TCA press tour: Door still open for Heather Locklear, says ‘Melrose Place’ producers
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Amanda Woodward won’t be back on the CW update of “Melrose Place” any time soon, but don’t rule it out entirely.
Producers have already signed Laura Leighton, back as red-headed troublemaker Sydney Andrews, and Thomas Calabro, who returns as diabolical doctor Michael Mancini, as series regulars. Josie Bissett and Daphne Zuniga will also be back as guest stars.
But all involved, it would seem, are still holding candles for Heather Locklear’s strong-willed landlord, Amanda.
“The door is always open for Heather Locklear,” executive producer Todd Slavkin told reporters today at press tour. “We’re huge fans and have a great way for her to come into the show.”
Same goes for Grant Show, “Melrose’s” original Jake Hanson. Show is starring in CBS’ new sitcom “Accidentally on Purpose” and on Monday the actor said he wasn’t opposed to a return. “Maybe next year,” he said. Slavkin added that he and Show talked at Monday’s TCA event and that “stuff is brewing.”
Asked whether the new “Melrose” would lean to the earnest beginnings or insane endings of the original, Slavkin said, “I can say it’s definitely the most scandalous address in West Hollywood. That hasn’t changed.” So go with insane ending.
Speaking of insane, it turns out not one of the show’s new young cast members had seen the original ‘Melrose’ before getting cast. Will young people even be interested in the title? Producers say they think so. “Melrose” is big in the international market and “a huge advantage in the marketplace,” Slavkin said.
Like the first season of “Desperate Housewives,” the first season of “Melrose” will revolve around the death of a key character -- but it won’t be milked all season long.
That mystery and suspense instead will be a part of the overall tone of the show, said executive producer Darren Swimmer. Slavkin and Swimmer add they are big fans of “Sunset Blvd.”
-- Denise Martin
Photo credit: CW