News
Judy Blye Wilson Steps Down As Casting Director Of The Young and the Restless!
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
Noted and beloved casting director, Judy Blye Wilson, who has to be given so much credit for bringing some of the most talented faces to daytime drama has decided to depart The Young and the Restless, where she has been their casting director since 2012.
In an facebook post late Friday, Wilson shared the news with her friends and colleagues stating: “Today is officially my last day at The Young and The Restless. Yes – I made the decision weeks ago. After thirty years of casting daytime, I feel I need to pause. I am not retiring, just stopping to catch my breath. I have had many wonderful experiences and have made many lifelong friends along the way. I look forward to what the future brings. Love, Judy P.S. Thank you to all for the terrific going away party last night.”
Wilson will be terribly missed by all, as she takes a break from her career in daytime and her some time to herself. Judy has served as casting director on One Life to Live, Another World, Ryan’s Hope, and her longest tenure at All My Children from 1995-2011.
On-Air On-Soaps wishes Judy all the best, and here’s to what the future brings!
Share your thoughts and well-wishes to Judy as she ends her run at Y&R in the comment section below!
Mal Young’s first step as EP is the hire a new casting director!
Good! Perhaps, when Justin leaves, they’ll rehire Michael as Adam.
My fingers are crossed so hard they are bleeding!
I hope so too, he was the best Adam and was their best actor.
I hope not, sorry , he was awful, just awful. If Justin leaves which he probably want, but if he does I wished the bring back the the Adam before Michael, he was good.
sad to see her go. she casted a lot of good people at Y&R. recasting Billy and Adam couldn’t of been easy. Y&R needs to hire a good replacement that will bring in good actors
After 30 years, she deserves a break. Congrats.
Judy was a gift. Known her for 30 years. A real class act. Loved actors and fought for them. She will be missed. M
She has quite the record. Reading this news item, I realized Miss Wilson cast shows I watched and followed closely. If Y&R is changing up, casting is not the issue. I like the actors, but not the writing.
While the woman clearly is experienced, look at the history of her employment.
She was only with Y&R starting in 2012 (roughly a year after Phelps came to the show) and previously worked on at least one soap where Phelps worked (Another World).
I’m wondering if Judy’s leaving is related to Phelps’ exit? The timing is interesting.
I know nothing about the guy replacing Phelps but, for once in the past 5-6 years, I’m not cringing about the choice. This guy is a “blank slate” for me. I’m interested in seeing what he’ll do. Phelps came to the show with a lot of “baggage” about how people viewed her, so did Charles Pratt, so did Jean Passante.
If nothing else, we see something new on the screen in the next few years. I hope the viewers and the network give this guy time to prove himself. In my opinion, there is a LOT of debris on this show that needs to be cleaned up and he won’t be able to do it over night.
Yeah if she is one of Jill’s friends then it’s best she’s gone too.
well
4 soaps are “ailing” debris for each show is suspect
I haven’t been excited, lately
it’s always a rough patch… going on
argh! I love DAYS… I want
bottom barrel I igive
I truly have to think… about each show… and think about coming up with good
and… it’s fruitless
I swear
I adore… this triangle of : GH Kiki/Dillan/Morgan
dang it!
Morgan will forever more… be the Corinthos TUNE IN
I’m telling you the honest truth… I never really thought about Dillan… until he started his job @Crimson
then he met Kiki… all hell break loose
this is steamy
add in Morgs… and he stud muffins
no two ways about it
so… you add… in Ava daughter / Ava son / and… A QuarterMAINe
you have magic stir in and whet
the Corinthos factor in with the best
Kiki… melts me
Dillan is quantifiable HIT
it takes my breath away… and that’s hitting it out of the park
Kristina Parker Aaron roll
i’m caught… Aaron is the best… swimming or shirtless … HOT
Lexie is ALIVE
you know… another huge trio…. Kristina / Parker / Aaron
I’m more caught with… the potential and huge cast… ( not the best.. DAYS gets that NOD )
it’s catch how GH does write… Franco and Liz
SOD issue is in it
Franco and Liz get HEAT
LOL
I love RH
Liz is my heart
this is something
I want this
I was watching Dante… w/ Lulu celebrating their “new” home
I realize I’ve seen Dante in a TUX… and his police garb
but…. he caught me… in that “suit” he’s danged handsome
he could go corporate… and tough it
for new role… Dantes worth it
argh ! I cant even go their… Sonny / Carly – Jason / Sam – Julian/Alexis
IT seems like Julian is written in to a corner… it wonders me… William DeVry has always worked
I liked one of my posts… when I posted…
“Monica and the audience” she – never – misses a beat
she’s timeless…. I don’t notice her work done
she’s beaconing for the rich past
my wish list… I like Sabrina… I truly do… do you look at her figure… shes amazing… gobsmacks me
she’s in love with Carlos and has Michael… that’s big
I love Jeffrey Vincent Parisse…
I want two or more hires
Jax on contract
Skye w/ lila Rae and Lorenzo
Carlos my man main man
DAYS
to this day… I can’t get over the rape story… it catapulted DARKER than fathomed
I will not erase DAYS dvr
I dont’ have much to say… about DAYS cause i’d rather hide my disappointment
Y&R stinks just as well… I hate Victor… the show would catapult OTHER characters if he were gone.. it’d be easy to get in to everyone else… because they kowtow… to character Victor
WHATS THE POINT… blah blah blah… it’s a big piece of ruined pie
DAYS… dag! it captures my heart
I look at all that caught me up… I will not let DAYS go
Salemite be
Leslie Charleson… I thank you… I’d buy you cruises for life
I said… Ava son
triangle… Ava daughter / CARLY son / any quarterMAINe
MEANT Carly son
My main point was
Ryan Quan… who starts features and full time… on the REEL
before and after Olympic
it pains me… as posted… it’s been dire mode
I hang in
Please go to “DOOL” and help the teen scene.
