There was some exciting casting news involving the soap world's fan favorites late last week: a two-time Emmy winner is going west to join 'The Young and the Restless,' and as part of the Vanessa Marcil Giovinazzo comeback lollapalooza on General Hospital,' a singer/actress who's been off the soaps for a few decades is wading back into the daytime waves.

For more on those stories and more, read what's been happening around the dial in our weekly Soap casting wrap-up.

Maura Chooses to Go West to Y&R
Two-time Emmy winner Maura West has decided what she's going to do now that 'As the World Turns' is going off the air. Tierney has agreed to join 'The Young and the Restless,' taking over the role of Diane Jenkins.

For Maura, it might have seemed a daunting task to find a character as complicated and dynamic as 'ATWT's' Carly Tenney, but there's a lot of history with Diane and challenges with other characters who are still on the canvas.

For instance, Diane was once married to Victor (Eric Braeden) and has a son with Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman). You can bet she'll have a lot to do with Jack -- who's back to being single since Emily (Stacy Haiduk) has left Genoa City -- and plenty of antipathy for the ruthless Victor. Maura will be appearing on 'ATWT' through the series finale on Sept. 17. Her first airdate on 'Y&R' will be Oct. 8.

The Mark of Marcovicci

The stir caused by Brenda's (Vanessa Marcil Giovinazzo) return to Port Charles on 'General Hospital' has created a flurry of casting news. We previously reported about Adrienne Barbeau and Brad Rowe coming on board ... and now comes yet another name performer. Andrea Marcovicci will be joining 'GH' as Sophia.

The recurring character is involved with Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Brenda. Andrea is a very well-known cabaret singer, as well as an accomplished actress. Interestingly, this is her first time back on soaps since she played Dr. Betsy Chernak on 'Love Is A Many Splendored Thing.' That was CBS soap that ran from 1967 to 1973. Andrea was on 'Love' from 1970-73. Her first appearance on 'GH' is Sept. 3.

Zach's Coming to Pine Valley, Too ... But Not for Long

ABC has been touting the return of both Vanessa Marcil Giovinazzo (to 'GH') as well as Alicia Minshew to 'All My Children.' Minshew's Kendall has already been on screen, mixing it up with Ryan (Cameron Mathison) and Greenlee (Rebecca Budig).

Well, this week Kendall's hubby, Zach, comes to Pine Valley. Actor Thorsten Kaye will only be around for about a week, as he continues to be reticent about a full-time move to Los Angeles, where 'AMC' is now filming.

Shake Up in 'Days' Family

There's a new Gabi Hernandez coming to 'Days of Our Lives.' Actress Gabriela Rodriguez is out and former 'One Life to Live' played Camila Banus has been cast in the role. Banus was Lola on 'OLTL.'

The new Gabi is expected to be on screen in early September. As Soap Central pointed out, this is the second shake up in the Hernandez clan on 'Days.' Lindsay Hartley was dropped as Arianna just a few weeks ago.