Pharris-Larkins Out As Passions Simone: Passions spokesperson has confirmed that Chrystee Pharris-Larkins (Simone Russell) will exit the show. According to a show spokesperson, the actress has opted not to renew her contract and will pursue other opportunities. The role will be recast.

Replacement Bridget found: The search for The Bold and the Beautiful's new Bridget Forrester has ended. The CBS soap has tapped a newcomer to daytime television to assume the role that will be vacated by Emmy winning actress Jennifer Finnigan early next year. Newcomer Emily Harrison will take over for Finnigan in late January. Harrison has recently appeared on the NBC drama American Dreams and the WB series 7th Heaven, but this will mark her first foray into daytime television.

Lane Davies Out: General Hospital newcomer Lane Davies (Cameron Lewis) will exit General Hospital sometime in early 2004. "We are very saddened to report that unfortunately the rumors circulating about Lane's dismissal from the show are true," said a statement by the webmaster of Davies' official web site.

Chad Brannon Released: Fan favorite Chad Brannon (Zander Smith) will exit the show when his contract expires early next year. According to show sources, Brannon has wanted to explore opportunities outside daytime in addition to his General Hospital gig. The terms of his contract, it is said, prohibited him from doing this

Kin Shriner's Contract Not Renewed: Long-time veteran General Hospital performer Kin Shriner (Scott Baldwin) has been let go. The actor, whose contract was set to expire in early 2004, believed that he was going to renegotiate the terms of his contract with the network. As it turns out, there was reportedly no interest on the networks' part in hammering out a new contract.

John Ingle Fired: Soap Opera Central has confirmed that John Ingle (Edward Quartermaine) has been fired. Unlike Ingle's on-screen wife Lee, who was given the optimistic promise that she might be asked to return on a recurring basis as her character is needed, Ingle has not been given any indication that he will ever return to the show in the future. Instead, there are setside rumblings that the character might be killed off.

Cady McClain Departing ATWT?: According to show insiders, Cady McClain (Rosanna Cabot) will leave As The World Turns in early 2004. The reason for McClain's exit, say show sources, is the show's current budget crunch. :(