Is Michelle Stafford Leaving ‘Young and the Restless’?
Young and the Restless fans wonder if Michelle Stafford is leaving Y&R as Phyllis Summers given a new rumor spreading like wildfire. A blind item that leaked last week reports that a lead actress at a soap opera isn’t happy with her storylines and is ready to walk.
Whoever this unnamed actress is reportedly has her agent talking to other soaps about opportunities. So, of the many leading ladies on daytime, Stafford’s one to consider since she’s transplanted from one soap to another before.
Would Michelle Stafford Leave Young and the Restless?
Michelle Stafford played Phyllis Summers from 1994 to 2013 (with gaps here and there) but then left and headed to General Hospital where she played Nina Reeves from 2014 to 2019. Then, she abruptly exited GH to take back over as Phyllis. So, she’s flipped back and forth between daytime dramas before.
Plus, Michelle re-debuted as Phyllis Summers in June 2019. So, there’s a chance her contract might be up for renewal now. But more importantly, Phyllis hasn’t been in any front-burner storylines in quite some time. Phyllis Summers’ most talked-about scene recently was the size of the cinnamon roll Michelle Stafford was shown eating on Y&R.
Same girl Same #YR https://t.co/xmTsHHuW1c
— Michelle Stafford (@TheRealStafford) June 8, 2021
Currently, Phyllis’ relationship with Nick Newman (Joshua Morrow) is on auto-pilot. When they are shown together, it is them talking about his brother. Or, it’s Phyllis occasionally meddling in Summer Newman’s (Hunter King) life. Since Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman) broke up with Sally Spectra (Courtney Hope), she doesn’t even have that rivalry now on Young and the Restless.
Where Would the Y&R Actress Go if she Left the Role of Phyllis Summers?
If the blind item does refer to Michelle Stafford, where might she go next? There’s always her prior role over at GH. That’s another role, like Phyllis Summers, that Michelle originated and played to the hilt. After Ms. Stafford exited, the talented Cynthia Watros. She stepped into the role in June 2019 and might have inked a two-year deal.
Fans might recall that Gina Tognoni was allegedly pushed aside at Young and the Restless to make room for Michelle Stafford to come back as Phyllis. So, they might try and clear space for her over at General Hospital. But, that’s not the only soap on the screen. There’s also NBC’s daytime drama Days of our Lives.
DOOL showrunner Ron Carlivati knows Michelle Stafford well when they were both at GH – he was head scribe there. So that might be an option. However, Days has a large cast that rotates around frequently so she might not find a big splashy front and center diva role – if that’s what she desires (and again, that’s assuming this blind item even relates to her…).
Another option is Bold and the Beautiful. It is the sister soap to Young and the Restless. And it certainly wouldn’t be a stretch to walk right down the hall and unpack in a new dressing room. However, with just four soaps on the air – whoever this blind item is about will only have three to choose from – so that doesn’t leave a lot of wiggle room.
Young and the Restless Rumor: Plot Point Debate for Phyllis?
An insider from CBS daytime spilled some tea recently reporting that some of the actors aren’t happy with their pairings. And this individual alleges that two of those are Josh Morrow and Michelle Stafford. They said that Michelle was all for reuniting “Phick” – Phyllis and Nick. But that Morrow wanted to see where things went with his character and Chelsea Newman (Melissa Claire Egan).
Many Young and the Restless fans also hoped to see Red back with Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman) again. But the same behind-the-scenes source said it wasn’t something Michelle Stafford wanted for her return as Phyllis Summers. For now, there’s no confirmation on who this blind item is about. Other names kicked around in addition to Michelle’s include Laura Wright (GH), Kelly Monaco (GH), and Denise Richards (B&B).
The item first popped up on social media then spread around – but these blind items sometimes turn into real scoop. And again, there are plenty of lead actresses in soapland this might be about – if it the real deal. Still some fans are wondering – is Michelle Stafford leaving Y&R – and if she is – will CBS bring back Gina Tognoni as Phyllis Summers? Only time will tell on any of this.
Keeping watching and be sure to check Soap Dirt daily for Young and the Restless news and spoilers.