HOLLYWOOD—During the holidays I caught up with the multi-Emmy winning writer and executive producer of “The Bold and the Beautiful” to get the scoop on what you can expect in 2011 for your favorite denizens of Los Angeles. With 2010 just ending, it certainly will bring Brad Bell another Emmy nomination for his great drama, and possibly a third consecutive win for 2011 as Best Dramatic Series. Fans are as excited about the new year as we have been over the past 12 months. Bradley P. Bell lives in Holmby Hills with his wife and children, and is the youngest son of the Bell Dynasty, which has created the most successful soaps in television history. Sister soap “The Young and the Restless” just celebrated its 22nd anniversary at the number-one spot in the Nielsen Ratings. “B&B” is now known as the most watched daytime drama in the world, with a daily audience of close to 40 million viewers worldwide. After speaking with handsome Bradley Bell, this is of little wonder.
“2010 was a stellar year for ”˜B&B:’ our second (back-to-back) Outstanding Drama Series Emmy, our first Outstanding Writing Emmy, our fifth consecutive TV Audience Award (Golden Nymph) in Monte Carlo and listed in the Guinness World Records 2011 book as ”˜Most Popular Soap Opera ”“ Current’. Wow,” said Brad Bell. “In addition to all of that, we took a heartfelt trip to Skid Row, told the story of the plight of the homeless in America and through that, everyone on our cast and crew now looks at their life, and our world, through a new pair of glasses. Now 2011 is upon us and we are all in for quite a ride. The year ahead will be full of drama, wonder and great fashion.”
When it comes to Brooke and Taylor’s 20-plus year feud, don’t look for it to cool down anytime soon. Bradley tells Canyon News, “Brooke has promised Ridge there will be no more scandals, no more lies and no more indiscretions. Will Thomas and his burgeoning feelings for his step mother be the end of our super couple?” With that said, this week Brooke and Ridge’s son Thomas flew to Paris on business. Can we gather a clue from Bell’s cryptic message? When it comes to our favorites Susan Flannery, Hunter Tylo and Jack Wagner, Bell was less cryptic on their futures. “Stephanie’s new found friendship with Brooke is driving Taylor mad. She feels that she’s losing Thomas and now she’s losing Stephanie, too! Also, facing a crisis, Nick will take a journey with Stephanie down tobacco road. The outcome will change his life and the lives of those he loves, in a profound and meaningful way,” said Bell. Perhaps the lives of the audience members could be changed too. I have taken a sneak peek, and I promise you don’t want to miss it.
When asked about Bill Spencer, played brilliantly by handsome and supremely talented actor Don Diamont, Bell said, “Amber will drive the Spencer family to the edge, and also with Owen at her side, Jackie begins designing at Jackie M and brings her company to the forefront, giving Forrester Creations a run for their money. Oh yes, and right at the beginning of the year, there will be a spectacular wedding.” Again, I had to ask Brad about my invitation. He can’t continue having the Forrester clan, one of the premiere families of L.A. County and Beverly Hills and Bel Air have these exquisite weddings without inviting Canyon News’s entertainment and society guru to the nuptials. On that note, when asked what he’d like to say to his millions of fans and viewers, the handsome and gracious producer and head writer concluded, “thank you to all of you, our dedicated fans, for tuning in and watching us every day. We appreciate you. From all of us at ”˜The Bold and the Beautiful’ have a happy and healthy New Year!”
“B&B” airs weekdays on CBS. Count me along with all of you, who will be seated in front of our TV sets often this year.
Photographs are Courtesy: Bradley P. Bell and Don Diamont by Gilles Toucas, Bell Phillip Television Productions and Taylor and Brooke catfight by JPI Studios© West Hollywood
