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Robert Newman Makes His Y&R Debut: What Were Your First Impressions of the New Ashland Locke?

By Michael Fairman

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Courtesy/CBS

Soap veteran, Robert Newman (Ex-Joshua Lewis, Guiding Light) returned to network daytime drama on Wednesday’s episode of The Young and the Restless.

Newman has taken over the role of business mogul, Ashland Locke, replacing Richard Burgi, who had previously shared that he was let go under a Covid-19 policy protocol within the show.

Now all eyes are on Robert in the pivotal role.  In his first aired scenes, Newman them with Mark Grossman (Adam) discussing the power struggle between the two companies – Newman- Locke and Newman Media. Victoria (Amelia Heinle) walked in to the conversation not knowing what the men had been talking about.  Then, Adam says Sally (Courtney Hope) has been named the COO, which upsets Ashland and Victoria.

Later, Victor (Eric Braeden) has a chat with Ashland about his said treatment at a clinic in Peru. Apparently, Ashland pulled some strings at got to the head of the line, which was not on the up and up to do so.

Finally, Ashland heads to society for a drink and receives a call that an American is poking around in Peru about him, in which Ashland tells the caller to stick with the plan.  You can see that scene below.

In a recent interview with SOD, Newman shared to the fans: “I know recasts can be really difficult for fans. I’m anticipating that there will be some level of disappointment for some people. I’ve watched other actors who are recasts go through difficult times with fans, and I hope it doesn’t quite work that way for me, but we’ll see. It’s not my job to decide what anybody who watches the show likes and what they don’t like. My job is to interpret the material I’m given to the best of my ability. I’m just trying to honor the character and the writers’ intent to the best of my ability. It might be different and it might be a little rocky for the first period of time. I’m just a guy trying to do my best here and to fans, I would just say, ‘Be gentle! Whatever break you can give me, give me, at least for the first few episodes. And then, if you want to start tearing into me, feel free (Laughs).”

So, what were your first impressions of Robert Newman as Ashland on Y&R? Going to give him the chance to make the role his own? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

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Nope
Richard Burghi himself made a short term role long term. If it wasnt for him the role of Ashland would just be another poorly conceived Josh Griffith creation. He exuded sexiness and charm and strength to be considered a genoa city powerhouse alternative to the aging Jack and Vic.
The role switch is to jarring because like Mark Grossman , Richard acts rascally, so you love to hate him.
I actually erased the show half way, I cant stomach Nikki the previous socialite as a executive or another Billys searching for himself arc.
Anyone have any insight on to when the viewers will finally get a real headwriter?

I agree Damien. RN is just not convincing, yet, as a crafty type. Maybe I’m biased because of so many years watching him as good guy Josh Lewis. I LOVE Mark Grossman’s version of Adam; I actually like him and think Victoria’s current behavior is sadistic, childish, abhorrent. Taking a measuring tape to his office to rub it in… what is she, nine? And yet ANOTHER personal crisis for Billy Abbott? YAWN! He’s so unlikable anyway; he has no more stones to throw at anybody. He’ll screw up this job opportunity in no time.

It seems like CBS has confidence in Tony Morina & Josh Griffith since they’re both vets of the show and write “character-driven” stories. But the dialogue has gotten so stale, it feels like actors are bored with the lines they’re saying. And none of the stories right not are exciting in any way. There are very few people to root for and characters like Sally, who I love, feel out of place because of how interesting they are in comparison to everyone else – which is NOT how it should be.

Is it ‘confidence ‘?
Seems more like they ( cbs/ sony) just doesnt ‘care’
Anyone with a pulse could see this show lacks any vision…

I agree about the dialogue ; if the actors aren’t bored , I am! I watch when Victor and Adam are in a scene. Nikki shows more loyalty to her children than Victor: she hasn’t the slightest idea what it means to be a help meet.

I loved Burgi ; however , I’ll give Newman a chance! I’m waiting for the new writers , too.

