SOAP Q: Spoiler Alert! RUKE/NUKE Shocking Finale details!

Executive Producer Chris Goutman tells TV Guide Magazine: “Without giving too much away, I do think NUKE will always have a deep and abiding relationship,” Goutman says. “Reid came along and challenged that love and his presence made NUKE grow up. Their relationship will endure.”

That said, Goutman admits that if ATWT had not been cancelled, RUKE could well have been a couple for the ages. “Their connection was immediate and they are dynamic together,” says the boss. “Soon after Reid’s arrival, we had a lot of diehard NUKE fans suddenly rooting for RUKE. It was the best of what soap opera can be.”

RUKE will not live happily ever after because Reid will not live.

AfterElton.com’s Gays of Our Lives column writes: As for how Reid will die remains to be seen, though the prevailing rumor still seems to be that he’ll be critically injured in a train wreck. Reid’s death will not just affect Luke and Noah, but Reid’s BFF Katie Snyder and her beau Chris Hughes, who is dying of a heart ailment. And if you haven’t guessed that Reid’s heart will be given to Chris (a decision made by Reid himself, we hear) then you haven’t ever watched a soap opera.

It looks like Reid and Luke will consummate their love before Reid’s demise. Actor Eric Sheffer Stevens, a shoo-in for next year’s supporting actor Daytime Emmy, tells TV Guide Canada: It would be great if Luke and Reid could throw caution to the wind. I’m not sure what the reasoning is … Having said that, it is nice that World Turns is building up to that big moment. I think because Reid and Luke know each other very well and they’ve embarked on this beautiful journey together, their first time will be very meaningful. And who knows when the last time was that Reid even had sex!