SOD, "AW's Rachel Staying, But...

April 20th, page 5:

"Victoria Wyndham reports that she has inked a new deal with AW to continue playing Rachel Cory-- but she won't say for how long. 'What I *will* say is that we have agreed the I will continue for the time being,' allows the veteran actress, who's been with AW since 1972.

"Procter & Gamble, which owns AW, won't give details either. 'W don't comment on contract negotiations,' a spokesperson reminds us.

"Wyndham re-signed despite misgivings. 'The Lumina story would have been interesting if they had written in more for Rachel,' she says. 'But they haven't. I was told that it was going to be a story for Rachel. It has *scenes* for her, but certainly not *story*. She's barely been on the canvas.'

"Wyndham adds that her character hasn't been the focus of story since AW axed her long-time co-star, Charles Keating in May, 1998. 'At the time I thought, "They're not going to write for Rachel",' she confesses. '[Firing Keating] was done to damage Rachel. The idea was to force me out. In my belief, there's *still* no story for Rachel. I have been hanging around, swinging in the breeze all summer long, all fall -- and nothing. It's been a very peculiar year.'

"The actress adds that she is encouraged by AW fans who have been vocal about their desire to see Rachel featured more prominently. 'I would be very happy if Victoria Wyndham appeared on-screen more than *once* a week', writes one. 'We can wait,' responds Wyndham, 'and hope that the audience doesn't let up!'"

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