News
Robert Newman Reveals He’s Wrapped His Run as Ashland Locke on The Young and the Restless
This week on The Young and the Restless, viewers witnessed Nick (Joshua Morrow) punching the lights out of Ashland (Robert Newman) to save his sister, Victoria (Amelia Heinle). Problem is, Ashland fell and hit his head, and the Newman children thought he was dead, but then, his body somehow disappeared from the scene of the altercation. Tune in to today’s Y&R for more on that!
Now, Robert Newman has clarified his status with Y&R, revealing in a newly posted ‘thank you’ video to the fans, and the cast and crew at the CBS soap opera, that he has finished his contract and is off the series.
Photo: JPI
In his farewell message, Robert expressed: “Today, I just want to talk for a minute to The Young and the Restless fans. I think it’s appropriate for me now to finally be able to say thank you so much for letting me be a part of the legacy of this great show. Just to clarify, the scenes you saw the other day, Ashland dying at the hands of Nick, were in fact my last scenes on the show … and the end of my contract. Those were shot about five weeks ago.”
The former Guiding Light alum where he played Joshua Lewis, also took a moment to share that he is now back on the East Coast with his family. He went on to say,”I did want to take a minute to say thank you to you, and also to just do a shout-out to the cast and crew of The Young and the Restless who were just fantastic, just wonderful people to work with. I couldn’t have been happier about it. I very much enjoyed playing the character, and I hope you enjoyed seeing me in the role. I know for some of you, it was a tough transition from Richard’s (Burgi) work, but I really, really enjoyed playing the character and working with these fantastic people.”
But as soap operas go, and the curious way Ashland’s on-screen departure came to pass, Newman left fans with a cliffhanger, sharing, “Maybe I’ll see you again one day; you never know!”
Check out Robert’s video message below.
Now let us know, Sad to hear Robert is done at Y&R? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Y&R is very frustrating lately with the lack of story payoffs and wasted potential. Robert Newman was wasted as Ashland, and all the potential the character had vanished. I thought for sure the writers would pair Ashland and Diane and have them go after both the Newman and Abbott families (and companies), which would have been great drama. When that didn’t happen, I was certain Ashland would die in a “whodunit” murder storyline which could have incorporated so many characters.
But nope, instead, Ashland hits his head on the ground, we think he dies, but then he disappears… only to return at some point down the road? Let’s hope not. I just wish this story and character had more of a payoff, just like how I wish Rey’s death led to more. Another character with so much potential wasted, I wanted his death to actually mean something. I’m not sure why the show is written so blandly, but it’s really disappointing.
This is terrible news ! He was one of the only good characters left on the show . Unfortunately they didn’t know how to write a true villain . I know I’ve been saying this for some time but My God This Show Sucks !!! Please please please someone at CBS fire Josh Griffith . He is and has been the worst head writer to ever be in charge of this show . I think everyone needs to check out Young and The Restless clips online . There’s a huge difference !! Fire Josh G now !!!!
Totally
If your new to the show you wouldn’t give it a second look. Of all my family and friends who watched religiously forever I’m the only one left who still loyally watches just hoping Griffith and Morina get the boot
Say what? No offense but I have no idea what you are talking about.
Do you think that you could do a better job writing the show?
Yes! My cat could do a better job writing this show!
And yet you’re watching it? This seems to be one of those times that the advice to ‘get a life’ really applies since you’ve got nothing better to do than watch a show that you hate.
This is really too bad. It was so nice to see a new character interact with one from a legacy family instead of the same old merry go round of pairng up two characters that have been on the show forever. He and Victoria had a lot of chemistry and they could have had the characters try and out do each other for a long time to come. I really kept hoping that their fights would end passionately instead of in this tragedy.
Let’s be honest after Richard Burghi got fired and was replaced, The character took a very dark one note tone. Newman and Amelia’s chemistry as Victoria and Ashland were gone. It was almost father daughter. Hopefully one day Burghi can return as the real Ashland. Shame, He and Amelia had so much potential.
I totally agree! I love Robert Newman, but I didn’t feel the chemistry between them either. Y&R is in desperate need of a writer change.
You are such a class act guy Mr. Newman. Thank you for the time you put in on Young and Restless. I thought you were better and better in your role as Ashland. Maybe you will do a stint as Ashland’s ghost in the future. Enjoy those
grandbabies.
