The Days of our Lives cast continues to shrink. This time, Soap Central has learned that the recently returned Austin Peck (Austin Reed) and Christie Clark (Carrie Brady) will be departing the DAYS canvas this fall.
Peck returned to Days of our Lives in September 2005 -- a whopping six months after it was first announced that the actor was returning. According to then-head writer, James E. Reilly, the show needed to wrap up some other storylines before bringing Peck back into the fold. However, it is more likely that the show was simultaneously negotiating a return with Clark.
While DAYS is currently under orders to trim its budget - both operational and talent salary - it is not immediately clear if Peck and Clark's departures are mandated by the budget crunch. With Hogan Sheffer settling into his role as head writer, Sheffer may be making the customary adjustments to the cast that are essential for his vision of the show. Traditionally there are many cast changes when a new head writer takes over: characters that don't fit the scribe's plans are scrapped and new characters are brought in to help mold the show.
Clark and Peck will exit together on October 26, 2006.