The Internet is abuzz with rumors that J. Eddie Peck (ex-Cole, The Young and the Restless) has been cast as Jake Martin. A spokesperson for ABC declined comment. Other insiders also hint that the rumor is untrue and that the search goes on.
To support the claims that this is not true, Jake is Tad's younger brother. Tad is believed to be in his early 30s. If that's the case, then the fact that Peck is in his 40s might post a bit of a problem for the casting director.
There's also no truth to the fact that Kurt McKinney (Matt, Guiding Light) has auditioned for the role. McKinney, meanwhile, currently has an uncertain future with Guiding Light, which may or may not renew his contract. Still, though, there's buzz that the casting department at AMC is very interested in bringing him to Pine Valley.
So, if you're keeping track of the Jake Watch, here's the latest: Jake has still not been recast.