Today in Soap Opera History (October 23)

"The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1978: On Another World, Rachel Cory (Victoria Wyndham) cut off Jamie's (Tim Holcomb) allowance after finding out he had married Blaine Ewing (Laura Malone).

1981: On General Hospital, the residents of Port Charles wanted Luke (Anthony Geary) and Laura (Genie Francis) to have a big wedding.

Alvin Stardust Dead at 75

Veteran pop singer Alvin Stardust has died, aged 72.

The "My Coo Ca Choo" hitmaker, born Bernard William Jewry, passed away at home surrounded by his wife Julia and family on Thursday, his manager tells Sky News.

He had recently been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer.

Max Brown Joins 'Sleepy Hollow'

British actor Max Brown has landed a role on Fox's Sleepy Hollow.

Inside TV reports that the actor will play a pivotal role on the hit drama series. Details about the role are being kept under wraps but Brown will play a character called Orion, a "powerful and mysterious new ally" and a "charismatic solider" who "possesses a game changing weapon."

Inside Soap Awards 2014 Winner's List: 'EastEnders' Named Best Soap

Sam Strike, Maddy Hill, Danny Dyer, Kellie Bright and Danny-Boy Hatchard.

EastEnders was named Best Soap at The Inside Soap Awards 2014 ceremony held at DSTRKT in London on Wednesday, October 1. The winners were voted on for entirely by the soap fans of Britain, including Danny Mac being named Sexiest Male for the fourth year in a row.

Below is a complete list of winners:

Best Soap - EastEnders

Best Actor - Danny Dyer (Mick Carter, EastEnders)

James Corden Named Host of 'The Late Late Show'

James Corden

CBS announced today that James Corden will be the new host of The Late Late Show. Corden – a multi-faceted performer, host, writer and producer with accomplishments that span television, theater, film and comedy – will take the reins of the daily late night show in 2015.

The 36-year-old Corden comes to American late night television with a growing list of award-winning and critically acclaimed credits. He is a Tony Award-winning performer on Broadway, a BAFTA-winning star of a UK television series, a feature film actor with two releases this year, and an acclaimed host, writer and producer in several genres of television.

Currently, Corden is starring opposite Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo in Begin Again, which is in theaters now, and will star opposite Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp and Emily Blunt in the highly anticipated feature film Into the Woods, which hits theaters in December. Additionally, Corden hosts the BAFTA Award-winning UK sports-themed comedy game show “A League of Their Own” on Sky 1 and stars in, produces and writes the BAFTA nominated comedy thriller “The Wrong Mans,” which is available on Hulu and airs on the BBC.