were true and it was revealed that Olivia and Sonny dated briefly before he dated Connie. LoCicero said that when Sonny invites Olivia to his and Kate's impending nuptials, "[Sonny] doesn't know there was quite a rivalry between the two women or that Olivia has something under her belt that’s going to create big excitement-and a lot of friction." In mid September, spoilers hinted that Olivia had a major secret that was set to be revealed very soon. On October 3, 2008, viewers learn of Olivia's son, Dante Angelo Falconeri during a phone conversation. At the end of the episode, a delirious Kate admits to Dr. Patrick Drake (Jason Thompson) that Dante is actually Sonny's son. Olivia gives birth to Dante in 1984 and swears Connie to secrecy while leading the entire neighborhood to believe that she is very promiscuous and has no idea who the child's father is. Casting The series put out a casting call for the character and newcomer Nathan Parsons auditioned for the role. However, Parsons was cast in the role of Ethan Lovett instead. In September 2008, Soap Opera Weekly reported that the role could go to former Guiding Light star, Tom Pelphrey. It was speculated that ABC's offer to an actor of Pelphrey's caliber for the role of Dante was allegedly in response to possible departure of longtime leading man, Steve Burton who portrayed Jason Morgan. TV Guide alleged that the rumor was planted by the network to scare Burton into resigning with the series. By October 2008, Soap Opera Weekly reported that another Emmy winner, David Lago, known for his role as Raul Guittierez on The Young and the Restless had been cast in the role. Lago's first airdate was tentatively set for late November. Upon the announcement, it was reported the Pelphrey had turned down the role. However, by December ABC still had not confirmed Lago's casting and it was believed that actors were still auditioning for the role. In January 2009, Soap Central reported that ABC was prepared to make a decision between Lago and Pelphrey for the role. Meanwhile, Pelphrey relocated to California which fueled speculation that he had been cast in the role. However, Pelphrey then issued a statement admitting that he was looking for work outside of daytime making Lago the lead candidate for the role of Dante. A member of the casting department also revealed that the