‘AMC’ Moves West; Who’s Staying? Who’s Going?

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — The shake-ups begin at “All My Children.”

On the heels of the jarring news that production of “All My Children” will be relocating from New York, New York, their home for 40 years, to Los Angeles, California is of course big behind-the-scenes news about the fate of many of the popular soaps cast and crew.

Daytime Confidential, the website that broke the news of “AMC’s” impending move, is also reporting that all of the soaps contract players have been invited to make the move to L.A., where the show will begin production on January 4, 2010. Despite the time remaining on their existing deals with the show, those actors who do not wish to make the 3,000 mile move will be let out of their contracts. While most of the “AMC” actors are reportedly still in shock over the news, an excited Ricky Paull Goldin (who plays Dr. Jake Martin) posted on his Twitter site this afternoon and seems to be onboard with the big move.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like Walt Willey is among the contract players given the opportunity to choose his fate. The actor who has played Jackson Montgomery since 1987 is now reported to be officially off-contract according to DC. The news isn’t surprising. Willey’s Jackson has been severely back-burned under Head Writer Charles Pratt Jr.’s reign and had been scheduled to be sent off-screen indefinitely after one more appearance later this month.

Despite speculation to the contrary, “AMC” Executive Producer Julie Hanan Carruthers is staying put for the move to L.A. DC reports Carruthers, who has been with the soap since the fall of 2003, has just inked a new contract.

Susan Lucci, who plays the legendary Erica Kane on “AMC,” will appear on ABC’s “Regis and Kelly” this Friday at 9 a.m EST. Tune in to hear what she has to say about the stunning news; will daytime’s number one diva make the move west?

“All My Children” airs Weekdays on ABC. Weeknights on SOAPnet. Check local listings.