I’m late to the party, but I totally agree with Damien, Burgi was a formidable candidate to be the next Victor Newman. Poor Robert Newman couldn’t replace him, no one can, just like Victor. Now other than Victor and Adam, most of the men are a bunch of boring saps, not to mention Chance, Danny Boaz made Abby interesting. Please do something, anything to improve what was once my favorite show. It’s awful.

So right, Felicia. To me, Billy Abbott is the worst. That podcast? As Sophia Petrillo would say, “You need BOOTS to listen to this guy.” I swear, most of us spoke more intelligently than than him in grammar school! I like Noah the actor but they’re giving him NOTHING interesting. For a while, I thought his working with his uncle Adam might cause some sparks…maybe draw the family closer. But they squelched that PRONTO! Chance? Cute but dull as dishwater. And why is Devon in EVERY storyline?

Felicia. As am i!!!! My TV is still paused bc like I do not want to keep watching. There was no warning that the last Qshland scene was my last ughhhh..

Omg I love Danny Boaz… this Chance… mehhh not feeling him

Yuck! Too old for Amelia Heineken!
On 4/19/22 episode he kissed her and I vomited at the gross old man in her lovely young face! Make it stop.

I was thinking the same… I just found out the news today. I was wayyyyyyy before on my soaps and am now catching up. When I heard the role of Ashland… I’m like pause. Is he sick or whatis going on??

They could have given him a pass. How was he to know that the cdc > cbs like cmon. Should have been given a warning, not let go. Like they really couldnt send him home???

Sounds like one of those cases of any excuse to get rid of someone…

But yes He just exudes a charm, sexy yes devious. And his voice like Richard made Ashland and I cannot see Ashland played by any one else… they’ll find a way to kill him off I think… but initially I hated him and he became my fave character… I qlso liked that I got to see an older more suave Karl from DH

He is a vet, he can handle just about anything. I wasnt sold on the other Ashland so Robert will be good in this role. He has already shown a harder line with Adam and I like it!

I think that Robert Newman is doing a very good job in the role of Ashland Locke. He is a good actor and is making role his own.

I am so impressed at how Robert Newman has “become” Ashland Locke. I noticed he has the same mannerisms and expressions. Great job!

Love Robert. All they need now is a certain spitfire to come to Genoa City!! I’m Just Sayin….

He was great yesterday, for a first-day — especially considering he was thrown right into dramatic scenes with Adam and Victor. Really captured some of the speech patterns of Richard Burgi, and showed how the writers are moving Ashland in a more villainous way. Of course it always takes time to get used to a recast, but Robert Newman hit the ground running He’ll only get even better from here.

When he says, “I’ve watched other actors who are recasts go through difficult times with fans,” I can only think of poor Nicole Forester from “Guiding Light” who was just treated terribly by fans after she was given the double whammy of replacing the super-popular Laura Wright as Cassie at the same time a very divisive storyline about Cassie and Josh falling in love took off.

I actually liked Nicole’s Cassie much better than Laura’s…who ironically married Josh!

Robert Newman is a true professional. He has made the role of Ashland Locke his own.

yes Robert has.

I’ve never cared for the character of Ashland and I’m not sold on his relationship with Victoria either. Her best relationship will always have been with Billy Miller’s version of Billy. Robert Newman is a talented actor and I’m sure he’ll do fine in the role, but I would have preferred to see him join GH as Liz’s father Jeff Webber. I’m also not thrilled with how Richard Burgi was let go from the show – seems a bit extreme for an honest mistake.

I’ve also never cared for the Ashland character. One reason is that both Ashland’s look too old for Victoria. Makes you wonder if she has daddy issues. Plus I don’t like Victoria much either. Always trying to get Victor’s love and respect while competing with him at the same time.

Agreed. I feel it was an any excuse to let go let go kind of thing…
Like why not a warning. CBS cmon

I tuned into The Young and the Restless for the first time since February 2020, and it was wonderful to see Robert Newman back on a soap opera. Granted, it is not the role I would’ve wanted for him, but he completely OWNED his scenes. He gave me Kirk Cranston vibes, and I love it.

