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."
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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?
The tables of the various judges competing for the first-ever legal/courtroom program Emmy.
During the ceremony (airing 8-10 p.m. EDT) "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."
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