One of "Guiding Light's" key players has succumbed to the seven-year itch. Ricky Paull Goldin (Gus), who joined the show in 2001, will be gone by mid-March. Goldin confirmed his upcoming departure in an open letter sent to members of his fan club.

"I want you to be one of the first to know that I'm planning on leaving Guiding Light [sic] when my contract expires in a couple of weeks. Gus has been a huge part of my life and I will really miss portraying him and bringing this character to life for you.

"My seven years on Guiding Light [sic] have been a wonderful experience. Now it's time for a new adventure, a new chapter in my life," Goldin offers. "I will especially miss working with Beth Ehlers, since it doesn't get any better than Gus and Harley."

Goldin suggested that fans who are upset at his departure contact the show. Goldin did not explain why he was leaving. A close source to the show believes that Goldin did not want to take the pay cut offered during his contract negotiations. No word on if the character will be re-cast.

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Add Martha Byrne (Lily on "As the World Turns") to the growing list of actors who are telling soaps to take this pay cut and shove it. No word on what Byrne was offered if she renewed her contract.

Chris Goutman, ATWT executive producer, said through a spokesperson, "We made Martha an incredibly generous offer in hopes that she would remain a valuable member of the ATWT cast. Unfortunately, Martha has decided to leave despite our best efforts to keep her."

Come April, Byrne will be gone and a re-cast will most likely take over the pivotal role.

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One of "As The World Turns'" favorite characters is returning to the show this month.

Jon Prescott has been cast as the new Mike Kasnoff.

A newcomer to daytime, Prescott has several prime time shows to his credit.

Mike Kasnoff was to return months ago, but the writers strike put the kibosh on that. With the strike over, Shawn Christian, who created the role in 1994, was approached. Christian, who moved to L.A. in 1997, took a pass on the role. He wanted to stay in L.A., and ATWT is produced in New York. He is currently playing Bo's doctor on "Days of Our Lives."

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Little Things Mean a Lot Department: When "Days of Our Lives'" John (Drake Hogestyn) came back from the dead, fans were delighted. Only, John is not really back. He looks like John, but that is about it. John has no memory of his past. Drunk with power, he lays claim to the DiMera fortune. Heroic John has become Horrendous John. A short scene on "Days" made the point. John tells his daughter Belle that she is more trouble than she is worth and he is glad he does not remember her. He is a little kinder to his granddaughter Claire, but not much. In the same scene, he gives Claire crayons and a pad so she can color. Three minutes into the project, John tells the child, "You can go whenever you want. How about now." Over the years, jokes have been made about Hogestyn playing Dudley Do-Right. Playing Dudley Do-Wrong shows his ability as an actor. It is fun to watch the transition.

To find out more about Lynda Hirsch, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com.
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