It's the end of the line for one of One Life to Live's most popular couples. The ABC soap has confirmed that Brett Claywell (Kyle Lewis) and Scott Evans (Oliver Fish) will exit the show next month. The news comes only a few days after Evans denied talk that he wanted out of the show.
"We are concluding the story that we set out to tell with Kyle and Fish," executive producer Frank Valentini said in a statement. "We are very proud to have broken new ground with a same-sex couple on daytime."
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View the entire 15-minute video of Brett Claywell & Scott Evans from Michael Fairman |
"I have no plans to leave OLTL, everyone," Evans tweeted. "It's not even really in my hands!"
The pairing of Kyle and Fish -- known affectionately as Kish -- has helped to raise One Life to Live's visibility since their journey began last year. The two former frat brothers' blossoming relationship helped draw new viewers to the 41-year-old soap, viewers who might not have previously watched a soap, but tuned in because they were intrigued by a storyline that dealt with a topic they hadn't before seen addressed on daytime television. Mainstream gay and lesbian publications, including the Advocate and Instinct, also featured regular coverage of the story.
However, network officials reportedly were concerned that the couple did not catch on with a larger audience. TVGuide reports "the decision to drop the duo didn't come easily."
In future story, Oliver will learn on March 29 that he's Sierra Rose's biological father. Oliver will eventually get custody of the infant, and he and Kyle will start their family together... off-screen. The pair is expected to last air sometime in mid-April.
"The groundbreaking Kyle/Fish relationship on One Life to Live was embraced by fans both as a great story and a fair and honest reflection of the LGBT community. We're glad their story resonated with the audience, and understand the fans' disappointment now that it has concluded," a One Life to Live spokesperson told Soap Central in a statement. "The show has a history of bringing LGBT stories to the screen -– earning two GLAAD awards in the process -– as well as returning popular characters when they serve the ongoing story. These great characters remain in Llanview, and while there are no immediate plans to advance their story, the door is always open for their return."
Evans has been on recurring status since he made his One Life to Live debut in January 2008. Claywell, a contract player, bowed the following month, on February 24, 2009.
