There's been an unusual and unexpected casting switch on 'Days of Our Lives,' with Emmy-award winning actress Natalia Livingston being replaced by Tamara Braun.

What's strange is that Livingston was let go because the writers changed the character of Taylor Walker, and Natalia's not the right actress for the part anymore. Braun, who has excelled in bad girl roles, apparently is. Braun's first airdate will be in April.

'Days' co-executive producer Gary Tomlin talked to Soap Opera Digest about the change, saying, "It was decided to take the character ... in a new direction. Natalia Livingston is an amazing actress and a consummate professional. She is a class act and everyone at the studio adores her."

Braun, like Livingston, is an award-winner. In fact, Braun won the Daytime Emmy as Ava Vitali on 'Days' in 2009. Presumably, fans won't mind that she's back on the show in a different role.

Ironically, 'Days' has done that before. Josh Taylor was once Chris Kositchek on the soap, then returned a few years later as Roman Brady.

New Gal in Llanview

Actress Nafessa Williams has joined 'One Life to Live' as Deanna. This is just the latest new addition to the cast, coming on the heels of recent hires Terri Conn, Austin Peck, Tom Deegan and Josh Kelly. You could say they're trying to shake things up at 'OLTL.'

There's not a lot known about the Deanna character as yet, although she will have a link to someone in Llanview. I'm betting on Destiny, especially since Deanna is supposed to be part of the teen scene. Williams begins appearing the week of March 21.

'B&B' Opts for Bold, New Opening

On February 21, CBS will present a brand new opening for 'The Bold and the Beautiful,' something that's bold, beautiful and cutting edge. It's also only the third time the soap has revamped the credits.

'B&B' has always had a glamourous opening, showing off the great looking cast and emphasizing the soap's milieu, the L.A. fashion industry.

Dropping the 2004 opening was not an impulsive change, according to executive producer Bradley Bell. He told TV Guide, "Our current one has been running for six and a half years. It's beautiful and still works, but now we want to let viewers know that our show is all about experimenting, not only with our storytelling but with our image. We want to be known as a show that's thinking outside the box."

To live up to that challenge, computer generated effects were employed to create something unique in the soap world. And because it's digital, it can evolve and be ever-changing. According to Brad, "It's set up so that the various elements, from music to special effects, will constantly change. It'll be a fun, ongoing surprise for the audience."

Here's a preview of the opening, as well as some behind the scenes info about 'B&B's' process:


So, what do you think? Did it dazzle you? (I would have liked it if the names hadn't flashed by so quickly ...) Share your thoughts in the comments.

'Days' Co-Headwriter Exits

''Days of Our Lives'' co-headwriter Dena Higley is on her own for now. Christopher Whitesell, her co-headwriter, is leaving the soap, reportedly to take a headwriting job on another daytime drama.

Whitesell is a veteran soap scribe, having won Emmys as part of the 'OLTL' and 'Guiding Light' writing teams.

A Reversal of Fortune at 'GH'

Just a few weeks ago, we reported 'General Hospital' 13-year-veteran Rebecca Herbst was let go ... It was shocking news and created an uproar among fans.

Apparently, the folks at ABC and 'GH' were listening because it looks like Herbst may be sticking around Port Charles after all.

ABC Soaps in Depth reported that set sources revealed that Herbst has been 'unfired,' and shortly thereafter, Soap Opera Digest echoed the news that Herbst's status was being reconsidered.

Actress Laura Wright, who plays Carly on 'GH,' confirmed the news (sort of) that her costar was retained when she tweeted last Friday, "I think its true [that] Becky is STAYING!"

All signs suggest that next week ABC will be making a formal announcement that Herbst is not going anywhere.