Monaco's GH Future Up in the Air

Rumors continue to spread regarding the future of Kelly Monaco
(Samantha McCall) with General Hospital. The actress' contract is
set to expire later this year and some fans are concerned that in
this age of budget slashing, Monaco may be a casualty of the
network's belt tightening.

According to sources familiar with the negotiation process, Monaco
has requested that any new contract allow her more "outs," which are
clauses that would allow her to pursue outside opportunities in
addition to her work with the ABC soap. It is widely expected that
ABC will accommodate Monaco's request.

Salary, of course, is another issue.

In addition to her work on General Hospital, Monaco was the winner
of the first season of Dancing With the Stars and a co-host of this
year's 33rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards.

Monaco joined the cast of General Hospital in October 2003, just a
matter of days before the cancellation of GH spin off, Port Charles
where she played the roles of Livvie Locke and Livvie look-alike,
Tess. The show made no mention to the fact that Monaco's current
character was a dead ringer for her two Port Charles characters.

Monaco's Sam has been a front burner character since her debut three
years ago. It has been reported that Sam continues to feature
prominently in long-term storylines currently being developed.

A General Hospital spokesperson stated that the network does not
comment on actor's contracts.