‘Young And The Restless’ News: Greg Rikaart’s Firing Brings Panic On The Set, ‘Y&R’ Plans To Thin The Cast?

In a stunning move, Young and the Restless producers decided not to renew fan-favorite Greg Rikaart’s contract, who has played Kevin Fisher for 14 years. It was jolting to Y&R viewers because they never expected Rikaart’s contract not to be renewed, so it brings up the question: Are any of their favorite soap opera stars safe?

Greg’s Emotional Instagram Post

Greg Rikaart penned a beautiful Instagram post about his Young and the Restless exit.

“Fourteen years ago, I booked a two-week long gig on Young and the Restless. In my wildest dreams, I could never have imagined what it would turn into a career-defining experience that has brought me so much happiness and fulfillment,” Rikkart wrote. “Playing Kevin and watching him evolve over the years has mirrored my real life in so many ways. We both found love, both became dads, and we both have more gray hair now than we did in 2003. I have such love and fondness for the cast and crew of Y&R that when I watch Kevin enjoying himself in scenes, it’s hard to know where he ends and Greg begins.”

“At the moment it is unclear what lies ahead for Kevin and I, as we will be saying goodbye to Genoa City for a while. I am sad to leave a place I hold so dear but also really excited about what the future holds. I cannot overstate how much gratitude I have to all of you who have been such loud cheerleaders for me. You’ve all enriched my life. So stick around. The journey is just beginning.”

Greg’s co-stars weighed in on his heartbreaking exit. Elizabeth Hendrickson, who plays Chloe Mitchell, said that they had shared so many beautiful memories and she believes this is only the beginning for him. Melissa Ordway, who plays Abby Newman, also posted that she feels so blessed for the chance to work so closely with him and hopes to see Kevin Fisher back in Genoa City very soon.

Is Anyone Safe?

According to the recent issue of Soap Opera Digest, Rikaart’s departure created fear among the cast. If Greg was canned, it’s safe to assume that no one is safe. Young and the Restless spoilers tease that the showrunners have toyed with the idea of dropping Chelsea and Abby Newman’s characters to recurring for quite some time.

“There’s no telling who will be next. Everyone was pretty shocked about Greg. Some of us are worried that more cuts will be coming soon.”

When Is Kevin’s Last Air Date?

Young and the Restless spoilers indicate that Kevin will be seen on the CBS soap opera until late summer. Greg believed that he would be seen on Y&R until mid-August since he will be taping through the month of June.

It seems pretty likely that his exit storyline will involve the search for Chloe. Young and the Restless spoilers tease that Kevin will join the search for Chloe. He begins to worry that if Victor (Eric Braeden) or Chelsea (Melissa Claire Egan) finds her first, they may bring her to Genoa City to face murder charges.

It’s pretty clear that the cast of Young and the Restless are worried about their future on the show. No one expected Greg Rikaart to lose his Y&R contract, so the whole cast is allegedly worried that they could be next.

Young and the Restless fans, were you surprised that Greg Rikaart was fired? Do you think the soap opera could be thinning the cast to save money?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqMU7tZEOaE

The Young and the Restless airs weekdays on CBS.

[Featured Image by John Sciulli/Getty Images]