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Guiding Light Favorite Robert Newman is Y&R’s New Ashland Locke

By Michael Fairman

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Photo Credit: LPKim Photography

Major casting news! The Young and the Restless has recast the role of Ashland Locke, previously played by Richard Burgi who has exited the CBS daytime drama series.

According to Soap Opera Digest, longtime Guiding Light veteran, Robert Newman (Ex-Josh Lewis) will be taking over the role.

Look for Robert to begin airing next month in February.

Over the weekend, Burgi announced via his Instagram story that he was no longer with top-rated soap opera.

Newman’s daytime career also included time on Santa Barbara and General Hospital.

So, what do you think of Robert Newman as the Genoa City’s new Ashland Locke? Comment below.

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Well, color me surprised!

Omg….I can’t wait. This is the best soap news in very long time.

Wtf

Not an obvious choice for me. I would have guessed more along the lines of a Gregory Chase or James DePaiva. Great casting nonetheless. Soap legend!

Not the same as still having The Guiding Light on air, but will be good to see the former Josh Lewis on Y&R.

OMG – I sooooooo wanted for Robert to be the recast. How Y and R did this I have no idea!!! Yes!!!

No if only we can get Beth Chamberlin come on board and be Jack’s new love interest (fingers crossed!)

Now*

I love Beth Chamberlin, she would be terrific as Jack’s new love interest. Let’s hope you are right. Also hire Kim Zimmer as Lauren Fenmore mother. I would love that.

Josh playing a different character now

They are like a month apart in age! Interesting casting news! Robert has a very warm presence on screen.

I’m really torn with this decision. I’m not impressed with the character of Ashland and was hoping he’d just be written out, even though Richard Burgi is a great actor. He just got saddled with bad writing, and it seemed like the show never knew which direction they wanted to take the character. Robert is also a great actor, and I’m excited he’s back in daytime, but is recasting this role really necessary? Hopefully it turns out well. But then again, Y&R has been extremely lackluster for the past two years, so I’m not expecting much.

I long ago stopped watching this show regularly after Sally Sussman left again. I do want to see Robert Newman again so I’ll go back in February.

OMG! Best news in this situation. Please, Y&R, do not goof up this one. I was very glad when Richard Burgi came to Genoa City last year and, despite the storyline that introduced him, delighted in the chemistry he and Amelia Heinle sparked and hoped for some engaging and powerful stories despite the bumps of the character’s backstory. I am happy for this recast. Who doesn’t love Robert Newman?!?!? (I miss my afternoons with all the CBS soaps.) There is potential to track a story of a powerful man who is given a second chance at life and who may want to do well despite his ruthless ways. Again, Y&R, make this work! I can see Ashland clash with Jack, Victor, and Billy, maybe have an affair with Ashley? Really have a presence in Genoa City. Here’s hoping!

A lot shocked by this news! I love Robert Newman and think he’s an fantastic actor. Loved him as Josh on GL. But now he’s on Y&R? Are he and Richard Burgi in the same age group? Don’t mean to sound like a hater, but Robert’s too good for Y&R and the mess it is currently in.

Richard Burgi & Robert Newman are actually the exact same age, both 63!

I’m sure Robert will be fine.
What I want to know is WHY did Richard leave??
And why are they bothering to re-cast the character?
They could have easily ended this dumb storyline and I’m sorry they’re not.

Rumour was Richard was fired, and they had to recast Robert Newman ex Josh Guiding Light.

In that photo, he resembles Bo Buchanan from OLTL. Did not watch GL. From the photo, having trouble understanding what would draw Victoria to him. The exiting Ashland was devilishly handsome…

As much as I liked Richard Burgi, this news is a game-changer and I am glad for it.

My feelings are mixed. Mr. Newman seems like a nice man but Josh Lewis was not a favorite of mine. I loved Reva and never really got their attraction. I liked Reva with Billy, even H. B. At least they had senses of humor. I think Richard Burgi is a more nuanced actor but he’s leaving. So, I’ll wait and hope for the best. Sometimes we’re pleasantly surprised at who clicks.

Robert Newman is a terrific actor but this will be a bust. I can see no chemistry with Amelia a mile away and the character is a bust. Restless write a story already and stop the stunt casting

This is what I’m afraid of, Richard. I would have liked to see William DeVry (ex Julian Jerome from GH) in the role. He’s really sexy and plays “ambiguous” very well.

William would have been great!

Thats why I would put him in a story with Michelle Stafford.

