As the World Turns

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Martha Byrne, who has played ATWT's signature heroine, Lily, since she was a teenager(with the exception of a three year absence from 1989-1993) is in tense contract negotiations that were ongoing at press time. An ATWT spokesperson had no comment, but Digest has learned that the show has feelers out to big name former soap stars for her potential replacement.

"Word is it's not about money" says an insider. "She wants something put in her contract that they don't want to give her". In this weeks special section, Byrne talks about why she has stuck around Oakdale" I don't know how long I would have stayed if I hadn't met Michael (Mc Mahon, her husband)" she says. "I don't know if that would have been my life forever, but at the time it was the right thing to do, and everything in my life fell into place"

BREAKING NEWS:

As The World Turns, Global/CBS �?Martha Byrne out!
Shocker: A very, very reliable source tells me that Martha Byrne (Lily) has opted to leave ATWT once her contract expires. Unfortunately, ATWT did not return my emails at press time. “It’s not a ruse,�?affirms the source, who called me in the middle of the night, by the way, to spill the beans. “She’s outta of there. Unfortunately, [Chris Goutman, ATWT’s exec producer] thought she was bluffing during contract negotiations �?and she wasn’t.�?So why is the Emmy winner bolting from the soap? “Martha wanted it stipulated that she’d have story approval �?and of course, the financial offer was insulting.�?He/she goes on to say �?“every actor at P&G is furious over budget cuts, and the loss of their crew, despite the fact everyone is eager to see how the new production module works out.�?

This is no longer a rumor. PGP has confirmed it. More info at: http://boards.soapoperanetwork.com/

I am beyond crushed. Depressed. Devastated.

I am one of Martha Byrne's biggest fans.

Thanks for posting, College Cowboy! I'm also crushed and very mad. I think it's horrible and I can't wait until MB interviews or releases a statement somewhere.

I just posted this on our "General" site. This should quell a lot of our questions and we all wish Martha the best in her endeavors.

ARTICLE SOD: Martha Byrne Speaks Out

"I have never commented on contract negotiations with AS THE WORLD TURNS throughout my 23 year association with the show. It was always a private and personal business matter. I decided to comment now to clarify the statement the show chose to release about my departure. Last year, understanding the impending fiscal restraints the show faced, I willingly signed a one-year contract with a substantial pay reduction. With six weeks remaining on that contract, the show began negotiations on a new one. I made it known I was willing to sign a multi-year contract and was committed to stay with the show. After less than three weeks of talks, we hit an impasse, which often happens with negotiations. I then learned the show that same afternoon put out a breakdown for my immediate replacement. That was the end of any further negotiations for me. Unfortunately, what I thought to be a reasonable and workable request, the show determined to be unworkable.

I want to thank all the loyal fans who, over the course of two decades, have unconditionally supported me and the characters of Lily and Rose," she continues. "It was a wonderful journey, one I sincerely hoped would continue. I consider myself fortunate to have shared so many years with you. A door has been closed, but I have always found it to be true that another one soon opens up. Until then! Love to you all, Martha."

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