Some good news for soap fans already mourning the loss of ABC stalwart, 'All My Children' later this year. Josh Duhamel, who got his big break playing con artist Leo du Pres on the soap, has agreed to return for a cameo appearance this summer.

According to 'Entertainment Weekly,' Duhamel will appear in an episode in August, and there's a chance that he could even appear in a second episode before the veteran soap bows out in September.

Leo died (or did he?) back in 2003 trying to save Greenlee (Rebecca Budig) in a waterfall accident. However, death -- as we all know -- is no impediment to soap opera comebacks and as Leo's body was never found, we'll now get to find out what he's been up to all these years.

The rumors were true. Emmy-award winning actor Roger Howarth is returning to 'One Life to Live.' Howarth, who was most recently Paul Ryan on 'As the World Turns,' was originally Todd Manning on 'OLTL' from 1992 through 2003 (with some time off in between). But he's back now.

"We are thrilled to have Roger return to 'One Life to Live,'" said Frank Valentini, executive producer. "As 'OLTL' viewers know, Trevor St. John has been playing the role of Todd Manning since 2003. We have a great story planned that will involve both actors."

Howarth was dynamic as Todd Manning, a character as complex as he is compelling. But currently the role is being played by Trevor St. John, and Trevor is not leaving 'OLTL.' The question on the mind of fans everywhere is this: if Howarth resumes the role of Todd, who has Trevor been playing all these years?

In advance of the official Daytime Emmys, the pre-nominations list has come out. The pre-noms are a way for the Emmys to narrow down the selections in the acting categories to the performers who will be on the ballot for the official nominations. This preliminary step covers six acting categories.

Here are the actors, show by show -- including 'As the World Turns' for the last time -- who will be competing to make it on the final ballot in the four main acting categories:

'All My Children'

Outstanding Lead Actress: Rebecca Budig as Greenlee Hayward; Alicia Minshew as Kendall Slater; Debbi Morgan as Angie Hubbard

Outstand Lead Actor: Ricky Paull Goldin as Jake Martin; Michael E. Knight as Tad Martin

Outstanding Supporting Actress: Melissa Claire Egan as Annie Chandler; Chrishell Strause as Amanda Martin

Outstanding Supporting Actor: Cornelius Smith Jr. as Franklin Hubbard; Jacob Young as J.R. Chandler

This week, 'One Life to Live' made a bold move by casting a major star from the late, lamented soap 'As the World Turns.' Will she be the key to pumping up the ratings for 'OLTL'? Plus: Are you interested in a new book coming from a soap scribe? How about an apple pie made by a soap fave?

For all the news read on, and don't forget to read the Soap Round-Up every Saturday to find out what's been happening on screen the soap world.

Colombino Checks Into 'One Life to Live'
One of the most popular stars of 'As the World Turns,' actress Terri Colombino, has landed a new soap opera gig. Colombino has been cast on 'One Life to Live,' reportedly as a member of the Buchanan family, named Aubrey. That means she's related to Clint (Jerry ver Dorn) and Bo (Robert S. Woods) in some way, shape or form ... and that's a very good thing.

Last week, there were comings and goings on 'All My Children,' and the Pine Valley folks are at it again. Two well-known daytime stars are joining the cast, including the infamous Sheila Carter.

Meanwhile, there are also 'One Life to Live' developments, and a sitcom star dropping into 'Days of Our Lives.' For all the news, read what's been happening around the dial in our weekly soap casting wrap-up.

Here Comes the Judge

One of the most prolific and well-known stars of daytime is checking in to Pine Valley. Kimberlin Brown is joining 'All My Children' as the judge in David Hayward's (Vincent Irizarry) murder case. Kimberlin's role -- as of now -- is short-term.

There's a lot of activity on 'All My Children' this week as the revolving door of actors spins two in and two out. Meanwhile, there's a primetime star heading to 'The Young and the Restless,' and a disturbing story about the fate of recently-ended 'As the World Turns.'

For all the news, read what's been happening around the dial in our weekly soap casting wrap-up.

'All My Children' Plus Two

Good news for Lindsay Hartley, who just landed on 'All My Children.' After been dropped from 'Days of Our Lives,' Hartley has joined the ABC soap as Cara Finn, a new character who will be appearing on Dec. 8.

Joining her in Pine Valley is another soap veteran. Jordi Vilasuso has been cast as Griffin Castillo, and like Hartley, it's a contract role. Vilasuso is best known from his days on 'Guiding Light' as Tony Santos. Vilasuso's first airdate is Nov. 15. Both of the new characters will be involved with Jake (Ricky Paull Goldin) and Amanda (Chrishell Stause).

Welcome to the Soap Round-Up, our weekly recap of all the soap action this past week. Each week, we sum up all the best stories from each and every soap, from 'All My Children' to 'The Young and the Restless.'

