The Young and the Restless
Casting News

We have bad news and good news for fans of The Young and the Restless:

Too busy on Criminal Minds, Shemar Moore will not be reprising the role of Malcolm Winters.

But the character is making a comeback on the top-rated soap opera, as Entertainment Weekly reports Darius McCrary has signed on for the role.

Best known as Eddie Winslow from long-running ABC sitcom Family Matters, McCrary debuts on December 29.

“We are thrilled to have the character of Malcolm back on Y&R,” said Maria Bell, the drama’s co-executive producer/head writer, in a statement. “Malcolm, Neil Winters’ brother, has always been a catalyst to exciting stories. He’s coming back to town to see his brother and to reunite with his biological daughter, Lily Winters, as she fights for her life. Malcolm is a photographer... someone who lives on the edge and who always pushes the envelope.”

Phew. That was awfully close.

After weeks of contentious negotiations and a public spat, Sony has confirmed that it's signed Eric Braeden to a new deal on The Young and the Restless.

Braeden himself was prepared to bid farewell to his beloved soap opera after it demanded he take what he described as a ”substantial” pay cut to his seven-figure salary. While terms of a new contract are unknown, sources say the actor has agreed to a three-year deal.

“We’re very happy that Eric will be remaining with The Young and the Restless,’” read a CBS statement. “Victor Newman has been an important part of the Genoa City canvas for nearly 30 years, and we know our audience will be tuning in to see what his plans are next.”

William Russ has landed a role on The Young and the Restless.

The actor - who has appeared on CSI and Ghost Whisperer, but is best known from his former role on Boy Meets World - will portray Tucker on the soap opera.

No word yet on when he'll premiere.

Yvonne Zima will soon appear on The Young and the Restless.

The 20-year old actress is likely best known for her former role on ER. She recurred on the drama as Mark Greene's daughter, Rachel. She'll debut on the soap opera on October 30.

The economy continues to take its toll on the world of daytime drama.

The latest tragic example involves Eric Braeden, as TV Guide Canada reports his character of Victor Newman has been written out of The Young and the Restless. The actor has already taped his final scenes.

With budgets cuts affecting even the biggest names, Braeden had been locked in intense negotiations. He's signed through 2010, but that contract is apparently void now.

“Everyone knows they have to take a slash in pay,” an insider said. “That isn’t the issue — the issue is that their current contract isn’t being respected. Once you open up a contract during a cycle, the original contract is null and void and you must start over from scratch. Eric thinks he should be paid his current salary until next year."

We'll keep fans apprised of this situation as news develops.