How's this for coal in your stocking? Right before the holiday break, the powers that be at Days of our Lives axed Bryan Dattilo. They told the 16-year veteran that he didn't have to return after the New Year. He and the character of Lucas Roberts are done.

Bryan has been through this revolving door before, ironically. In 2001, he was also let go from Days of Our Lives and re-hired a year later. So, perhaps, he's not too concerned about losing the job.

What's interesting is that his current contract was good through February 2010 and at least based on what's happening now, there doesn't seem to be an exit for the Lucas character.