Lynn Marie Latham, executive producer and head writer of The Young and the Restless, has just been fired from the CBS soap, effective immediately.  But she's not the only one leaving as her husband Bernard Lechowick, who served as a creative consultant and writer, has also been let go.  The decision to shake up the show's writing team comes after the striking Writers Guild of America members voted to return to work.

Latham's dismissal does not come as a surprise to most people. Her office has been reportedly cleared out late last year when she refused executives' requests to continue working on the show during the strike.  Latham's contract permitted her to continue production work for The Young and the Restless during the strike because of her hyphenated job title of head writer and executive producer.  Latham, however, chose to walk the picket line with her fellow writers.

In the aftermath of the firings, it is speculated that acting executive producer and head writer Josh Griffith will be offered an official executive producer post.  Griffith, who was hired by The Young and the Restless during the WGA work stoppage, used the "financial core" clause in his union membership to continue working during the strike.  It is unclear if Griffith, like Latham before him, will pull double duty as executive producer and head writer.

"It has been difficult, it has been trying," Gottesfeld posted on a message board for writers.  "[My wife] Cherie and I survived with our jobs at The Young and the Restless intact, others were not so fortunate. Friends and colleagues are now trying to figure out what to do."

CBS has yet to comment but more writers from Latham's team are expected to follow.  Other writers that are confirmed to leave the show include Marina Alburger and Lynsey Dufour.


-Kris De Leon, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: Soapoperanetwork.com
(Image courtesy of Media Week)