obviously very embarrassed and went round and round in circles before it came out. Finally, he admitted he was one of eight people who had been selected to help ‘launch the royal males into their future life’, as he put it,” she recalled.</p> <p>“Between them, they had to choose anyone they thought would be suitable to teach Prince Charles about sex, and James had decided that I was suitable.</p> <p>“He actually said: ‘We don’t really want people who are experienced but on the other hand, well, obviously they have to know the ropes. Frankly, the main thing one needs is a sense of humour and I know you have got that,” she said.</p> <p><img width="441" height="331" src="http://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/8d6cadf016bca1aadc462a4476237015" alt="Amanda Barrie, 82, who came out as gay at the age of 67, has most recently starred on the UK’s &lt;i&gt;Celebrity Big Brother&lt;/i&gt;. Picture: Supplied" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>Amanda Barrie, 82, most recently starred in UK's Celebrity Big Brother. </em></p> <p>Barrie, who came out as gay when she was 67 and went on to marry crime writer Hilary Bonner, said she met Prince Philip at a club called the Saddle Room in the ‘50s and he told her that if her encounters with Charles were a success, she would be a “fixture”.</p> <p>She continued: “James indicated that if things went well, I would be a kind of fixture — not a girlfriend, but someone in the background. He said: ‘They [the royals] can’t possibly go off into the world without their own person.’</p> <p>“Apparently, it was to be a privilege as no payment was offered.”</p> <p><img width="316" height="421" src="http://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/398d8b8b91d272f885898e77aac495cd?width=316" alt="Amanda Barrie (right) in the 1963 film &lt;i&gt;Carry On Cabby&lt;/i&gt;. Picture: Supplied" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>Amanda Barrie (right) in the 1963 film Carry On Cabby. </em></p> <p>But Barrie revealed that she never accepted the offer, saying: “The one thing that put me off was he suggested I take a pair of khaki shorts to go shooting.</p> <p>“It was those that did it. I couldn’t imagine me, in my wig and false eyelashes, dressed in khaki shorts striding across the moors. I had this terrible image of having to face the Queen over breakfast. What would she say? ‘So, Amanda, how was it?’</p> <p>“I also thought that because Charles was so young, it might be a dreadful experience and I might be blamed. I had to say ‘no’.”</p> <p>She said she was told by Justice: “If you aren’t interested, please don’t tell anyone.’ So I didn’t, not for years.”</p> <p> </p>

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5 wackiest storylines in soap opera history

<p>Soap operas aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but they’ve been around for long enough to have earned large, enthusiastic fan bases around the world. Predictably, when a show airs five days a week for decades, some of the storylines are bound to get a little wacky. We’ve chosen some of our favourite kooky plots from soaps.</p> <p><strong>1. Bouncer’s dream – <em>Neighbours</em></strong></p> <p><em>Neighbours</em> is usually pretty good at keeping their plots away from the sport of shark jumping, but this particular story is just odd. You may remember the time when Bouncer the dog (a Labrador retriever with soap star good looks) dreamed that he married the dog from next door.</p> <p><strong>2. Timmy the living doll – <em>Passions</em></strong></p> <p>Now, in all fairness, <em>Passions</em> was just one big kooky mess of weird storylines, punctuated by men removing their shirts and causing the women in town to swoon. But the weirdest storylines were usually saved for Tabitha (Juliet Mills), the town’s resident witch, and her living doll, Timmy. Tabitha would almost always enter a scene with another character holding an enormous doll. When the other characters were gone, the doll would be replaced by an actor (Josh Ryan Evans), and the two would plot and scheme new ways to mess with the town of Harmony.</p> <p><strong>3. Killer clone – <em>The Guiding Light</em></strong></p> <p>Sometimes, when your wife dies in a plane crash, the only option left to you is to clone her, right? Right. That’s just what happened when Reva’s plane went down. Except when it turned out she didn’t really die, her clone tried to finish the job.</p> <p><strong>4. The lovesick orangutan –<em> Passions</em></strong></p> <p>In the town of Harmony, many of the town’s elderly residents were cared for by a nurse who just happened to be an orangutan – Precious. As was bound to happen, Precious fell in love with the strapping Luis (Galen Gering) – a painfully one-sided affair. Eventually, Precious left Harmony for good, letting go of her love for Luis by throwing his photograph out of a train window. Closure.</p> <p><strong>5. Marlena’s possession – <em>Days of Our Lives</em></strong></p> <p>There comes a time in every doctor’s life, when they are possessed by the Devil, as happened to Dr Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall). She went on to set fire to a church, transform into a jaguar, and was eventually saved by her ex-husband, who remembered he was ordained as a priest.</p> <p>Which wacky soap opera plotline is your favourite? Tell us in the comments below!</p>

TV

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4 benefits of liquid soap dispensers

