Passions News

You can catch the soap opera Passions on DirecTV these days.

But you can also catch its cast at the Celebs Go Ape Charity Luncheon on October 20.

The event is meant to support action for animal and environmental protection. Those expected to attend include: Ben Masters (Julian), Tracey Ross (Eve), Dylan Fergus (pictured, Noah), Colton Shires (little Ethan) Phillip Jeanmarie (Vincent), Chris Maleki (Spike), and Erin Cardillo (Esme).

The event will take place between 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the Beverly Garlands Hotel, Holiday Inn.

Vincent has been presumed dead on Passions.

But anyone who saw NBC's shocking September 7 finale knows otherwise. Look to see him again: Phillip Jeanmarie will be on recurring status with DirecTV, which will air new episodes of Passions starting September 17.

What a way to get us excited for them!

As Passions moves to DirecTV on September 17, we have some casting news on recurring roles on the show. Here are actors that aren't on contract, but will be popping up often in the next few months:

* After speculation that she'd be returning to her soap roots on General Hospital, Danica Stewart (Jessica Bennett, pictured) has been confirmed to stick around Harmony, perhaps raising the child of Spike (Christopher Maleki).

* John Reilly, (Alistair Crane) will also be sticking around to stir up trouble. His unstable grandson, Vincent (Phillip Jeanmarie), is also expected to reappear, no doubt complicating the vendettas developing in the final week. Moreover, you can expect to see Nicole Cox (Endora) continuing her mischief.

* Daniel Chalfa will also be joining the cast as Marty. Meanwhile, after an alluring offer from another network, original cast member Galen Gering (Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald) reiterated his commitment to the show, promising his fans that he won't be going anywhere.

*Andrea Evans (Rebecca Hotchkiss) was also rumored to return to her previous role on One Life to Live, but has opted to stay with Passions on recurring status.

Passions fans will have multiple opportunities to catch the soap when it bows on DirectTV.

Beginning Sept. 17, Passions will air each new episode twice a day, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. EST Mondays through Thursdays, with Passions marathons every Saturday at 10 a.m.

DirectTV subscribers can watch Passions on the satellite television provider's original programming channel 101.

Here are a pair of tidbits of interest for any Guiding Light or Passions follower:

• Crystal Chappell (Olivia) will be sticking around Springfield. In a statement to fans on her official Web site message board, the actress writes:

"I am so happy to be staying on Guiding Light for another year. They are my family and hopefully, Olivia will find her own light. Regardless of how some people feel about Olivia, I have always appreciated all the fans of the show."

Chappell joined the show back in 1999.

• Also, a rep for Andrea Evans confirms that she has re-signed with Passions and will continue to play Rebecca when the show makes its jump to DirecTV in September. This silences quashing rumors that Evans may reprise her popular role of Tina on One Life to Live.

The Emmy-nominated actress has portrayed Gwen's mother for the past seven years.

NASCAR driver Jaime McMurray will get hearts racing on September 26 with a guest-starring role on Passions.

The 2003 Raysbestos Rookie of the Year is a driver for Roush Racing. He's also the founder of the Jaime McMurray Foundation, an organization committed to raising autism awareness.

Remember, soap opera fans: as of Sept. 17, Passions can only be seen on DirecTV.

Meanwhile, in Guiding Light casting news: Vanessa Simmons, star of the MTV reality show Run's house and daughter of former Run-DMC front man Joseph "Rev Run" Simmons, will appear on the show as Lola, a woman with an eye for Remy beginning on Tuesday, August 21.