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Y&R’s Josh Griffith Talks Jess Walton’s Future as Jill Abbott as DAYS Lauren Koslow Steps-in as Temporary Recast
Jill Abbott pays a visit to her sons, Cane Ashby (Billy Flynn) and Billy Abbott (Jason Thompson) on episodes beginning today June 25 on The Young and the Restless. The thing of it is; Jill will be played in a handful episodes by Days of Our Lives veteran, Lauren Koslow and not Jess Walton who has played the role for 39 years.
Y&R’s head writer, Josh Griffith spoke to Soap Opera Digest to offer up some context of how it came to pass that Koslow stepped in and what this means for the Jess Walton’s future with the top-rated soap.
Josh explained, that Walton who resides in Oregon could not make the trip to Los Angeles to tape some key and pivotal scenes. The show decided to have a temporary recast, “When we got the sad news that Jess wouldn’t be able to make it down here for this, we were just so close to when we needed to do it. The Y&R publicist (Matt Kane) and I just sat and brainstormed for two seconds.”
Photo: JPI
Griffith noted it became obvious that Koslow was the perfect choice having written for the character of Kate when he was writing DAYS. He noted and felt that both the characters of Kate and Jill have “similarities.”
JESS WALTON FOR ALL INTENT AND PURPOSES IS STILL JILL ABBOTT
As for Jess Walton’s place on Y&R, Josh elaborated, “We love her. She is Jill to the masses. I hope that as we move forward there will be opportunity to see more of Walton’s Jill) based on her availability.”
In story, when Lauren Koslow takes over the role look for Jill to be back in Genoa City to deal with Cane and Billy. As Griffith explained “She wants these two semi-brothers to come together and stop bickering. And she also needs to keep a huge secret that she can’t afford for Billy to find out.”
So, happy to hear from Josh Griffith that they hope when Jill is called for in story that Jess Walton will be able to make the tape dates? Looking forward to seeing Lauren Koslow step-in as Jill? Share your thoughts via the comment section.
I never imagined Lauren Koslow taking over full-time, especially since it was always made known this was a temporary thing due to Jess Walton being unavailable.
It’s so sad that as of last year, the original Jill, Brenda Dickson, was homeless and living on the streets. She was a fireball. Lauren Koslow is an odd choice, but then isn’t everything on Y&R odd.
Love Jess Walton and it’s always a treat when she makes an appearance. This is probably a good choice for a temporary (we hope) recast, but scenes with Billy and Cane won’t have the same impact with a different actress.
Lauren and Billy Flynn have years of history of playing a mother/son dynamic on Days. So i expect they will be able to use that to make these scenes poignant.
It would be great to have Brenda Dickson back and I am sure a lot of Y and R fans would love that. And i am aware that may never happened because of the lawsuit the actress had with Columbia Pictures. IMO- she was the best Jill Foster
Why aren’t you talking to Sally McDonald?? She’s the EP. Love to hear from her why these decisions are being made, and not from the “head writer.”
Billy Flynn requested the recast. Lauren Koslow will become permanent.
Site a source for that, otherwise it’s nothing but speculation.
Plus, as if Billy Flynn has that kind of power at The Young and the Restless, ha.
Love that Lauren played Lindsay years ago, and blackmailed Jill and Jack with photographs of them sleeping together behind John’s back. Now she is playing Jill.
Thank you for answering my inquiry about Jess Walton. So glad she is not permanently gone from the show. I love her character and don’t like to see substitutes.
None of us like change. I have basically grown up with Jess Walton and think she is a wonderful actress. I don’t know what would possibly keep her from flying to LA for a week to film some scenes. I’m positive she could afford it.
Alison Sweeney (Sami Brady, Days of our Lives) is jumping head first into the celebrity podcast rage with the launch of hers entitled, Between Takes with Alison Sweeney.
