Heather Locklear is too high-cost for new Melrose Place.

Producers of the CW network's revamped nighttime soap opera had hoped the 47-year-old blonde bombshell would reprise her signature role as Amanda Woodward - the ambitious and conniving vixen of the original FOX series.

But Heather priced herself off the show, The ENQUIRER learned.

"In these tough economic times, the network simply wouldn't - or couldn't - pay Heather the kind of money she thought she deserved.

"She wanted at least $100k per episode, which is what she could have commanded in pre-recession days, and the CW would only pay half that…or less."

In addition, Heather wasn't happy with the second-banana story lines producers had in mind for Amanda. Instead, they want to focus on the new, young cast that includes Ashlee Simpson-Wentz, Jessica Lucas, Michael Rady and Katie Cassidy.

"Heather probably wouldn't even have been a regular character on the new Melrose Place, but a recurring star," explained the source. "She was mainly going to be used to lure old fans to the new show. But Heather was looking for a meatier role and much more money."