SUDDEN DEATH

Executive Producer/ Head Writer Bradley Bell Explains why B&B Killed Off Finn — And Where Steffy Goes From Here

- Stephanie Sloane

Soap Opera Digest: You delivered quite a big shocker last week with Finn's death! What was the thinking behind this story twist?

Bradley Bell: Sheila is best when she's in a corner and lethal, and she came to L.A. and found her son and she really tried to be on her best behavior. But when Steffy cornered her about New Year's Eve and threatened to expose her, Sheila lost her cool and shot and fired. So, it's about writing yourself in a corner and trying to get yourself out, but it's great material for Tanner [Novlan, ex-Finn), Kimberlin [Brown, Sheila] and Jacqui [MacInnes Wood, Steffy).

Digest: Is it hard for you to script the death of a character who you had invested in and written into a major story?

Bell: It is. It's very difficult to make that decision. I loved working with Tanner and he and Steffy made an incredible couple, but the decision was made and Steffy has some new adventures lying ahead.