Any scoop on Sunday’s episode of THE GOOD WIFE?
The TV Addict: Having recently had the pleasure of sneaking a peek at Sunday’s episode (And yes, we’re well aware how awesome our job can be!) we can assure you that this weekends much-anticipated return of hit CBS series is sooooooo worth the wait. And while we’re not about to spoil the outcome of Wendy Scott-Carr’s increasingly intrusive investigation into Will Gardner’s on court activities, we will alert you to the fact that sparks will fly. Specifically between Alicia and Peter, who have exchange so tense, it would make Jackie blush! Also of note for fans of Archie Panjabi is a confrontation between Kalinda and Monica Raymond’s Dana that gets a little physical. Read into that what you will.

Cannot express how pleased I was to see theTVaddict.com jump on the SWITCHED AT BIRTH bandwagon earlier in the week. Gushing aside, any clues as to how serious Daphne and Wilke are going to get?
The TV Addict: Serious enough that the sources close to the production have let it slip that Producers are currently on the lookout for an actor to play Wilke’s dad! That’s the good news. With the bad news beings that whomever snags the part of Wilke’s dad may very soon be on the receiving end of a very upsetting phone call. Gulp!

Please tell me you know how Rachel is going to respond to Finn’s proposal on GLEE?
The TV Addict: While we’re not about to pretend we know the outcome of Finn’s proposal on GLEE, we do know what will complicated things: The Tuesday January 31st episode that will see both Kurt and Rachel hear about their applications to the New York Academy of Dramatic Arts. Double Gulp!

According to a recent tweet of yours, you recently had the opportunity to talk to GLEE’s Vanessa Lengies. Did she happen to spill anything about a possible Sugar/Artie hookup?
The TV Addict: Interestingly enough, she did. But rather than listen to us blabber on wouldn’t you much prefer to hear from the source of the information herself? Said Lengies, in a full interview that we’ll be sharing next Tuesday on theTVaddict.com, “In the episode that just aired they had to cut a scene at the end which was kind of like an Artie/Sugar cliffhanger, so stay tuned.”

Seeing as though I remain completely freaked out by Monday’s episode of ALCATRAZ, I was hoping you could prepare me for some of the insane baddies we can expect tosee pop up in upcoming episodes.
The TV Addict: While you’ll be happy to know that Monday’s criminal of the week will be far less cringeworthy than last Monday’s uber-creepy child killer. Odds are you’ll be slightly less than excited to learn that this Monday’s Bank robber Cal Sweeney will be played by none a ROOKIE BLUE gone bad Eric Johnson (Pictured below).

With the return of DEGRASSI just around the corner, I was hoping you had some intel to share on what fans might expect.
The TV Addict: With DEGRASSI having finished completed shooting their season quite some time ago, the only thing we really have to share is a ridiculous vague tease from Executive Producer/Director Stefan Brogren who had this to say during our recent visit to the set of THE L.A. COMPLEX, “One of your favorite characters is going to turn out to be not such a nice person.”

Is there any truth to the rumor that Fiona gets knocked up on SHAMELESS this season?
The TV Addict: No! That said, we can assure you that one beloved denizen of the South Side will very soon be eating for two. What’s more, she won’t be the only one harboring a secret as evidence by Steve’s unexpected return that brings with him an entirely new set of complications.

Is Monday’s episode of HOUSE really as big a deal as my Twitter feed is making it seem?
The TV Addict: Considering it’s not everyday that executive producer/director Greg Yaitanes takes the time to email select members of the media with a personal note expressing that the Monday February 6th episode entitled is “the work I am most proud of in my 16 years on the floor directing television,” we’re going to go out on a limb and say yes! What’s that… still not convinced? Yaitanes continues, “Jeffrey Wright (“The Ides of March”) is the guest star and is at the heart of our episode as the arbiter of House’s fate. Watching him and Hugh Laurie work is how I imagine the Gehrig/Ruth Yankees must have been to watch play. They spend the episode across the table from each other and their work is substantial. “Nobody’s Fault” is written by Russel Friend, Garrett Lerner and David Foster, who also wrote “House’s Head” in Season Four that I was fortunate to direct. We’ve created something very special to us – something important to the story fate of the show and something that we are excited to share.”

Some HAPPY ENDINGS scoop would make me really happy.
The TV Addict: Well consider today your lucky day, because we just stumbled across a first look photo of James Wolk’s (RIP LONE STAR) upcoming guest appearance as Max’s “perfect” boyfriend Grant from the February 15th episode appropriately titled, “Everybody Loves Grant.” Enjoy.

Please tell me this somewhat lacklustre season of DEXTER gets better? — Richie
The TV Addict: If by better you mean more bloody, you’ll certainly enjoy the unexpected shooting of one of this season’s special guest stars that occurs sometime during the next two episodes. And if you don’t, well, there’s always the final scene one week from this Sunday that — as much as we hate to employ such an overused term of “game changer” — really will turn Dexter’s world completely and 100% upside-down.

