News
Y&R's Jess Walton Talks On Katherine's Memorial Episodes, Jill's Love Life & Regime Changes!
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
Jess Walton (Jill) has been delivering Emmy-worthy performances all through the passing of Katherine Chancellor (the late Jeanne Cooper) storyline on The Young and the Restless, and while the vote seemed to be split by the fans on if the memorial episodes in Mrs C.’s honor were up to snuff or not, Walton discussed it, and other hot topics with MSN Entertainment Canada.
From the recent head writing and producing changes, to Jill’s love life, to the Nikki/Jill bonding moments and more, to her status with the CBS soap, reading what Jess has to say is an interesting read. Here are just a few excerpts below:
Walton’s reaction to many fans feeling that it should have been Jill’s bio-son, Billy (Billy Miller) who should have comforted her during her emotional moment at the memorial, but instead it was Cane (Daniel Goddard): “The trouble is, is that Cane was involved in her storyline at that time and that’s the choice that the writers had made. I would have loved for it have been both Cane and Billy, myself! I would have loved to have seen all of her grandchildren there as well. But, we did have a lot of people there, so I guess they had to make their choices.”
Walton on the decision by former Y&R EP, Maria Arena Bell, and current EP, Jill Farren Phelps, to write off Jill’s last flame, Colin played by fan favorite,Tristan Rogers: “That was my very favourite romance for Jill, ever! I was completely aghast when she let him go. That was actually a big part about why I left.”
Walton on her status with Y&R which is currently recurring: “That’s a personal choice. I’m supposed to retired, actually! I had left the show because the last regime didn’t really show much interest in Jill. When Jill Farren Phelps took over, she made it very clear to me that she really was interested in the character of Jill and wanted to bring her back – which is why I came back. But I’m still supposed to be retired! (Laughs) Although, it’s not working out that way!”
So Y&R fans,what do you think about Jess’ comments on the Cane/Billy memorial moment debate? Was Colin the best man ever for Jill? Do you think that Jess should be nominated for a Daytime Emmy for her recent performances in the 2014 race? Comment below!
Wow………..Jess didn’t like what MAB was doing to her character. Someone has spoken up!
Love Jess Walton & Tristan Rogers and really miss Jill and Colin.
I wish Jess would return, I’m hardly watching these days and I’ve watched since I was in grade school from the very beginning. Losing Katherine Chancellor was hard enough but losing Jill along with her completely cuts the connection from the beginning of Y&R, and a whole bunch of characters, and a rich family past. We’ve lost a whole family , 1/3 of the show without her.
I realize Y&R can add relatives to Kay & Jill with the stroke of the pen, but without the familiar faces it doesn’t have any impact. Devon doesn’t have a connection to Nina, Chance, Phillip 3, Amber, Mac, Brock, Larry Warton, and many many others, only Jill. Devon can be wealthy, and they can name a park Chancellor, but neither can carry on the family or it’s history, only Jill can do that.
Jill needs more on-screen time to have those moments with Billy and all of her family. We need to see her business and love life too. Jill’s the only original character remaining so many of us have followed her forever and just playing supporting isn’t really satisfying. If she doesn’t want to work full time I think Y&R should schedule her differently, 2 or 3 REAL stories a year rather than appearances every month.
I’d love to see Colin & Jill again too they were terrific. Colin could easily be transformed into a grey character by saying he was working undercover for the government all along. Genevieve’s death could trigger his return to Genoa City. But first we need more Jill!
Tristan Rogers was great I do not know what is wrong with MAB or JFP you have a great actor that still looks great for his age and let’s get rid of him so we can still have some more non-stop Victor /EB. I mean has that guys storyline or dialogue ever changed? I am not a Cane fan they are screwing up big time Billy is her son end of story. Where the hell was Brock at the reading of the will we give all the money to Devon really? Please send this character to live with Tucker another character we did not need. Jess Walton is over 60 therefore she will only be used as back-up for storyline for the young boy toys this is JFP we are talking about. If you had to put a GH employee in my face 24/7 it should have been Tristan Rogers.
I adore Jess Walton. She had the unenviable job of taking over an iconic over-the-top character previously portrayed by Brenda Dickson. I remember Jess’s first episode, and I knew that day she was indeed Jill Foster Abbott. The Jill/Catherine feud took its twists and turns through the late 80’s and 90’s; and in the early 00’s, we were rewarded with the mother/daughter story, which, for me, was a beautiful outcome and propelled and fueled this story for many more years. That is, until the destructive forces of MAB un-did history. This was such an important story for me, because I’m a VERY long time viewer, and it’s hard for me to watch today, because all of the jarring undone histories, rapidly aged characters and new undeveloped character. That being said, I love the opportunity to see Jess Walton’s Jill onscreen. She is another example of beauty, grace, class and talent.
