An early Christmas present for Claymates, a reunion that screams: “Women Rock,” and an odd twist of fate for a television star… all top this week’s edition of celebrity round up:
Clay Aiken
My neighbor was doing her happy dance in the street after hearing Clay Aiken will be appearing on the NBC daytime drama “Days of our Lives” as himself. According to network sources, the “American Idol” star will perform “Everything I Have,” a song from his new album, as part of a private concert for Steve (Stephen Nichols) and Kayla (Mary Beth Evans) in the local Salem club called Dune.
Of course, Aiken’s appearance on the popular daytime drama coincides with the release of his new album, “A Thousand Different Ways,” which hit shelves last month. The episode featuring Aiken will air December 22nd and will also have his version of “O, Holy Night” from his 2004 album “Merry Christmas with Love.”
“Designing Women”
It was a real life Kodak moment as Dixie Carter, Jean Smart, Annie Potts and Delta Burke – the original stars of the sitcom “Designing Women” – gathered for a tribute to the show this week at the Museum of Television and Radio.
“Designing Women,” which aired on CBS from 1986-93 followed the lives of four Atlanta interior designers and to this day can still be seen in reruns. The show made a name for itself by tackling such topics as sexism, ageism, body image and AIDS. And, producers note, it never forgot that “Women” was a key part of its grand design.
You’ll recall that both Smart and Burke left the show two seasons before the series was canceled. Burke departure was highly controversial—she maintained she was fired for gaining weight while producers alleged she was let go for creating discord on the set.
Cruel Irony
In a strange twist of fate, New York police report TV cop Jesse L. Martin became a real-life crime victim after returning to his hometown of Buffalo to shoot a film.
According to police reports, The “Law & Order” star was eating breakfast in a local restaurant Monday – signing autographs when someone broke into a sport utility vehicle and stole his luggage, video iPod and dozens of autographed photos.
“He’s lived in New York City for 20 years and has never been robbed or a victim of theft,” Martin’s friend told news reporters. “He comes back here and in two days he gets fleeced.”
According to reports, Martin flew back to New York City with only the clothes on his back and his wallet.