I might start watching y&r again! I love robert. I miss gl to this day. Maybe they can bring a certain southern spitfire on to play ashlands childhood sweetheart….hmmm who could that be??? (Or Beth ehlers!)

Why didnt they keep Richard Burgi in the role!?
Hes the best and only good thing thats happened during this horrible regimes tenure. I loved him and Victorias chemistry
Did Richard quit or was he let go?

He violated the Covid protocol. He was suppose to be quarantined for 10 days and he came back in five days.. So they fired him. No second chance for him. What a shame….

He will be a great addition to the cast . I wish they would bring Tara back . Now if we could just get a new executive producer and head writer. Anyone who has watched old clips of the show from the 90’s and early 2000’s can see just how bad this show has gone down the drain. It all started with Jill Pharen Phelps!

She ruined every soap she touched

It was so disappointing when they let MAB go for Jill Pharen Phelps . I stuck with the show out of loyalty but I’m boycotting until a new Exec Producer and Head writer take over . The show looks cheap , the writing is terrible , and the cast they focus on is the least interesting . The show was smart and entertaining a long time ago and now I think my cat could put together a better show . I suspect it will be cancelled soon !

I havent watched since Kay died so I have no idea what the show is like but I suspect from what ive heard that it needs some serious tweaking to get back in line. Too bad at one time that was must see tv I taped it every day.

Just my two cents. As much as I adored Robt. Newman on GL, I can not see him having any chemistry with Victoria and also going toe to toe with Victor and Adam. In other words I’ve never seen him play an S.O.B or anything but a darn nice guy. I would like to see Gregory Harrison, David Hayward or even Steve Burton or William deVry maybe if he isn’t on his way back to Port Charles now that Ned wants to adopt Leo. Julian would not go for that.

Yea I know Vincent Irizarry. I will always think of him as David Hayward.

Then you never watched him on Santa Barbara? His tribute to former castrate Lisa Brown was great. Best wishes to him.

The other lis
Do enlighten me. I loved him on S.B and everything else he’s done. And what do you mean by “former castrate”?

The other lis
Sorry, I just re-read your comment and now I think you meant CASTMATE, but I still don’t know what your reference to S.B means. I liked him on everything he’s been in
.

Violet, we’re in synch again. Can you imagine Will DeVry sexing up this show?! WOW, he would make this unholy union palatable. I’ve never been a fan of Mr. Irizarry; his Y&R tenure as David Chow in the 2000s was a train wreck to me. Gregory Harrison is still as great looking as he was on TRAPPER JOHN in the 80s so that would have worked too.

Soaphound
While I like Robt. Newman, I have not seen him in years and I’ve never seen him do the type of stuff Burgi does. Like you said in another comment, maybe he’ll click.

Gregory Harrison needs to be hired! Just like another older legend from TV, Max Gail, he was terrific when he had a chance on GH.

While I love Robert Newman, I really, really got into Richard Burgi as Ashland Locke. He was handsome, talented and so believable. He held his own against the powerhouse actors on the show. My disappointment is great, and I’m not sure I’ll keep watching. Shows can’t keep jerking fans around and hoping we’ll watch because there are LOADS of other channels and shows to entertain us. We don’t need Y and R when they pull this crap on us.

I was a big fan of GL I am happy to see Robert Newman again.

Robert Newman in the house!!!! I’m thrilled to get to watch a GL alumni!!! He will be awesome!!!

Remember late Michael Typo was on YR too.He played Blade. I miss him when I lived in New Jersey I met some of the GL cast.good people great actors. Robert will be great on YR.

I really liked him. Does anyone know why. I do love Josh. Can’t wait to have him back. Hope I can see him without Reva

I’ve always liked Richard Burgi as an actor and felt he was perfect as his character role , Ashland Locke. Wishing him the best! I miss the Guiding Light! Happy to have Robert Newman portray Ashland Locke! Hope they write him in as a permanent cast member!!

He will look better as that character. We know he can act. He is popular. It gives a Guiding Light Alum work. He will only need two things to be amazing, better writing and he needs to break away from Victoria. I would love for him and Phyliss to get together. Both are good actors and it finally gets her away from Nick or Jack! Welcome aboard Robert!

Robert Newman:

Date of Birth
June 27, 1958
Age 63
_____
_________________

______He had his first acting role in 1985 on an episode
of General Hospital._____________

The character of Josh was initially introduced as
a bad boy of sorts. With the 1983 arrival of Reva Shayne, played by Kim Zimmer, Josh and Reva became a popular “supercouple”. Newman and Zimmer’s characters became a principal couple on the show.
Their characters were in the final scene of the show, reciting the final lines of dialogue to each other.____________

In addition to his role on Guiding Light, Newman also played the characters of Prescott Harrell on General Hospital, and Kirk Cranston replacing Joseph Bottoms, on Santa Barbara in 1986.

