— In the wake of news that she was walking away from “American Idol,” Paula Abdul became the talk of the television world at the Television Critics Association press tour events. News soon broke that Abdul was in talks to join “Ugly Betty” as a recurring, but it appears such talks have fallen through. EW’s Michael Ausiello reports that Kristen Johnson (“3rd Rock From The Sun”) will now play Helen, a new office temp at Mode. The character is described as an older, slightly past-her-prime version of Amanda (Becki Newton).
— Japanese star Hiroyuki Sanada has joined “Lost” in a “significant” role, says EW. Specifics on the character were not available.