Door to New Melrose Place ‘Always Open’ for Heather Locklear

[Brian Damage]

Heather Locklear’s not currently slated to appear on the CW’s upcoming Melrose Place revamp, but that doesn’t mean producers have given up hope.

“The door is always open for Heather Locklear,” executive producer Todd Slavkin told reporters Tuesday during the CW’s portion of the Television Critics Association’s summer press tour. “We’re huge fans of hers.”

So much so that he’s already figured out exactly how he’d incorporate Locklear’s scheming ad exec, Amanda Woodward, into the new soap’s cast of hot young stars, which includes Ashlee Simpson-Wentz. “We have a great way for her to come into the show,” Slavkin said.

Even without Locklear, Melrose 2.0 isn’t hurting for alumni. Original series stars Laura Leighton (Sydney), Thomas Calabro (Michael Mancini) and Josie Bissett (Jane) will all appear, as will Daphne Zuniga (Jo) who, Slavkin promised, “will be back with a vengeance.”

The producer also revealed he’d had discussions with Grant Show (Jake) about reprising his role. In determining which characters to bring back, Slavkin said there was one main criteria: “Does it feel organic? Does it not feel contrived? That’s really what’s important to us.”

One actor who’s unlikely to check back into TV’s most drama-prone apartment complex? Lisa Rinna, who played Taylor McBride. Despite a public plea earlier this year, “She wasn’t calling our offices,” said executive producer Darren Swimmer. “I think her campaign was a little bit in fun.” – Shawna Malcom

http://tvwatch.people.com/2009/08/06...ther-locklear/