Any chance Penny might get a little love this season? As much as I enjoy THE BIG BANG THEORY, I’ve always found it somewhat illogical that the best Kaley Cuoco’s character can do is Leonard? — Dylan
The TV Addict: As someone who has also spent the better part of THE BIG BANG THEORY’s four seasons scratching our head over Penny’s lack of love life, you’ll be happy to know that an upcoming episode of the hit CBS series will finally see Penny meet someone out of her immediate nerdiverse. Cue Kenny, an aspiring screenwriter whom she meets in a coffee shop while helping Leonard get over his break up with… oops, we may have said too much!

Ever since you posted your fantastic recount of your time on the set of THE GOOD WIFE it’s been driving me crazy, what was Alicia and Jackie fighting about this time? — Sam
The TV Addict: Since we wouldn’t dare risk angering our good friends at CBS publicity by divulging the specifics of Alicia and Jackie’s latest head-to-head, we’ll simply say that the point of contention revolves around the Florrick offspring and the current controversy surrounding the status of their respective relationships.

Will long suffering Booth and Brennan shippers be pleased with BONES upcoming seventh season premiere? — Jennifer
The TV Addict: Not only will the upcoming seventh season premiere of BONES have long suffering Booth and Brennan fans jumping up-and-down on their couch Tom Cruise-style circa Oprah 2005, the opening scene will have fans just about forgiving Hart Hanson and Co. for last season’s Hannah debacle. No word of a lie, it is that good.

Since you have a history of being ridiculously plugged into the DEGRASSI scene I was hoping you had a little news about what fans can expect when the show returns? — Jamie
The TV Addict: Since we had a feeling this kind of question might find its way into our inbox during the show’s hiatus, we made sure to ask executive producer Stefan Brogren something to that effect during our recent visit to the set of CTV’s upcoming new series HIGHLAND GARDENS. That’s the good news. The bad news, well, he wasn’t exactly forthcoming with regards to what trials and tribulations will be in store for your favorite Canadian students when the show returns, except to say, “Someone’s going to cheat with someone that you would not expect!”

Absolutely loving HART OF DIXIE. Not loving how unwelcoming the town of BlueBell Alabama is when it comes to the delightful Rachel Bilson’s Zoe Hart. Any chance the Alabama freeze will come to an end anytime soon? — Allie
The TV Addict: Based on some recent intel that came across our desk, we have a feeling the townspeople of Bluebell Alabama will very soon be having a change of hart (See what we did there?) with regards to Zoe. Particularly thanks to an upcoming episode in which Zoe’s hereto unforeseen Aunt provides the good doctor with the key to ingratiating herself in the community. A key that even prim and proper Lemon Breeland won’t be able to argue with.

Because waiting sucks, I’m hoping you can help pass the time between seasons with some TRUE BLOOD scoop? — Brenda
The TV Addict: As luck would have it, we recently had the pleasure of chatting one-on-one with Kristin Bauer (Pam) in anticipation of her deliciously evil guest spot on this Sunday’s episode of ONCE UPON A TIME (Check back tomorrow for the interview). So just what did Bauer have to say about the upcoming fifth season premiere script she just recently had the chance to devour? “Well, I’ll tell you, reading episode 501 I think literally my mouth was hanging open. Like the fans, I too have been waiting to find out where all those cliffhangers are going to launch us and I can tell you, the show gets launched in a whole other interesting direction. The seeds that are planted in 501 are just so interesting I can’t wait to get in there and start shooting those scenes.”

Any PARENTHOOD scoop? — Jessica
The TV Addict: Yes. This just in, it’s official: Most of you stink for continuing to miss out on what has pretty much become our favorite family drama of the season. Oh, and to answer your question, a relationship fans all thought was just about over will come roaring back to life in an upcoming episode thanks to one big ol’ bottle of wine.

Is there any chance we’re getting close to discovering the identity of the titular mother on HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER? — Amy
The TV Addict: In an effort to distract you from the fact that we have absolutely no pertinent information with regards to co-creators Carter Bays and Craig Thomas’ timeline for the big mother reveal, please enjoy these just released behind-the-scenes photo from Monday’s upcoming Halloween episode featuring special guest star Katie Holmes as the “Slutty Pumpkin!”

If the success of Nina Dobrev, Shenae Grimes and Landon Liboiron have taught us anything, it’s that not all DEGRASSI stars are created equal. Yet what is it about the iconic Canadian series that has allowed so many talented young actors to successfully transition to bigger and arguably better things? No one is more qualified to answer that question than executive producer Stefan Brogren, who since graduating himself from the original series in 1989 has spent the better part of 10 years shepherding the “Next Generation” to infinity and beyond courtesy of what he calls the best theater school money can’t buy.

