Mary Beth Evans and McKenzie Westmore
After being put through several weeks of acting tests, Ashlee Holland is the winner of the fourth season of SOAPnet's reality series I Wanna Be a Soap Star. She will be rewarded with a 13-week contract role on Days of Our Lives, with her first appearance scheduled for December 26. During the live season finale, Holland competed against runner-up Jimena Hoyos. She received the good news in front of the eight other eliminated contestants, judges Mary Beth Evans (Kayla, Days), Hogan Sheffer (head writer, Days) and Michael Bruno (talent manager), as well as several other Days cast members.
"I look forward to working with Ashlee. I believe she will bring a hunger and a passion to her work at Days of Our Lives," said casting director Marnie Saitta. "She will be a welcome addition to our talented cast, as it is always inspiring to see someone follow their dreams. Her determination and talent have made her dreams a reality."
The Roanoke, Virginia resident is the daughter of former major-league baseball pitcher Al Holland. Her hobbies include ones that would make Martha Stewart proud, including cooking, sewing and gardening. She also enjoys dancing and singing.
This was the first season in which viewers had a say in choosing the winner. Immediately after the ninth episode aired on October 9, fans cast their votes, which counted 50 per cent, with the judges' decisions making up the other 50 per cent.
Congrats also go out to Darren Zancan, who has been named the winner of the I Wanna Be a Soap Star LIVE Tour. He has been awarded a one-time walk-on role on Days. Hopefully, he is an avid watcher of CSI, because he will be playing a forensic specialist named Justin.
Beginning October 12, As the World Turns launched a new website that is a must for fans of the soap. Visit www.AsTheWorld Turns.net for a virtual tour of the studio that allows you to navigate the sets. You can also click on a downloadable desktop update and customise it with your favourite character. Other features include a community section, an interactive 'tell us' feature and an engaging character section where you can learn all about the Oakdale residents. This 100-per-cent Flash site is a unique experience for fans who demand all that ATWT has to offer.
Wondering what happened to Passions' Jessica? The actress who played her, Danica Stewart, is starring on the Internet soap Coastal Dreams. Joining her is Kam Heskin, who filled in for McKenzie Westmore as Sheridan during her maternity leave. Heskin also starred as Caitlin on the cancelled Aaron Spelling daytime vehicle, Sunset Beach. Coastal Dreams airs on www.nbc.com/coastaldreams from now through December 20, debuting with a new instalment every Tuesday and Thursday. Stewart also plans on continuing as Jessica on Passions, but on a recurring basis.
- Dana Block
