NEW VACANCIES

Heading into its second season, Fox’s Melrose Place is under renovation. First, Vanessa Williams, who plays Rhonda, is moving out. Williams’ contract was not renewed, a decision that doesn’t surprise the actress. ”I wasn’t being used much,” she says. ”Rhonda’s goal was kind of limited-she wanted to get a man.” Second, there are rumors that show may get another gay character, a companion to Matt Fielding, played by Doug Savant. ”There are plans to expand Doug’s role,” says Fox spokeswoman Sharan Magnuson, ”but nothing is set about | giving him a relationship.” Savant hopes his character will get a companion. ”I would love to show Matt in a solid relationship,” he says. ”But I imagine they would have told me if I was getting a new boyfriend.”