I hope everyone had a truly wonderful holiday season. Here's hoping that each and every one of you has a bright and happy new year to come (I feel good things for 2009)! I am hoping to be more regular again with these columns as I had been (though it may be a while before you see weekly columns again). I have had a lot to deal with these past 5 months and needed the break. I appreciate your support and understanding more than you know. This past month has been an eye opener as I truly did not realize how many of you read this column, but thank you for the many messages you have sent me (they meant a great deal). To the actress who sent me a message from her official web site, you made my day and gave me a much needed smile! Thank you for your kind words (and the feeling is more than mutual)!

This has been a very intense time for soaps as you all know. A few months back, I mentioned that a certain ABC soap was in REAL danger of being canceled (and that this time it was more than just a rumor). I mentioned how the ratings stunts were doing precious little to stop this ship from sinking. Fast forward and that information is now everywhere from the magazines to just about every site out there. I told you that a major sponsor was making some noise that had the network running scared. For those of you that guessed I was talking about AMC, give yourselves a gold star. A great many of you assumed that it was OLTL, but as bleak as things have been, this is not the show in the most danger. The red headed stepchild may survive longer than the industry darling and that could have fans up in arms if things don't change and soon. I told you massive pay cuts and casting changes were coming and some of these will shock old timers (of that you can be sure). For a great many of you who understand well how a denial means absolutely nothing in this industry, expect them to come in abundance, however it doesn't effect the reality of the situation. Not so long ago I put out an audition script released by ABC that was an obvious recast for Colby Chandler. The next week ABC denied the possibility of a recast. The following week ABC announced their new Colby and that Ambyr Childers was leaving the show. Just as the actors are under contractual gag orders to never disclose their plans to exit the show, the show itself will tell you ONLY what they want you to know and ONLY when they want you to know it.

OLTL will not be the only show to lose a powerful soap veteran. This latest disease will be spreading everywhere as ABC attempts to stop the bleeding by cutting salaries drastically. They are starting at the top and will work their way down, cauterizing the major arteries first. I warned you that they would be trading in their jewels for cheaper costume jewelry in an effort to bring in fresh viewers at a cheaper cost. I wish I could tell you that letter writing campaigns will help, but not when it comes to money. Its not a matter of popularity or fan response. It boils down to survival right now. Prepare yourselves because things are going get rough.

For you OLTL fans who wanted to know if Kamar De Los Reyes was the leading man that I've been talking about, the answer is no. You know me, I don't pull any punches. I am painfully honest with you, even when it's not always necessarily in my best interest. It would be easy for me to say sure, it was Kamar and use that safety net, however that would not be truthful. The fact of the matter is that Kamar was a surprise exit for us all (not everything is leaked). I have been fortunate enough to have gotten some incredible casting exclusives over the years from some wonderful sources behind the scenes, however this was not one of them (I'm not fond of lying therefore you will not be getting any of that nonsense from me). It should be rather obvious now that the second leading man I spoke of in my last column (before the news broke) was indeed Michael Easton. The economy has made things rather difficult for us all. A steady paycheck and a steady job are hard to find these days these days and although it did in fact come down to the wire, Michael Easton will be staying with the show.

The actor that is set to exit is still said to be leaving. You know how this game is played. I hear things early on from sources behind the scenes because that's when they first hear the rumblings. They pass them on to me and I pass them along to you and that is where my control ends. I can't guarantee that the suits won't grab a pot of coffee, go into a room tomorrow behind closed doors and come out with a different plan because I'm not psychic. I can't predict the future. I will never lie to you however and that's a promise. I tell you what I am hearing and for the most part, my sources have been dead on and quite accurate. We are dealing with a very tense economy right now and it's not so easy for people to make certain types of changes (even if they want to). I have been told that this individual is out. That he is being purposefully phased out of everyone's life onscreen for a reason. Writers can always undo the damage if they decide otherwise, however for now, I have been told of no changes to that effect. If I hear differently, I will tell you so and never look back (it's one of the reasons I would never charge you for this news as some of you have suggested because it wouldn't be fair). I can't promise you a thing and wouldn't begin to try. I also want to keep this fun because it should be fun (it's a soap and these are merely soap spoilers that should have very little effect on our daily lives). If nothing else, I am here to give you a heads up so that you are not completely blind sided.

Speaking of being blind sided, one OLTL actress is furious as we speak and ready to throw in the towel. Sources on the set indicate that this is not something new (that she's blown off steam this way before). I guess time will tell. A meeting was held to discuss a potentially shocking return to OLTL with ABC executives realizing that the news won't go over well with some of their long term cast members. We can always use a second riot and this one will be a doozy.

I told you guys that David Chisum (Miles) was out months ago, but no announcement was ever made to substantiate this (in fact one of the magazines had David quoted as saying that Miles had lots of story coming up). Usually it means that they have an exit story coming if anything. In this case, Miles simply went to help Bobby Martin polish those ski's and hasn't been heard from since (I think they were having tea with Brooke English and John McBains's mother last I heard). In that vein, look for another actor to merely disappear without any real explanation as well (that attic has to be rather crowded by now don't you think).

Thanks going out to my newer GH source who has given me a few nice ones that have come to pass and continue to unfold. Johnny and Lulu are indeed the new Luke and Laura and of course Logan was killed off. Brenda is returning despite past denials and Sonny and Kate are done. I told you guys that things didn't look good for Megan Ward (Kate) and unfortunately, that still holds true. ABC is testing the waters carefully right now with the reintroduction of Natalia Livingston (lots of hush hush on this one).

Sources are also indicating that chatter has already begun regarding a changing of the guard at AMC (not so much that there will be a change, but what will happen to a certain actor as a result of said change). The major leading man in question will be walking the tight rope without a certain powerful exec in his corner anymore. Seems he was able to write his own ticket, but things are due to change. He may have to do those stories he feels are beneath him or take a walk (not a good time to be out pounding the pavement). AMC is willing to let him out early if push comes to shove (after all they could use the money and allow a certain super couple from the past to reunite allowing the chips to fall where they may). This one should be very interesting (and yes I promise to keep you posted).