Soap Opera Comings and Goings: Huge Casting Shifts Across Y&R, GH, and Days

Hello everyone, and welcome to another roundup of the latest comings and goings from the world of daytime drama. The soap landscape is constantly changing, and this week brings an avalanche of exciting casting news, surprising returns, and intriguing shake-ups across The Young and the Restless, General Hospital, and Days of Our Lives. Let’s break down all the updates, rumors, and speculation swirling in the soap universe.

The Young and the Restless: Big Names Join Genoa City

Matt Cohen Joins as Detective Burrows

Former General Hospital star Matt Cohen (Dr. Griffin Munro, 2016–2019) is heading to Genoa City. Cohen has been cast as Detective Burrows, a brand-new character who makes his debut on October 16.

With Ray Rosales, Chance Chancellor, and Paul Williams all written out, Y&R needed a fresh detective presence, and Cohen is stepping into that void. While some fans argue he should have been recast as Chance Chancellor, the show opted to introduce an entirely new figure to the police department. Burrows arrives with a major case, promising immediate action.

Lucas Adams as the New Noah Newman

Another soap-hopper is on the move: Lucas Adams (best known as Tripp Dalton on Days of Our Lives) will become the new Noah Newman. Y&R struggled to find footing with Rory Gibson in the role, and his version of Noah was criticized as “boring” and perpetually moody.

Adams brings new energy, and fans hope the character will finally be revitalized. Interestingly, Rory Gibson has since resurfaced on General Hospital as the new Michael Corinthos—fueling even more online debate about the casting carousel.

Roger Howarth’s Mystery Role

Veteran soap actor Roger Howarth is also joining Y&R in a top-secret role. Most insiders believe he’s set to play a recast Tucker McCall, stepping into the part after Trevor St. John’s exit. If true, this would mirror the actors’ history—Trevor once replaced Roger as Todd Manning on One Life to Live.

Billy Flynn as Cane Ashby

In another twist, Days alum Billy Flynn is stepping into the role of Cane Ashby. Flynn’s version of Cane is rumored to align with Tucker McCall in a major power play against Victor Newman, setting the stage for a high-stakes corporate war.

Tamara Braun as Sienna Beall

Tamara Braun (ex-Ava Vitali, Days; ex-Carly, GH) joins Y&R as Sienna Beall. The suspiciously similar last name suggests she may be connected to Tucker McCall—possibly even as his new wife. Her addition also sparks a mini-Days reunion with Lucas Adams, since they played mother and son (Ava and Tripp) in Salem.

Behind the Casting Shuffle

Y&R’s casting spree hasn’t come without sacrifice. With five major names added, some familiar faces have been trimmed. Cole was killed off, Damian was written out, Summer exited suddenly, and Chance was phased off-screen. Tracy Abbott and Alan also stopped recurring, freeing up more budget.

The trend is clear: big contracts for high-profile stars mean other characters are being sacrificed. Fans are now speculating—will more cuts follow to balance the books?

General Hospital: Major Returns and Shocking Twists

Valentin and Charlotte Back in the Mix

Fan favorites James Patrick Stuart (Valentin Cassadine) and Scarlett Fernandez (Charlotte Cassadine) are officially returning. Charlotte will be in contact with Valentin as he struggles to regain freedom and return to Port Charles, making her a key figure in upcoming Cassadine drama.

Kirsten Storms (Maxie) Off Contract

In a surprising move, Kirsten Storms (Maxie Jones) has been taken off contract. After relocating to Nashville, Storms initially signaled a short break. Now, word is she may not return until 2026. This leaves Maxie in limbo—and opens space for a new story arc.

Ryan Paevey’s Return—As Nathan or Someone Else?

Ryan Paevey is confirmed to return to GH, reportedly as Nathan West. But fans and insiders doubt this is the full story. Given the writers’ hints about the resurging Faison clan and Brit’s fear of a mysterious “him,” many suspect Paevey may actually be Peter August with plastic surgery.

This theory would explain why Maxie has been benched—keeping her off-screen avoids reigniting Peter’s obsessive storyline too soon. If true, GH could be building toward a jaw-dropping reveal: Maxie falling in love with “Nathan,” only to discover he’s Peter in disguise. Paevey himself hinted he wanted a darker, meatier role—fueling this speculation.

Erika Slezak Joins After Monica’s Death

Six-time Daytime Emmy winner Erika Slezak (ex-Viki Lord, OLTL) is making her GH debut. She is expected to appear after Monica Quartermaine’s death, possibly as a long-lost sister or another relative with mysterious ties. While her role is said to be short-term, fans hope it extends—especially since Slezak’s presence brings instant gravitas.

Days of Our Lives: A New Theo Carver

Tyler Joseph Andrews Debuts as Theo

Over in Salem, Tyler Joseph Andrews takes over the role of Theo Carver, debuting on the September 9 episode. At this point, it’s unclear if his stint will be short-term or if he’ll become a permanent fixture. His return promises to stir old connections, particularly with the Carver and DiMera families.

Other Notable Mentions

• Cameron Grimes (Mariah, Y&R) will make a rare appearance as Mariah reconnects with Tessa and Daniel. However, her reduced screen time all but confirms she’s shifted to recurring status.

• More cast shake-ups may be on the horizon as Y&R continues to balance budgets while adding expensive veteran actors.

Final Thoughts

From Genoa City to Port Charles to Salem, the soap world is in flux. The Young and the Restless is stacking its deck with powerhouse actors while writing off legacy characters. General Hospital is teasing a sinister return that could rewrite Maxie’s entire future. And Days of Our Lives is once again reshuffling its younger set with a new Theo.

But the biggest question remains: with so many new contracts being signed, which beloved faces will be next to exit?

What do you think of these casting moves? Are you excited about Matt Cohen’s debut on Y&R? Do you believe Ryan Paevey is really Nathan—or is Peter lurking under that new face? And who else might leave as shows tighten their budgets?

Stay tuned, because the only thing certain in soaps is change.