Connie Sellecca Out of ABC’s ‘Baby Talk’

Connie Sellecca, who was supposed to begin production Monday as the star of “Baby Talk,” a new ABC comedy based on the movie “Look Who’s Talking,” is off the show.

Sources at Columbia Pictures Television said Tuesday that the producers were attempting to recast the role by the end of the week. They hope to resume production with a new actress by Monday, using the same script they had planned to use this week.

An ABC spokesman said the network is still planning on using “Baby Talk” in its fall lineup next month.

Co-starring George Clooney and featuring Tony Danza as the voice of the baby, the series is scheduled for the 8:30 p.m. slot in ABC’s powerhouse Tuesday night lineup.

Columbia offered only a terse statement to explain Sellecca’s abrupt departure: “Due to contractual differences, Connie is no longer involved with the show.”

Through her publicist, Sellecca, who previously has starred in four television series including “Hotel,” refused to comment.

Her departure is another in a long line of growing pains that have beset “Baby Talk.” The pilot, which was shot in May, is one of only two new ABC shows that have not been screened for TV critics because it was being “retooled.”

The new version reportedly dumped the infant’s irresponsible father and redefined William Hickey’s role as an aging alcoholic. In the meantime, the babies used in the pilot grew too old to appear in the series this fall. Earlier this month, the producers embarked on a talent search to find replacements.