“I think it has a lot to do with the show’s caring environment that allows young actors to flourish,” admitted Brogren when asked what it is about DEGRASSI that has turned it into such a powerful star-making vehicle. “Our kids are getting a lot of education while they’re behind these walls that allows them to experiment. That and, we’re always putting these characters through hell which means they have to grow and they never get soft about it. We don’t want to keep these kids on a certain plain and they’re always trying to take it to the next level.”

It’s precisely that aforementioned ‘next level’ that has caught the attention of an entertainment industry on both sides of the border since the hit Canadian export returned to the airwaves almost a decade ago to the day [Fun Fact: DEGRASSI: THE NEXT GENERATION premiered on CTV on October 14th, 2001]. Thanks in no small part to the likes of THE VAMPIRE DIARIES’ Nina Dobrev, 90210′s Shenae Grimes, TERRA NOVA’s Landon Liboiron, not to mention slightly lesser known albeit equally talented actors such as Paula Brancati (BEING ERICA), Lauren Collins (SHARPAY’S FABULOUS ADVENTURE), Stacey Farber (18 TO LIFE) among others, it’s never been a better time to be a recent graduate of DEGRASSI. But just what does Brogren think about working on what many have characterized as Hollywood’s go-to farm system for up-and-coming young talent?

“If DEGRASSI is minor league, we’re a minor league that gets a lot of fans showing up at the game,” said Brogren. “I think a big part of our alumni’s success is that the show is not a star vehicle for one person, it really is a group activity in a lot of ways. We get them when they’re young where they have to learn to work with others. So if this place was an acting school, the one thing that they’re learning is to be giving to their other actors and I think that’s a big big thing that a lot of young actors miss is that there’s some give and take involved. They come out of here really well rounded people in a lot of ways and they’ve learned a lot of skills.”

One former student who graduated with top honors in acting [with a minor in representing Canada well] is Nina Dobrev, who parlayed three seasons on DEGRASSI into the starring role on a hit CW series that sees her deftly juggling romantic entanglements, bloody baddies and multiple personalities on a week-in-and-week-out basis.

“I remember when Nina came in and auditioned, I think half the thing we were looking for was someone who could play a gymnast or a cheerleader and she came in and started doing flips and stuff and that was how she actually won the role. At the time the role wasn’t big enough to define it as ‘Does she have to be a great actress?’,” recounted Brogren on humble beginnings of the artist formerly known as Mia Jones. “Nina came in really raw, I remember she had a couple of roles under her belt but she was a little ‘actor-y’ and within a year, even less, we saw ‘it.’ I think in the first couple of episodes even, Nina had a great work ethic and she just sort of blossomed.”

Which doesn’t always happen. For when it comes to DEGRASSI — a show that must constantly juggle story-lines for upwards of 10-15 series regulars per season — one doesn’t always get much of a second chance to make a first impression. And for every Dobrev, Grimes or Liboiron there are an equal number of students who for some reason or other failed to connect with an audience.

“We were really surprised [Where Nina was concerned] because it could have gone either way and sometimes it does. Nina was a beautiful girl back then but we see a lot of beautiful girls,” admitted Brogren. “Your story can disappear very quickly on this show if nothing’s happening with you and all we saw is we kept on wanting to work with her because she kept on wanting to work. She kept on pushing herself a little bit harder. ”

Co-star Cassie Steele, who will soon be returning to the small screen in the tentatively titled HIGHLAND GARDENS concurs, “You kind of already know where they’re going, it’s no big surprise that they’re where they are today, it’s what they set out to do. I feel like Nina, Shenae, Aubrey [Drake] were the most concentrated people and they just really went out to get it, we all saw it. Nina is just the hardest worker I have ever known, Shenae is really strong headed and will go after what she wants, and Aubrey has been making music since I met him 10 years ago. Their success is no fluke.”

Sums up Brogren in the parlance of the show that started it all, “They want those stories, as a character they want to get raped. That’s meat to an actor!”

While headlines would have you believe that the likes of Rick Mercer, Callum Keith Rennie and THE BORGIAS were among the big winners following last night’s 26th Annual Gemini Awards (Think: Canada’s Emmy equivalent), we like to think that the biggest winner was us. No really, despite the fact that the nominating committee has yet to take our suggestion for an “Outstanding Television Blogger” category seriously, we did get the opportunity for a brief one-on-two chat with two of DEGRASSI’s biggest stars, Annie Clark (Fiona Coyne) and Munro Chambers (Eli Goldsworthy), who were only too happy to take a few minutes and drop a few hints as to what’s ahead for their characters when Canada’s most popular export returns, which of them is lucky enough to be attending the upcoming 63rd Annual Emmy Awards next weekend in Los Angeles and why fans have probably seen the last of Landon Liboiron (Declan). See for yourself, after the jump.

