<em>Scandal</em> cuts <em>7th Heaven</em> actor's scenes after child abuse confession

New York - Actor Stephen Collins' real-life scandal has cost him a role on Scandal.

ABC said on Thursday that Collins, who was supposed to repeat a one-time role as a television anchorman on the hit Thursday drama, will have his scenes eliminated. The network said it isn't clear how the episode will be rewritten. It was scheduled to air later this season.

New York police said this week they are investigating charges that the former 7th Heaven television dad molested a 14-year-old girl back in 1972. The actor's estranged wife wrote in a court declaration last year that Collins told her he had molested at least three young girls.

Earlier this week, the networks, UP TV and TV Guide, announced the cancellations of 7th Heaven.