Ticked-off soapsters are burning up soapcentral.com message boards, blogging with an unholy vengeance, and blasting Batali in his seasoned meatballs. A non-apology apology came from Batali when TMZ reporters browbeat him into squealing, "It wasn't like I voted them out." As for his new show, he said, "It's not gonna be better, it's an interesting little format, it'll be fun to play and do.... I certainly don't want anyone out of a job. I love everyone that works in the industry."
So ABC soap watchers will have to swap Erica Kane's manicured red claws for Mario Batali's orange Crocs. Batali may yet survive this onslaught of soap-deprived viewer fury, as long as he steers clear of Bed Bath & Beyond. Otherwise rabid fans may send his cannoli-fed hind parts straight to General Hospital.