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
Y&R’s Co-Head Writer Jamey Giddens, Ahead of November Stories and Scripts Debut with Dan O’Connor, Explains How Fall Tees Up Their Plans for Genoa City
As previously reported on Thursday, September 10, Y&R fans should circle November 11th on your calendars. That will mark the official on-screen head writing regime change on The Young and the Restless, when material from newly-planted co-head writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor begins to air on the number one daytime drama series on CBS.
Taking to X, Giddens backed up all mentions of when his run as co-head writer begins with an electronic alarm clock showing the numbers 11:11. In addition, up until that time, Y&R fans are still watching the story and scripts from Josh Griffith who stepped down a few months ago from his position as head writer after a lengthy run that started back in 2019.
However, Giddens responded to a Y&R viewer on X, who said they won’t tune back into the action in Genoa City until his and O’Connor’s material starts to air. Jamey expressed that if you are fan of the series, you should tune-in now because before Jamey and Dan get to launch their set of new stories and adventures for the citizens of Genoa City, but they first needed to decide what to do with the story they inherited from Josh Griffith.
Photo: JPI
Jamey teased, “Start watching NOW!” Fall in Genoa City set up tons of juicy stories Dan O’Connor and I are lucky to inherit as we begin telling new ones! Let’s watch as a soap fam! #YR”
Jumping into the thread in response was one fan who said to Giddens, “I’m watching, and some stuff is good while other stuff needs revisions, so hoping the revised improves the stories. My future request: can we get Sharon and Adam sharing scenes again? And please let Sharon interact with people beyond Nick 24/7. Shick can happen but Sharon needs more to do. JT said he was filming a good story, so hopefully he isn’t rinsing and repeating with Billy’s mistake but JT seems excited on what’s to come.”
In pretty short order, Giddens has worked as a breakdown writer for both Days of Our Lives and Beyond the Gates, where he is nominated this year as part of the writing team for both shows, in addition to previously being the head writer of OWN’s Ambitions and writing for Tyler Perry’s Sistas. Jamey started his career with Daytime Confidential as a journalist covering the genre that he knows and loves.
As for Dan O’Connor, he previously held down co-head writer duties at General Hospital or as an Associate Head Writer. He also wrote for One Life to Live and made a stop in Salem and Days of Our Lives.
So, can November 11th come soon enough for you? Will you be tuning-in to Y&R leading up to the takeover by Jamey and Dan on the writing front? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
Start watching NOW! Fall in Genoa City sets up tons of juicy stories @oconnordanj and I are lucky to inherit as we begin telling new ones! Let’s watch as a Soap Fam! #YR https://t.co/BSBT8hNMb6
— Jamey_Giddens (@Jamey_Giddens) September 10, 2026
If Anna Devane’s (Finola Hughes) new therapist on General Hospital looks familiar to you, it’s because actress Kearran Giovanni, who plays Dr. Nichols, previously played a doctor on One Life to Live!.
Viewers tuning-in to the Thursday, September 10 episode of GH got their first look at Dr. Nichols who has been brought in to help Anna recover from her PTSD and trauma following the reveal that she has been suffering from a break in reality since before being put in mental health facility in France, after being gaslighted by Cullum and company earlier in the year.
One Life to Live fans will recall that Kearran Giovanni played Dr. Vivian Wright in 2009, and it was then she first worked with current General Hospital EP, Frank Valentini, who at the time was at the helm in Llanview.
Photo: JPI
WHERE ELSE HAVE YOU SEEN KEARRAN GIOVANNI?
Giovanni appeared on OLTL in the recurring role through 2012 and in the final ABC episode of the beloved series was the the ob/gyn who delivered Destiny Evans (Shenell Edmonds) and Matthew Buchanan’s (Eddie Alderson) baby into the world, whom they named Drew Buchanan II after Bo Buchanan’s (Robert S, Woods) late son. In addition, Vivian has been dating Shaun Evans (Sean Ringgold).
In addition to One Life to Love, Giovanni has very impressive credits having appeared in numerous TV series and motion pictures including starring in the TNT drama Major Crimes from 2012-18, ABC’s Designated Survivor 2017-19, the CW’s Black Lightning from 2019-20. Most recently, Giovanni appeared on the Fox series, The Resident and has a recurring role on the CW’s crime series, Walker from 202-2024.
