There's been a big shakeup this week on the number one soap.Editorial Director of Soap Opera Digest Stephanie Sloane fills us in on what went down.

Richard Burgi has been fired by the Young and the Restless after he "naively and inadvertently violated the show’s COVID policy". Burgi tested positive around Christmas, waiting the CDC recommended five days isolation before then testing negative twice and returning to work. Unfortunately, show policy outlines a mandatory ten-day quarantine, so the actor was let go. Burgi stated on the matter,

“I felt terrible about it. I still do. It bothers me mightily but it is what it is. I respect whatever the show’s decision is. They’re doing the best they can, as we all are.”

Within forty-eight hours of Burgi being let go, Robert Newman was cast. He's reportedly "excited about the character and scripts" and ready to debut in February.

More big news comes this week from Days of Our Lives, as Kevin Spirtas returns as beloved character Craig Wesley, with a "groundbreaking new storyline". Also returning is Linsey Godfrey, who was let go from her role as Sarah last year. Godfrey admits that she went through a tough time after exiting and that her love of being on the show is what has her so excited to return.

There will also be a new character introduced on the show with a connection to Paulina. Little else has been revealed about "TR", but the role will be played by All My Children alumnus, William Christian.

For more on your favorite soaps, head to soapoperadigest.com or pick up the latest issue of Soap Opera Digest.