I also think Billy should have been the one to comfort Jill, but since we rarely see the two on screen interacting as mother and son, I guess I can understand why it was Cane. Also Katherine did ask Cane to look after Jill in her letter to him, I suppose he felt more compel than Billy to be there for her.
I don’t know if Cane’s father played by TR was her best romance, but they were definitely fun to watch. It was nice to see Jill soften up at bit, and have fun for a change. In recent years they have written Jill as always angry or full of self pity, it was getting a bit tiresome to watch. So that romance was a nice change of pace for Jill and for us viewers.
As for an Emmy, sorry, I don’t think she really did anything out of realm of what she normally does to warrant one. There a few actress on other soaps that have just blown me away,which imo would be more deserving, but the point is moot, because if Heather Tom enters the race, she will win— right?
Totally agree about the emmy business but yes Heather Tom has the ego of course she will submit herself. The awards are a joke anyway and in the scheme of things they do not mean anything. I was not impressed at all with Katherine’s memorial service all it has turned out to be as we all know is for a long lost son Dylan to be even more front and center these gals MTS & JW go on and on because JFP throws them a bone but in the end it will be all about her pets as usual.
It was an okay interview. She keeps bringing up the fact that she is supposed to be retired so we really can’t gripe if the writers keep shoving Cane down everybody’s throats even though he is related to no one because at the end of the day, beggars can’t be choosers — she is supposed to be retired REMEMBER? lol
Jess Walton is the best actress on the Y&R, less the death of J.Cooper .She walks in a room and her presence, commands respect.She was fantastic with T.R.They really should bring him back.She will get an Emmy nomination,Heather Tom who????She is overly dramatic,storyline is too.
Jess ROCKED her scenes, but, she always has! She had to bring it and she delivered on so many levels. Emmy, you had BETTER be listening!!!
Jess is and always will be a class act – now it’s time to make Jill the grande dame of GC!!
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
General Hospital star Cynthia Watros, who can currently be seen in on the ABC soap opera in the role of Nina Reeves, has had a enduring career in television. That included her time on the 2000-2002 Fox sitcom, Titus.
In Titus, Watros starred along with Stacy Keach as Erin Fitzpatrick and Ken Titus, respectively. After the November 10th news that Keach had passed away at 85 while living in Poland, Cynthia took to her Instagram on Thursday, November 12 to pay tribute to the great actor.
Watros expressed, “My first prime time show was along side Stacy. I loved him instantly. What an amazing talent and man.❤️”
Photo: ABC
In Titus, Stacy played stand up comedian Christopher Titus’ heavy-drinking, chain-smoking, five-times-divorced father who frequently pulled cruel pranks and tried to toughen his kids up. Cynthia played by Christopher’s level-headed, big-hearted girlfriend trying to build a normal life with him. In fact, Cynthia’s role on the sitcom was first series regular role after her Daytime Emmy run of Annie Dutton on Guiding Light which ran from 1994-1998.
STACY KEACH’S WIFE ON HIS PASSING
Keach’s wife, Malgosia shared the news of the actor’s death publicly in a statement with PEOPLE. Malgosia expressed, that Stacy had, “a long and difficult battle with a serious heart condition and heart failure.”
She added, “Stacy peacefully departed this world. He fought for so long, with extraordinary courage, determination and strength. He was a true warrior, facing his illness with the same remarkable spirit and resilience that defined his life.”
Małgosia continued, “Stacy was not only a legendary actor, admired and loved by audiences the world over, but also my beloved husband, my companion and the heart of our family. His passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness in our lives. But his extraordinary spirit, his unforgettable voice and the love he gave so generously will remain with us forever.”
Now, let us know do you remember when Cynthia made her sitcom debut in Titus? Share your thoughts via the comment section on Cynthia’s many TV roles and the passing of Stacy Keach in the comment section. But first, check out the very first episode of Titus with Cynthia Watros below!
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
Soap opera fans are always clamoring for when Dancing with the Stars reveals their cast each season, that they would include a familiar face from daytime drama, but it rarely happens, if ever, anymore.
Over the last several years, the series has leaned heavily into casting celebrities with massive TikTok or Instagram followers, which in turn, have helped this season and last have their best ratings numbers in years.
But, how about for next season’s cast of Dancing with the Stars, that it could include newly-awarded Daytime Emmy winner, Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas) of Beyond the Gates?
Photo: CBS
LOVE OF DANCE TO LOVE OF ACTING
Michael Fairman TV spoke to Michelle about her dance background and if she would love a shot at lifting the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy during Wednesday’s November 11, livestream chat on the Michael Fairman Channel.
Ambyr explained to fans (who joined in on the live chat), how she began her show business career. “I started off as a dancer, first and foremost. Acting wasn’t really something I wanted to go after. I did plays when I was younger, but it was just something we did in school, but I really wanted to be a dancer. I moved out to LA to dance, and I fell out of love with dance, which was so weird.”