In between her busy schedule of Hallmark Channel movies, features, TV appearances and returns to Days of our Lives, Sweeney will now feature special guests each episode as previewed in her Instagram video clip announcing the new podcast series.
Accompanying her video, Sweeney expressed, “Trying something new! Check out my new podcast. Just fun casual chats with my friends. Links are in my bio.”
Photo: Hallmark
The first episode features former DAYS star and Hallmark Channel mainstay, Victor Webster (ex-Nicholas Alamain). It was back from 1999-2000 that Victor first appeared on the then NBC soap opera.
As previously reported, Sweeney will be reprising her role of Sami on Days of our Lives, next summer in June when she returns along with several fan favorites for a story arc.
During Alison’s premiere of “Between Takes,” Webster shares stories of his time on DAYS, being a proud dog dad, and globetrotter, plus working on action scenes and for Victor, taking over from The Rock in the the Scorpion King franchise appearing in Scorpion King 3: Battle For Redemption. Alison and Victor also chat about their time on sets.
You can listen to Between Takes with Alison Sweeney on all major podcast streaming platforms; including Apple Podcasts here.
So, will you be checking out Alison’s podcast as it continues to grow? Intrigued who from Days of our Lives and the soaps might chat it up with her in future episodes? Let us know in the comment section.
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The 53rd annual Daytime Emmys red carpet was filled with the leading ladies of soap opera, with an array of styles, looks and fashion trends: from bright vibrant colored gowns, plenty of sequins, pantsuits, retro looks, to fashion-forward and more.
From many an Emmy newcomer to the carpet with the stars of Beyond the Gates making their first-ever appearances on daytime’s biggest night, to veteran fan favorites, to the nominees and the guest stars, these women walked the carpet showing off their 2026 fashion sensibilities to the paparazzi.
Let’s take a look at some of the noteworthy looks starting with pictured above: Beyond the Gates star and now Emmy winner, Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas), Days of our Lives’ Abigail Klein (Stephanie Johnson), and Sal Stowers (Lani Price Grant), General Hospital’s Katelyn MacMullen (Willow Tait) and alum and nominee Eva LaRue (ex-Natalia Rogers Ramirez).
DRESSED TO IMPRESS
Now below, check out some of the other red carpet looks from the actresses of Beyond the Gates, Days of our Lives, General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless, and then you can let us know in the comment section the answer to our question, “Who’s got the look?”
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
General Hospital’s Amanda Setton, a first-time Emmy nominee for her work as Brook Lynn Quartermaine, looked beautiful in burgundy.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
The Belle of the Ball: Beyond the Gates star Tamara Tunie wowed the red carpet, and later took home her first Lead Actress Daytime Emmy for her role as Anita Dupree.
Photo: NATAS
Y&R star, Hayley Erin (Claire) look stylish and in the popular burgundy dress color trend on the carpet.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Kelly Kruger (Serena Baldwin) dressed in black and brought elegance to the carpet.
Photo: NATAS
Y&R star, Christel Khalil (Lily Winters) looked stunning in this olive green dress and matching handbag and earrings.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Alexa Havins (Lulu Spencer) also dressed in sophisticated black with embroidered top and sarong dress.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Days of our Lives’ Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez), who always wows on the carpet, did so again this year in a pearl white gown.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Beyond the Gates’ Rhonni Rose Mantilla’s (Chelsea Hamilton) in a cobalt blue dress making her first appearance on a Daytime Emmys red carpet.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Kristen Vaganos (Molly Lansing-Davis) in a pale peach dress took to the Emmys red carpet.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
General Hospital’s Braedyn Bruner (Emma Drake), a first-time Daytime Emmy nominee, showed youth with elegance.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Maura West (Ava Jerome) and Cynthia Watros (Nina Reeves), both past Lead Actress Daytime Emmy winners, were on-hand to root on this year’s nominee in the category and for their show, which ultimately won Outstanding Drama Series.
