Monday, January 21, 2008 1:14 AM EST | By Errol Lewis with additional Reporting by Xavier Toups

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(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — “Days of our Lives” continues to cut the fat as they get rid of the old and in with the new.

Soap Opera Network has just learned that actors Brandon Beemer and Martha Madison, who portray the popular roles of Shawn D. Brady and Belle Black-Brady, have been let go from NBC’s “Days of our Lives.”

According to sources, “Belle” and “Shawn” will be written out of the show due to storyline purposes. Madison and Beemer will continue to tape episodes for approximately another month.

News of their firing comes just two days after it was announced that former “General Hospital” actress, Tamara Braun (ex-Carly #2), would be joining the cast as Ava, a woman from Steve “Patch” Johnson’s past. Braun begins airing on February 8.

Madison portrayed a waitress on “Passions” before joining the cast of “Days of our Lives” in July 2004. She immediately took over from Charity Rahmer, who replaced Kirsten Storms just days after the actress last aired. She also appeared in 2001’s “Kate & Leopold” with Meg Ryan and Hugh Jackman.

Before joining “DAYS” in October 2006, Beemer had guest roles on ABC’s “General Hospital,” MTV’s “Undressed” and CBS’ “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.” He also appeared in the film “Material Girls” with Hilary and Haylie Duff. The actor played the sixth Shawn D. Brady, taking over from Jason Cook.

Soap Opera Network will continue to follow this breaking story as more details come to light.