No kidding!
Good first move. Her time at YR has mostly been lackluster and there have been some big duds. Mal Young needs to do more to right the ship!
I celebrate the departure of anyone brought on board by Jill Farren Phelps! Best of luck Judy.
I would love to read… who she all hired on AMC… 1995-2011.
always admit… AMC… was my first real soap
Weren’t those some pretty strong years with the discoveries of Josh Duhamel, Cameron Mathison, Rebecca Budig, Alicia Minshew, Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos & Eden Riegel? If she did the casting during that era, she had some real finds IMO.
This is not Amc this is bells soap
Read Patrick’s comment & the article. Ms. Wilson spent most of her career @ AMC from 1995-2011. She was only @ Y&R for 4 years.
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
Soap opera fans are always clamoring for when Dancing with the Stars reveals their cast each season, that they would include a familiar face from daytime drama, but it rarely happens, if ever, anymore.
Over the last several years, the series has leaned heavily into casting celebrities with massive TikTok or Instagram followers, which in turn, have helped this season and last have their best ratings numbers in years.
But, how about for next season’s cast of Dancing with the Stars, that it could include newly-awarded Daytime Emmy winner, Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas) of Beyond the Gates?
Photo: CBS
LOVE OF DANCE TO LOVE OF ACTING
Michael Fairman TV spoke to Michelle about her dance background and if she would love a shot at lifting the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy during Wednesday’s November 11, livestream chat on the Michael Fairman Channel.
Ambyr explained to fans (who joined in on the live chat), how she began her show business career. “I started off as a dancer, first and foremost. Acting wasn’t really something I wanted to go after. I did plays when I was younger, but it was just something we did in school, but I really wanted to be a dancer. I moved out to LA to dance, and I fell out of love with dance, which was so weird.”
This year’s Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series winner, added, “I was like, ‘What is going on?’ I moved all the way out here for dance. I found I was forcing myself to go to dance class, and I just didn’t have the passion for it. I was working at this restaurant at the time, and one of my coworker was like, ‘What about taking an acting class out here?'”
Next, Ambyr took the coworker up on the idea. “So, I took an acting class and I fell in love with it that day,” shared Michelle. “I was like, ‘I want to do this for the rest of my life.’ I thought, I would love to book a role, of course, as a dancer, but I think acting has a little bit more longevity.”
Photo: ABC
A SHOT AT THE LEN GOODMAN MIRRORBALL TROPHY
When the talked turned to if Ambyr would consider or be interested in appearing on the ballroom dance competition series, she piped up with, “I would love to do Dancing with the Stars! Pick me!”
As those in the live chat rallied around this idea, it made us think, Ambyr could be the first contestant from Beyond the Gates, and someone representing the soaps. It checks off so many boxes! To which Ambyr replied, “That would be beautiful.”
You can check out the full conversation with Ambyr below.
So, what do you think soap fans? Can we make sure Ambyr’s name gets in front of the producers and casting director for next season’s Dancing with the Stars? Would you like to see her in the competition? If so, who would be your dream pro professional dance partner for her? Let us know in the comment section.
The latest ratings are out for the week of October 26-30, 2026 and the big takeaways include: that CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates was separated by only 23,000 viewers behind third place (of the soaps) General Hospital! For the last several weeks, Beyond the Gates has been closing the gap on this year’s winner for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series, and continuing to best GH in the key demos.
According to the latest Nielsen ratings breakdown from Soap Opera Network, the final week of October brought Beyond the Gates 1.790 million on average tuning-in and the show set a season high in total viewers. Meanwhile, General Hospital hit a new season low! The long-running ABC soap had 1.813 million for the week, and once again the series did not go over the 2 million mark.
Meanwhile, in the key Women 18-49 demo, Beyond the Gates was firmly ahead of GH with a rating share of 0.21, while General Hospital had 0.17 rating share.Then, in the key Women 25-54 demo, Beyond the Gates was once again ahead of the ABC soap with a ratings share for that demo at 0.30 while GH came in with 0.26.
