Double whammy: ATWT's Collier, Leyden out?

Oh my.

In the Oct. 31 issue, Soap Opera Weekly is reporting the following horrible news:

Katie is losing both her men on As the World Turns. Setside sources say Mark Collier is leaving the show at the end of his contract this year, while Paul Leyden is headed back to Australia as Simon's six-month stint winds up. At press time, an ATWT spokesperson wouldn't comment on Katie's conundrum.

Leyden's exit isn't much of a surprise, given that his Spring 2006 comeback was announced as being short-term. But the loss of Collier from daytime would be a true blow to the medium's hunk quotient. Collier has been the soap hunk here at this site for the past few years, winning Adonis 2005 and placing 2nd in 2004 and 2006. He also has won 5 Soaphunks.net Awards, including Best Hunk of 2004.