Cast shake-up at 'The Practice'

ABC's The Practice is returning to its usual Sunday, 10pm timeslot when the network's new autumn schedule takes effect - but several regulars on the series are leaving.

In a statement, the show's executive producer, David E. Kelley, said the cast changes - which will see Dylan McDermott, Lara Flynn Boyle, Lisa Gy Hamilton, Kelli Williams, Marla Sokoloff and Chyler Leigh all leave the series - were necessary due to "economic and creative realities."

"This is perhaps the finest group of actors and people one could ever hope to work with," he continued. "I hope for all of them to recur if possible, and if I'm lucky, I'll get to work with them on future projects as well."

In its own statement, ABC said: "While we're sorry to see these talented cast members leave the show, we're excited to discover what David has in store for The Practice this fall."