SOAP SCOOP

SOAP SCOOP
Daytime TV news
J.R. AND SUE ELLEN TOGETHER AGAIN!: Larry Hagman, for more than a decade the man viewers loved to hate as J.R. Ewing on "Dallas," is guest-starring on "Bold and Beautiful" this spring, where his onscreen spouse Linda Gray (Dallas's Sue Ellen Ewing) plays Priscilla. No details are available as to the name of Hagman's character or his connection to Priscilla or other "B & amp;B" players.
NEW FACE: There's already a new Daniel at "Young and Restless." The original casting didn't work out and Owen Beckman stepped into the role last week. Ten college finalists out to win a part on "Y & amp;R" will be announced on CBS's "The Early Show" Friday, with live screen tests to follow the week of May 17. At that time, "Early Show" viewers will be able to log onto www.cbsnews.com/earlyshow and pick two winners, who'll appear on "Y & amp;R" in the months to come.
DRIVING IT HOME: Las Vegas taxi driver and "HBO Taxicab Confessions" star Rita Scott plays herself on "Passions" Tuesday, in scenes where Gwen pours out her heart about her troubled life.
BABY ON BOARD: With "As the World Turns'" Terri Colombino (Katie) set for maternity leave shortly, Katie's first love, Simon, again played by Paul Leyden, returns to the show starting May 24. Katie has gotten herself into hot water trying to help Mike, and Simon's return is likely to further complicate matters. After Leyden completes his visit to the series -- which is expected to be short term -- he's scheduled to star in an NBC pilot about an airport with former prime-time soap bad girl Heather Locklear.
FAREWELL: It's goodbye to yet another Eden on "Guiding Light." Deborah Zoe, who took over the part in 2003, has been axed. It doesn't appear that the role will be re-cast.
& copy;2004 Tribune Media Services Inc.