How you ask? By firing Colin Egglesfield and Ashlee Simpson.

Executive producer Todd Slavkin tells EW that “it was the original plan” to have Ashlee exit the show. And as for Colin? Well, his “brooding alcoholic (character] tonally didn’t fit” the new “sexy, upbeat” direction the show plans to take starting in January.

Egglesfield told E! that he was signed to do 10 episodes and had a multi-year contract, but “got the call” yesterday morning from producers saying he was off the show. It was “a network decision,” they said. He adds, “It’s kind of crazy. It’s like, How?! Why?!” But he sounds like he’s got a healthy attitude about it. “I’m not spending too much time thinking about it, because it’ll just drive you crazy, if you try to figure something out that you’re never going to figure out. I’m just focusing on [other stuff]. I’ve already got a bunch of auditions lined up.”

Todd Slavkin, the show’s executive producer, told press that Simpson’s departure has been “the original plan going into the development of the show.”

He explained, “We felt that once the murder mystery [involving her character] was resolved, the tone of the show was going to shift … and [Simpson’s] character would move on.”

And it sounds like Ashlee thoroughly enjoyed her short-lived gig. “Having the chance to play Violet on Melrose Place has been a thrill. Although I always knew her story would come to a final, insanely unpredictable end, playing a creepy, unstable character was something I always wanted to do, so I jumped at the chance. Thanks to the CW and the entire cast and crew of Melrose Place for allowing me this opportunity.”

Meanwhile, who murders Sydney is still a mystery but as a result of Jane’s tip, the police bring Ella in for questioning. Another crime accusation is happening on the other side when a stunned Jonah is said stealing a diamond necklace from a mansion he videotaped for a realtor. He becomes even more upset after Ella mentions a similar necklace that she saw in David’s apartment.

Violet’s passion for Auggie continues as she sabotages another employee so she can get closer to him.

“Canon” is airing on Tuesday, October 6 at 9/8c. As a result of canceling “The Beautiful Life: TBL”, The CW will air a repeat of “Melrose Place” on Wednesdays at 9/8c starting this week.

The 47-year-old actress will reprise her role as Amanda Woodward on the new CW version of the show, it was announced Tuesday.

Locklear will make her debut appearance Nov. 17.

“We’re all really thrilled that Heather is coming back!” Ashlee told People magazine.

“Of course we are — she was kind of the heart of the show. It’s been great to have a lot of the original cast, and to have Heather join is really incredible. I’m excited!”

“We do a table read on Thursday so I’ll meet her tomorrow,” Simpson added. “I’m really looking forward to it.”