In what is seen as a surprise to some, co-head writer Millee Taggart has announced that she is stepping down from her position due to "personal reasons."

Taggart assumed duties as co-head writer in late 2001. At the time, Taggart says that her stay in the fictional town of Springfield was only supposed to last a short time.

"[W]hen I came to Guiding Light, I planned to stay six weeks," Taggart said in a statement. "That was almost a year ago. I was seduced by my love of this show and by the rare opportunity to work with so many gifted actors, writers, and a fine, caring production team."

Taggart previously worked with Lloyd "Lucky" Gold and currently serves as co-head writer with Emmy-winning scribe Carolyn Culliton. Culliton will remain on board after Taggart's departure.

Taggart had, at one point, been rumored to be on the short list for head writing duties at ABC's All My Children, where she has previously worked on the writing team.

Taggart will step down in February 2003.