Though a network spokesperson declined to comment, J. Eddie Peck (Jake Martin) has been released from the show.
Peck, a former star of The Young and the Restless, joined the cast of All My Children in August 2000. He had taken over the role from Michael Lowry, who opted to exit the show in March 2000.
According to insiders, the move to dismiss Peck came as a surprise to many of the actor's castmates. While Jake has remained without a major front-burner story for some time, the character is still part of the show's core family.
The decision to have Peck exit is said to be a mutual decision by Peck and show executives. As ABC is not confirming Peck's dismissal, but Soap Central has learned that the role of Jake Martin will not be recast. The character will leave Pine Valley, thus leaving the door open for his eventual return.
Peck is expected to last air in late February.