<p><a href="https://shop.oversixty.com.au/collections/bathroom-accessories/product-type_soap-dispensers?utm_source=Over60&amp;utm_medium=in-article-link-soap-dispensers&amp;utm_campaign=Over60Shop&amp;utm_content=soap-dispensers" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Liquid soap</span></strong></a> dispensers are now widely used in homes, offices and public venues. Whether you use your soap dispenser based on style, size or affordability, here are the benefits of washing your hands with it.</p> <p><strong>1. Cleanliness</strong></p> <p>Soap dispenses help reduce germs and bacteria between uses due to the lack of contact with the soap. This reason has made soap dispensers increasingly popular. Soap dispensers also contribute to having a neat and tidy bathroom as a soap bar isn’t constantly being move around and used in the sink.</p> <p><strong>2. Protection</strong></p> <p>Soap dispensers don’t just stop the soap contents inside from germs but the dispenser acts a protection against other forms of contamination. Dispensers can protect soap against climatic effects, hazardous chemicals and infection. The bottle also helps preserve the soap for longer user.</p> <p><strong>3. Variety</strong></p> <p>If you want to add a few accessories to your bathroom to make it look nicer than a soap dispenser should be on the list. It is a simple luxury that makes a big difference in a bathroom. There are many styles, colours and shapes available for you to choose one so that your soap dispenser fits in with the theme of your bathroom. Soap dispensers are also made in different materials. Over60’s favourite soap dispenser are the <a href="https://shop.oversixty.com.au/collections/bathroom-accessories/products/linen-house-soap-dispenser-cruz?utm_source=Over60&amp;utm_medium=in-article-link-cruz-soap-dispenser&amp;utm_campaign=Over60Shop&amp;utm_content=cruz-soap-dispenser" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">ceramic </span></strong></a>and <a href="https://shop.oversixty.com.au/collections/bathroom-accessories/products/linen-house-soap-dispenser-marble?utm_source=Over60&amp;utm_medium=in-article-link-marble-soap-dispenser&amp;utm_campaign=Over60Shop&amp;utm_content=marble-soap-dispenser" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">marble</span></strong></a> soap dispensers.</p> <p><strong>4. Cost</strong></p> <p>Soap dispensers give the user enough liquid with just one touch of the dispenser. This makes it a cost-effective option as excessive amounts of soap aren’t used to wash your hands. Refilling liquid soap dispensers is quick and easy and the process won’t make a mess in your bathroom. There are also many <a href="https://shop.oversixty.com.au/collections/bathroom-accessories/product-type_soap-dispensers?utm_source=Over60&amp;utm_medium=in-article-link-soap-dispensers&amp;utm_campaign=Over60Shop&amp;utm_content=soap-dispensers" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">affordable soap dispensers</span></strong></a> on the market that you can purchase.</p> <p><em><strong>To find your bathroom essentials, including soap dispensers, <a href="https://shop.oversixty.com.au/collections/bathroom?utm_source=Over60&amp;utm_medium=in-article-link-bathroom&amp;utm_campaign=Over60Shop&amp;utm_content=over60-shop" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">head to the Over60 Shop</span></a> for high-quality offerings.</strong></em></p> <p><a href="https://shop.oversixty.com.au/collections/bathroom?utm_source=Over60&amp;utm_medium=in-article-banner-bathroom&amp;utm_campaign=Over60Shop&amp;utm_content=over60-shop" target="_blank"><img src="http://media.oversixty.com.au/images/EditorialAddon/201706_Shopnow_EditorialAddon_468x60_Bathroom.jpg" alt="Over60 Shop - Bathroom Range"/></a></p>

Home & Garden

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5 antibacterial products you need to ban now

<p>Have you heard of the term “multi-antibiotic resistant bacteria”? If you haven’t you may have heard of their other name, superbugs. These less-than-friendly bacteria are an active threat to our health and wellness with government health organisations working to keep them under control and prevent a return to a time when bugs ruled the world (and our health and life expectancy!). One of the primary causes of the rise of the superbug is our over reliance on antibacterial products which are causing the bugs to mutate and become resistant to antibiotics. Hand sanitizer, soap and cleaning products are the primary culprits for containing antibacterial components. If you’ve got any of the following lying around the house, it’s best to bin them right away.</p> <ol> <li><strong>Toothpaste and mouthwash</strong> – Mouth wash and toothpaste that uses antibacterial ingredients, like triclosan, can contribute to antibiotic resistance and some research points to the ingredient being dangerous for our health in general.</li> <li><strong>Antibacterial hand soap</strong> – Another key location for antibacterial ingredients including triclosan. Recent research has actually found that for despite the big claims made by manufacturers, antibacterial soaps are no more effective than regular soap and water and can often be more damaging to your skin.</li> <li><strong>Cleaning products</strong> – Surface sprays and other detergents can all contain antibacterial ingredients with the majority of marketing materials using this as a key selling point. In more recent times, many manufacturers have switched to using natural antimicrobials like lactic acid or ethanol which don’t contribute to antibiotic resistance. Always check the label before purchasing to see what you’re buying.</li> <li><strong>Antibacterial garbage bags</strong> – A new product to the market, antibacterial garbage bags are capitalising on our germ phobia. Scientists all agree that impregnating plastic with dangerous antibacterial substances is ridiculous at best and insane at worst. Avoid at all costs.</li> <li><strong>Hand sanitiser</strong> – The best friend of parents everywhere, hand sanitizer is another product with the potential for harm. Alcohol based products are completely safe as they kill bacteria on contact without contributing to any resistance. Hand sanitisers that contain less than 60 per cent ethanol and other ingredients however are another story and should be avoided.</li> </ol> <p>Has this knowledge made you re-consider your choice of antibacterial products? Let us know in the comment section below.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/08/your-bed-sheets-could-be-making-you-sick/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Your bed sheets could be making you sick</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/08/how-to-clean-your-bathroom-like-a-professional/"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>How to clean your bathroom like a professional</em></span></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/08/ways-to-ripen-your-avocado-in-minutes/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>5 ways to ripen your avocado in minutes</strong></em></span></a></p>

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