Don’t like it! Pls keep the old Ashland!!!

Sue, I think we’re a minority on this but I don’t like the choice of Mr. Newman as Ashland either. I’d have much preferred the sexier, more exciting William DeVry (ex-Julian from GH) or Gregory Harrison, as Timmm said. I always thought Josh Lewis was a downer, especially compared with brother Billy or daddy H.B. To each his own

Soaphound
I liked Newman back in GL but the characters were not as sophisticated as the Y&R gals. Someone mentioned his daddy was an oil tycoon, but still acted like a good Ole boy, nothing like Victor Newman.including Billy. I keep telling myself it’s just acting and hopefully he’ll be believable as Burgi/V Ashland who is the whole package.

yesssssssss Love Robert Newman aka Bud aka Joshua

I love the actor from other soap with him that I watch and I think very good actor to work with victoria Newman Locke husband

LOVED Richard Burgi! Don’t know if I’ll watch anymore.

I loved him on the Guiding Light! The unfortunate thing is Ashland Locke probably won’t be on Y&R very long since Victor is discovering all the dirt on him

Breaking News

‘Santa Barbara’ Favorites A Martinez and Marcy Walker, ‘Cruz and Eden’ Reunion Chat, On Demand Replay Available for Half Price (Exclusive)

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The love was felt around the world during the Sunday, June 7 livestream conversation featuring enduring Santa Barbara Daytime Emmy winners, A Martinez and Marcy Walker who played Cruz Castillo and Eden Capwell on the iconic NBC soap opera. The popular duo reunited for this special one-day only special event honoring their most memorable of daytime roles.

Santa Barbara was globally a hit, and nothing illustrated that more than having attendees from 20 countries and over four continents participate in and watch the live chat moderated by Melissa Braverman, the author of Santa Barbara: The Complete Story due out this fall.

While many were not able to purchase the initial livestream when the ticket costs were revealed to be $100,  A Martinez previously clarified the event was to also raise money for Walker, who is currently facing a very serious health situation, now there is a way to catch the replay at half the price.

Courtesy: MBraverman

HOW YOU CAN STILL CATCH A AND MARCY’S LIVESTREAM

Michael Fairman TV can share exclusively that if you missed the chance to see and listen to what A and Marcy had to say, On demand access is available at the event link for a half price at $50 (guests can contribute up to $100 if they so chose). Like the livestream, 100% of On demand sales for the recording will be available for a limited time only, and also go toward Marcy’s medical expenses.

There was plenty of laughter, tears, and reminiscing through the the two and a half hour chat which included: some memorable footage and images from the love story of Cruz and Eden. At one point, Marcy reflected on the enduring impact and affection for Cruz and Eden. “You hope that whatever you do in this life, that you’ll make an impact of some kind,” expressed Walker. “It doesn’t have to necessarily be wrapped up in success or career or anything like that, but I think we all want desperately to feel like our time here blessed someone. To hear that somebody’s life was even a moment better because of what we did is a massive gift.

Photo: NBC

A AND MARCY’S DESIRE TO WORK TOGETHER AGAIN

In a moment that brought joy to those in attendance, A and Marcy both expressed a sincere hope and desire that one day they can work together again. Martinez explained, “There’s more avenues to pursue now than there have ever been. I would say just keep a good thought for it. I’ve been holding it for decades, and I fully intend to do whatever I can to make it happen. We’re engaged in trying to make it happen. And you know, we’ll see. I know we both want to do it.” Marcy simply nodded and responded “Amen.”

Melissa Braverman shared with Michael Fairman TV, her sentiments on hosting the Santa Barbara favorites. “Seeing A and Marcy together again, even virtually, was an absolute gift. It instantly reminded all of us why we fell so hard for Cruz and Eden in the first place. Their undeniable chemistry leaped off the screen and straight back into our hearts, proving that the magic they created all those years ago hasn’t faded one bit. Sharing in equal parts laughter and tears felt like catching up with old friends. It just meant the world to see them side-by-side again and to see how this incredible fandom showed up for Marcy during such an important time for her.”

So, if you attended the livestream chat with A Martinez and Marcy Walker, what did you enjoy hearing about the most? Now the tickets have dropped to watch the replay On Demand, would you want to check it out? Let us know via the comment section below.

