In the third recasting to hit Genoa City in just a week, CBS’ “The Young and the Restless” has released the granddaddy of casting shockers! Daytime Emmy Award winner Michelle Stafford is back in as Phyllis Summers after nearly a six-year absence. As a result, Gina Tognoni, who won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress for her portrayal of the character in 2017, was let go.
According to Daytime Confidential, which first reported the news, Stafford and the powers that be at “General Hospital” were unable to come to an agreement on a new contract in recent weeks, leaving the actress no choice but to return to her old stomping grounds at CBS Television City. Reportedly, when CBS learned that Stafford was a free agent they “jumped at the chance to lure” the actress, and informed Tognoni of their decision soon after.
No word yet on when the switch will take place on-air, but fans will surely be in for several twists and turns in the coming weeks and months ahead now that daytime’s number one drama has also recast the roles of Adam Newman with daytime newcomer Mark Grossman (see story) and Dr. Nate Hastings with former “Greenleaf” actor Sean Dominic (see story).