So, all those scenes involving Adam and Ashland joining forces against the Newmans were yet MORE wasted time? Way to go, powers that be.
Sad day for Robert Newman fans so much potential wasted. I wanted to see locke ness monster and only got groveling Ashland.
I loved The Guiding Light (Josh & Reba) and loved seeing you on Y&R. All the best for your future Robert ❤️
I loved seeing Robert Newman as well. When I first seem him I said Josh oh my goodness You are right Joshua and Reba they played their part well. How to see you again
A wonderful actor. I watched him for years on As The World Turns. It seemed strange to see him being such a tough business man and person. It just goes to show what a natural he truly is. Hope to see him pop up again in other shows. Best of luck to him!
Cathy
Don’t think he’s ever been on ATWT, I think you meant GL, where he was for years.
I for one will miss him on Y&R. I admit missing Burgi at first but then it felt like we had Joshua Lewis back again, even with the lack of chemestry between he and Victoria, I enjoyed him in all his scenes. I wish him the best life has to offer and know he will be giving pleasure to people for years to come.
What a waste lots of storyline potential here the set up in the park with Harrison was nauseating if you want us to like Kyle that wasn’t the way to do it and the character of Victoria has become such an ice princess she’s unwatchable outside of diane Phyllis Nick and Sharon and ally and noah the rest is a snore
Good job Robert. Now can GH please hire him as a recast Dr Jeff Webber?
Newman lives on the east coast and insisted on only a one-year contract with Y&R. Unless Frank wants someone short-term, I don’t see Newman playing Jeff. Heck, despite Elizabeth mentioning the character, I’m not sure we’ll ever see Jeff back in PC.
Good idea but GH already has too many talented actors who are underused!
This is kind of a side topic. I thought Robert did great in the role. I want to talk more about the writing.
Just 4 years ago, Victoria was being manhandled by JT, and Nikki clubbed him and “killed” him. The body disappeared
Flash forward now, Victoria was being manhandled by Ashland, and Nick clubbed and “killed” him. The body disappeared.
Are they just recycling old scripts? They had a classic whodunit on their hands with half the main cast having motive to kill Ashland.
It seems when Richard burgi left they didn’t know what direction to go with Ashland Diane and Ashland would have been great it fell flat Ashland seemed to be joining forces with Adam and nothing. Chelsea seemed to have a strange Rey obsession upon his death nothing the new faith and Moses are so nothing they seem to be gone chance is nothing and Devon needs to be gone just absolutely boring. Sometimes we get nice character development and many times missed opportunities
Why didn’t you sign up for a longer time on the show??
You are a great actor! God bless you
I had gotten use to Ashland being in control at all times. I know princess Victoria stripped him of everything. But it’s hard for me to believe he would so utterly fall apart at the end. Starting with trashing his hotel room. So I think his ending was sloppy, lazy, and out of character for Ashland on the writers part. But Robert played the scenes magnificently.
Wow. Josh Griffith’s writing was starting to get just a LITTLE bit better…and he pulls this lead-balloon. What a let down. All that Ashland—revenge talk, and…NOTHING.
Robert Newman breathed new life into the formerly somnolent, redundant and tiresome Newman family. The writers should have had Ashland seek vengeance through the strategic corporate raiding of Newman Industries. Instead, they turn him into Freddy Kruger and a repeat of JT’s storyline. Both Robert and his character deserved better than this. Robert is the best actor Y&R has seen in quite some time.
I completely agree. Robert Newman brought life to the redundant Newman family stories. He was a credible and interesting character who combat the Newmans for once.
I don’t understand how they ruined this story. I am happy that Ashland went missing, so I am hoping he is alive and can return.
Actually surprised he took the job he lives back east has kept busy over the years with plays etc . He sounds thrilled to be back home and he will get to skip that awful commute . Life is too short to not be with the ones you love and he is already working again!
So sad he is gone. Great actor. I liked him with Victoria.
Burgi and Newman were both great in different versions of Ashland. When Burgi was replaced, they should have went a little younger with the new Ashland. Both versions of the Ashlands seemed awkward being in a romantic relationship with Victoria. Robert Newman was fantastic in his final scenes with Victoria and then Nick. Since Ashland is gone, lets have Adam reach out to Ian Ward. He really new how to get under Victor and Nicki’s skin!
