The Young and the Restless, CBS/Global — Patching up Y&R!
• I’m officially back on the Y&R payroll! In an inspired casting move, soap superstar Stephen Nichols has replaced William Russ as billionaire Tucker McCall, a.k.a. the Victor Newman clone, according to TV Guide Magazine. Maria Arena Bell explained, “William Russ is a talented actor and we enjoyed working with him. However, we decided to take the character in another direction.” Adds co-exec producer Paul Rauch: “[Russ] did a wonderful job while he was here.”
Nichols began taping his scenes on Dec. 17. The former DAYS and GH superstar is set to debut in Genoa City on Jan. 27. So why the quickie switch? Suds Report has learned from a source that, “There was no behind-the-scenes problem with William. Barbara Bloom wanted Stephen for the role from the start — and in the end, she got her way.”
Over the summer, Suds overheard that Y&R was courting Nichols, whom Paul Rauch worked with on Santa Barbara, for a small role, which we wrote in a blind item.
Recasting the high-profile role with Nichols makes sense for a variety of reasons. One, Y&R’s competition is Nichols alma mater, DAYS. With the lone NBC serial’s recent historic ratings ascent, it was wise to bring in one of its biggest stars to its canvas (so bravo, Babs). Second, Y&R has been blasted critically for its obsession and reliance on casting has-been prime-time actors in key roles. Perhaps this wise executive decision will assure loyal fans that our favourite ex-soap stars may have a future home on daytime’s No. 1 serial.
When we first heard of Tucker, he was allegedly Y&R’s Victor Newman “clone/recast,” created in case the soap’s top star, Eric Braeden, bolted during unexpected contract negotiations. And while no one could replace the Emmy winner, Nichols is the next best thing. It’s a shame Nichols wasn’t hired originally because the headline-making news of Braeden’s stunning and sudden departure would have been easier to digest from the start. And probably would’ve prompted an earlier return by Braeden.
While fans have initially accepted Russ’s portrayal — and are currently digging his chemistry with co-star Jess Walton — the younger, sexier, and popular Nichols is much more Y&R/soap-friendly. Word is that Tucker may be Katherine’s long-lost child, so this last-minute recasting makes a lot sense! Good work. I’m psyched.
http://www.tvguide.ca/Soaps/Suds/Articles/091218_suds_report_NB.htm
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