It was all so fast and abrupt they even cut her out of the cast photo, and her exit seemed like a cheap shot to me.

Yeah, it was a pretty messy exit under some bad terms. Not sure if she quit or what the whole story was. But they clearly were not happy with her.

Sad AND surprised at this news. Surprised because I assumed that with Ronn Moss's departure, Brad bell would convince Flannery to hang on for a little while longer. Gosh, I will miss her. She is the show for me.

I have no confidence whatsoever that this Steffy/Liam/Hope mess alone can hold up the show. None. And as far as people in danger of leaving, the lovely Jacqui Mac (the one actress who could and should be the "next Brooke") is likely not long for B&B. That girl has bigger fish to fry. Bradley Bell doesn't know what the hell he's doing.

As for bringing in replacement Stephanies -- no. It would look too obvious and Stephanie, quite honestly, is irreplaceable. Kim Zimmer and Erika Slezak, god bless their Emmy-winning cotton socks, are not right for B&B and do not have the talent that SF has (obviously IMO). Bobbie Eakes is not needed and I was never a big Macy fan to begin with. I'd accept Lauren Koslow as Margo was a founding figure on the show, but I'd rather she stayed on Days. Jill Abbott could work given Y&R and B&B's sister-soap status.

Edited August 21, 201213 yr by Cat

I only watch B&B for the chance to see Stephanie!

I could definitely accept Y&R's Jill on B&B. I feel like she would fit right in. If Y&R is never going to use her, they might as well.

B&B's Flannery Staying!

By SOD • Posted: Aug 21, 2012

© JPIOriginal cast member Susan Flannery (Stephanie) reportedly asked to be written out of B&B after 25 years, but the show managed to work out a new deal with the daytime legend. "Susan, for quite some time, was thinking she needed a break or just have some personal time," Executive Producer/Head Writer Bradley P. Bell tells Digest exclusively. "She's been through a lot personally; we know that she had her own battle with cancer and she’s had such an amazing career that she will continue to have as Stephanie Forrester, but I think it's not so much as a disagreement between her and the show, but more Susan figuring out where she is right now and what she needs. Now, Susan is going to have an incredible time with a new storyline that we've never seen before; something completely unique and interesting." For more on this story, check out the new issue of Digest, on sale Friday.

http://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/bbs-flannery-staying

Awesome! And I'm thrilled she'll be getting a new storyline!

Guess we'll have to wait until Digest's article comes out in their magazine. They didn't necessarily contradict SID's report re: short-term deal.

I hope she is in fact staying, but like Errol said, so far this doesn't contradict what SID said

Wow.

I wish Beverlee McKinsey were still alive

I don't think Susan should be replaced, but if we're playing pretend, I was thinking Erika Slezak in an interesting turn.

Another great choice would be Constance Towers (The Revenge of Clarissa McCandless!), who had been considered for the role of Pam.

Wha--? Brad must be panicking and maybe he pressed SF to stay.

A "completely unique and interesting" SL? I'll believe that when I see it.

A "completely unique and interesting" SL?

Yeah, SF will portray Stephanie's long-lost twin brother, Steve.

Edited August 21, 201213 yr by Khan

Would that be much of a stretch at this point?

Stephanie has a sex change. Within two episodes. Stephen Nichols will play "Steve" once SF's contract is truly up.