Robert Newman did a fantastic job on his first day on Y&R – he is a great actor who I have missed seeing on my tv screen!
I Loved, Loved, Loved him as Joshua Lewis and Reva’s BUD on GL!
BTW- he’s much better eye candy than Richard Burgi – I’m just sayin !

Robert Newman did a fantastic job on his first day on Y&R as Ashland
It was so great to see him on my tv screen again –
I loved , loved, loved him as Joshua Lewis
Aka – Reva’s BUD on GL !
BTW- Robert is much better eye candy than Richard Burgi – I’m just sayin !
I think he’s the Best Looking man on Daytime TV
Now if we can only get Billy Miller back on a soap!

As I said on another site, I’ve been skeptical as to Robt. Newman as Aston but I think when that bell rang, he was out of the gate, on his way to the finish line. I liked how he was on Billy’s case right off the bat and stood up to Victor as well. I want to see him and Victoria more and if there are any vibes there.

Yes a familiar face, same age as character, grey hair, the issue will be the writing and direction they take the character. And please stop dropping sets – Lillie gets a big new job and a week later she is working from home. Next everyone will just be meeting in the park.

Great actor!!

Richard Burghi owns Ashland–
The replacement gave it a good try, but-
he’ll never be thee, Ashland..
Robert Newman looks much older and doesn’t fit with Victoria..
Bad chem casting–
But- it is what it is___

I agree with you 100%!

He doesn’t look older, they’re both the exact same age.

Agree Burgos had great chemistry with actress who plays Victoria and he is much more handsome

Absolutely agree! I can hardly stand to watch him.

Richard Burgi’s portrayal of Ashland Locke made the character debonair, charming, worldly and sexy. He looked fantastic in a tailored business suit. And with signature mannerisms and his smooth, throaty voice, it all worked together as being believable that Victoria Newman would be attracted to a man like him. The chemistry btwn the two was only getting better. Richard’s Ashland was extended bc fans responded to how great he was with Amelia Heinle. But the brilliant suits at CBS decided to throw all of that away, on a technicality with covid, to pursue their potential February Sweeps ratings with a former GL veteran favorite. BRAVO CBS!

Amen!
Richard Burghi imo was the only positive to come out of Griffiths nonsense

Damien
I thought so too until I’d seen Robert Newman’s version of Ashland. I think he’s doing a great job playing this high powered , decidedly, devious ,etc,etc,etc man. Cannot wait to see what ultimately he turns out to be.

I agree, Violet. I was fast forwarding through Ashland scenes but no longer. RN is so talented and charismatic.

He’s great ! But the writing and production values are the worst they have been in 20 years .

Embaressing really
Its so bad it looks like its going the way of fading into cancellation
No plots, no sets,no romance,no excitement, no music , no point….

It’s so strange ! The formula is there for it to be a hit show . The current regime needs to look at old Young and The Restless episodes from the 90s.
The music , the sets, the characters . It’s a very watered down version of a once great show . I’m surprised it’s not doing worse in the ratings.

Damien
No ####!! Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.
P.S I haven’t heard or seen any fat ladies singing yet.

When new Ashland is next to Victor they look like brothers–
Victoria banging her uncle LOL
The chem is way off–
My stomach knots when imagining them doing the nasty–
It’s just gross–
Hot passionate kisses are never going to happen because it would be the barff bag–

I agree, su000. Why does every actor past 40 (and their producers) want to look ancient with prematurely grey hair and those dreadful beards that age some men by 10 years or more. Everyone’s so concerned with being their “authentic self” they’ve forgotten they’re actors playing a role and RN looks too old to be Ashland Locke.

So disappointed, I don’t like new Ashton, just doesn’t suit the spot
with Victoria.
Bring back Ashton.