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‘Days of Our Lives’ Officially Confirms Ryan Quan Returning as Co-Head Writer Beginning in July

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There is definitely a shake-up going down at the writing team at Peacock’s Days of Our Lives. Now, the long-running soap opera has confirmed, what has been previously reported, that current General Hospital breakdown writer, Ryan Quan is heading back to his old stomping grounds in Salem. This time as the series co-head writer.

The appointment of Quan comes with the official news that current co-head writer, Paula Cwikly, who was previously rumored to be departing the series, is not. She is staying with the soap opera and transitioning to a consultant role with the show. Now, Quan will join current co-head writer, Jeanne Marie Ford to steer the ship for the characters on the canvas.

On Wednesday, TV Insider, reported the official confirmation and that Quan will return to DAYS next month in July. In a statement to the outlet, executive producer, Ken Corday expressed, ‘We are lucky to have Ryan back in the fold. There are very few people who have such a deep knowledge and understanding of our show’s history. Stay tuned!”

Photo: JPI

THE FUTURE OF DAYS OF OUR LIVES

Since Days of our Lives unusual production schedule tapes ten-months ahead of air, the new creative team’s vision led by Quan and Jeanne Marie Ford are not expected to stream on Peacock until mid-2027.

Days of Our Lives is currently renewed through its 63rd season. The former NBC soap opera which transitioned to Peacock in September of 2022, celebrate its 60th anniversary in November of 2025.

The writing regime change comes after NBCUniversal Media Chairman Matt Strauss revealed that Peacock is expected to turn a profit for the first time in the current quarter, punctuating their investment with the enduring soap opera on its platform.

As for Quan, his knowledge of Salem is tremendous. Ryan joined Days of Our Lives as a writer’s assistant in 2007 after some time over at Passions. He then spent two decades and held every position on the writing team where he previously served as co-head writer from 2016-17 alongside Dena Higley.

Later, when Ron Carlivati took over as head writer for 7 years in 2017, Quan became his right-hand man and main story consultant for his deep knowledge of the history and the legacy of the show. After Carlivati exited the show in 2024, General Hospital hired Quan in 2025.

So, what do you think about DAYS making it official with Ryan Quan as the new co-head writer of the series alongside Jeanne Marie Ford. What do you think about the fact we won’t see the changes on-screen till 2027? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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ABC Announces ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Texas Spin-Off Gets Straight-to-Series Order

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In a surprise move, coming a week after ABC unveiled its 2026-2027 fall television schedule, Grey’s Anatomy is getting a new spinoff co-created by the original series’ creator/executive producer Shonda Rhimes.

The new untitled medical drama will be written and executive produced by Rhimes and Grey’s Anatomy showrunner/executive producer Meg Marinis under the Shondaland and 20th Television umbrella. In addition, long-running ‘Grey’s’ star Ellen Pompeo will also serve as an EP of the spinoff.

The upcoming new series will debut midseason in 2027. This will be the first of Grey’s franchise not set in urban city or West Coast locale. According to Deadline, the new “edgy drama is about a team at a rural West Texas medical center — the last chance for care before miles of nowhere.”

Photo: ABC

In a statement, Marinis shared, “I am incredibly excited to expand the Grey’s Anatomy universe. This opportunity will bring new characters and stories to life that will embody the same heart, emotion and connection audiences have loved from Grey’s for more than two decades — all set in my home state of Texas. I am so grateful to Shonda Rhimes for creating this dynamic world and feel so fortunate that I get to be a part of it.”

A NEW GROUP OF DOCTORS IN RURAL TEXAS

The Texas spinoff will feature a a new group of doctors, but there will be some connection to the OG Grey’s Anatomy and possibly to Debbie Allen’s character of Catherine Fox. The amount of episodes in the series order has not yet been determined. Previous Grey’s Anatomy spinoffs were the defunct Station 19 and Private Practice.

Previously, Grey’s Anatomy was renewed for its upcoming 23rd season while the amount of episodes is unclear.  The last two seasons the series produced 18 episodes.

It should also be noted, Grey’s Anatomy and the Texas spinoff would likely share a time period, which requires limited-run orders for both with Grey’s premiering in the fall, followed by the spinoff on the midseason programming block.

So, what do you think about a Texas spinoff of Grey’s Anatomy coming in 2027? Who would you like to see from daytime or primetime as some of the featured roles as new doctors? Put on your casting directors hat and let us know via the comment section below.

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