Ashlee Simpson-Wentz, Colin Egglesfield Moving Out Of "Melrose Place"

Updated 4:53 AM EDT, Fri, Oct 23, 2009

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Ashlee Simpson-Wentz's and Colin Egglesfield are out on "Melrose Place."

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Ashlee Simpson-Wentz's and Colin Egglesfield's stays in "Melrose Place" will be short ones.

The two actors will be exiting The CW show in January following the conclusion of the "Who Killed Sydney?" mystery story line in December, Access Hollywood has confirmed.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: First Look: Heather Locklear's Return To 'Melrose Place!'

"Having the chance to play Violet on 'Melrose Place' has been a thrill," Ashlee told Access in a statement on Thursday. "Although I always knew her story would come to a final, insanely unpredictable end, playing a creepy, unstable character was something I always wanted to do, so I jumped at the chance. Thanks to The CW and the entire cast and crew of 'Melrose Place' for allowing me this opportunity!"

Entertainment Weekly's Michael Ausiello, who added that the show would be transitioning to a "lighter, more fun" style, first reported the news.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: 'Melrose Place': Then And Now

While the move may be a surprise to fans, executive producer Todd Slavkin told EW it was in the cards all along.

"Once that murder mystery was solved, [Ashlee's character] would go on her way," he said. "That was the original plan going into the development of the show."

However, he said fans could look forward to the return of Heather Locklear, who will be back in her iconic role as Amanda Woodward.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Proud Pop Star Parents: Ashlee Simpson & Pete Wentz

"Her [return] is going to be a big moment on 'Melrose,'" Slavkin said. "She's in every episode moving forward. She's a major focus [of the show]. She has a hidden agenda that will become not so hidden as the episodes move along. She's not just the boss of Ella [Katie Cassidy]."

As previously reported by AccessHollywood.com, Heather will be back beginning on the November 17 episode, where – as new pictures from the set revealed today showcase – she may face off with another scheming blonde, PR vixen Ella Sims.

"They're both business women," Katie previously told Access. "I think there could be some really fun material happening there."

CLICK HERE to see all of the photos of Heather's return to the set!

MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: Heather Locklear - Melrose Place - Ashlee Simpson - CW - Celebrities