Photo: CBS
MORE BY THE NUMBERS
In addition and comparatively, Beyond the Gates +22,000 viewers week-to-week, and had the largest gains in viewership year-to-year in daytime TV with +267,000 from this in 2025.. However, General Hospital seems to be going in reverse. The show was down -56,000 viewers week-over-week and down -22,000 year-over-year .
BEYOND THE GATES
Let’s take a look at some of the storylines that had people tuning-in to Beyond the Gates during the ratings week:
Hayley (Marquita Goings) attempted a massive shocker regarding her pregnancy and tried to use it to extract money from Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett). Although, Bill saw right through her game, he demanded a paternity test, and made it clear he has no intention of raising the child—planning instead to pay her off to take the baby and leave. Meanwhile, Hayley confided her plan to her cousin Randy (Maurice P. Kerry).
Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) and Naomi Hamilton (Arielle Prepetit) clashed over Jacob’s ongoing investigation into The Impaler, causing significant strain in their marriage. At the same time, Smitty (Mike Manning) considered taking matters into his own hands—including potentially heading to Mexico for evidence—while Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) worried about what comes next.
Photo: ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL
Over at General Hospital for the ratings period, the story served up included:
Carly (Laura Wright) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) teamed up to investigate what really happened to Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna). Later, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) leads them to Jack’s dead body.
Jude (Wil Traval) dropped a bombshell claim to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn); that he is Phoebe’s father, while Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) signed their divorce papers.
Then, Danny caught Rocco (Finn Carr) and Scout (Kayden Brenna Tokarski) sharing a kiss, plus the shocking return of Heather Webber (Alley Mills) capped the week.
Now the questions become; without having much promotional synergy in the ABC day-part to draw more eyeballs it is not helping but hurting General Hospital. It seems Beyond the Gates is also a benefactor of a one-two-three punch of CBS soaps (Y&R, B&B and BTG) and promotion.
However, that still doesn’t take away the fact that Beyond the Gates is close to besting GH in all ratings category as they go head-to-head in some markets across the country.
So, are you excited to see Beyond the Gates climb in the ratings? Are you concerned for General Hospital? Do you think they can stave off Beyond the Gates in total viewers or will the upstart soap overtake them in the next ratings report? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Antonio Sabáto Jr., the former Jagger Cates of General Hospital and GH: Night Shift, and the former Dante Damiano of The Bold and the Beautiful has issued his first public statement since the incident involving his son, Jack’s arrest in Alaska for a fatal hit-and-run.
Jack is the son of Sabáto Jr. and Oscar-nominated actress Virginia Madsen, and according to court documents obtained by KTUU Jack, was allegedly driving a white Chevy Tahoe when he hit and killed Carl Simmonds, 42, near an intersection in Anchorage around 5:35 a.m. on Monday, November 9.
The reports indicated that Jack fled the scene — but later decided to called the cops to say he hit “something” that “suddenly appeared in the road” while he was “doing late-night DoorDashing.”
Photo: NBC
Now, Antonio has taken to his Instagram breaking his silence on the situation, sharing, “At this time, my family and I are navigating an extremely sensitive and deeply personal matter.”
He added, “As a father, my love for my children remains unconditional, and my priority is the well-being of my family. We ask that the public and members of the media honor our privacy during this difficult time and keep us all in your thoughts and prayers.”
The soap alum concluded, “I also wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the gentleman who tragically lost his life. My thoughts and prayers are with them as well. We sincerely appreciate your compassion, understanding, and respect for the privacy of everyone affected.”
Jack Sabáto was arraigned in court on Tuesday, November 10 with bail set at $5,000, and a no-driving order and the potential of $5,000 penalty fees if he fails to attend future court appearances.
Antonio is the father to Jack, 34, daughter, Mina Sabato, 24 and son, Antonio Sabáto III, 15.
This is a developing story. You can check out Antonio’s official statement below.
So, let us know your thoughts on this tragic hit-and-run, which claimed the life of another man, and Antonio’s statement, via the comment section below.
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‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Inches Closer to ‘General Hospital’ in Total Viewers
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
Antonio Sabáto Jr. Breaks Silence on His Son’s Arrest for Fatal Hit-and-Run
Y&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
‘Days of our Lives’ Veteran James Reynolds Reveals Parkinson’s Diagnosis
Y&R’s Matt Cohen Talks Role as Compassionate Zookeeper in Rom-Com ‘Christmas at the Zoo’
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News3 days agoY&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
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Previews4 days agoTHE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
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General Hospital3 days ago‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
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Days Of Our Lives4 days ago‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
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Days Of Our Lives7 days ago‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
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General Hospital7 days agoGENERAL HOSPITAL: Tracy Leaves Port Charles to Help Dillon; Paving the Way for Jane Elliot’s Temporary Exit
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Interviews1 week agoRoger Howarth Reflects on Daytime Emmy Win, 32-Year Record Gap, and Embracing Matt Clark on ‘The Young and the Restless’ (Exclusive)