The character’s name is Ashland, and the original actor, Richard Burgi, as great as he was, did not comply with the covid restrictions and, therefore, was let go. Robert has obviously studied the character, and is doing well with all of the nuances, and will ultimately interpret the character with his own.

Robert Newman has made it point to mention he did not watch Richard Burgi in the role; everything he is bringing to the role is on his own accord and what he’s taking from the script. He’s turning crap into gold.

Interesting. His nuances are fantastic, and he will turn this role into his own. I adore Robert, and it will be interesting to see how he and Amelia evolve as a couple. Thanks for the insight:)

Couldn’t agree more. Loved Richard Burgi in the role but just can’t stand Robert Newman in the role. He gives me the creeps.

He fitted right in

Only watch one soap — Y&R. So, Mr.Newman is new to me. First view was his meeting with Victor. Was surprised that he appeared to be noticeably older than the previous Ashland as well as heavier. Don’t know why the beard surprised me. I like beards. He came across as taking a more aggressive stance in his role and perhaps on the dark side as exhibited in the bar following the meeting. I too wondered about how the connection with Victoria would feel for the viewer.

Well, another side of him appeared to emerge, a softer and kinder side, when Victoria entered their office. It didn’t appear to be too awkward. He can play both roles. Will probably take more time to see if it works. However, for me, Victoria (the actress) is doing a terrific job in her role as the head of Newman. She can be delightfully cutthroat and duplicitous. For Mr. Newman, I give the guy a thumbs up for potential!

Tani Sterling
I think your assessment of Robt. Newman’s take on Ashland, is the most like mine. Why would people expect him to mimic Burgi? Newman has said he never watched the other man’s version, because he wanted the character to be his own. Yes, his physique is a little broader and heavier and I agree with Soaphound here about his beard. I don’t like all that facial hair on an older man because I think it tends to make him look older, and in this case Victoria likes the idea of having a father figure that she can be romantic with.

i love robert newman on y and r. GREAT CHOICE

Welcome to Young and Restless , Robert! You’re all right with, me!

Newman looks like Victoria’s grandfather .please, Bring back Burgi letting him go for a five day Covid nonsense quarantine is absolutely stupid!

I hate the new ashton locke (Robert Newma n) not good looking, not charming, not a convincing actor, no chemistry between Victoria and him. Bring back Richard Burgi!!!

I agree. Makes me think of no longer watching. Just not enough to hold my interest. Robert Newman nay be a good actor but in this role he can’t compare to Richard Burgi. Only interesting couple is Adam and Sally. The rest is a snorefest.

100% Agree!

First day on canvas Robert Grossman was okay. March 15, 2022 he has come into his own (Ashland Locke)! I love his scenes! Victoria you are truly Victor the 2nd! The tape measure scene with Adam was devilishly good, day time Soap. Victoria you are Victor, and Jack’s replacement!

Ashland we went from sexy to grandpa. I just can not buy into this. Vic is now married to grandpa. I could believe it with the original ashland because even though he was closer to dad vics age than victorias age …he was sexy…now we have rolly polly grandpa! Nope!!!!

No…just..NO

I guess I’m in the minority but I’m not a fan of the new “Ashland” on The Young & the Restless. I really miss Richard Burgi as the portrayer of the “Ashland” character. Another casualty of COVID-19!! I know recasts can be incredibly hard but I’m just not feeling this one…. We lost Richard Burgi for such a stupid reason is not helping to accept the new actor. If he was a new character, I’m sure I would feel differently!!

Great actor but I cringe thinking of him kissing Amelia Heinle. Looks like her dad!! Eww – no. Please stop pushing old men’s fantasies onto younger actresses!

General Hospital

Could Kristen Vaganos and Josh Kelly Be Exiting ‘General Hospital?’

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Josh and Kristen

General Hospital fans took to social media following the airing of the Wednesday, October 21 episode of the ABC daytime drama series. In story, Molly (Kristen Vaganos) reveals to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) that she has received an offer to join the top law firm in Chicago that practices civil law. She says it’s her dream job.

