News
Billy Flynn, Y&R’s New Cane Ashby, to Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
After all the talk … and talk … and talk of “Aristotle Dumas,” the man himself finally revealed himself to all his guests in the French Riviera on the Friday June 20th episode of The Young and the Restless. While we knew that former Days of our Lives favorite Billy Flynn (Currently still being seen as Chad DiMera) was “Aristotle,” it was finally confirmed that it’s an alias for his real name, “Cane Ashby.”
As speculated, the Daytime Emmy-nominated actor is now playing the recast of the role originally played by GH’s Daniel Goddard, who played the part from 2007-2019 and as of that time, Cane and his lady love, Lily Winters (Christel Khalil) had divorced. Cane also had twin children with Lily, Mattie and Charlie.
Now, Billy will chat live for the first time since the reveal that he’s playing Y&TCane. when he visits You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel next week on Tuesday, June 24th beginning at 7pm ET/4pm PT.
Photo: CBS
Ahead of joining us live, Flynn shared with TV Insider on taking on Cane, “There are a lot of things that are going to be different, but Lily is Cane’s one true love, and I know how to do that. And Christel makes it very easy. She’s incredible, she’s beautiful, she’s really talented, and she’s got a great personality. When we did our first scene, there was a chemistry that I was like, ‘OK, it’s gonna be good.’ That connection was there for me.”
Photo: JPI
In addition, Flynn noted the challenge ahead and the difference between this Cane 2.0 version, “What Daniel (Goddard) did was amazing – he was great as Cane – and obviously, the relationship that Cane and Lily had is a testament to their work. Cane is a fascinating character. Essentially, we’re going to rebrand it a bit, so they have a closer age range, and I don’t have a sexy accent. I can’t replicate it, so I’m going to do my thing. When people see this Cane and the relationship that I have as Cane with Lily, I think they’ll be happy.”
Photo: JPI
As viewers know, Billy will continue to be seen on all-new episodes of Days of our Lives as Chad DiMera until early 2026; due to the taping schedules of the Peacock soap opera which is nine months ahead of when they drop on the streamer. However, for the past several months, Billy is firmly only at Y&R and now set to put his own stamp on Cane after joining the A-list cast of the iconic soap.
Photo: JPI
So, what do you think of Billy playing the role of Cane Ashby? Excited for what’s ahead? If you have a comment or question you would like posed to Billy in the live chat, but cannot be with us Tuesday night, just drop it in the comment section below, and we just might ask it on the broadcast.
Very bad casting, about 20 years to young for the role. Cane has adult children, Billy was probably just starting high school when Cane first came to town pretending to be Jill’s son.He is even younger than the actor playing Billy who would have been his younger brother. Why could they not get someone like Roger Howarth for the role? This show just can not get it together.
And what happened to his Australian accent? His dad was played by Tristan Rogers, also Australian. Being an Aussie is a big part of Cane’s identity.
Roger Howarth has 10 more roles to play on GH first, before he can go somewhere else.
Agreed—very common for Soaps, in general, to have 12-year old parents and 20-year old grandparents LOL. Also, what’s up with the Labyrinth??
I know nothing of this actor I’m told he is great and yes easy on the eyes I’m only afraid it’s going to be a bust because of thirteen year age difference etc between he and DG . Everybody remembers the disaster when they made Maura West as Diane my gosh she in reality would have been only ten when Diane was a model years ago look at all the old tapes. I hate that actors are given this mountain to climb because writers and producers are basically full of crap. I’m so disgusted that Josh keeps writing this junk makes you think he wants the soap to fail. Oh well
…”between HIM and Daniel Goddard”.
Between him
And DG—the object in a sentence ALWAYS follows a preposition. “He” is ALWAYS in the subjective case. Basic grammar.
This recast belongs in the same category as Jed Allan taking over as Edward for John Ingle (GH) and Kassie DePaiva replacing Mia Korf as Blair (OLTL).
or when Joan Crawford covered for her daughter on Secret Storm
I thought I was the only one old enough to remember that LOL.
If you watch Mommie Dearest which airs at least twice a year ( usually around Mother’s Day) you can catch the reference no matter how old you are.
Or Kassie DePaiva pretending to be Eve Donovan on Days, for that matter.
Could’ve been anyone but Cane. What a bust. Just like Josh Griffith’s terribly boring writing of having characters just sit around. All talk, no drama on this show. And if there is drama, it’s usually off screen and talked about after. Doubt the upcoming murder mystery will do much except kill a legacy character (if the rumors are true).
And Lane already being set in stone from the looks of things instead of testing him with others on the show? Uhh, pass. I’ve never liked Lane.
Im excited about this recast! Billy is talented, extremely handsome and charismatic. I looked him on Days! Bravo and welcome aboard!
I LOVED him on Days.
Welcome to The Young and the Restless!
