Though reports initially stated that producers at The Bold and the Beautiful would replace Kim Matula after her decision to vacate the role of Hope Logan, it appears they may have changed their minds on the matter-meaning Hope could remain off-screen for a long time to come.

According to Celebrity Dirty Laundry, contrary to head writer Bradley Bell's earlier statements that Matula would be replaced, it appears that now, the search for a new Hope may have been temporarily halted.

According to the site, reps have spoken out following numerous rumors that various actresses were being considered as replacements-including Julie Marie Berman (ex-Lulu, General Hospital), Chrishell Stause (soon to be ex-Jordan, Days of Our Lives), and Kristen Alderson (soon to be ex-Kiki, General Hospital). And while those actresses have had their names tossed around, it appears that no one has been given the role as of yet.

"This rumor is untrue," reps for Bold and the Beautiful reportedly said after the rumors about Alderson began surfacing. "We are not recasting Hope, and we have not hired Kristen Alderson."

If the producers have changed their mind, it could make fans question why they aren't recasting the role, one of the more pivotal ones in recent years. It is highly unlikely they were able to convince Matula to resign and return to the soap just one month after she left, meaning they are either keeping the process very secretive, or have truly decided not to recast for now.

Reports surfaced recently that all of the soap operas were being required to make cuts to their casts-meaning that since Hope is currently off-screen, they may be choosing to temporarily delay the process of casting a new actress in the role, since it is easier to do than cut another character who is currently on-screen and more actively involved in the storyline.

The Bold and the Beautiful airs Monday-Friday at 1:30 p.m. on CBS.

Tags: The Bold and the Beautiful CBS Soap Operas