Ugly Betty Staff Sacked

Staff working on hit U.S. TV show UGLY BETTY have been made redundant on the same day the program was re-commissioned for a third series, according to reports.

Television network ABC gave the green light to a third installment of the comedy-drama series on Monday (11Feb08) and shortly afterwards officials announced the decision to sack two executive producers – Marco Pennette and James Hayman.

The Emmy Award-winning series – which will reportedly include at least four more episodes in season three – will now be executive produced by creator Silvio Horta, Hollywood actress Salma Hayek and Jose Tamez, according to Australia’s ABC News.

The show, about a hapless office girl at a fashion magazine, went through several behind-the-scenes line-up changes between its first and second seasons, with five writers being discharged.

(LR/WNWCAAB/MJ)