All My Children
News

Many props must be given to ABC for its upcoming story line involving JR Martinez.

As previously reported, he's a real-life veteran of the Iraq war that is coming aboard All My Children in the role of Taylor's ex-fiance, Brot Monroe.

As the network has announced in a new press release, Brot's combat-related injuries are determined by Martinez's real life injuries:

In February of 2003, Mr. Martinez was deployed to Iraq and in April, 2003, while serving as a driver of a Humvee, the tire hit a landmine and he suffered severe burns to more than 40 percent of his body.

Martinez spent 34 months in the hospital and underwent 32 surgeries. He's an inspiration.

A couple of All My Children contract notes:

• Michael E. Knight has signed a new deal and will remain with the show for the next few years;
• Conversely, James Mitchell has been taken off contract and is now a recurring star.  

Emma's kidnapper is close to being caught next week on All My Children...

• Ryan and Annie hurry to catch Emma's kidnapper.

• David makes a move on Amanda (Chrishell Stause, pictured).

• Angie delivers bad news to Jesse.

• Jesse realizes what he's done.

Reese and Bianca are officially engaged.

For those that missed this historic All My Children scene, here's how the exchange went:

Reese: "That day, I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you. And I knew that I wanted to have a home with you and Miranda, and a future together. And so today, I am asking you my beautiful, beautiful, beautiful Bianca... will you marry me?"
Bianca: "Yes, I will marry you."

AWWW!

On an upcoming episode, Bianca's mom Erica meets Reese - and, like mothers everywhere, she begins to plan a huge wedding. Here's a photo from that scene:

Look for J.R. Martinez to debut as Brot Monroe on All My Children in the coming weeks.

Why is this newsworthy? Because Martinez is a veteran of the Iraq war.

"We are honored and delighted to welcome J.R. Martinez to the cast of All My Children. J.R. represents the best of the human spirit. His commitment to help his fellow service men and women and their families has inspired us all," said the show's executive producer, Julie Hanan Carruthers. "J.R.'s challenging journey and resilience will bring a uniquely authentic perspective to the role of Brot Monroe."

Here's how the story line with Martinez - All My Children spoiler alert! - will go down:

Monroe served in the U.S. Army was injured in combat. While serving, he fell in love with Lt. Taylor Thompson (Beth Ehlers). However, due to the extent of his injuries, Brot let believe he was dead. After numerous operations, Brot returns to find his fiancee grieving because she doesn't know he's alive.

Prepare for a groundbreaking event tomorrow on All My Children:

Reese proposes to Bianca!

"There is a ring that they found in Milan," Tamara Braun (who portrays Reese) told Soap Opera Weekly.

As for the location of the wedding? Erica better start planning a destination wedding. California or Massachusetts makes the most sense, right?

The All My Children rumors are true:

Rebecca Budig will be leaving the series when her contract runs out in the spring of 2009. She told SOAPnet.com:

"My life is in California. I had hoped it would be a lot easier than it was to live bi-coastally. But it's really tough; our [she and husband Bob Guiney] life is enmeshed there. We put down roots there."

We'll miss Rebecca Budig when she exits All My Children next year.

Welcome back to daytime TV, Frank Runyeon.

The actor, who has appeared on General Hospital and As the World Turns over the years, has been cast on All My Children in the recurring role of Forrest Williams, Reese's (Tamara Braun) father.

He'll start taping scenes for the show next month. Look for some tension when Forrest comes aboard, as Reese's family was not as accepting of her sexual orientation as Bianca's family ultimately proved to be of hers.

It's an interesting, scary week ahead on All My Children, one that culminates with Halloween...

• David seeks revenge on the Chandlers.

• Amanda realizes Jake has feelings for Taylor.

• Emma's kidnapper contacts Ryan (Cameron Mathison, pictured) and Annie.

Exciting news for All My Children fans:

Reports are coming in that say Di is coming back to the show. Will she help Aidan fix his Greenlee-broken heart?

Don't look for Kelly Giddish to reprise the role, however. Reportedly, daytime newcomer named Heather Kenzie will take on the role.