Please please please someone at CBS fire Josh Griffith. He is and has been the worst head writer to ever be in charge of this show!
Wake Up CBS get rid of Josh he’s awful and I said this since he let go Gina T.
When BB is getting more watchers than Y&R this should be your wake call. The storylines are so 100% more interesting at BB than at Y&R. And I feel bad for the cast their so talented but not strong leader. Boring storylines and all yet over at GH they are rocking it!
What a treat it was to see fantastic Robert Newman take over the role and give this character dimension that went far beyond the writing. These east coast, theatre-trained actors inject such life into the west coast shows. He’s the reason I tuned back in after giving up on Y&R a couple of years ago. It was a treat while it lasted!
I would really like to redirect this conversation to the aftermath of Ashland’s death.Im so sick of Victor playing God. He just makes things worse and this time they might not have enough room at the jail for everyone involved and the others being complicit just by knowing what really happened. When arrested I can just hear Victor saying, I just did what I did to protect my children. He is too much. He needs to retire,I’ve always been a big Victor fan, but this is too much, jeopardizing his whole family.
News
‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Brad Bell to Launch First Microseries Featuring Vertical Drama Stars Eric Guilmette and Molly Anderson for ‘aTwist’
On Thursday June 11, it was announced that The Bold and the Beautiful’s Bradley Bell (executive producer and head writer) is getting into the burgeoning vertical space, and will bring his first microseries, Hollywood Starlet, under his Red Flair Entertainment banner to aTwist (formerly MicroCo) the U.S.-based microseries studio and platform that is set to launch later this summer.
The upcoming microdrama is called Hollywood Startlet and will be led by vertical drama stars: Eric Guilmette (You Belong With Me, Tails of Christmas) and Molly Anderson (We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together) and Bella Mraz (Faceless). Guilmette will also serve as co-producer of the series.
Hollywood Starlet will film at Sunset Las Palmas Studios in Hollywood across multiple stages where CBS’ The Bold and the Beautiful transitioned in 2025 after 38 years at Television City.
Photo: JPI
The upcoming microdrama was created by Brad Bell; directed and written by Kristen Brancaccio; and executive produced by Anthony Ferrari, Oliver Bell, Paxton Fuller and Graham Lawyer. Bradley Bell and his son Oliver Bell founded Red Flair Entertainment to specifically focus on elevated vertical series.
Microseries are serialized stories designed for mobile-first viewing: typically 40-60 episodes of one to three minutes each, built vertically, and consumed either in moments throughout the day or as a binge experience all at once. This is a fast-growing global category, generating an estimated $10 billion annually worldwide.
By combining Hollywood storytelling with a tech-first production and distribution engine, aTwist is focused on delivering quality vertical content alongside an engagement-driven platform for dedicated fan communities.
aTwist is founded by: chief executive officer Jana Winograde (former President of Showtime), chief creative officer Susan Rovner (former Chairman of NBCU Content and President of Warner Bros TV), and executive chairman Lloyd Braun (former Chairman of ABC Entertainment Group, studio and network, and Chairman of WME).
In a statement on Bell’s upcoming foray into microdramas, Susan Rovner expressed, “Brad Bell is one of the most influential creative forces in daytime television, and bringing him into the aTwist universe is a major moment for us. The Bold and the Beautiful has defined storytelling for decades, and we’re thrilled to collaborate with him as he brings that legacy into a new format with Hollywood Starlet. We think fans are going to love seeing this world evolve in such a fun, fresh way.”
aTWIST TO SERVE UP SLATE OF ORIGINAL MICRODRAMAS
With a track record of building iconic franchises, launching global hits, and transforming creative vision into scaled entertainment businesses, the aTwist leadership team will create a home for original verticals in a multitude of genres, curated acquired microseries, and creator-led innovative narrative storytelling – building a quality-driven, globally scalable microseries ecosystem, rooted in fandom, community, and storytelling excellence.
aTwist is creating original content that spans comedy, drama, unscripted, horror, and romance built for how mobile-first audiences consume content today. From fresh, bold ideas by emerging talent to exciting collaborations with existing IP, brands, and stars, aTwist is establishing a destination for audiences who want engaging stories anytime, anywhere. A platform built to create community around fandoms, a place where consumers can find stories built for joyscrolling, not doomscrolling.
