Popeater is reporting that Ashlee Simpson-Wentz was fired from her role on the revival of primetime soap Melrose Place on Thursday, along with her co-star Colin Egglesfield.

The show’s producers said the decision wasn’t a surprise to the stars, claiming the two characters were only expected to stay as long as the murder mystery plot ran, although an insider told BettyConfidential there was some tension between Mrs. Simpson-Wentz and Melrose Place vet Heather Locklear, who is returning to the show to reprise her role as Amanda Woodward.

“Well, we always knew that this murder mystery would end in episode 12,” Todd Slavkin, Melrose Place executive producer said.

“We always knew that [Ashlee’s] character of Violet would be instrumental in that as a suspect, and [Colin’s character of] Augie as well,” Slavkin added. “And once that murder mystery was solved, she would go on her way.”

However, Colin Egglesfield said in an interview last night that his departure was not planned from the beginning, and that producers, including Todd Slavkin, told him the firing was a “network decision,” and that Colin’s character Augie was “too dark” for the show.

The decision to drop Ashlee from the show comes on the heels of news that Ashlee was acting like a diva on set, and was chastised by Heather Locklear, who a source says is the real star of the show.

“Ashlee was acting like a prima donna,” an insider told BettyConfidential. Heather had to put her in her place – and based on this recent development, we can't help but wonder if Heather decided that Ashlee’s place was off the show!

Ashlee released a statement last night that makes no mention of network decisions or off-screen drama: “Having the chance to play Violet on Melrose Place has been a thrill….Thanks to the CW and the entire cast and crew of Melrose Place for allowing me this opportunity!”

Ashlee Simpson-Wentz will continue to appear on the show until January, but Slavkin said Heather Locklear is “in every episode going forward.” (PopEater, E! Online, EW)

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