The Young and the Restless has lured back Michelle Stafford as Phyllis Summer! Gina Tognoni, who has been playing Phyllis since 2014 will exit the soap. Daytime Confidential broke the news on Saturday (March 30) that Y&R came calling when talks between Stafford and General Hospital (where she’s played Nina since 2014) broke down.
Stafford originated the role of Phyllis on Y&R in 1994 and stayed with the Global/CBS soap until 1997. Sandra Nelson stepped into the role from 1997 until 1999 before Stafford returned to the role in 2000 and stayed through 2013. Y&R sent a casting call for a new Phyllis in 2014 once Stafford made her (surprise) first appearance as Nina Reeves, with Guiding Light and One Life to Live vet Tognoni winning the role.
Tognoni made a statement on social media on Saturday evening thanking fans, as well as Sony (which produces the soap) and CBS: “Five years ago, I was blessed to embrace the incredible character of Phyllis Summers Abbott. I am beyond grateful for the creative experience that The Young and the Restless has given to me as well as the amazing relationships I made with the cast, crew/staff, producers, and writers. I love my Genoa City family, which made it easy to give 110% every day. My long commutes [from New Jersey] always went smoothly because I loved where I worked and the people I worked with! My thanks to Sony Pictures Television and CBS and a special thank you to the Y&R viewers for their love and support. I wish Y&R continued success and everything it richly deserves.”
No word yet on when the Phyllis switch will take place or what GH will do with Nina. Stay tuned!
Earlier in the week, Daytime Confidential also broke the news that Mark Grossman has been cast as Y&R’s new Adam Newman. The role was previously played by Chris Engen (2008-2009), Michael Muhney (2009-2014) and Justin Hartley (2014-2016). Grossman is a daytime newcomer who previously appeared on Famous in Love.
Eileen Davidson, who is currently airing again for a few episodes, will return as Ashley later this month to to take part for the on-screen and real-life memorial episodes that will honour Kristoff St. John (Neil) in late April. Y&R has also hired Sean Dominic (Greenleaf) to succeed Brooks Darnell in the role of Nate Hastings. Dominic debuts as Nate on April 9 (Canadian airdate).
Also out are Jason Canela (Arturo), while Alice Hunter (Kerry aka Dominique) will exit Y&R this week.
Next week on #YR, Rey and Sharon spend time together, Victoria heads to Las Vegas, and big changes are made at Jabot! pic.twitter.com/EnM2CoEjeZ
— Young and Restless (@YandR_CBS) March 29, 2019
This week on The Young and the Restless: Jack (Peter Bergman) plots his next move following Ashley’s (Eileen Davidson) shocking news on Monday (April 1; Canadian airdates listed). Ana (Loren Lott) bonds with her father Jett (Gilbert Glenn Brown). Lauren (Tracey E. Bregman) loses patience.
On Tuesday (April 2), Victoria (Amelia Heinle) takes a break from Genoa City and lets her guard down when she crosses paths with a musician named Brandon (Mitch Eakins). Summer (Hunter King) tempts Kyle (Michael Mealor). Devon (Bryton James) and Elena (Brytni Sarpy) grow closer.
Cane (Daniel Goddard) makes amends on Wednesday (April 3). Traci (Beth Maitland) tries to keep the peace. Nick (Joshua Morrow) runs into Rebekah Barlow (Jennifer Taylor).
On Thursday (April 4), Michael (Christian LeBlanc) delivers unpleasant news. Billy (Jason Thompson) surprises Victoria. Phyllis (Gina Tognoni) reconnects with Jack.
The Young and the Restless airs weekdays on Global and CBS. Canadian viewers can catch up with Y&R on demand, on the Global Go app and online at GlobalTV.com.
