Daytime Emmys to mimic Golden Globes

AP Entertainment Writer

updated 8:49 p.m. ET June 19, 2008

LOS ANGELES - The Daytime Emmys are turning to tables.

Friday's live broadcast of the 35th annual Daytime Emmy Awards on ABC will feature talk show and game show hosts, TV judges and soap stars gathered around their own tables in a new setup similar to the Golden Globe Awards.

"Usually everyone is sitting in a row," co-host Sherri Shepherd told The Associated Press before rehearsals at the Kodak Theatre on Thursday. "This year, it'll be like a wedding. We're also going to do something so that fans will be able to get a view of what's going on at the different tables."

Digital video cameras will be placed at each table and attendees will be asked to document their experiences during the show. Throughout the ceremony, the footage will be uploaded to SoapNet.com.

"Part of having the tables will be to bring that party atmosphere to the show," said co-host Cameron Mathison. "Really, what I'm hoping for is that people at home will get a real true sense of the energy here."

The stars' tables have already been assigned. Ellen DeGeneres is situated between the tables of Barbara Walters and Tyra Banks.

Behind them?

Slideshow   Celebrity sightings Jada knocks out Will Smith, Gene Simmons shows off, and more. more photos

The tables of the various judges competing for the first-ever legal/courtroom program Emmy.

During the ceremony (airing 8-10 p.m. ET) "All My Children" star Mathison will wear an Arnold Brant tuxedo while "The View" co-host Shepherd will wear gowns by Badgley Mishka and Angela Dean and jewelry by Chopard.

"I've got three dresses, three wig changes and enough jewelry that they gave me a bodyguard," said Shepherd.

The ceremony will also borrow something else from the Golden Globes: an open bar.

"Liquor is always an added bonus," said Shepherd. "But Cameron and I won't get to drink 'cause we'll be working."

MORE FROM MORE NEWS AND OTHER FEATURES

Neil Patrick Harris to host Emmys

Neil Patrick Harris to host Emmys Even in death, it’s still ‘Billy Mays here!’ 31.1 million watched Jackson memorial University of Utah fights ‘Big Love’ logo use Kal Penn starts job as White House liaison Rumer Willis to guest-star on ‘90210’ Neil Patrick Harris may host the Emmys Drea de Matteo joins ‘Desperate Housewives’ Franken the senator could be spoofed on ‘SNL’ ABC goes old-media to promote "Castle"   Add More news and other features headlines to your news reader: