Thanks to donna at the Z/K board, from the new SOD:

Martha Byrne, who has played ATWT's signature heroine, Lily, since she was a teenager(with the exception of a three year absence from 1989-1993) is in tense contract negotiations that were ongoing at press time. An ATWT spokesperson had no comment, but Digest has learned that the show has feelers out to big name former soap stars for her potential replacement.

"Word is it's not about money" says an insider. "She wants something put in her contract that they don't want to give her". In this weeks special section, Byrne talks about why she has stuck around Oakdale" I don't know how long I would have stayed if I hadn't met Michael (Mc Mahon, her husband)" she says. "I don't know if that would have been my life forever, but at the time it was the right thing to do, and everything in my life fell into place"

If Martha leaves, then kudos to her. It's obvious ATWT doesn't consider her character as important as they once did. How much airtime does she have? What was her last big story? Yeah, it flopped. Martha deserves better.

I've always been a MB fan and I'll support her in whatever she decides to do.

PLEASE let this be true!

If she leaves this is a HUGE loss for ATWT

Well, she left before and the role was recast. You never know what viewers will use as an excuse to quit watching. Lily's stories aren't exactly must-see tv now, though. There must be something nasty in the water at ATWT. Popular actors are leaving in droves.

I will have a nervous breakdown.

No.

I'm not kidding.

Even though I don't really watch the show anymore I grew up watching and rooting for Lily and Holden.

Martha was the first soap star I wrote a letter to and she sent me an autograph picture. I'm sure if I dig around I still have it.

Kudos to Martha for standing firm in what she wants. I think it will be a huge loss if she leaves.

If she leaves, the show would take a big hit... in many ways she is the star of the show. I would hope that they would be smart enough not to recast.... it just wouldn't work.

If they lose Martha this show will be done. As someone else said she is the star of ATWT there is no way this show could afford to lose her.

That would suck if she walked. ATWT would never recover from such a loss. But I do give her credit for standing up to the execs.

Martha has been handed crap stories since Rose died. Hogan never seemed crazy about Lily and JP totally doesn't understand the character. I wouldn't want a recast considering the last one sucked. That would even be a slap in the face. Would you recast Maura West? HELL NO!

Losing Martha Byrne would be a deathblow for this show.

Martha has been handed crap stories since Rose died. Hogan never seemed crazy about Lily and JP totally doesn't understand the character. I wouldn't want a recast considering the last one sucked. That would even be a slap in the face. Would you recast Maura West? HELL NO!

You mean Heather Ratray?? I personally liked her as Lily. What is she up to?? Martha has left before and the show survived without her. I hope at the end she does stay.

Martha has been handed crap stories since Rose died. Hogan never seemed crazy about Lily and JP totally doesn't understand the character. I wouldn't want a recast considering the last one sucked. That would even be a slap in the face. Would you recast Maura West? HELL NO!

I think he was. He gave Martha Byrne some hell-a-meaty material....everything from the introduction of her dual role to Lily's affair with Simon to Rose's death to Lily losing her mind after Rose's death to Lily going crazy when Holden and Luke were thought dead (really in some castle in Damian's homeland).

If ATWT re-casts Lily, watch for Lily become 10 years younger, LOL. Martha Madison(Belle, DAYS) probably will be the new Lily, lol. I hope another soap grabs the wonderful Martha Byrne. I think she'd be great on AMC.