When actor Richard Burgi announced over the weekend that he would be departing The Young and the Restless (Y&R), viewers were faced with many unanswered questions. Above all, what will happen to Ashland Locke?
Thankfully, fans of the CBS soap barely had to wait for that mystery to be resolved! According to Soap Opera Digest, Robert Newman, who is best known for portraying Joshua Lewis on Guiding Light, has been recast as Ashland Locke.
Newman might also be familiar from his stint as Kirk Cranston on Santa Barbara or his many guest appearances over the past few years on prime time TV programs such as NCIS, Chicago Fire and House of Cards.
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Guiding Light fans are excited to see Newman, a fan-favorite, return to daytime television. And while some viewers are unsure about the recast, at least we can stop theorizing about whether Ashland’s health would collapse over the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, Burgi has yet to provide an explanation for his exit. Instead, he thanked fans as well as the cast for his memorable year on the hit soap.
“I’m moving on from the show,” Burgi said in an Instagram story. “I’ve had a great year on Y&R, and just thoroughly enjoyed the great cast and crew – such wonderful people.”
An Instagram post from Burgi’s wife insinuated that the actor was removed from the show, although no further details have been provided.
The former Guiding Light star will make his debut in the role next month.
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Ryan Pratt
Ryan is an avid runner, reader, hiker and music collector. When he isn't writing and editing for Fame10 Soaps, he's relishing in the fine company of his two cats, Penny and Gus.