I remember when, on a soap, a large gathering of actors would also mean a combination of exciting story lines that were coming to a head, coming to a conclusion, a lot of fun interactions between actors who normally didn’t share screen time. This mess that we were handed today, was nothing close to that. Characters, standing around, little interaction with others, and one story line in the backround….will Kyle fool around with Audra??? That’s the best they could do?
And I’m sorry, Billy Flynn came out flat, no excitement added by his take on this character. Adding Cane Ashby to the mix wasn’t the infusion that Y&R needed, they need a new EP/HW to save this sinking ship.
Absolutely no disrespect to Billy Flynn, but this is a terrible (and unnecessary) recast. Daniel Goddard was clearly available and has been vocal about wanting to return. Billy’s got chops, but they would have been better put to use for another character. Are the viewers to forget that Cane came to town pretending to be Phillip III? (Flynn would have been a child when that character was on the air, and even Goddard was too young at the time to have conceivably been Phillip. Kay below makes a great comparsion to Maura West being brought on as Diane.) Are we supposed to forget that Cane is Australian? Josh Griffith, et al. aren’t just asking us to suspend our disbelief. They’re expecting us to lobotomize ourselves.
Even if they didn’t want Goddard back, was Charles Mesure even considered? Or, did he close the door to soaps when he left GH mid-contract?
Was it a case of Y&R just wanting Flynn, signing him and figuring out who he would play after the fact?
Offering Charles Mesure the Cane role? I don’t think that would have worked.
I don’t see this working as much as I like Billy.
Kinda shocked. Was Daniel Goddard contacted about coming back? Just not believable.
This is the first time I’ve seen this actor perform and I liked his scenes with Lily. Months ago, I had hoped the Dumas character would be NEW because the show needs someone to knock Victor down a few pegs. I’m hoping the 6 year revelations about Cane’s transformation into a billionaire are solid, and I’m really hoping he becomes a real Genoa City tycoon; he had that Jay Gatsby swagger and hurt for the woman he lost (Daisy/Lily.) Thankfully, there was no green light– at least not yet. That said, I’ll watch and hope this new actor gets to be all that Tucker McCall wasn’t.
What a great post. Ron! I love the Gatsby reference.
Yawn – Another character turned into a multi-millionaire? Sharon inherits an unseen company, there’s a new cosmetics firm coming to town – Cane is rich and owns a company – (wonder if they will bring his dad back?) Of course we won’t see Cane and Lillie’s “adult children”, since the show wants no one who is young or restless…
Billy Flynn is a good actor and charismatic. I think he will do well in the role. Hopefully, Josh Griffith will give him the material. They could be taking Cane in a different direction, which Billy Flynn did mention. Wishing him the best.
When people make fun of soap operas, a thing like this is just one of the reasons why.
Wow, the overall reaction to this on the internet is NOT good. How did a man fully lose his Australian accent in 6 years? Australians living in the US says that NEVER happens. And that this guy is way too young to be playing this role. Billy Flynn is probably a good actor, but he’s been miscast, but I also blame Flynn for taking this role in the first place. Flynn is 13 years younger than Goddard….Flynn is only 40 years old. Bet Traci Abbott will now feel like she was robbing the cradle when she had the hots for Cane before he left town, with Traci in her 60’s. The whole thing reeks. This would make Flynn just a few years older than his 2 adult children.
There’s no sugarcoating it. This is a very bad recast. The actor is the same age as the character’s adult children. Days will be showing YawneR how to recast properly when Conner Floyd takes over the role of Chad DiMera.
Come on writers . people are smart these days .It just seems like the actors were just talking and walking around .it did not seem any acting was going on.
I like Billy on Days and I will miss him there. I am glad he is on YR but I do wish he was a new character not Cane. I also wish the show had a new executive produces and new writers. The show has been boring with people just sitting around and having too many long conversations
He is such a terrific actor but he should have been a new character. Not because Daniel Goddard couldn’t be replaced it’s because the build up for Dumas was so over the top and we get um Caine. We all know Caine and he is limited in just how far to the dark side you can take this character. Also who is his love interest going to be? Very few women on the show in his age range. That’s on the writer not the actor and I just see it as a waste.
Is Chrishell pregnant? Will Lily’s baby be Cane’s ( sp)
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Tamara Tunie Shares Bittersweet Moment of Learning She’s a Daytime Emmy Nominee Following the Loss of ATWT’s Scott Bryce
As many are celebrating their nominations for the upcoming 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards on October 30, for some it was a “mixed bag of emotions,” as detailed by first time nominee Tamara Tunie (Anita Dupree, Beyond the Gates), who was named as one of the five women in the coveted Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actress category.
