The Bold and the Beautiful News Update: Denise Richards On How BB Shoots In A COVID-19 World

All eyes are on The Bold and the Beautiful these days but for different reasons. Fans are watching classic reruns in anticipation of new episodes starting up. The industry is keeping an eye on the half-hour CBS sudser as it is a trailblazer on how to tape a show in a COVID-19 world. Denise Richards offers some insight.

Social-distancing is the new normal, but how can a soap opera that relies on characters being intimate pull that off? As previously reported, the show planned to use actors’ spouses to double as on-screen love interests. Now, that plan is being put into effect.

Denise Richards: The Show Must Gon On

“It’s important to move forward and move on. And we have to get back to work,” Richards (who plays Shauna) told the Associated Press.

First, the actress, who also appears as herself on the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, is tested weekly so she can proceed with work. Richards wears a mask as much as possible when she’s having hair and makeup done. Hair and makeup brushes used on her have labels on them bearing her name so they’re not mixed up with ones for other performers.

Richards has a bin that is used in which she places her scripts and other items. Before walking on set, her temperature is taken again. Crew members wear masks and ones whose jobs require closer contact wear face shields.

Love Scenes Like Never Before

A designated safety monitor is present to uphold precautions and other measures. Much has been made of showrunner Bradley Bell’s remark to Forbes that blow-up dolls would be used on the set, and sure enough, they’re being used. “We need to give them names,” Richards quipped to AP.

Mannequins, if seen on-air, will only appear briefly says a show spokesperson. Significant others of the actors are working as stand-ins for more intimate scenes. “We were asked if our significant others would step in,” Richards says. Her husband, Aaron Phypers has stepped in to double for Thorsten Kaye (Ridge).

Glad To Be Back At The Bold and the Beautiful

Richards noted to Phypers, “They said I could also have my love scenes with a mannequin — which is fine — but I’d much rather be with my husband…Aaron’s hair is very similar to Thorsten’s.

“It was fun to see everyone working together to get the job done,” she adds. “I’m very lucky that I’m with a production company, television studio, and network that’s willing to do what they need to do to keep everyone as safe as possible to make a great show.” The Bold and the Beautiful airs weekdays on CBS. Check local listings for air times.