Bold, but not as beautiful

One hunk in, and another one out. Following the news that hunky Austin Peck is headed to OLTL comes word that 5-time Soaphunks.net Award nominee Kyle Lowder, has been let go from B&B.

Lowder has been a popular fixture on this site, beginning with his popular role on DAYS as Brady Black. He has spent the last four years at B&B as Rick Forrester.

Says Lowder of his ouster, "...it was handled in the most respectful way and I have huge respect for Brad [Bell, executive producer/head writer]. I had a great four years there and I thank him for the opportunity. And now, onto the next thing." Let's hope the "next thing" does not include a shirt. Cheers!

Austin Peck gains new Life!

In breaking soap news, Austin will bring his award-winning pecs to Llanview! That's the word from Soap Opera Digest, which is reporting that Austin Peck is joining One Life to Live in a new contract role.

Peck is best known for his stints on DAYS and ATWT. The 9-time Soaphunks.net Award winner scored a Best Hunk award for his role as the often-shirtless Austin Reed on DAYS. Peck followed up that role by showing off not just his hot body, but also his acting chops, when he took on the role of Brad Snyder on ATWT. Now, Peck will complete the network trifecta as he joins the hunky cast of OLTL.

Peck made waves during his ATWT stint due to his reported off-screen romance with co-star Terri Conn, who also recently joined OLTL as the scheming Aubrey. There's no word yet on who Peck will be playing, or whether he'll interact with his real-life love on the series. One thing's for sure: OLTL has a tradition of making good use of their soap hunks and it shouldn't be long before Peck is showing off his pecs in Llanview.

Peck begins filming at the end of January.

Vaughan's number is 775

It's good to see that Y&R/GH alum and 7-time Soaphunks.net Award winner Greg Vaughan is still finding work.

Check out the FreeScore.com commercial below to see Vaughan and the other "Credit Score Guys" in action. It's a shame his rating is only a 775 because Mr. Vaughan is a perfect 800 in the eyes of his fans.

DAYS misses the Mark

It appears the new year isn't getting off to the right start in Salem, as news of the firing of Mark Hapka has been made public. The young soap stud will be leaving DAYS this year. The soap released Hapka from his role as Nathan Horton after almost 2 years. Hapka's good looks will no doubt be missed in Salem and by his fans.

Hapka hit the ground running in 2009 when he won two Soaphunks.net Awards, including Hunkiest Newcomer.

With the recent news of Finn Wittrock's impending departure from AMC, we're hoping this is not a sign of things to come for soap hunks in 2011.