Surprising news for Guiding Light fans:

Nicole Forester is leaving the show.

The actress that has portrayed Cassie since 2005 will appear for the final time on-air in early November; she made the decision after her contract expired last month.

"I am getting married in October, and I am expecting a baby in February!" Forester exclaimed in a statement confirming her departure. "I am so happy and excited about embarking on these two most wonderful adventures, and I'm so grateful to have some extra time now to embrace them fully."

A Guiding Light insider said the show has no plans to recast the role.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.