For the 22nd year in a row, America's No. 1 soap opera is CBS's 'The Young & The Restless,' according to December figures from Nielsen. Since December 1988, no soap has surpassed 'Y&R' in the ratings.

And there seems to be no weakening on the part of CBS's powerhouse program. Currently averaging 3.6/12 in households, 5.17 million viewers and is also ranked first among daytime programs in women 25-54 (2.3/14) and women 18-49 (1.7/11) season-to-date.

That kind of sustained success is to be rewarded, which is what CBS did when it renewed 'Y&R' through the 2013-2014 season back in November.

Jacqueline Courtney Dead at 64
If you're a longtime soap fan with fond memories of NBC's 'Another World,' you'll be sad to learn that Jacqueline Courtney has passed away at the age of 64. Courtney died on Dec. 20, succumbing to metastatic melanoma.

On 'Another World,' Courtney played the sweet, smart and beautiful Alice Matthews, the consummate leading lady. Her character and George Reinholt's Steven Frame were soap royalty during the late 1960s and 1970s. Before 'General Hospital's' Luke and Laura, Steve and Alice were America's favorite soap supercouple.

Courtney was so popular paired with Reinholt on 'AW' that in 1984, the two were poached by 'One Life to Live' where they brought their romantic chemistry to ABC's line-up. Courtney retired from acting in 1987.

Commenting on her passing, Reinholt told WeLoveSoaps.net, "I am shocked and very upset and disturbed. I know death comes to us all but I think she died too young. Much too young. I loved her. Truly. She was wonderful to work with. And I think of her often."

'Y&R' Comings and Goings
We can look forward to another reappearance by Thom Bierdz on 'Y&R' in February, 2011. With Ronan (Jeff Branson) needing a liver transplant, chances are every Chancellor will be tested, even though there's been no indication that Philip and Ronan are related. But Philip also may have some advice to help Cane (Daniel Goddard) with the Australian mobsters horning in on his life!

On the other hand, Skye is definitely dead and gone. No fake death this time. The lady fell into a Hawaiian volcano, so buh-bye actress Laura Stone. Her last airdate was Dec. 30.

By the way, on the subject of Sharon, what's happened to her mother, Doris (Karen Hensel)? Considering that Sharon has become persona non grata in Genoa City, shouldn't she be turning to mom for some love, support and advice?

Soap Stars Popping Up in Primetime
Popular daytime leading man, Roark Critchlow (Mike, 'Days of Our Lives') is going to turn up on CBS's top-rated drama series, 'NCIS.' He filmed the Jan. 11 episode.

Also making a trip to primetime is former 'Guiding Light' star Robert Newman (Josh). He was recently on 'Criminal Minds,' and on the Feb. 8 episode of 'NCIS,' Newman will be rubbing shoulders with Gibbs' team.


Rapid Aging Afflicts 'One Life to Live' Character
It's tough to be a kid on a soap opera. Whenever the headwriter gets an itch to get your character involved in romantic or adventurous storylines, it usually means rapid aging. That's what's happened to 'OLTL's' Carmen LoPorto, who's been terrific as Jack. Because the powers that be want Jack to become a teenager, LoPorto had been given his walking papers.

After three years as Jack Manning, LoPorto is being replaced by an older actor. He posted the news to Facebook, explaining: "I got a call this week that they SORAS'ed [Soap Opera Rapid Aging Syndrome] Jack and I am no longer a member of the Manning Family."