UP TV removes “7th Heaven” from schedule following Stephen Collins’ alleged child molestation confession

Fans of actor Stephen Collins were stunned today when TMZ released an audio recording on which Collins reportedly admitted to child molestation. The tape was purportedly recorded two years ago during a therapy session attended by Collins and his estranged wife, actress Faye Grant.

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The recording has already cost Collins a movie job — he was fired from the upcoming Seth MacFarlane comedy Ted 2 earlier today, Entertainment Weekly reported. And now, UP TV has announced that it will be pulling reruns of 7th Heaven — the popular 1996-2007 family drama in which Collins played a minister, perhaps his most recognizable role — from its schedule effective this evening.

UP president and CEO Charley Humbard said in a release announcing the removal of 7th Heaven: “As a top family-friendly network, we are deeply concerned for the families that are potentially affected by these disturbing allegations surrounding actor Stephen Collins. 7th Heaven has been a beloved family show and a fan-favorite on our network. We have made the decision to remove the series from our schedule effective at 5pm ET today. We will continue to monitor the situation and listen carefully to our viewers. Replacing 7th Heaven tonight will be Supernanny, a series dedicated to bringing families together.”

UP says that Supernanny will air in a marathon today from 5-11pm ET to replace 7th Heaven. Beginning this Wednesday, Oct. 8, Touched By an Angel will air at 12pm ET weekdays, while The Parkers will air this Saturday from 1-5pm ET.

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The WB/Frank Ockenfels