SOAP SCOOP Daytime TV news

SPANISH LANGUAGE STAR CAST: Silvana Arias, star of the Spanish-language television network Telemundo's telenovela, "Amor Descarado," has been signed to the contract role of Paloma Lopez-Fitzgerald on "Passions." Show executives describe the character as "fiery, stormy and emotional. Paloma will give even Theresa (her older sister) a run for her money." The character will be bilingual, and will have scenes in English and Spanish. Arias was born in Peru, where she began her acting career, but starred in several telenovelas once she moved to Miami with her family. She has also guest-starred on the nighttime series "Karen Sisco." Her first appearance is scheduled for May 17.
MORE TIDBITS: In other "Passions" news, actors James Hyde, Lindsay Korman and Eva Tamargo (Sam, Theresa and Pilar) have renewed their contracts, while Ryan McPartlin's role (Hank) has been downgraded to recurring status. There may be a new Miguel in Harmony. Jesse Metcalfe is expected to leave when his contract is up next month. No decision about recasting has yet been made.
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