THE SCOOP

Robert Newman will be taking over the role of business tycoon Ashland Locke on “The Young and the Restless” beginning Wednesday, February 9, and we have your first look at the actor in a scene alongside his on-screen spouse Amelia Heinle (Victoria Newman) as the two share a pleasant moment together in the office. See the photo below.

It was announced last month that Newman would replace Richard Burgi in the role after the actor was let go when he was found to be in violation of the show’s COVID-19 protocols. “​​I showed up to work and it was not within the show’s guidelines, which was a ten-day protocol, so I inadvertently violated the show’s COVID rules and protocols,” Burgi said at the time, revealing he instead followed the CDC recommended five day quarantine period after testing positive over the Christmas holiday. “I felt terrible about it, I still do. It bothers me mightily but I respect whatever the show’s decision is.” The show opted to immediately replace Burgi with Newman.

Prior to joining television’s highest-rated and most-watched daytime drama series, Newman is probably best known to soap fans for his 28-year portrayal of Joshua Lewis on “Guiding Light,” which despite its cancellation in 2009 still remains the longest-running program in broadcast history.

Outside of soaps, “Newman has guest-starred in such shows as “House of Cards,” “Chicago Fire,” “Homeland,” “Criminal Minds,” “NCIS” and “Law & Order: SVU.” His film credits include “Amazing Spider-Man 2,” “Dracano,” and the short film “Deadline,” which in 2014 earned him a Best Actor award at the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival. He’s also appeared in the Off-Broadway productions “Perfect Crime,” “She’s of a Certain Age,” “Sessions: The Musical,” and “Quiet on the Set.”

Shortly after the news of his casting broke last month, Newman posted on Facebook, saying, “Thanks to everyone for the sweet posts and messages about my joining the cast of Y&R.  I couldn’t be more pleased.  I’ve had great respect for the show and [its] wonderful cast for many, many years. I’m happy to be a part of it.  I had a lovely zoom meeting with [co-executive producer/head writer] Josh Griffith and [executive producer] Anthony Morina last night.  We talked quite a bit about the character, and I’m very excited by the scripts I’m getting so far.  I’m scared to death, of course, but I think that’s healthy.” 

He added, “It’ll be a new adventure and I’m feeling pretty blessed to have the opportunity. Cheers!”