This year’s Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series winner, added, “I was like, ‘What is going on?’ I moved all the way out here for dance. I found I was forcing myself to go to dance class, and I just didn’t have the passion for it. I was working at this restaurant at the time, and one of my coworker was like, ‘What about taking an acting class out here?'”
Next, Ambyr took the coworker up on the idea. “So, I took an acting class and I fell in love with it that day,” shared Michelle. “I was like, ‘I want to do this for the rest of my life.’ I thought, I would love to book a role, of course, as a dancer, but I think acting has a little bit more longevity.”
Photo: ABC
A SHOT AT THE LEN GOODMAN MIRRORBALL TROPHY
When the talked turned to if Ambyr would consider or be interested in appearing on the ballroom dance competition series, she piped up with, “I would love to do Dancing with the Stars! Pick me!”
As those in the live chat rallied around this idea, it made us think, Ambyr could be the first contestant from Beyond the Gates, and someone representing the soaps. It checks off so many boxes! To which Ambyr replied, “That would be beautiful.”
You can check out the full conversation with Ambyr below.
So, what do you think soap fans? Can we make sure Ambyr’s name gets in front of the producers and casting director for next season’s Dancing with the Stars? Would you like to see her in the competition? If so, who would be your dream pro professional dance partner for her? Let us know in the comment section.
The latest ratings are out for the week of October 26-30, 2026 and the big takeaways include: that CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates was separated by only 23,000 viewers behind third place (of the soaps) General Hospital! For the last several weeks, Beyond the Gates has been closing the gap on this year’s winner for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series, and continuing to best GH in the key demos.
According to the latest Nielsen ratings breakdown from Soap Opera Network, the final week of October brought Beyond the Gates 1.790 million on average tuning-in and the show set a season high in total viewers. Meanwhile, General Hospital hit a new season low! The long-running ABC soap had 1.813 million for the week, and once again the series did not go over the 2 million mark.
Meanwhile, in the key Women 18-49 demo, Beyond the Gates was firmly ahead of GH with a rating share of 0.21, while General Hospital had 0.17 rating share.Then, in the key Women 25-54 demo, Beyond the Gates was once again ahead of the ABC soap with a ratings share for that demo at 0.30 while GH came in with 0.26.
Photo: CBS
MORE BY THE NUMBERS
In addition and comparatively, Beyond the Gates +22,000 viewers week-to-week, and had the largest gains in viewership year-to-year in daytime TV with +267,000 from this in 2025.. However, General Hospital seems to be going in reverse. The show was down -56,000 viewers week-over-week and down -22,000 year-over-year .
BEYOND THE GATES
Let’s take a look at some of the storylines that had people tuning-in to Beyond the Gates during the ratings week:
Hayley (Marquita Goings) attempted a massive shocker regarding her pregnancy and tried to use it to extract money from Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett). Although, Bill saw right through her game, he demanded a paternity test, and made it clear he has no intention of raising the child—planning instead to pay her off to take the baby and leave. Meanwhile, Hayley confided her plan to her cousin Randy (Maurice P. Kerry).
Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) and Naomi Hamilton (Arielle Prepetit) clashed over Jacob’s ongoing investigation into The Impaler, causing significant strain in their marriage. At the same time, Smitty (Mike Manning) considered taking matters into his own hands—including potentially heading to Mexico for evidence—while Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) worried about what comes next.
Photo: ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL
Over at General Hospital for the ratings period, the story served up included:
Carly (Laura Wright) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) teamed up to investigate what really happened to Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna). Later, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) leads them to Jack’s dead body.
Jude (Wil Traval) dropped a bombshell claim to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn); that he is Phoebe’s father, while Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) signed their divorce papers.
Then, Danny caught Rocco (Finn Carr) and Scout (Kayden Brenna Tokarski) sharing a kiss, plus the shocking return of Heather Webber (Alley Mills) capped the week.
Now the questions become; without having much promotional synergy in the ABC day-part to draw more eyeballs it is not helping but hurting General Hospital. It seems Beyond the Gates is also a benefactor of a one-two-three punch of CBS soaps (Y&R, B&B and BTG) and promotion.
However, that still doesn’t take away the fact that Beyond the Gates is close to besting GH in all ratings category as they go head-to-head in some markets across the country.
So, are you excited to see Beyond the Gates climb in the ratings? Are you concerned for General Hospital? Do you think they can stave off Beyond the Gates in total viewers or will the upstart soap overtake them in the next ratings report? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Inches Closer to ‘General Hospital’ in Total Viewers
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
Y&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
‘Days of our Lives’ Veteran James Reynolds Reveals Parkinson’s Diagnosis
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