Casting puts character's future in doubt

LOS ANGELES -- Fans of Cynthia Watros' character on "Lost" may want to pay extra-close attention to her over the season's final episodes, because there's a chance she may be leaving the island.

Watros, who plays tail-section survivor Libby on the ABC hit, has been cast in a CBS pilot called "My Ex-Life," according to The Hollywood Reporter. She'll star opposite Tom Cavanagh ("Love Monkey," "Ed") in the comedy about a divorced couple who remain good friends.

The former "Drew Carey Show" and "Titus" regular steps in for "Sons & Daughters" star Gillian Vigman, who was previously cast in the role.

What the casting means for Watros' future on "Lost" is uncertain at the moment. For now, she's being billed as a guest star in the pilot, which is a way of saying that "Lost" might still want her back. "Close to Home" star Jennifer Finnigan received similar billing last year when she filmed that show's pilot while she was still part of the NBC comedy "Committed."

And of course, there's also the possibility that CBS won't pick up "My Ex-Life."

The news comes on the heels of Libby's prominent role in a recent episode "Lost" focused on Hurley (Jorge Garcia), who has a crush on her. In a final flashback to Hurley's stay in a mental hospital, the camera panned away from him and onto Libby, who was also a patient there.

It's also unclear if Vigman's departure from "My Ex-Life" means anything for "Sons & Daughters." The ABC comedy's ratings have been poor, but network head Steve McPherson is a fan of the show, which could count for something. Last year McPherson unexpectedly renewed "Jake in Progress" in the face of meager ratings, although its return this season lasted but one week.