While fans of The Bold and the Beautiful probably can't envision a show without the character of Stephanie Forrester, the words of her portrayer make it sound like they may need to in the near future.

"I'd like to leave in another year or so," Susan Flannery recently said Australia's Ten Network, adding that she "might have to really think that through," of course.

While Flannery doesn't wish to disappoint her fans, she's resolved to move on to the next phase of her life.

"You know, you're in the grave a long time, and it's nice to be able to do other things, so I'm seriously considering it," she said.

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