The Lead Actress nominations were actually announced on Monday on Entertainment Tonight, ahead of the full nomination announcement by NATAS on Tuesday. Sadly, on Sunday night, Tamara’s longtime friend, and former As the World Turns co-stars, Scott Bryce (ex-Craig Montgomery) passed away from cancer at 68-years-old.
Michael Fairman TV first reported the heartbreaking news of Scott’s death, and his beloved son, Jackson took to his Instagram to announce the death of his father, sharing, “What began as stage three esophageal cancer eventually spread and became brain tumors that took his life away from him.”
Photo: JPI
THE LOSS OF ‘AS THE WORLD TURNS’ CO-STAR
Tamara spoke on receiving the recognition from peers while mourning the loss and trying to process the news of Bryce’s death via heartfelt message on her Instagram on Wednesday. Tunie had appeared on As the World Turns as Jessica Griffin from 1986-1995, 1999-2007 and 2009. She crossed paths with Bryce during several of his runs on the show 1982-1987, 1988-89, 1990, 1993-94 and 2007-08.
In her video message, Tunie explained she was at the airport in Atlanta (where Beyond the Gates is taped) and was heading to Pittsburgh for a speaking engagement, but she took a few moments to address these two moments in her life.
Tamara began her video with, “Hey family. I didn’t want to let any more time go by without expressing some of the emotions I had been feeling over the past couple of days. Many of you know that a dear friend of mine passed Sunday night. He was like a brother to me. We were friends for 40 something years and we actually met on the set of As the World Turns, a daytime drama. Monday, a mere 24 hours later, it was announced that I was nominated for an Emmy award for Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama.”
Sharing how the loss of Scott Bryce has deeply-affected her, Tamara added, “So, you can only imagine the rollercoaster of emotions that I have been feeling since Sunday night. I know my daytime soap opera brother is smiling down on me and cheering me on, and I am so grateful for this recognition from my peers. Being nominated for the first time it’s a mixed bag of feelings I have to tell you.”
Photo: CBS
BEYOND THE GATES FAMILY SCORES BIG IN EMMY NOMINATIONS
However, Tamara took some moments to recognize Beyond the Gates Emmy nomination haul, expressing, “I’m looking forward to the next couple of months leading up to the awards as we continue to create great television. I am so proud of the rest of my cast members, not only those who are nominated, but every single person who works on this show and gives a hundred percent of themselves every single time they show up. Our crew, our production staff, the Beyond the Gates family is truly special.”
“To have these 15 nominations is really extraordinary. Thank you family for watching. Thank you for supporting us. Thank you for supporting me,” concluded Tunie.
You can check out Tamara’s emotional video message below.
Now, let us know, are you happy to see Tamara receiving the first Daytime Emmy nomination of her career for her role as Anita on Beyond the Gates? Do you remember when Tamara and Scott Bryce both appeared on As the World Turns? Share your thoughts on Tamara’s heartbreaking words on his passing via the comment section.
View this post on Instagram
There’s another new face in Port Charles, when on today’s Wednesday, July 15 on General Hospital, Grady Eldridge made his debut as Simon, a new music executive, who is scouting talent for his record label.
According to Soap Opera Digest, Eldridge is on recurring status with the ABC soap opera, and in story, Simon is the A&R rep responsible for signing music acts and he enters the scene as Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) sets up a musical showcase for Trina (Tabyana Ali) and Gio (Giovanni Mazza) who accompanies her on guitar. As the showcase kicks off, Simon arrives.
While his GH role marks his first on daytime, Grady can currently be seen in the final season of HBO’s comedy hit, Hacks. He has numerous credits in primetime including: Doctor Odyssey, The Sex Lives of College Girls and appeared as Max in the recently released in Jennifer Lopez’s movie office romance.
Eldridge joins several other newcomers have joined the ABC soap including: Dean Geyer as Dr. Tristan Roberts (who first showed up on Monday’s July 13 episode), and Troy Lennon Appel as mysterious businessman, Hudson who shows up later this month.
In addition, GH fans will get the chance to see Kayden Brenna Tokarski who takes over the role of Scout Cain, and Kelly Kruger (ex-Mackenzie Browning, The Young and the Restless) who is the recast Serena Baldwin, who debuts on July 30.
So, do you hope Simon sticks around Port Charles? Do you think Trina and Gio will become a major recording act, or will trouble be brewing with this new music executive, and Brook Lynn will spell t-r-o-u-b-l-e? Let us know your thoughts and impressions after checking out Grady on today’s GH via the comment section.
The world of microdramas (otherwise known as verticals) continue to be the burgeoning new form of entertainment storytelling often with romance novel-like soap opera storytelling, and all accessible in bite sized short 1-2 minute episodes on your phone.
After The Bold and the Beautiful’s Brad Bell (executive producer and head writer) land his son Oliver Bell announced that in August they will premiere their first microdrama Hollywood Startlet under their Red Flair Entertainment banner for aTwist (formerly MicroCo), comes word that now WWE, the global leader in sports entertainment is developing their first live-action microdrama series in collaboration with ReelShort, the world’s leading microdrama platform.