Catch up on past episodes of DEGRASSI you may have missed for free online at clicktowatch.tv

Photo Credit: G. Pimentel Photography courtesy of ACCT

As somewhat of a socially-awkward nerdy-type myself, I would love to know about the future of Penny and Raj on THE BIG BANG THEORY. Statistically speaking, what would you say their chances of working out are? — Kevin
The TV Addict: Okay, here’s the thing. The first thing you should know about the TV Addict, is that if we had even the slightest smidgen of talent in the department of mathematics, we would not be sitting at our desk this morning writing about television. Secondly, Raj and Penny’s future romantic prospects during the upcoming fifth season of THE BIG BANG THEORY is what we would call a classic good news/bad news situation. On the bad news front: All evidence is pointing to Penny and Raj not living happily ever after. But, before you bury your head in World of Warcraft for the three days, we’ve got — you guessed it — some good news for you. The friendship forged courtesy of their unexpected night of passion during May’s season finale looks to be leading towards Penny introducing Raj to his ideal match. Which is to say, fans should brace themselves for the arrival a beautiful love interest for Raj who, in a twist befitting the brilliance of the BIG BANG THEORY, won’t require the not-so-talkative Raj to strike up a verbal conversation because…. drumroll please… she’s deaf!

We’ve heard an awful lot about how the unexpected pregnancy will affect Brennan on the upcoming seventh season of BONES, but not so much about Booth. Care to rectify that situation? — Rachel
The TV Addict: While it probably won’t come as much of a surprise that Booth’s horrible history with his own alcoholic and abusive father will be front of mind now that he’s in the midst of having a baby with Brennan, what sure might come as somewhat of one is that Producers are in the process of casting Booth’s father and a 7-year old version of Booth for a very emotional flashback in episode 4 which sources have characterized as “the perfect father and son moment.”

I’m slightly concerned about Fiona’s lack of date for DEGRASSI’s upcoming prom. Any clues as to who she might be going with? — Allie
While we cannot confirm or deny that Fiona and Charlie will be getting back together by the time DEGRASSI’s prom rolls around, we can share with you an exclusive photo (pictured below) we snapped from Fiona’s ultra-trendy loft during our recent visit to the set of Canada’s most popular export. Read into that what you will!

Any chance you could clarify as to just how many episodes Joshua Jackson’s Peter Bishop will be M.I.A. for during this much-anticipated fourth season of FRINGE? — Maddy
The TV Addict: The chance of us clarifying virtually anything to do with the increasingly complex and wonderful world that is FRINGE is about as likely as us tuning into any show involving a Kardashian. That said, your question just so happens to be one that we’ve been curious about as well, which is why, during the Fox Party at the recent Television Critics Association Press Tour in Los Angeles we posed it to Peter Bishop himself. “We are not a star driven show, we are a character one,” said Josh Jackson when asked if he’s expecting to be in more or less episodes of FRINGE this season in comparison to last. “I know for a fact that they want be to be apart of FRINGE, but I also know that they want to tell the story in the best possible way. And that’s why I think it’s so ballsy to take one of the three leads of a series and show what it’s like when he’s not there. May’s cliffhanger was so big that if they half-assed it in the beginning of the season, I think our audience — who has been so good — would kind of smell the suck and be disappointed that we gave them this big thing and we didn’t actually go for it. We’re going for it and I think that’s super cool”

Any idea what DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES has up its sleeve for what has now become its eighth and final season? — Jennifer
The TV Addict: Even folks who weren’t the best math students in the world know that when it comes to spoilers, what we already knew + new information = wild speculation! So join us now as we use this time-tested formula to piece together a new mystery that’s unfolding on DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES! What we already knew: is that when we last left the wives of Wisteria Lane they had made a pact to take the death of Gaby’s abusive stepfather Alejandro to their graves. New information: According to sources, the Fairview town council is planning to rezone a nearby forest for development. Wild speculation: Something tells us that the body that was last seen in Carlos and Gabby Solis’ living room might be resurfacing soon. Agree, disagree, post away.

Please tell me we’ve seen the last of Jennifer Morrison’s Zoey on HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER? — Bill
The TV Addict: As much as we’d like to tell you that we’ve seen the last of the latest Mother Maguffin on HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER… we can’t. Why? Because her portrayer, Jennifer Morrison wouldn’t close the door on it. “Honestly, to tell you the truth I don’t have a contract there, but I wouldn’t say that it’s for sure,” admitted Morrison during the recent Television Critics Press Tour. “The way that show goes back and forth with all the flashbacks, I feel like they always kind of leave the door open for those kind of things and I loved being there and have a great relationship with everyone over there.”

