Just days after word that Guiding Light fan fave, Grant Aleksander, will be reprising his role of Philip early next year comes news that another beloved star, David Andrew MacDonald will be returning as Edmund in January. Looks like a great start to 2009 awaits us, doesn't it?

Both characters have been off-screen due to unfortunate (and very daytime-esque circumstances). Philip was last seen in 2004 before his presumed death, whereas Edmund became comatose in December 2007 after Will pushed him over a church balcony.

Can't wait to see how the return of these two integral characters plays out with other Springfield denizens. Stay tuned for some exciting days ahead!

Which soap stars are celebrating birthdays this week? Take a peek:

• Jason Thompson (Patrick, GH), November 20
• Winsor Harmon (Thorne, B&B), November 22
• Jerry verDorn (Clint, OLTL), November 23

Please join me in wishing these birthday boys a very happy and celebratory day!

Pictured: Winsor Harmon (Thorne, B&B)

Charley Gallay, Copyright 2007, Getty Images

Can you imagine not witnessing a winning moment like Jeanne Cooper's (Katherine/Marge, Y&R) big win at the Daytime Emmy Awards last June? Unfortunately, that might happen.

At this point, nobody has laid claim to the 36th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards ceremony. ABC, CBS and SOAPnet have all announced that they won't be airing the show, despite this supposedly being CBS' year to host.

So does this mean we won't be able to watch our favorite Daytime stars get the recognition they so deserve? Not necessarily. The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences is said to be in negotiations with two networks and two cable channels. Despite low ratings last year, it's hard to accept the Emmys are at risk. Hopefully the Powers-that-Be can get this all figured out in time.

Pictured: Jeanne Cooper

Frederick M. Brown, Copyright 2008, Getty Images

As the holidays approach, our favorite soaps tend to get busier and more exciting than ever. So to be sure you don't miss a beat with what's happening, I've made a few additions and alterations to this site. Hope you enjoy the improvements - they're my early holiday gift to you!

First of all, you'll find all those Scoops and Spoilers you must have to begin your week for every single daytime soap, every single week!

If you happen to miss anything during the week, you'll find a comprehensive Weekly Recap for each show as well.

I'll continue to keep you in-the-know on all the latest casting news, personal appearances and more. Also stay tuned for lots of holiday-related scoop, character and actor profiles, quizzes, polls and more. Everything you need all in one place.

Don't forget to visit the forums for lively conversation and leave comments on the blog posts as well. Our soaps are all running some great stories right now, so let's get talking, shall we?