ROUGH WATERS

Did actress Lauren Tewes, onetime “Love Boat” social director, lose her audience appeal after she jumped ship (or was pushed overboard) in a sea of personal problems and admitted cocaine addiction?

Yes, says a confidential audience survey by Taft Entertainment for a series pilot called “Making Waves,” which failed to sell to the networks. “Lauren tested very poorly,” said a source at Taft. “When the pilot failed, Lauren--rightly or wrongly--was credited with some of the blame.”

(Taft is planning a second “Making Waves” pilot but refused to indicate if Tewes would be asked back.)

No, says Cannell Productions, which has constructed a special episode of “Hunter” around Tewes set to run during the November sweeps.

“If anything, she has a higher audience rapport than ever before--partly because she dealt with her problems honestly and publicly,” said a Cannell executive.

“Everybody remembers her; everybody loves her,” said Beth Hynson, Cannell VP for casting.

Likewise, suggesting that some if not all has been forgiven, Aaron Spelling Productions has piped Tewes aboard “Love Boat” for a series of three episodes.