Talk of Jill Lorie Hurst being named sole head writer of Guiding Light appears to be speculation at this point. A Guiding Light rep tells us the soap still boasts two head-writing teams.

"The team has been in place since August and their material is just starting to air," says the rep. 

Buzz surrounding Hurst no doubt began after Grant Aleksander informed Soap Opera Weekly Hurst helped facilitate his return as Phillip. Aleksander later revealed to TV Guide's Michael Logan his return was contingent upon changes in the Guiding Light writer's room. Emmy-winner David Kreizman was sole head writer at the time of Aleksander's exit and was responsible for turning the golden boy hero into a psychotic baby snatcher. Another factor that probably fueled talk is the fact that Hurst, not Kreizman or GL executive producer  Ellen Wheeler, has been the person quoted in the press as of late about GL storylines.   READ MORE

If this post was about a new actor to daytime this would be a "first impressions" post, but since the majority of Guiding Light fans are already well acquainted with Grant Aleksander's Phillip Spaulding I thought I'd post it as Knee-jerk Reaction. What was your Knee-jerk Reaction at seeing Phillip return? Mine was that the above picture looks like he's in Phantom of the Opera: Springfield Edition. Of course that is not the case. I'm looking forward to seeing more tomorrow.

Yes! I'll miss him a lot.

I'm ok with the character dying if it furthers story.

No! They shouldn't kill him off.

                                                                                                                                                            
Welcome to the very late Phillip returns to Springfield edition of Mel's Guiding Gossip. The prodigal son returns in a very explosive manner. Without further adieu, here are all the juicy gossip, rumors, scoops and spoilers for the week of February 9th.

Phillip/Beth/Coop/Alan/Buzz: The day of Alan and Beth's wedding has arrived, and Beth isn't thrilled in the least bit. She doesn't want to go through with it, but Alan won't take no for an answer. Alan informs her of his romantic getaway plans while Beth dreams of running off with Coop. Beth comes back to reality to hear Alan still talking about the getaway and storms off.

In the meantime, a sleeping Buzz gets a ghostly visit from his wife Jenna. In the dream, Jenna manages to convince Buzz that Coop loves Beth. Buzz wakes up and goes to let Coop out of the basement, but he has already escaped. Buzz eventually finds Coop and gives him his car in order to stop the wedding. On the way, Coop sees a vision of his mother Jenna. This causes him call Beth, but Alan answers the phone. Alan taunts Coop about Beth and tells him they have already married. Coop is overcome with emotion, loses control of the car, and crashes. Just as the car is about to burst into flames, out of no where, Phillip rescues Coop. Phillip takes Coop to the hospital. READ MORE

"The" Guiding Light's newest Phillip promo. Courtesy of KDKA News in Pittsburgh, PA.

On today's CBS and Days of Our Lives Daytime Confidential episode Luke, Mike, Jamey and Jillian discuss the latest in CBS and Days of Our Lives news including...

Jamey's twelve step program for soapaholics.

Was it a surprise that Craig actually received custody of Johnny on As the World Turns? Brad and Katie are trying to have a baby. Does Oakdale really need another Snyder baby?

The group reacts to John and Marlena's leaving Salem. Did the Days of Our Lives give fans what they deserve or did they cop out. Should Hope Brady get a new love interest to help spice up her storyline with Bo?

It's do or die time for Guiding Light and the count down to Grant Aleksander's return has begun. Will we be tuning in for his return and will it be enough to help save the show? Is a Cyrus, Lizzie and Bill triangle worth watching or should it just be the Bill and Lizzie pairing?

The expected death of Brad Carlton on The Young and the Restless has arrived. Will Colleen be able to hold her own against Victor and is it make or break time for her? The gang discusses where they would like to see Don Diamont end up.

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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