This new endeavor brings together WWE’s iconic Superstars, world-renowned creative strategy, and global fanbase with ReelShort’s expertise in premium vertical storytelling to create an entirely new entertainment experience for audiences around the world. Together, the companies are introducing a new way for fans to experience entertainment through mobile-first storytelling, while expanding the possibilities of the rapidly growing microdrama format.
WHICH WWE SUPERSTARS WILL APPEAR IN THE MICRODRAMA?
The initial series will feature WWE Superstars: Drew McIntyre, Jacob Fatu and Joe Hendry, among others, alongside fan-favorite ReelShort stars Marc Herrmann and Chase Mattson. Production is scheduled to begin next month, with the series expected to premiere this early fall.
“Brand partnerships are evolving beyond product placement. We’re creating entertainment ecosystems where brands, talent, and storytelling come together to build cultural moments that audiences actively engage with and share,” said Sammie Hao, Head of Talent & Business Development at ReelShort.
THE EVOLUTION OF STORYTELLING
“By bringing WWE Superstars into the ReelShort cinematic world, we are creating a new storytelling experience for the WWE Universe, while reaching a fresh audience with premium content on ReelShort’s innovative platform,” said Ben Houser, Head of Original Content and Development, WWE.
ReelShort is the world’s leading microdrama platform, delivering premium original scripted series through fast-paced, mobile-first storytelling. Available in more than 100 countries and reaching more than 70 million monthly active users, ReelShort is redefining how global audiences discover and engage with entertainment through original productions, bestselling IP adaptations, and collaborations with leading creators, brands, and entertainment companies. ReelShort is developed by Crazy Maple Studio, a global entertainment company behind some of the world’s most successful mobile storytelling platforms.
WWE is the global leader in sports entertainment. The company creates and delivers original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family-friendly entertainment on its television programming, Premium Live Events, digital media, and publishing platforms. WWE’s TV-PG programming can be seen in more than 1 billion households worldwide in more than 20 languages through world-class distribution partners including Netflix, ESPN, NBCUniversal, USA Network and The CW. WWE is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO). Additional information on WWE can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com.
So, what do you think about WWE, getting into the microdrama business? It’s seems like a great way to utilize the WWE superstars and mix them up with some of the top stars in vertical dramas and for consumption for the global pro wrestling fans who will have yet another platform to watch their favorites. Weigh-in via the comment section below.
‘Beyond the Gates’ and NAACP Partner for Contest to Give Winning Viewer a Guest Spot on the 15-time Daytime Emmy Nominated Soap
‘Beyond the Gates’ Tamara Tunie Shares Bittersweet Moment of Learning She’s a Daytime Emmy Nominee Following the Loss of ATWT’s Scott Bryce
‘General Hospital’s’ Amanda Setton Talks Her Reaction, Scenes, and Co-Stars After Becoming a Daytime Emmy Nominee for the First Time (Exclusive)
Grady Eldridge Makes His ‘General Hospital’ Debut as Music Executive Simon
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Tells Danny: ‘The Place They Were Holding Me Was Bad, Really Bad’
Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
Randolph Mantooth, ‘Emergency!’ and ‘Loving’ Actor, Dies at 80
‘The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards’ Nominations Announcement Date Revealed: Who Will Be Going For Gold?
Steve Burton Returns to ‘General Hospital’ on Its 16,000th Episode: How Will Jason Be a Changed Man?
‘Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026’ Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
‘General Hospital’s’ Amanda Setton Talks Her Reaction, Scenes, and Co-Stars After Becoming a Daytime Emmy Nominee for the First Time (Exclusive)
TONIGHT: Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026 Live: Nominated Guest Line-Up
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
GENERAL HOSPITAL Spoilers Promo: Jason’s Back, Drew Begins to Make His Move, Portia Goes Into a Labor
-
As The World Turns4 days agoScott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
-
Breaking News7 days agoRandolph Mantooth, ‘Emergency!’ and ‘Loving’ Actor, Dies at 80
-
Beyond the Gates1 week ago‘The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards’ Nominations Announcement Date Revealed: Who Will Be Going For Gold?
-
General Hospital7 days agoSteve Burton Returns to ‘General Hospital’ on Its 16,000th Episode: How Will Jason Be a Changed Man?
-
Beyond the Gates5 days ago‘Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026’ Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
-
Beyond the Gates3 days ago53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 15
-
General Hospital5 days ago‘General Hospital’s’ Rory Gibson Ties the Knot with Alicia Ruelas
-
General Hospital1 week agoKelly Kruger Set to Debut on ‘General Hospital’: Why Serena Baldwin Comes Back to Port Charles Revealed
