OK, so I realize that news about Soap Operas isn’t the usual kind of fare that we get around here (unless we’re talking about the Daytime Emmys) but this bit of info is too interesting to me to let pass by. Melody Thomas Scott, who stars as Nikki Newman on the long-running daytime drama The Young and the Restless, is reportedly being written off the show because she refused to take a pay cut due to the failing economy. Melody‘s character was introduced on the show back in 1978 and is the main female character on the show … but, apparently, due to her unwillingness to come to terms with production, she is now apparently getting axed from the show she’s starred on for more than 30 years:

Once again, Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki) proves she’s her own worst enemy. As we exclusively reported a few weeks ago in Nelson Ratings, Scott refused to take a pay cut, or drop to recurring status, which is what the soap was offering. While Maria Arena Bell and Paul Rauch hoped that the former hair model would re-sign with the sudser, insiders inform The Suds Report the two parties have hit a stalemate in contract negotiations. In fact, the soap has written out the character already because the show is writing story past her contract expiration date. However, at press time, Y&R has decided not to recast the role in case Scott comes to her senses. Ironically, MTS celebrated her 30th anniversary with the No. 1 sudser this year. A former co-star tells The Suds Report that, “Mel thought she ran that show for years because her hubby, Ed [Scott], was the producer. Well, times have changed, and actors do not run that show anymore. She’s nuts if she thinks another soap can afford her. Mel is so tied to Nikki that she won’t get another soap gig, especially in these tough economic times.” This isn’t the first time MTS has left the series over a contract dispute. The Emmy-nominated star bolted a few years back, but predictably returned a few months later. “I’m not sure if Mel and Ed can afford not to be working right now,” says a friend close to MTS. “She really thought she was exempt from these pay cuts.” As an aside, I don’t want to be the person who has to tell Eric Braeden (Victor), whose contract is up at the end of the year, he has to take a pay cut. Good luck with that, Y&R!

I think it is wholly unwise for anyone with a contract in Daytime Television to be walking away from the money being offered to them … this economy ain’t really providing better options than what Soap Operas offer. The Young and the Restless is the #1 Daytime TV drama in the US and has been for the past decade or so … it seems totally foolish to turn down a pay cut and lose your job just to save face. I understand that even with her pay cut, MTS would still be among the highest paid actresses in Daytime TV. Dumb. I love Nikki on Y&R and I’d hate to see her recast. Sorry to all y’all who have no interest in stuff like this but, well, we all have our guilty pleasures and Y&R is mine.

[Source]