Former Days of Our Lives star Matthew Ashford (ex-Jack) has been cast on the new web series The Bay, according to the actor's website and the group Facebook page. Ashford is scheduled to debut in the 6th Chapter of the series as Steve Jensen, Sara Garrett's rapist from years ago. His character is also the father of Sara's oldest child, Brian Nelson. As previously reported, Sara Garrett is portrayed by DAYS star Mary Beth Evans (Kayla). Sound familiar? It's quite ironic, especially since longtime DAYS fans remember that Matt Ashford's character of Jack Devereaux raped Kayla back in 1988.

Ashford is also scheduled to appear at the fundraiser fan event for The Bay, which takes place this Saturday, July 31 from 7 until 10 p.m. at Henry's Hat restaurant. He will join his other co-stars from The Bay, including Mary Beth Evans, Martha Madison, and Charles Shaughnessy.

Congratulations to Matthew Ashford for landing a role on the hottest new web series! Now if the series could get Stephen Nichols (ex-Steve, DAYS) to join the cast, it would be complete.

You can keep up with all the latest developments of The Bay on the official website, on the group Facebook page, or follow them on Twitter. The Bay will premiere in September 2010.

Former Days of Our Lives star Deidre Hall has recently released her new book called Deidre Hall's Kitchen Closeup. The book, which she created with long-time friend Lynne Parmiter Bowman, contains a wealth of information regarding Hall's knowledge of nutrition, cooking, and health, and much more. The ageless beauty also shares simple recipes, gives tips on how to make healthy food taste great, and inspires her readers to live healthier lives.

Deidre Hall's Kitchen Closeup is already receiving rave reviews on Amazon.com, where you can purchase the book for $12.95. As Hall indicates on her official website, she and Lynne Parmiter Bowman will have more books coming out in the future.

If you are one of the many fans missing Deidre Hall's much-needed presence on DAYS, you can keep up with the legendary star on her official website, follow her on Twitter, or become a fan on Facebook. Congratulations to Deidre Hall on the success of her new book!

Pictured: Deidre Hall (ex-Marlena)

Jeff Katz / 2008 NBC Universal

Bo puts the pieces together and figures out the horrifying truth:  His own wife is the Salem mugger and the one who tried to kill him.  Oddly enough, Theo is the one who fills him in on Ciara's "treasures," which came from Hope's box.  The following week, Bo is forced to arrest Hope for her crimes.  What does this mean for the Bradys?  More spoilers for the week of July 26 - July 30 include:

Monday, July 26:

• Kate keeps the secret about Chad's paternity to herself.
• Will offers his condolences to Chad.
• Theo brings up Hope's "treasure" to Abe and Lexie.
• Philip surprises Melanie with a bracelet and her exam grades.
• Stephanie discovers that Nathan still has a photo of Melanie.
• Justin tells Hope that Bo is in the hospital.
• Roman explains what happened to Bo, who doesn't remember anything.
• Carly witnesses a close moment between Bo and Hope.

Tuesday, July 27:

• Chad asks Kate about Madeline's past.
• Will bonds with Stefano.
• Rafe and Arianna argue about E.J.
• Brady offers to help Nicole out financially.
• Carly sets up another paternity test for Chloe.
• Daniel is confused by Chloe's erratic behavior.

Wednesday, July 28:

• Carly tries to hypnotize Bo so he can remember his attack.
• E.J. helps Sami out during a difficult moment with Johnny.
• E.J. gives in to Nicole's blackmail demands: 5 million dollars and the use of his hit man, Marco.
• Brady inquires about Victor and Maggie's relationship.
• Brady runs into Nicole and Hope's partner-in-crime, Dr. Baker.
• Justin confides in Adrienne about Hope's behavior.

Thursday, July 29:

• Bo learns from Theo that Ciara's treasures are wallets which came from Hope's box.
• Sami seeks advice from Caroline regarding her love life.
• Caroline advises Sami to say yes to E.J.'s proposal.
• A suspicious Brady chases after Dr. Baker.
• Victor goes home and drinks after Maggie turns him away.

Friday, July 30:

• Vivian accuses Carly of trying to kill Bo.
• Vivian realizes that Carly is keeping more secrets and vows to find out what they are.
• Sami runs into Rafe at the Brady Pub, but it doesn't go very well.
• Sami is offered a sincere marriage proposal from E.J., who is fishing off the Salem pier.
• Dr. Baker decides to head out of Salem.
• Rafe tracks down Fay Walker at work.

Additional Spoilers:

• E.J. blurts out the idea of marriage to Sami.
• Nicole wants Marco to visit Dr. Baker.
• Rafe cracks the code in Nicole's diary, but comes up empty.
• Hope comes to Carly's defense.

Soap Opera Digest is reporting that Lindsay Hartley has been let go as Arianna Hernandez. However, she will continue to air for several months since DAYS is taped so far in advance.  As reported last year, Hartley took over the role of Arianna in August 2009 and replaced Felisha Terrell, which created quite a stir among many viewers. Fans were divided over who should be playing the role of Rafe's sister and Brady's potential love interest.

Personally, I am disheartened by this decision. I really grew fond of the character of Arianna after Lindsay took over the role, and it has nothing to do with the fact that she was on Passions, since I never watched the show. I felt as though she brought a newfound spunk and vitality to the character and had potential chemistry with E.J. No word as of yet on how Arianna will depart Salem.

Soap Opera Digest is also reporting that Ty Treadway has been cast as Dr. Jason Walters. He will begin taping next month and will air for several episodes in the fall. Soap fans remember Treadway in the dual roles of Troy and Colin MacIver on One Life to Life. He also co-hosted the now defunct talk show Soap Talk with former DAYS star Lisa Rinna (ex-Billie) from 2002 until 2006.

Best of luck to the beautiful Lindsay Hartley in her future endeavors.