Former Days of our Lives starlet-turned-restaurant mogulette Martha Madison (ex-Belle Black) is set to host a Salem-studded fundraiser for Samantha's Friends and Kids and Canines during DAYS' Annual Fan Club Weekend this June 5.

"Samantha's Friends is a charity I've worked with for many years; they purchase and provide helper-canines to people with disabilities," explains Madison."They work in conjunction with "Kids and Canines", so it's two great programs rolled into one."

Madison will be hosting the event at her SoCal restaurant, Henry's Hat, named for her own lovable pooch.

"Most of the DAYS cast is coming. Crystal Chappell, Renee Jones, Wally Kurth, Judi Evans, Lauren Koslow, Leann Hunley, Arleen Sorkin, Mark Hapka, Galen Gering, Shawn Christian, Molly Burnett, Casey Deidrick, Taylor Spreitler, Gaby Rodriguez, Chandler Massey and some former cast members like Deidre Hall, Rachel Melvin, Eric Winter, Patrika Darbo and I are all taking part. Also, we've kept some names under wraps, so we'll have some exciting surprise guests," Madison teases.

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It looks like Pine Valley is set to once again be a battlefield for the feuding Chandler and Cortlandt families on All My Children. In an interview with SOAPnet, All My Children co-head writers David Kreizman and Donna Swajeski outline their vision for some of your favorite characters and families.  Swajeski reveals the Chandler family will become "volatile again" and Kreizman explains that Palmer's death will help "invigorate the Cortlandt family again and get back to some of the Cortlandt/Chandler historic battles."

Read the entire interview at SOAPnet  to find out what the writers have store for Erica, Greenlee, David, Angie, Jesse and the Martins.

Emily: Dr. P tries her best to get Paul to realize she's not his psycho sister Patty. When Emily attempts to get him to perform a DNA test, he shuts her down. Paul thinks "Patty" has lost her grip on reality and is still trying to pass herself off as Emily. Em tries not to blow her stack with him since she will wind up wearing a straitjacket. Meanwhile, Paul heads to court to ask for "Emily" to be taken off "Patty's" case. When Patty finds out, she starts to freak a little since she won't be able to keep tabs on Emily. Later, Patty goes by the mental hospital and drugs Em. READ MORE

Kudos again to the makeup department because at one point, Kristina’s eye actually looked like it was swollen shut and I couldn’t figure out how they would pull that off. The purple color is a bit much though. I’ve never seen a bruise quite that shade of eggplant, but the effect is still there.

Kiefer is one creepy guy. He showed up with a teddy bear, not understanding why she’s not thrilled to see him. He almost acted angry that she has the nerve to still be pissed at him, two days after a beating. Then, he was being all nicey-nice to Alexis, who in soap style, didn’t hear either kid mention that Kiefer is the beater. I’m hoping when Alexis learns the truth, that she teaches that boy a lesson.

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Great news soap fans! NBC has renewed Days of our Lives through 2011, according to The Live Feed.

“‘Days of our Lives’ continues to be a favorite of the daytime audience and we are thrilled to keep it going through its 45th season,” said Marc Graboff, chairman, NBC Entertainment. “‘Days’ has shown year-to-year increases in key female demographics and remains both relevant and fresh creatively.”

Here’s the Scoop!

Bad Break-Up? Tad and Liza are OVER! Some AMC fans may be well, fans of this as this Liza is still not their Liza. She’s grown on me and I’ve seen some chemistry between Liza and Tad but every couple has their ups and downs. Tad is about to see a real downer! Upset over the break-up, Liza goes to drown her sorrows at ConFusion where she chats up Damon at the bar. What will Tad think when he’s sees his son and former flame together? Damon’s troubles don’t end there. Angie pegs him for drug use when a bottle of pills walks off a med cart. Since he’s already been tried and convicted, Damon figures he might as well be what everyone thinks he is and pops a pill right in Angie’s face. Who really lifted the drugs?

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Maurice Benard spoke with Michael Fairman at Michael Fairman Soaps about General Hospital's teen abuse storyline and how Kristina's (Lexi Ainsworth) abuse is reminding Sonny of his childhood.

“This train is rolling really great, and it’s not going to stop. The story that I am really praising is when Kristina gets beat up, (and I have not seen it), but doing it with the actors was unreal. When I saw Lexi Ainsworth (Kristina) with the bruises, it was like the feelings I would have with my own daughter. Sonny takes off on this whole thing and then goes on to remember his own abuse and how his step-father would beat him, and put him in the closet, and he how he would beat his mother, too.”

Here’s the Scoop!

The abuse storyline will continue parallel to Sonny’s trial. There are a few notes left to play on what has so far been a pretty well written and phenomenally acted story. Maurice Benard, Nancy Lee Grahn and Lexi Ainsworth have all turned in top notch performances this week! I know there are some of you that are having a real problem with Kristina labeling Ethan as her attacker and while I see your point, it’s honestly not all that far off base from what happens in a real life abuse situation. Often, the victim protects their abuser even if it means lashing out at family, friends and yes even making someone else look like they're to blame. Granted, I still see why fans are upset that Ethan is taking the heat but Kristina sort of has a point, doesn’t she? Sonny is sure to bump off whoever is to blame and Ethan, being Luke’s son, stands a better chance than Kiefer. I’m not making excuses, trust me; I’m just saying that I get it.

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Sorry I have been so busy! But I have some good news! On my way to film episodes of Mercy. Will let ya know the details
 

Photo by PR Photos.

On today's CBS and Days of our Lives podcast Luke, Jillian and Mike discuss storylines and news for As the World Turns, The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of our Lives and The Young the Restless, including:

Daniel Cosgrove debuts as Chris Hughes on As the World Turns. Vienna returns to Oakdale and causes problems for Henry and Barbara. Does Dr. Reid treat Luke so badly because he's actually attracted to him?

Steffy targets Bridget in her strategy to throw Brooke out of Forrester on The Bold and the Beautiful. Should Owen and Oliver try to bring Steffy down? The fallout from Owen and Bridgett's having sex continues.

Arianne Zucker returns to Days of our Lives as Nicole. Nicole realizes Anna is the one who took her baby. Melanie finds out Daniel is her father. Rafe hunts for the truth. Brady and Arianna get engaged.

Adam's crimes and deceptions are revealed on The Young and the Restless. What will everyone do now that they know what he's done? Who is after Chance and do we care? Daisy ups the ante with Lauren.

Hang out in the Daytime Confidential Forums and discuss your favorite soaps, primetime TV series and movies.

Help support and improve the Daytime Confidential podcast: Take a few minutes to fill out the two Daytime Confidential listener surveys: Listener Survey A l

Be sure to leave your comments on all the latest goings on in the world of soaps by calling the Daytime Confidential comment line by calling 917-677-9757.

Listen to Daytime Confidential by clicking on the Daytime Confidential Player at the bottom of this post or Download us for FREE via iTunes. Vote for us on Podcast Alley. Add us as a Friend on MySpace and Facebook.

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