SOAP SCOOP Daytime TV news

SAUNDRA SANTIAGO SIGNS: The Santi family and its offshoots expand once more with the casting of Saundra Santiago as Angelina. For some strange reason, the actress seems well suited to roles with, shall we say, connections, having portrayed Carmen Santos, head of a mob family, on "Guiding Light," as well as Jeannie Cusamano on "The Sopranos." Santiago begins her contract role early this month.
NEW FACES: While David Tom takes a leave of absence for personal reasons from "OLTL," Shane McRae will fill in as Paul, starting Aug. 12. "Passions'" evil Alistair finally has a face. David Bailey, who played Russ on "Another World" and also appeared on "Ryan's Hope," has been signed to the contract role. His scheduled debut is set for Sept. 27.
BABY NEWS: Congratulations to Lindsay and Justin Hartley (Theresa and Fox), whose daughter Isabella arrived on July 3.
SOMETHING NEW: It hasn't taken "Passions'" Miguel long to find a new job, after saying goodbye to Harmony last week. Actor Jesse Metcalfe can be seen, along with former "Young and Restless" cast member Eva Longoria (Isabella) on a new ABC primetime series, "Desperate Housewives."
MAJOR NEWS: SoapNet has made two major signings with the acquisition of "Melrose Place" and "Beverly Hills 90210." The '90s live again as the scheming viewer favorites like Heather Locklear and Shannen Doherty return for a second look. "Melrose Place" begins on Sept. 13, while "90210" will air on weekdays starting early next year.
DEBUT: This month, SoapNet debuts its third original series, "Soapography," a half-hour show that takes an in-depth look at the personal lives of the stars. Among those to be profiled are Alison Sweeney (Sami, "Days") and Cameron Mathison (Ryan, "All My Children").
& copy;2004 Tribune Media Services Inc.