HEALING ANNA
On today’s General Hospital, after Anna’s harrowing meltdown where she almost shot and killed Dr. Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud) after seeing visions of “Peter August” (Wes Ramsey), Jason (Steve Burton) saved the day and talked Anna down from committing murder. Now, Dr. Nichols was introduced as a valuable staff member at the hospital. Although, this marked the first time in the history of the show we have heard of her character.
So, do you remember seeing Kearran Giovanni on One Life to Live? Happy to see that Anna may have a qualified therapist in charge of her healing, unless the doctor turns out to be not on the up and up? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
In a metaphor for the start of the school year and their upcoming anniversary in November, Days of our Lives revealed its “Class of Season 62,” with a very clever yearbook montage on their social media handles, welcoming new cast members, while paying respect to the veterans and “class”-iying the other characters in Salem.
The official Days of our Lives Instagram account shared on the posting, “The Class of Salem Season 62 has arrived. Familiar faces, new names and plenty of personality. Flip through our yearbook for a peek at this year’s class.”
Let’s take a look at how they broke it all down: The Salem Yearbook starts with saying “another unforgettable season,” with some group pics, and then we dovetail into Salem’s new class which features: Sydney Malakeh (Sydney DiMera), Brandon Butler (Mason Whitfield), Angelica Nero (Victoria Kiriakis), Cole Gersmeyer (Thomas DiMera) and Lorelei Olivia Mote (Rachel Black).
Photo: Days of our Lives
Next up, are the likes of: Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez), John-Paul Lavoisier (Philip Kiriakis), Tyler Joseph Andrews (Theo Carver) and LeeAnn Hopkins (Joy Wesley). Then, in the “Drama Club” section are: Dan Feuerriegel (EJ DiMera) and AnnaLynne Cipriani (Cat Greene).
Following the ‘Recess” section with some group snaps, comes “Homeroom Highlights” with: Abigail Klein (Stephanie Johnson), Eric Martsolf (Brady Black), Rob Scott Wilson (Alex Kiriakis), Lamon Archey (Eli Grant) and Sal Stowers (Lani Price Grant).
The “Salem Spectator” section features: Conner Floyd (Chad DiMera), Greg Rikaart (Leo Stark), Stowers again, and Ashely Puzemis (Holly Jonas). In the “Afternoon Sweets” section look for: Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis) and Linsey Godfey (Sarah Horton), Emily O’ Brien (Gwen Rizchech), Stacy Haiduk (Kristen DiMera/Susan Banks), Brandon Beemer (Shawn Brady), plus Jackée Harry (Paulina Price).
Towards the end of the yearbook, veteran performers such as: Mary Beth Evans (Kayla Johnson), Stephen Nichols (Steve Johnson), Lauren Koslow (Kate Roberts) and Josh Taylor (Roman Brady) are featured, plus Deidre Hall (Marlena Evans), James Reynolds (Abe Carver) and Matthew Ashford (Jack Deveraux), Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie Williams) and Suzanne Rogers (Maggie Kiraikis) with her on-screen daughter, Linsey Godfrey.
The Salem Yearbook comes to a conclusion noting “Big things happening in Salem” and to tune-in on Peacock, where we also find Jacob Martinez (Javi Hernandez), Maggie Carney (Rita Lesley), and a host of other favorites previewing what’s to come this fall.
So, what do you think of the Days of our Lives Class of Season 62? Looking forward to seeing what happens in Salem? Did you like the yearbook concept for promotional tune-in? Let us know via the comment section below.
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THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Steffy is Shaken to the Core, ‘Oh My God! I’m Pregnant!’
Y&R’s Co-Head Writer Jamey Giddens, Ahead of November Stories and Scripts Debut with Dan O’Connor, Explains How Fall Tees Up Their Plans for Genoa City
Kearran Giovanni Debuts on ‘General Hospital’ as Anna Devane’s New Therapist
CBS Announces Fall Preview and Season Premieres for ‘Beyond the Gates’ ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ and ‘The Young and the Restless’
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Steffy Comes to the Realization She May Be Pregnant … With Carter’s Child!
‘General Hospital’ to Rebroadcast Special Episode in Tribute to Anthony Geary
‘General Hospital’s’ Tabyana Ali Song ‘Pray’ Now Available on Major Streaming Platforms with Music Video Forthcoming
‘General Hospital’ Icon Genie Francis to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards
Vivica A. Fox Exits ‘The Young and the Restless’ For Now to Film Netflix’s ‘Women Like Us’
‘General Hospital’s’ Braedyn Bruner Reveals Her Daytime Emmy-Nominated Scenes and How Emma is Getting Her ‘Edge’ Back
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