With the season premiere still weeks away, I’d greatly appreciate some VAMPIRE DIARIES scoop for me to sink my teeth into. — Amy
The TV Addict: Lucky for you, with the season premiere of THE VAMPIRE DIARIES just around the corner, you’re not the only one who can’t contain their excitement over the show’s return. Cue… the Network just released this very-revealing episode description of “The Birthday,” On the morning of Elena’s (Nina Dobrev) 18th birthday, Caroline (Candice Accola) is busy planning a party, but Elena is focused on searching for any clues that might help her discover where Stefan (Paul Wesley) is. Damon (Ian Somerhalder) is also searching for Stefan, while trying to protect Elena and keep her from doing anything that would draw Klaus’ (Joseph Morgan) attention. Meanwhile, Klaus and Stefan are busy trailing a werewolf named Ray Sutton (guest star David Gallagher, “Super 8”). Now working at the Mystic Grill along with Matt (Zach Roerig), Jeremy (Steven R. McQueen) is struggling to understand why he keeps seeing the ghosts of Vicki (guest star Kayla Ewell) and Anna (guest star Malese Jow) since he was brought back to life by Bonnie’s (Kat Graham) magic. Meanwhile, Alaric (Matt Davis) does his best to watch over Elena and Jeremy, while dealing with his grief over Jenna’s death. Finally, Caroline and Tyler (Michael Trevino) face a new and unexpected challenge.

Hot on the heels of our incredibly popular one-on-one with Aislinn Paul comes our second in a series of “Snappy Answers to Silly Questions” courtesy of co-star Melinda Shankar. So just which of her co-stars did Melinda claim has a serious on-set cell phone addiction… believe is destined for greatness… or least like their character? Find out for yourself, after the jump.

The TV Addict: Which cast member is most likely to crack up during a scene?
Melinda Shankar: Oh Jahmil [Dave Turner], because recently it’s been a lot of Dave and Allie and he’s a funny kid. We just have this disease — together — that we can’t stop laughing once we start.

When you’re not shooting, which cast member is most likely to be checking their phones, twittering, texting and what have you?
Melinda Shankar: Usually that’s me! I can’t think of anyone worse than I with my phone, but probably Samantha [Munro] because half the time I’m texting her, she’s one of my best friends so that could be it, only because if I’m messaging so much she’s responding.

Which cast member is least like their character?
Melinda Shankar: I would say either Munro [Chambers] or Annie [Clark] because Annie is not an alcoholic lesbian of any sort and Munro is not a goth or a hoarder. He is a sweet light-hearted guy and Annie is this bubbly girl who is very aware of her surroundings. No one’s really identical to their character, but I think they’re the two most separated.

Which cast member has the messiest dressing room?
Melinda Shankar: Definitely the boys, to be general because with the girls you’ll always find their clothes are back on the hanger and not thrown on the ground. In fact, I’d say that they’re all equally messy, they’re all just boys, even in the Green Room they’ll have their food and drinks and just leave it there.

Which cast member that you don’t usually get to shoot scenes with would you like to work with more?
Melinda Shankar: I don’t get to do a lot of scenes with Jordy [Jordan Todosey], but I’ve had a few and especially coming up there have been a couple which makes me know that I would like to do more scenes with her because they’ve always been really fun. Plus, it’s nice to see Jordy transform from this gorgeous girl into her character Adam. Putting all this work into just changing herself into being a boy, it’s kind of refreshing because as Alli, unless she has a crazy storyline, I don’t really have to change myself as much, it’s just more acting with the words are saying as supposed to changing myself and my mannerisms.

Which cast member leads the most interesting off-camera life for the purposes of a reality TV show?
Melinda Shankar: That’s an awesome question. Another tough one! Samantha and I get bored really easily so we’re always doing these crazy things. We’re kind of adrenaline junkies, she went bungie jumping yesterday and staying still is not something we like to do. So I think her, because she’s not about the norm, she’ s about taking that extra step and just being a little crazier which makes her the best ever.

With DEGRASSI’s alum having a history of going onto not-so-much better, but bigger things (see: 90210′s Shenae Grimes, THE VAMPIRE DIARIES Nina Dobrev and TERRA NOVA’s Landon Liboiron), which of your cast mates would you be least surprised to get picked up by a big American show next?
Melinda Shankar: Oh that’s hard because everyone is really talented, but I remember before Jahmil [French] was even on the show I was watching FLASHPOINT he had this amazing intense episode I just remember being so impressed and then being so excited when he was cast on the show. I think he’s just one of the most talented actors cast on the show and I’m really happy to work with him. So I wouldn’t be surprised if Jahmil goes onto to do great things and as everyone knows if they’ve seen the behind the scenes videos he’s never standing still and always dancing. He can dance, he can rap, he’s pretty much a triple threat, he’s awesome.

The summer season of DEGRASSI airs Monday thru Thursdays at 9PM on TeenNick (MuchMusic in Canada) Catch up on past episodes you may have missed for free at clicktowatch.tv

Just how cool is DEGRASSI star Aislinn Paul? Not only was she kind enough to sit down for an exclusive one-on-one interview earlier in the summer, she was game for a new feature we like to call, “Snappy answers to silly questions.”

