Las Vegas to return without Big Ed and Mary!

NBC has re-upped the sexy dramedy Las Vegas for a fifth season–but two of its biggest stars won’t be back.

James Caan and Nikki Cox will not be on board for the 2007-2008 season of the ensemble casino fleshfest. Surprisingly, in light of its lowish ratings, breakout star Josh Duhamel is set to give the show another go.The pneumatic Nikki Cox has always been a third wheel among the sexpots on the show, but as the busty, weepy, innocent girlfriend of Duhamel’s character, she’s been its sentimental heart. She was married in real life to Jay Mohr a couople of months ago. Maybe they can kill her off, like they did Van Damme.

But losing Jimmy Caan? The Oscar nominee and legendary tough guy gave the show some weight as casino security boss Big Ed DeLine. And at 66, he was clearly was having fun running around with the young kids.

Caan says he’s leaving to get back into the movies. “I’ve had a wonderful four years, worked with great people and made friends for life working on Las Vegas,” he said. “But I’m eager to return to where my heart is, which is film, and due to the show’s schedule, I’ve missed some great opportunities to do that.”

Who knows? Maybe he missed out on the Alan Arkin’s role in Little Miss Sunshine.

Las Vegas doesn’t get killer ratings, but it wins its time slot on Friday nights–plus, NBC owns a piece of it, so its in their best interest to get 100 episodes in the can for syndication.

–Tabloid Baby