If you don't want to know what aired already, consider this a SPOILER ALERT. ... Oh, one last thing, please comment and join the conversation.

For instance, on 'Days of Our Lives,' is it over the top that Vivian's trapped in a sarcophagus or do you love the irony of her winding up in the very tomb in which she planned to encase Maggie?

The world is no longer turning. At least that's how it feels for the countless fans of 'As the World Turns.'

The historic soap opera ends its 54-year run today. Legendary serial queen Irna Phillips created the ground-breaking drama, which debuted on April 2, 1956, on CBS. As times changed, so did the show, but the family unit was always at the core of the beloved series.

"'ATWT' was a trailblazer," reflected Emmy-winning writer-producer Jonathan Reiner, who spent seven years at Soap Opera Weekly. "It was one of the first half-hour shows and used hallmarks and techniques that the genre became famous for, such as the lingering close-up, exposition over coffee, a greater depth of character so that we knew motivations. This was all thanks to Irna Phillips, writer Bill Bell and director Ted Corday."

Narrowing down the thousands of memorable moments to a mere 20 from 54 years of 'As the World Turns' is no easy feat.

It's especially tough to do since actors on the show are still turning in powerhouse performances. (Note to Kathryn Hays: Your performance as Kim dealing with her son Chris' heart condition on Sept. 2 was Emmy-worthy. Consider submitting yourself next year.)

There were many shocking moments and storylines that didn't make the list: Hal and Barbara's love story, Jack accidentally killing Brad, Bob and Kim finding Sabrina, John and Lucinda in the hot tub, Shannon's "shrunken head," Tom and Margo battling Mr. Big, Tad Channing's murder ... well, you get the idea.

Read on for a list of 20 memorable favorite moments from the beloved CBS soap opera, which will exit the airwaves on Fri, Sept. 17.

Everyone's favorite Emmy-winner, Susan Lucci, resumes her role on 'All My Children,' while NBC's 'Days of Our Lives' is going high-definition. And then there's a strange story about the end of 'As the World Turns' ...

For all the news, read what's been happening around the dial in our weekly soap casting wrap-up.

La Lucci Returns

After a lengthy summer vacation, Susan Lucci returns to 'All My Children' as Erica Kane on Oct. 6 ... and not a moment too soon. All her children, especially Kendall (Alicia Minshew), need her. Erica and Jack (Walt Willey) were off on a pre-wedding honeymoon, leaving Erica's infatuation with Caleb (Michael Nouri) in flux.

Welcome to the Soap Round-Up, our weekly recap of all the soap action this past week. Each week, we sum up all the best stories from each and every soap, from 'All My Children' to 'The Young and the Restless.'

If you don't want to know what aired already, consider this a SPOILER ALERT. ... Oh, one last thing, please comment and join the conversation.

For instance, the dead body on 'AMC' turned out to be Dr. David Hayward. Were you shocked that such an integral character was killed?

And what's going to happen now with Greenlee, Ryan and the other citizens of Pine Valley? Were the writers wrong to let him die? Tell us what you think ...

There was some shocking casting confirmations this week, mostly based on a big storyline developments, plus a hot Internet rumor about one major soap star who might be migrating back to his original soap. And then there's 'As the World Turns' fave Paul Leyden going west to 'The Young and the Restless.'

For all the news, read what's been happening around the dial in our weekly soap casting wrap-up.

Genoa City Gets Aussie Hunk

Is there room for a hot, Australian leading man in Genoa City? You bet! Actor Paul Leyden has just signed with 'The Young and the Restless,' Nielsen's number one soap. Leyden, best known as Simon Frasier on 'As the World Turns,' will be playing Blake, a new character who appears on 'Y&R' canvas on Wednesday, October 6.

Welcome to the Soap Round-Up, our weekly recap of all the soap action this past week. Each week, we sum up all the best stories from each and every soap, from 'All My Children' to 'The Young and the Restless.'

If you don't want to know what aired already, consider this a SPOILER ALERT. ... Oh, one last thing, please comment and join the conversation.

For instance, did you watch 'As the World Turns' and how they handled Nancy Hughes' death? It was incredibly emotional, especially the classic clips from the 1950's and beyond. Helen Wagner was truly a soap legend. What did you think of how her death was portrayed on the soap?

There was some sad casting news this week, including a former big star downgrading to recurring status, and another younger star choosing to leave 'One Life to Live.'

For all the news, read what's been happening around the dial in our weekly soap casting wrap-up.

Bye Bye, Buddy
Brandon Buddy has decided to leave 'One Life to Live,' and the character of Cole Thornhart will be exiting with him (meaning, no recasting plans). This isn't the first time Buddy has announced his intention to leave 'OLTL." Two months ago, the actor used Twitter to say that he was moving on. As SoapCentral reported, Buddy tweeted on June 18, "It's a bittersweet day. Today I decided I'm not going to re-sign [my contract]. No more Llanview ..."