There has been a major shakeup for fans of the Young and the Restless today. According to Daytime Confidential reports, Michelle Stafford has left General Hospital and is set to return to reprise her role as Phyllis Summers.
For the Young and The Restless viewers, this also means saying goodbye to Gina Tognoni who has been playing Phyllis since 2014. Y&R was able to grab Michelle Stafford after General Hospital failed to offer the daytime actress a satisfactory contract during negotiations.
Multiple sources have confirmed popular soap actress Michelle Stafford is leaving General Hospital to return to The Young and The Restless. Stafford will be reprising the role of Phyllis Summers, currently being played by Gina Tognoni since 2014.
Inside sources claim this was just the opportunity that CBS was awaiting and moved swiftly to obtain Stafford into returning back to Y&R. This is bad news for General Hospital fans who have become very fond of Stafford.
There is also no word as of yet as to just what will happen to Stafford’s GH character Nina Cassadine. It is never easy for dedicated daytime soap viewers to adjust to changes, especially when it comes down to replacing one of their favorite characters.
In other Young and the Restless news the popular long running daytime drama has hit a major milestone. Y&R is celebrating 30 years as being the top-rated soap earlier this year.
Y&R launched on March 26, 1973 so that means the show is enjoying its 46th anniversary today! This is major for cast members Melody Scott Thomas (Nikki) who has been on the show since 1979, and Eric Braeden (Victor) since, 1980. The pair have become a Y&R staple and a fan favorite couple for nearly four decades.
With the 30th anniversary in tow it is safe to assume that the Y&R writers will be dropping some huge and earth shattering story lines to ensure that soap fans will continue tuning in for many more decades to come. The Young and The Restless airs weekdays on CBS.
Kendra Quinn 
Amanda Lynne