In addition, aTwist recently announced a partnership with BET to develop and distribute microseries across linear and vertical platforms, with a first-of-its-kind windowing model bringing microseries to television while expanding storytelling rooted in Black culture and community. aTwist currently has more than 20 series in production across scripted, unscripted and animation formats, with a strong pipeline of series in development. The studio and platform will deliver a slate of originals that push the current microseries offerings, tapping into underserved fandoms across horror, thriller, comedy, drama, anime, sci-fi and more.
As soap fans know, The Bold and the Beautiful has aired on CBS for 39 years, and is the most-watched U.S.-produced daytime drama in the world. In addition to his work with The Bold and the Beautiful, Brad Bell is also an owner of its sister soap, The Young and the Restless, which has aired on CBS for 53 years.
Photo: EGuilmette IG
HOT STARS OF THE VERTICAL WORLD
Vertical drama leading man, Eric Guilmette recently participated in a livestream chat on the Michael Fairman Channel, along with other stars of the microdrama space including: Nick Rittaco, Sam Myserson and former General Hospital star, Robert Palmer Watkins (ex-Dillon Quartermaine). You can check that out below.
Now let us know, what do you think of The Bold and the Beautiful’s Brad Bell developing a microdrama company along with his son, Oliver, to bring new series to your phones and more? Might we soon see soap operas have side stories as well as companion to their main shows on network television? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Alum Avery Pohl Joins Cast of Netflix’s ‘Scooby-Doo Origins’ Series
Previously on General Hospital, Esme Prince caused so much trouble for Spencer Cassadine (Nicholas Alexander Chavez) and Trina Robinson (Tabyana Ali) until the character went overboard and was presumed dead back in January of 2024.
Esme’s portrayer, Avery Pohl was heralded by GH fans as one of the great young baddies in recent memory. And now, Pohl is taking her talents to the new Netflix series, and joining the Scooby-Doo universe in an undisclosed role in the upcoming show, Scooby-Doo Orgins!
News of Pohl’s casting came via Deadline when they revealed 12 actors joining the upcoming live-action series which also includes notables: Sara Gilbert (ex-The Talk and The Connors), and Sherilyn Fenn (Twin Peaks), plus previously announced, MacKenna Grace (ex-Faith, The Young and the Restless) who plays the central role of Daphne Blake. Tanner Hagen takes on Shaggy Rogers, Abby Ryder Fortson plays Velma Dinkley, Maxwell Jenkins is Fred Jones, and even Paul Walter Hauser also appears in a secret role, and not to be left out, Scooby-Doo himself.
Courtesy/ABC
ZOINKS, RUH-RO AND JEEPERS!
Avery Pohl took to her Instagram upon the reveal of her new project and said, “Dog’s outta the bag. So grateful to work with so many talented and kind individuals.” Immediately many of her former GH castmates congratulated the actress including: Tabyana Ali and her predecessor in the role of Trina, Sydney Mikalya and Eden McCoy (Josslyn).
According to the official loglines for Scooby-Doo Origins, its a, “Modern reimagining of the iconic mystery-solving group of teens and their very special dog. During their final summer at camp, old friends Shaggy and Daphne get embroiled in a haunting mystery surrounding a lonely lost Great Dane puppy that may have been a witness to a supernatural murder. Together with the pragmatic and scientific townie, Velma and the strange, but ever so handsome new kid, Freddy, they set out to solve the case that is pulling each of them into a creepy nightmare that threatens to expose all of their secrets.”
The series, which introduced supernatural mystery-solving teens Fred Jones, Daphne Blake, Velma Dinkley, and Shaggy Rogers and their talking Great Dane Scooby-Doo, originally aired on CBS from 1969-76. It then moved to ABC, where various versions of the show aired until 1986. The Scooby-Doo franchise has also released three movies more than adozen animated series, and over 40 animated home entertainment movies.
WILL ESME PRINCE RETURN TO GH?
Pohl received a Daytime Emmy nomination in 2025, in the Outstanding Guest Performer category and initially debuted on GH back in 2021.
In case you missed it, Avery participated in a livestream chat last year along with GH’s Katelyn MacMullen (Willow) and their acting coach and soap alum Holly Gagnier (ex-Days, GH, and OLTL) on the Michael Fairman Channel. You can check it out below.
