So, Abby Newman-Abbott-Chancellor is sticking around Genoa City, but her portrayer, Melissa Ordway, is now recurring on The Young and the Restless. Ordway broke the news herself on Instagram, confirming she’s been taken off contract. Before anyone starts clutching their pearls, she clarified this wasn’t her decision. In her own words, “Definitely not something I wanted.” But, ever the diplomat, she added, “I love and respect my Y&R family and appreciate any time they ask me back.”
Which, apparently, will be often enough. Ordway reassured fans she’s not disappearing entirely, stating that she will continue to appear on the show. She even teased “lots of fun stuff coming up!”, suggesting Abby’s story isn’t over. Check out the instagram post below.
This news comes as Y&R seems to be tightening its belt, perhaps shifting focus (and budget) to other characters and storylines. While Ordway’s recurring status might be a cost-saving measure for the show, it does raise questions about Abby’s future involvement. She recently married Devon, and with so much storyline potential there I feel this move makes little sense. Let’s see if The Young and the Restless can pull off an engaged ongoing storyline for a character who’s no longer a contractual mainstay.
The Young and the Restless airs weekdays at 12:30 PM on CBS.
