Actress Gina Tognoni attends the CBS Daytime Emmy After Party at Pasadena Convention Center on April 29, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images)

The Young and the Restless saw a shakeup in the cast this June. Michelle Stafford left General Hospital to reprise her role as Phyllis on Y&R, which was last played by Gina Tognoni. What’s going on with Phyllis on the show? What’s the reason behind the daytime actress switcheroo? We’ve got the latest updates from Y&R right here.

Michelle Stafford Returns, Gina Tognoni Leaves Y&R

Michelle Stafford originated the role of Phyllis on The Young and the Restless in 1994. Sandra Nelson replaced her from 1997 to 2000, before Stafford returned to the show.

She would leave again in 2013, prompting CBS to cast Gina Tognoni in her place. But in March 2019, it was announced that she would be let go from the show, apparently to make way for Stafford’s return as Phyllis.

Though the reasons for the casting changes are not confirmed, it’s reported that Stafford’s contract negotiations with ABC over her term on General Hospital fell through. That’s when CBS reportedly swooped in to bring her back to her Emmy-winning role. Cynthia Watros replaced Stafford as Nina on GH.

Tognoni’s final appearance on Y&R aired on June 7 and June 17 marked the return of Stafford’s Phyllis. But there were no hard feelings there. Tognoni was grateful for working on Y&R in her Instagram post.

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That’s a wrap!! Just after today’s scene .I am so grateful for everyone who took the journey with My Phyllis ❤️ see you soon (More photos to come)

A post shared by @ ginatognoni on

Her performance as Phyllis was well-received and fans were sad to see her go. But they were also looking forward to OG Phyllis’ return.

What Happened to Phyllis on Y&R?

The last time we saw Tognoni on Y&R, Phyllis was fighting for her life when Kevin drugged and kidnapped her before locking her up in a basement. She manages to escape and flees to Vegas, where the once-considered-dead Adam is leading a double life.

After a few weeks without seeing Phyllis on screen, Stafford appears on Y&R as Phyllis looking for Adam in Las Vegas. From there, it’s only a question of when Phyllis will come home.

Being held in captivity did nothing to tame the smug spitfire that is Phyllis Abbott. Apparently, she’s working on taking down Kevin and also knows Adam’s secret about escaping Chloe’s attempt to murder him. Right now, she’s got a hold on Adam because of his secret.

Phyllis’ devious manipulations aside, it’s a long-awaited reunion between her and her daughter, Summer. Though Summer asks where she has been, Phyllis doesn’t say anything about being kidnapped.

We’ll just have to see what Phyllis is up to next when The Young and the Restless airs weekdays on CBS.

Also Read: Why Michelle Stafford Left “GH”?