The TV Addict: Which cast member is most likely to crack up during a scene?
Aislinn Paul: I’d like to say that I’m pretty good at holding it together but Melinda [Shankar] and I are always cracking up during scenes. We were just shooting a scene this morning and we had a laughing fit, it was pretty fun.

When you’re not shooting, which cast member is most likely to be checking their phones, twittering, texting and what have you?
Aislinn Paul: Melinda is great at her social networking but I’d say Munro [Chambers] is probably on his phone the most, he’s always texting people.

Which cast member is most like their character?
Aislinn Paul: I think Luke [Bilyk] is a lot like Drew, I do! They’re both into sports, not that much into school and pretty into girls too! But as you saw in the premiere, Drew made the ultimate sacrifice for love, and I think Luke is like that as well, he will sacrifice anything for people he loves.

Which cast member has the messiest dressing room?
Aislinn Paul: I think we all like to keep our dressing rooms nice and clean because we sort of like to host each other in our rooms, and sometimes we’ll also switch rooms at the drop of a hat so we don’t want to leave a huge mess.

Which cast member that you don’t usually get to shoot scenes with would you like to work with more?
Aislinn Paul: Oh… Shannon [Kook-Chun]. I would love to work with Shannon. He is so talented, his character is not in the show as much as we would like him to be because we love him so much as a person, we love him here more, and I’d just love to work with it would be so fun.

Which cast member leads the most interesting off-camera life for the purposes of a reality TV show?
Aislinn Paul: I’d love to follow Melinda around, I’ve been giving her as an answer for a lot of these questions but I think she has a really interesting life, really great family, great sense of humor and I think it would translate really well into a reality show.

With DEGRASSI’s alum having a history of going onto not-so-much better, but bigger things (see: 90210′s Shenae Grimes, THE VAMPIRE DIARIES Nina Dobrev and TERRA NOVA’s Landon Liboiron), which of your cast mates would you be least surprised to get picked up by a big American show next?
Aislinn Paul: I don’t really want to offend anyone, we have so many talented people, but… gosh… (we’ve got some really talented singers as well as actors, Daniel Kelly (Owen Milligan ) is an amazing rapper, he’s being looked at by some labels, so I would definitely be on the look out for his music, he’s definitely going places. And I wouldn’t be surprised if Jahmil (Dave Turner) got his own show because he’s an incredibly talented actor. You only get to see little tiny sparks of his full talent on this show.

The summer season of DEGRASSI airs Monday thru Thursdays at 9PM on TeenNick (MuchMusic in Canada) Catch up on past episodes you may have missed for free at clicktowatch.tv

From BEVERLY HILLS 90210′s Brandon or Dylan to THE VAMPIRE DIARIES’ Stefan or Damon, television has a penchant for sticking its small screen heroines between a [really good looking] rock and an [equally good looking] hard place. Which is precisely where Clare Edwards can be found during the sizzling summer season of DEGRASSI. But just who is her portrayer, Aislinn Paul, hoping her character chooses in the continued struggle to separate her feelings for her first love [Eli] and her potential next one [Jake]? We recently had the chance to catch up with the well-spoken and self-professed tumblr-addict on the set of DEGRASSI to find out just that. See for yourself, after the jump.

How surprised have you been with the fandom’s reaction to Clare and Eli’s relationship?
Aislinn Paul: I was incredibly surprised but I was also so pleased. Both Munro [Eli] and myself really felt strongly about “eClare” at the beginning when it was still happy and sweet. We really thought it was something beautiful that had sort of come to be and I always appreciated how much people liked it. It made us happier to come to work and portray it.

Do you pay attention to what the fans are saying online?
I’m very very guilty of tumblr-stalking myself, I’m very guilty of it, I will admit it! But it’s really just because I want to see a moving gif of myself so that I can use it as a reaction. They’re awesome and I do like seeing what people write. But I find that I have to stop myself from getting obsessed, because I will. I’m a perfectionist and as a member of this business I’ve always been someone who wants everybody to like them and I’ve learned slowly that that’s not possible. Art is just a medium where no one will agree, there is always going to be someone who doesn’t like you and that’s something I have to get over and I’m starting to get over.

For those firmly planted on Team “eClare,” is there any reason for optimism this season?
Well, that really depends on where you stood on the breakup. Yes, there are a lot of fans of “eClare,” but there are also some people who can recognize how unhealthy Clare and Eli’s relationship was at the end. And so depending on where you stand with that I think you may be happy with the way things turn out. Plus, even though Clare and Eli aren’t together anymore, there is still a lot of interaction between the two of them because they think that it’s important to be in contact with one another as they try to figure out what’s going on with their own selves. It plays out interestingly.

