‘The Young & The Restless’ Casting Shocker: Gina Tognoni Out, Michelle Stafford In As Phyllis Summers Abbott

Actress Gina Tognoni is out as The Young & The Restless’ Phyllis Summers Abbott. General Hospital star Michelle Stafford is in to take back the role she originated years ago.

Multiple sources, including Daytime Confidential, have confirmed the shocking casting news that Stafford will reprise the role of Phyllis and Tognoni, who has played the role since 2014, has officially been let go from the CBS soap opera.

WHAT!!! Oh no, what happens to Nina on GH then? I say swap them. RT @soapcentral: BREAKING NEWS: Michelle Stafford returning to @YandR_CBS as Phyllis; Gina Tognoni says she is "beyond grateful" to have been a part of Y&R https://t.co/XUYg4oa98j#YRpic.twitter.com/q06QGtzzRw

— Shaunte (@JustShauny) March 31, 2019

Daytime Confidential has reported that Stafford’s General Hospital contract was up. Despite her wanting to stay with the ABC soap opera, the negotiations came down to the wire, and the two parties were unable to come to a contract agreement. The veteran actress has played the role of Nina Reeves since 2013, just months after she left Y&R after a 16-year run as Phyllis.

Once CBS learned Stafford would be a free agent, they quickly went to scope her up and lure her back home. Since the actress agreed to come back to Y&R that meant there was no room to keep Tognoni on the daytime soap. Although reps for both actresses have yet to release an official statement, Tognoni shared news of her departure in an Instagram post earlier this evening.

In her post, the actress, who is best known for her role as One Life to Live’s Kelly Cramer, thanked both Sony Pictures and CBS Television for an amazing five-year run. She showed nothing but love for the cast, the crew, writers and producers at Y&R, as well as the fans for their love and support. Tognoni wished Y&R nothing but success. If she harbors any hard feelings, the actress is not letting it show on social media.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bvpwc7ohB9P/

There is no specific time frame as to when The Young & The Restless fans will say good-bye to Gina Tognoni as Phyllis and welcome back Michelle Stafford to the role.

General Hospital fans are left wondering what that means for the character of Nina, who is in the middle of several storylines, including one involving her fake long-lost daughter. Depending on the time frame Valentin’s lies could send Nina away for a while, giving the show a chance to recast the role, or one-day fans could simply tune in to find a nuNina.

GH fans and Y&R fans the Phyllis switch is one heck of a casting shocker what are your thoughts?