Now, share your congrats for Avery on landing her upcoming role in ‘Scooby-Doo Origins’ Let us know, if you hope GH brings back Esme one day and Spencer Cassadine via the comment section.
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Days Of Our Lives
Sheri Anderson, 3-Time Emmy Winner and Former Co-Head Writer of ‘Days of Our Lives’ to Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
Sheri Anderson, the three-time Emmy-winning soap opera writer is set to be the special guest on Thursday, June 11 beginning at 7pm ET/4pm ET for a livestream chat on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel.
The veteran soap opera writer has previously been the co-head writer at Days of Our Lives along with an impressive list of writing credits and tenures at: General Hospital, Santa Barbara, Guiding Light, Another World and primetime’s Falcon Crest.
Throughout her decades long career, Sheri has been involved in every aspect of the writing process including long-term storyline, daily episode breakdowns, dialogue writing and editing and more. She is widely recognized as one of the creative forces behind the high romance era of soap opera super couples in the 1980s.
Photo: JPI
ARE SOAP MORE RELEVANT IN 2026?
With the daytime soaps being mentioned in the mainstream of late, including a recent New York Times essay, Ryan Gosling’s high praise of Days of Our Lives icon Deidre Hall (Marlena), Late night host, John Oliver asking to be cast on a soap after doing a bit on his show, it seems daytime drama may be culturally relevant again, or is it really?
During the chat not only will we get Sheri’s takes on all the series she wrote for, but also ask, “Why soaps? Why now?” Why are audiences rediscovering/missing emotionally-connected storytelling? What did our genre provide viewers emotionally? And what has current programming gained technically but lost emotionally?
Join us with your comments and questions for Sheri in the live chat, as we talk the pros and cons of today’s daytime soap opera and daytime television landscape and delve into Sheri’s soap writing history and the characters she created or had a penchant for and learn about her new endeavors and outside projects.
Photos: JPI
If you are unable to make it to the live chat, but have a question or comment for Sheri that you would like us to ask on the broadcast, please drop it in the comment section below and we just might pose it on-air.
For upcoming celebrity features, livestreams and special event coverage, make sure to subscribe to the Michael Fairman Channel.
So, did you enjoy Sheri’s writing for Days of Our Lives and the other soaps she’s credited for? What do you think of the current state of the soap opera? Healthier than its been in awhile? Costing along? Relevant or not socially relevant in mainstream culture in 2026? Weigh-in and share your thoughts via the comment section below.
‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Brad Bell to Launch First Microseries Featuring Vertical Drama Stars Eric Guilmette and Molly Anderson for ‘aTwist’
‘General Hospital’ Alum Avery Pohl Joins Cast of Netflix’s ‘Scooby-Doo Origins’ Series
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sidwell is Set Up By Lucas and Company, Cassius is in the Right Place at the Right Time
Sheri Anderson, 3-Time Emmy Winner and Former Co-Head Writer of ‘Days of Our Lives’ to Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
Elia Cantu Announces Her Exit from ‘Days of Our Lives’
‘Santa Barbara’ Favorites A Martinez and Marcy Walker, ‘Cruz and Eden’ Reunion Chat, On Demand Replay Available for Half Price (Exclusive)
‘General Hospital’ Casts Dean Geyer in the Role of ‘Tristan Roberts’
‘General Hospital’ SORAS’s Scout Cain and Casts Kayden Brenna Tokarski in the Role of Drew and Sam’s Daughter
Steve Burton and Finola Hughes Back Taping Episodes at ‘General Hospital’
2026 SDSA TV Award Nominations: All Five Daytime Dramas Score in Best Achievement in Set Decoration
‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Brad Bell to Launch First Microseries Featuring Vertical Drama Stars Eric Guilmette and Molly Anderson for ‘aTwist’
‘General Hospital’ Alum Avery Pohl Joins Cast of Netflix’s ‘Scooby-Doo Origins’ Series
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sidwell is Set Up By Lucas and Company, Cassius is in the Right Place at the Right Time
Sheri Anderson, 3-Time Emmy Winner and Former Co-Head Writer of ‘Days of Our Lives’ to Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
Ashley Jones Makes Her ‘Beyond the Gates’ Debut in a Shocking Reveal as ‘The Impaler’
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