MAJOR RECAST!!!!

PECK OUT!!!! MULDOON IN!!!!

Peck is OUT, Muldoon is IN!!

In a stunning move that is shades of the Robert Kelker-Kelly/Peter Reckell shakeup of 1995, Salem Lives has decided to release Austin Peck and recast the role of Austin Reed with Patrick Muldoon. Muldoon originated the role in 1992 and left to pursue other opportunites in 1995. Peck stepped in and played the role until being dismissed shockingly in 2002. He returned in September 2005 and has played the role since. Rumors had been circulating for weeks about a big recast shakeup and it appears to was it. "We felt we needed a change," says EP/HW Tim Lowery. "It was necessary for where we are going with the Austin character and we have always loved Patrick. I think many of us have wanted him back for years. This has nothing to do with Austin Peck or his contributions. He played the role during the character's glory years in the 90's and we appreciate everything he has done. Austin is in a darker story and we just feel Patrick suits the direction we are going on. Simple as that." Expect Peck to last air in late November and Muldoon to first air around the same time. "The switch will be very reminscient of another recast in the late 90's," says Lowery. "I am curious to see if the fans catch it. It is a nice nod to history."

CASTING CALL!!!

Salem Lives is looking for two actors in their early 20's for a powerful story involving Abby (Ashley Benson) and Chelsea (Rachel Melvin) in November and December. Both young men are described as wildly handsome and reckless. The roles are said to be short term and are set to begin in mid-November.