In a somewhat surprising move, Brianne Moncrief (Colby Chandler) has been released from her contract. The relative newcomer, who joined the cast of All My Children just over a year ago, will not continue with the show when it moves to Los Angeles next year.

Moncrief has been without significant story since the show backed away from its love story between Colby and Pete Cortlandt. With ABC's decision to not relocate recurring players to Los Angeles, Daniel Kennedy (Pete Cortlandt) will not be relocating with All My Children. That may have influenced the decision to push Colby off the canvas.

As previously reported, there had been rumors circulating the the show might consider recasting Colby once production of All My Children settled in Los Angeles. Well, the show opted not to even wait that long. Soap Opera Digest is reporting that Natalie Hall will take over the role of Colby later this month.

Hall has appeared on several primetime dramas, including The Good Wife and Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.

Moncrief joined All My Children on May 7, 2008, assuming the role from Ambyr Childers. The decision to recast the role was fraught with controversy. The role was originally slated to be "aged," but the show eventually backed away from that decision.

ABC confirms Moncrief's impending exit, but the network would not offer additional comment. Moncrief will last air on November 12. Hall makes her debut on November 25.