The World Of Oakdale is making way for 2007. Cast changes have been coming left and right. New characters, old characters recast, departures, and maternity leaves have left the casting department with one of the busiest weeks this year.

For starters, fans of the classic NBC sitcom "Wings" will be pleased to learn that Crystal Bernard has landed the role of "Dana Hamilton". Dana comes to town right after learning of her father's impending engagement to Oakdale socialite Lisa Grimaldi. According to Executive Producer and Headwriter Dusty Alford, fans will be surprised with what he has planned for Dana. "There's more to her than meets the eye. I won't go into detail, but Dana certainly has a very deep, dark secret that will present itself in an explosive way come February Sweeps."

Also joining the cast is Brennan Elliott. Elliott is probably best known for his role on "Strong Medicine" where he played a doctor. In a surprising twist, he will also be playing a doctor on The World of Oakdale as well. Dr. Chris Hughes, that is. That's right. The World of Oakdale has cast the young stud as Bob and Kim Hughes's son, Chris. Fans may remember seeing him making a brief appearance as the same character during the Thanksgiving holiday a month ago. And according to Alford, fans can definitely expect Chris to put a kink in Andy and Emily's ever-so-complicated romance.

Sadly, The World of Oakdale has chosen to dismiss Guiding Light alum Marty West, as well as his on-screen sister portrayed by InTurn finalist Geneva. Their last airdate is scheduled for sometime in early January. "We wish them both the best," says Alford.

And lastly, Maura West will be going on maternity leave sometime in mid-January. Details of West's exit aren't known quite yet, because of Alford's inability to decide whether or not to recast the role of Carly during Ms. West's maternity leave. Alford supposedly had a big storyline planned for Jack and Carly to begin sometime in the early months of 2007, but due to West's upcoming maternity leave, he isn't so sure he wants to pursue the dramatic storyline without West.

So he's calling on the fans to make a decision for him. You may write to him either though commenting this blog entry or provate messaging him. Like in any case, feedback is greatly appreciated.