Photo: JPI
Three-time Daytime Emmy winner, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers) of The Young and the Restless definitely had people turning heads during the red carpet arrivals.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Y&R’s Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea Lawson) took to the red carpet also in a black dress with her latest hairstyle!
Photo: Hutchins Photo
The one and only Finola Hughes (Anna Devane, General Hospital) opted for a sleek, yet comfortable style for the 2026 Daytime Emmys.
So, who do you think wore it best from the women on this year’s Daytime Emmys Red Carpet? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Alum Jeff Kober Accepts His Daytime Emmy Award After Being Unable to Attend the Ceremony
Last night at the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards, Jeff Kober’s name was called as the winner of the Outstanding Guest Performer in a Daytime Drama Series for his role as murderer and all around misunderstood bad guy, Cyrus Renault on General Hospital.
Kober added a second Daytime Emmy to his collection for playing Laura Collins’ Genie Francis) half-brother. He previously won in the Best Supporting Actor category in 2022. He was also nominated the year prior.
Due to appearing in a “theater gig,” the actor revealed in a videotaped acceptance speech why he couldn’t be at the Hollywood Palladium on October 30 for the livestreamed ceremony.
Photo: ABC
In his acceptance speech, Kober shared, “I want to say thank you to all of the actors who made this happen, and thank you especially to GH and my GH family. What a treat it has been to be with them. Sorry I wasn’t there last night. I had a prior commitment with a theater gig.”
He added, “I’m really sorry I didn’t get to see Genie (Francis) and the recognition by the Emmys she so richly deserves. Love you guys. Oh, also, congratulations to my pal, Roger Howarth (Matt, Y&R, and ex-Franco, GH). Maybe now GH will bring our characters back from the dead. Who knows? I see a storyline. Love to all. Thanks.”‘
Photo: JPI
Last night, Genie Francis received the Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Academy of Television of Arts and Sciences for her body of work since she joined GH initially in 1977 as a young teenaged Laura Vining.
Meanwhile, Howarth made history for the longest gap between Emmy wins for actors. It had been 32 years since he won Outstanding Younger Actor for his performance as Todd Manning in One Life to Live back in 1994.
You can check out Jeff Kober’s video acceptance speech below. Then let us know, what you think about the idea of Cyrus Renault returning from the dead, via the comment section.
Roger Howarth Reflects on Daytime Emmy Win, 32-Year Record Gap, and Embracing Matt Clark on ‘The Young and the Restless’ (Exclusive)
Y&R’s Bryton James and Christel Khalil Crossover to ‘Beyond the Gates’ (Sneak Peek)
DAYS Favorite Alison Sweeney Launches New Podcast ‘Between Takes’
‘Days of our Lives’ Fall Preview Reveals Sofia Mattsson as Chloe Lane and New Storyline Twists!
2026 Daytime Emmys Red Carpet: Dashing Duos – Who’s Got the Look? (Photos)
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Winners: ‘General Hospital’ Takes Drama Series, Tamara Tunie and Scott Clifton Top Acting Honors
Who Should Win Outstanding Lead Actor at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards? (Poll)
Could Justin Bruening Join ‘General Hospital’? Set Visit with Wife Alexa Havins Stirs Fan Hopes
Y&R’s Jason Thompson and Mark Grossman Deliver the ‘Power Performances of the Week’
Who Should Win Outstanding Daytime Drama at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards? (Poll)
Y&R’s Bryton James and Christel Khalil Crossover to ‘Beyond the Gates’ (Sneak Peek)
‘Days of our Lives’ Fall Preview Reveals Sofia Mattsson as Chloe Lane and New Storyline Twists!
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Brennan’s Body is Found, Heather Makes Her Reentry into Port Charles
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Heartfelt Speech He Had Planned If He Had Won Lead Actor at the Daytime Emmys
‘General Hospital’ Alum Jeff Kober Accepts His Daytime Emmy Award After Being Unable to Attend the Ceremony
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