The problem Molly says is relocating from Port Charles and uprooting her life and being away from her mother, Scout and boyfriend Cody Bell (Josh Kelly). Wistful that she may lose another daughter to a long-distance situation (Kristina left a few months back to go to medical school in California), Alexis urged Molly to get Cody to go with her.

Molly still seemed concerned and has trouble committing to the idea. Alexis tells her to talk it over with Cody. Meanwhile, Cody asked Tracy (Jane Elliot) is he can have Thanksgiving off because he and Molly planned to spend Thanksgiving together with their families. After initially balking, Tracy agrees.

Courtesy/ABC

WILL MOLLY AND CODY HEAD TO CHI-TOWN?

Later, Cody shows up at Miller & Davis and the conversation turned to Thanksgiving dinner that Alexis is hosting. Molly and Cody asked her not to cook anything. Cody hugged Molly reassuring Alexis that he and Molly would take care of whatever was needed on Turkey Day.

So, this raises the question, why out of nowhere are we learning that Molly received an amazing law offer in Chicago, if the character was not being written out? If Molly leaves the canvas, would the character of Cody make his exit too?

Kristen Vaganos joined GH as a recast Molly Lansing-Davis back in September of 2023 and went on contract in August of 2024. Josh Kelly began playing Cody Bell back in June of 2022. Initial reports were that Kelly joined the show on contract and then as of June 2025 went on recurring status with the show per his choice.

Do you see a world where GH is writing out Molly and Cody? Would you be sad to see Kristen and Josh exit the soap opera? If this is not what is going on, is this just a plot point for some other story that is upcoming? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.

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THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Adam Delivers Sally’s Baby as Billy Reels from Jill’s Health Crisis in Tearjerker Episode

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Billy, Sally and Adam

The Tuesday, October 20 episode saw The Young and the Restless deliver some deeply-poignant moments in the aftermath of Billy (Jason Thompson) and Sally’s (Courtney Hope) wedding.

The scenes which will be talked about for some time to come, because of how they can impact longterm story, had Adam (Mark Grossman) being the one to deliver Billy and Sally’s baby, while Billy was gut-punched by a phone call from Snapper Foster that Jill had suffered a heart attack in London.

In story, while up in Sally’s room at the GCAC, wishing his ex all the happiness, (because Adam and Billy have no love lost, and he didn’t want to cause waves), Sally’s water broke. In true soapy fashion, all phones were dead. Sally’s phone was missing because it was with Audra (Zuleyka Silver), Adam’s battery ran out etc. Prior to that, Adam did try to call Billy, but Billy did not pick up his calls, as he was with Cane (Billy Flynn) coming to terms with the news on Jill.

Photo: JPI

TORN BETWEEN RUNNING TO HIS MOTHER OR HIS NEW WIFE AND BABY

Now in the perfect storm of circumstances, Adam is the one to help Sally deliver her baby when she begged him to stay with er screaming, “Please don’t make me do this alone!” Adam reminded Sally that he’d already delivered a baby twice before. She assured him that it will be OK, and not to be scared, because this isn’t the same set of circumstances when she lost their daughter, Ava, during childbirth.

Downstairs, Billy is in tears over his mother. So too is Cane. Cane speaks to Jill on the phone when Snapper holds the phone to her while at her hospital bed. He tells her he loves her. Billy cannot bring himself to talk to his mom.

Cane decides he will go to London. Billy doesn’t know what to do with a new wife and a baby on the way. It’s clear how much losing Jill would devastate Billy. Cane tells Lily (Christel Khalil) what has happened to Jill, and Billy informs Jack (Peter Bergman) before he tries to find his bride who is upstairs in her room.

