RUMOR MILL:

- Rumor has it that the show has taken an enormously risky move and given many vets and fan favorites simultaneous time off in order to feature some other stories more prominently. It looks as if Peter Reckell (Bo), Julie Pinson (Billie), Kristian Alfonso (Hope), Wayne Northrop (Stefano), Diedre Hall (Marlena), Drake Hogestyn (John), Farah Fath (Mimi), and Eric Winter (Rex) have joined Billy Warlock (Frankie) in being given some storyline-dictated vacations. Newcomers, Grant Aleksander (Liam) and Peyton List (Paige), are also rumored to be in the same boat. The show has no comment, but sources say that this has no indication on any of the portrayers' futures with the show, and they will be back and in full effect in a few weeks. "If you'll notice, all of the characters are ones who are positioned somewhere outside of Salem - be it New Orleans, Maine, D.C., or in Europe. The show is choosing to focus on the characters who are in Salem right now."...the source says. "They are all on journies or quests or imprisoned right now so it doesn't make sense to see them everyday. But have no fear, fan favorites will be back on-screen with new twists in their stories in April."

- There are big rumors floating around that Paige is the long-lost daughter of a very familiar Salemite.

- There will be more cast cutting. The cast still rests at over 35 contracts which is not what the show wants right now.

- Don't be surprised if six more characters exit by July - one in early April, four in May, and a supercouple in July.

- Rumor has it the show has let-go one of its younger lead actors but wants to keep it hush-hush until the dramatic exit airs in late March or early April.

- The show is committed to keeping Ashford (Jack), Rogers (Maggie), Ingle (Mickey), Aniston (Victor), McCay (Caroline) in frontburner storylines.

- The show is pulling out all of the stops for May Sweeps.

- A supercouple might be exiting come summertime. May Sweeps is going to be a huge month for them. And July might be their last. It is sure to upset some fans.

- Tony's killer will be leaving the show in May. It looks as if the time has come for Koslow (Kate), Evans (Bonnie), or Benson (Abby) to leave Days of Our Lives.

- A vet has been fired from the show, but it won't be a suprise to the portrayer or the fans. Look for a big exit in May.

- Another rumor is swirling that a young stud has been fired from the show, and his character will the show in a dramatic way in May.

- Rumor has it that NBC is pushing to get a character from "Passions" to move from Harmony to Salem...permanently!