One Life to Live Kills Gay Storyline

A rep for ABC soap One Life to Live told The Advocate that while the show is concluding its gay story line and actors Scott Evans and Brett Claywell will be leaving the show, the door is open for their return in the future.

ABC issued the following statement: "The groundbreaking Kyle-Fish relationship on One Life to Live was embraced by fans both as a great story and a fair and honest reflection of the LGBT community. We're glad their story resonated with the audience, and understand the fans' disappointment now that it has concluded. The show has a history of bringing LGBT stories to the screen -- earning two GLAAD awards in the process -- as well as returning popular characters when they serve the ongoing story. These great characters remain in Llanview, and while there are no immediate plans to advance their story, the door is always open for their return."

The statement comes after the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation announced Friday morning that it is lobbying ABC Daytime to review its decision to end the storyline.

"Last summer One Live to Live brought a groundbreaking relationship into the homes of millions with Kyle and Fish's story, one that build acceptance and understanding of gay people," GLAAD president Jarrett Barrios said in a statement. He went on to say that ending the story is a step backward in the representation of gay Americans, even though plot changes and cancellations are common in daytime dramas.

"We remain disappointed that ABC Daytime has chosen to stop sharing this powerful story with viewers of One Life to Live. GLAAD will continue to advocate that in the near future producers and writers at ABC Daytime incorporate gay and transgendered characters in their programming."

There have been rumors that One Life to Live was ending the gay story line because of low ratings and poor response to the characters.