Photo: JPI

A NEW ABBOTT

Back in Sally’s room, eventually Adam asks Sally (who is deep in labor), if she thought she was having a girl or boy, and she said a boy. But then, Adam introduced her to her “beautiful, perfect baby girl.” It was a moment laced with so much history for Adam and Sally and Adam and Billy, when you think of the deaths of Ava and Deliah.

As Sally cradled her newborn little bundle of joy, Adam went to go get Billy at her request, and as he made his way to the door, Billy was standing there. Billy is stunned to see his rival standing, but then Sally tells Billy to meet his daughter!

Billy rushes to the bedside to be my his new wife and daughter, with the heartbreaking final shot of Adam emotionally overcome thinking of the baby he has lost with Sally. and how he wishes things could have turned out differently in a bittersweet moment.

Photo: JPI

EMOTIONAL PERFORMANCES

The episode was laced with hankie-inducing moments from Jason Thompson, Courtney Hope, Mark Grossman and Billy Flynn, who each delivered, to bring this story so much heart and history.  There is plenty of Emmy material within for next year for these four.

You can check out the final moments of yesterday’s episode where Billy meets his daughter for the first time, followed by the final shot of Adam at the door below, followed by our live chat replay with Y&R stars, Jason Thompson and Courtney Hope which streamed immediately after this episode aired in all timezones on the Michael Fairman Channel.

Now let us know, did you reach for the hankies during the episode? Did you like that Adam was the one to deliver Sally’s baby? Do you think something more will happen with Jill? Share your reactions in the comment section.

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THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Finn Blows a Gasket After Steffy Reveals She’s Gone Ahead and Become Carter and Daphne’s Surrogate

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Steffy and Finn

On the Monday, October 19 episode of The Bold and the Beautiful, after Steffy (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) stammering around and trying to find a way to couch her lie to her husband, Finn (Tanner Novlan), she finally admits what she has been dreading telling him.

But not before, Finn and Steffy rehash Monaco, Sheila Carter (Kimberlin Brown), and how it was turning point in their lives (that’s an understatement) with Finn reiterating, “Our marriage is precious. What we have is pure and true.”

Finn promises Sheila is out of their lives for good, and Steffy chokes back tears saying how she wished she hadn’t removed her ring and hightailed it out of Monaco. She says she wishes she could take that back, but she can’t.

Finn

Courtesy/CBS

Steffy tells Finn she has a lot to say. Finn tells her there is nothing they can’t overcome. Steffy says she made a significant decision while he was away. She goes to to say what a great friend Daphne (Murielle Hilaire) has been to her. Finn asks if Daphne and Carter (Lawrence Saint-Victor) are still interviewing to find a surrogate? Steffy says they found someone and the process has begun, and its “me.”

Finn gulps, “What do you mean it’s you?” Steffy eeks out of her mouth, “I agreed to be Daphne and Carter’s surrogate.” Finn, who is a doctor no less says, “I don’t understand!” He explains he knows there is a list of medical and legal hurdles someone has to go through before a woman can become a surrogate for a couple. He also tells Steffy he knows she could never carry a child and give it up.

Next, Finn tells Steffy she’s wonderful for considering to do this for Carter and Daphne, but she’ll have to tell them no. Steffy says it’s too late. That while he was out of town they went ahead with the procedure. Finn asks, “What procedure?” Steffy responds, “The fertilization of the eggs.” Finn learns they used Steffy’s frozen eggs and did the implantation and loses it!

“I can’t believe you went and did that! This isn’t something a wife does when their husband is out of town on a business trip,” hollers Finn. He cannot believe what he is hearing and that his wife just went and did this without him! He pushes back on Steffy. demanding answers, “There’s more going on here. What is it? Steffy? Tell me!” We fade to black.

You can check out the pivotal scene between Finn and Steffy below.

Now weigh-in: are you glad Finn is as of now not being a doofus? That he is pushy back on Steffy? Do you think Steffy will continue with this lie or admit she slept with Carter and became pregnant? Either way, would Finn stay with his wife while she became a surrogate for Carter and Daphne? Let us know in the comment section.

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