With many casting changes in place and new faces set to arrive in Genoa City, the next few weeks on “The Young and the Restless” may be a bit of a flurry. But no worries, because Soap Opera Network has got all the upcoming casting deets right here in one handy-dandy reference place!
Actor Ray Wise will debut on Thursday, January 23 as Ian Ward, a former cult leader Nikki Newman (Melody Thomas Scott) knew from her time at the New World Commune back in the 80s — and he also happens to be the father of her newfound son, Dylan McAvoy (Steve Burton).
Thursday, January 30 marks the final airdate for Billy Miller (Billy Abbott), who decided to walk away from the sudser after five years in order to pursue new projects. Former portrayer David Tom, who played the role of from 1999-2002, will step back into the role beginning Monday, February 3.
Thursday, January 30 also marks the final airdate for ousted star Michael Muhney (Adam Newman), whose storyline coincides with Miller’s in a dramatic conclusion to the Delia hit-and-run story.
Robert Craighead appears as Judge Wayne on Monday, February 3 in scenes with Christian Le Blanc (Michael Baldwin), Tracey E. Bregman (Lauren Fenmore), Lauralee Bell (Christine Blair) and Max Ehrich (Fenmore Baldwin).
Meanwhile, Tristan Rogers — who soon departs his role as “General Hospital’s” Robert Scorpio — will be returning as Colin Atkinson on Wednesday, February 5, and celebrity wedding planner David Tutera will be returning for his second appearance as himself alongside newly engaged Leslie Michaelson (Angell Conwell) and Neil Winters (Kristoff St. John) on Thursday, February 6.
Chris L. McKenna (ex-Joey Buchanan, “One Life to Live”) joins the cast in the recurring role of Mark Harding. “He’ll appear during an exciting event that will bring several Genoa City residents together,” a rep for the soap recently told Soap Opera Network of McKenna’s Monday, February 17 debut.