Aside from Clare’s relationship with Eli, what are some of the other issues she’s going to be dealing with this season?
She’s dealing with a lot, mainly dealing with herself. She’s just trying to get over the whole break up with Eli because it was an intense relationship for her. In terms of the new characters, she meets all of them, but mainly Jake [Click here for our exclusive interview with Justin Kelly] is who she is in most scenes with. As you’ve seen from the previews there is a little “Cake” action, a little more dessert in my life. But it’s been really fun, because Justin [Jake] and I have been having a great time on set together and we’ve noticed our favorite part of “Cake” is the fact that we laugh together in the scenes. Yes, Munro [Eli] and I laughed together all the time but in the scenes it’s always a very dramatic, intense and a draining relationship on the show. But with Justin we’ve notice that the characters really laugh together and have a lightness in their relationship which is a really nice change for Clare.

Putting on your writer’s cap for a moment, where would you like to see Clare go this year?
As much as I love working with Justin and Munro I think I would like to see Clare just a little bit less boy crazy. In season 8 one of her first lines is “I’m glad I came to school to learn and not for boys,” and what a liar she’s become! Recently she’s gotten very absorbed with relationships and what I’d like to see is for her to take a step back and learn about her self more. Because she’s trying to do that but then getting distracted by the relationship factor and getting really sucked into that and I just want her to continue growing up, learning who she is, get confident and move on independently.

The summer season of DEGRASSI airs Monday thru Thursdays at 9PM on TeenNick (MuchMusic in Canada) Catch up on past episodes for free at clicktowatch.tv

Are you heading to Comic Con? — Jessica
The TV Addict: Sadly, no. Due to a lack of a private jet and/or money tree growing in our backyard, this TV Addict had to make somewhat of a “Sophie’s Choice” this summer. Thus, rather than choose to spend four days in the sweltering and sunny Petri dish that is beautiful downtown San Diego, we’ve opted to spend the first week of August in what we suspect will be a frigid Beverly Hilton Hotel ballroom for the summer instalment of the Television Critics Association Press Tour. That said, if you’ve come to theTVaddict.com for San Diego Comic Con coverage, we’ve got you covered thanks to West Coast senior editor extraordinaire Tiffany Vogt and her phenomenal photag sister Jennifer. So stay tuned.

Any word on how the newest addition to BONES (Read: Brennan’s baby bump!) will effect BONES this season? — Raquel
The TV Addict: Since Hart Hanson and Co. are being understandably tight-lipped with regards to how Brennan’s baby will affect BONES this season, we hope some details on a new arrival of a different variety will suffice. According to sources, replacing the dearly departed Mr. Nigel-Murray this season will be Finn Abernathy, an 18 year old not-so-Southern gentleman. Why not so Southern you ask? Well, put it this way, he managed to get his undergraduate degree while being confined to a juvenile detention facility.

Your recent visit to the set of DEGRASSI did not result in the bounty of scoop I was hoping for. Are you holding back on us? — Allie
The TV Addict: Boy are we ever! And as much as we would love to share the major, some might say life-altering event that we were lucky enough to witness, this week’s visit to the set of DEGRASSI came with some serious strings attached. Namely, we aren’t allowed to share details about the special set that was constructed, or the clothes that were being tried on during the scene we watched. But rest assured, when you do finally get to see what transpired in early 2012, it will be worth the wait.

I really enjoyed the interview with Justin Kelly the newest addition toDEGRASSI, but curious if you got to chat with any other cast members? — Madison
The TV Addict: Indeed we did. Stay tuned next week for two candid interviews with Ainslinn Paul (Clare) and Melinda Shankar (Allie), both of whom who had some very surprising things to say about their character’s relationship statuses this season.

Silas’ stint as a nearly nude model on last weeks episode of WEEDS may have been the best thing to happen to my television since TRUE BLOOD’s clothing budget got cut in half! Please tell me his modelling career continue. — Taylor
The TV Addict: Unfortunately, Silas’ attempt to become America’s Next Top Model (Side Bar: After umpteen cycles is anyone else curious as to why AMERICA’s NEXT TOP MODEL hasn’t attempted an all-male season?) will take a brief hiatus when he accompanies Nancy to California where she’ll confront Jill in the battle for custody of baby Stevie. But, on a more positive note, a major series regular from the show’s first two seasons (Aka. WEEDS: The Glory Years) will make a shocking, not to mention very welcome return by episodes end.

Love me some FALLING SKIES but somewhat worried about the fate of those poor kids having left the safety of the “Second Massachusetts.” Any chance you can assure me they’ll be okay? — Linda
The TV Addict: We could, but what fun would that be! So rather than simply spoil what happens on Sunday during what is arguably the show’s most exciting episode to date, we’ll simply say that the safety of the “Second Massachusetts” young’ins will come at a cost that may-or-may-not involve the death of a character we’ve known since episode 1.

