From the September 1st Soap Opera Update:

WELCOME BACK

Find out why these stars have returned to their television roots!

BEVERLY HILLS 90210
Laura Leighton (Sophie)
The world may never know exactly why Laura Leighton, who said goodbye to MELROSE PLACE last year, agreed to return to the primetime-soap scene so soon. But insiders say money probably was a key motivator.
     Leighton, who will guest star as a scheming actress wannabe named Sophie on six episodes of BEVERLY HILLS 90210 this fall, will be hauling in an unprecedented six-figures per episode, according to People magazine.
     Not bad for an Iowa City girl who before MP had little more than a hairspray commercial on her resume. She auditioned for the part of Jane's kid sister five times before getting hired in 1993 for what was originally scripted as two quick appearances. But the character caught on... and the show quickly signed her to a contract role.
     "I'm just lucky that I have one of those great roles where I get paid well to be incredibly obnoxious," she told Rolling Stone at the peak of her popularity.
     Not well enough, apparently. Leighton quit MP after she reportedly asked for a raise in the Heather Locklear (Amanda) neighborhood and was turned down. Although she went on to do a number of TV movies, she has received far more publicity for her recent marriage to her former MP co-star, Doug Savant (ex-Matt). Before him, she dated another co-star, Grant Show (ex-Jake).
     Does Leighton's stint on MP's sister soap mean she may follow the lead of her former on-screen sibling Josie Bissett (Jane) and return to MP?
     Insiders say that could happen. But considering that the industry is abuzz that both shows will be enjoying their last season on the air, Leighton better work fast!


Sydney could return to The Place? Yeah, and monkeys could fly out of my butt!

Jane was able to return because she wasn't dead. Bringing Sydney back to life would be an insult to our intelligence.


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