With ENTOURAGE kicking off its final season this Sunday is there any hope at all for a happily-ever-after for Eric and Sloane? — Lindsay
The TV Addict: While the first few episodes of ENTOURAGES eighth and final season won’t give Eric and Sloane shippers a reason to pop the champagne just yet, news that Melinda Clarke shared with us during this past weekends Polaris Event in Toronto certainly should. According to Clarke, the hilariously heightened version of herself that she plays on the hit HBO show will be returning for a three episode arc at the end of the series and while we have no idea as to why, we suspect that noise you’re hearing in the not-to-distant-future is… wedding bells.

Please tell me that the new 90210 showrunners aren’t ruining Naomi — the only reason I still watch the show — by keeping her pregnant this year? — Gary
The TV Addict: If a picture is worth a thousand words, the spoilerific photo posted below snapped during filming of 90210′s first episode back should probably help assuage your fears.

Photo Credit: SpoilerTV

“eClare” or “Cake”?

Did you know that your enjoyment of the new season of DEGRASSI may in fact boil down to your taste in desserts? You did if you’re a fan of Canada’s most popular export, which thanks to last night’s introduction of Jake Martin (Justin Kelly), finally got their first taste of “Cake” (That’s Clare and Jake for those of you who don’t know their tumblr from their twitter!) So just how does actor Justin Kelly feel about playing the new guy in Clare’s life, also konwn as the young man who may-or-may-not have set Twitter ablaze with declarations of [pastry] war following a simple kiss during last night’s episode? We recently had the opportunity to catch up with the affable actor to find out just that. See for yourself after the jump.

What’s it like being the new guy on the set of such an established show like DEGRASSI?
Justin Kelly: There was definitely a level of intimidation getting into it. But I’ve auditioned for a couple of characters prior to “Jake,” so I knew what the general process was like going into the room and reading for the Producers. Plus, my buddy and my best friend Munro [Chambers[ has been on the show since season 10 so that actually took a lot of the stress out of everything in terms of meeting the cast and being a part of the project.

Somewhat ironic that your best friend off-screen may turn out to be your worst enemy on!
Yeah… we start off a little on edge with each other because I see him [Eli] as the ex-boyfriend to my girlfriend. Any guy who has that towards someone else, it’s not necessarily a positive thing. There’s a whole that goes down during the [Redacted to avoid Spoilers!] and what Eli tries to do to break up Jake and Clare, he doesn’t like. It’s kind of the first time that he really gets into the drama of the series, before he was just kind of laid back about it all.

What brings Jake to Degrassi?
As far as I know, he had a past with Clare, they were childhood acquaintances, he threw dead frogs at her! He moves up North with his father, they end up relocating back to the city and his father starts to build a relationship with Clare’s mother who was recently divorced and at the same time Jake and Clare build their own relationship.

Is there any uncomfortableness about exploring a relationship for Jake and Clare while there parents do the exact same thing?
We definitely have a secret to hide from our parents. It comes to a point where at school we can be free, together and everybody knows, it’s fine it’s great. But as soon as we walk into the Edwards household it suddenly becomes where I can’t put my arm around her without worrying if Ms. Edwards is going to come downstairs, or what’s going to happen if my father Glen notices because we obviously still want them to be happy so we have to decided what’s best for everyone.

Are you at all nervous about how the fandom will react to your character coming in between “eClare” and what do you think of “Cake?”
I love it. I think it’s great. Especially with the whole dynamic with “eClare,” I think the battle of the desserts is really something. I think that “eClare,” Eli and Clare together have built such an iconic TV relationship over the last season and to step into that, to be that other guy that breaks up “eClare,” I don’t believe that “eClare” fans are going to like them [Jake and Clare] off the top if they’re keen on Eli. But at the same time Jake and Clare start to build their own bond throughout the season and we really see a change from where they meet back in the third episode to where they are now.

Will Jake have any storylines with characters aside from Clare?
It’s mostly Clare, but there is interaction with Eli through Clare being a mutual friend between us, we start to build our own weird relationship. And the stuff we’re shooting now, Jake starts to become buddies with Drew. I had a couple scenes with Luke [Drew] recently where we were shooting, it takes place in a [Redacted to avoid Spoilers!], so Drew and Jake become buddies over that time and I think that’s kind of in the works.

And finally, having interrupted an impromptu jam session for this interview, we have to ask about your apparent musical talent. Seeing as though Degrassi students have had quite a history of forming bands, should fans expect to see your guitar skills on display this season?
Not that I know of. It’s more of a hobby. I’m totally content with not having to showcase my music. I love playing but they’re two separate art forms for me.

You can catch new episodes of DEGRASSI Monday thru Thursday at 9PM on TeenNick (MuchMusic in Canada) or catch up on past episodes for free at clicktowatch.tv