In a whirlwind week for The Young and the Restless, fans are reeling as not one, but three cast members—Alison Lanier (Summer), J. Eddie Peck (Cole), and possibly Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea)—face sudden and unexpected exits, with storylines hinting at abrupt departures, terminal illness, and even death. Meanwhile, longtime favorite Elizabeth Hendrickson (Chloe) and Kate Fairbanks (Tessa) make their long-awaited returns, injecting fresh drama into Genoa City. Let’s watch the video to uncover all the twists and rumors unfolding this week...
Fans of The Young and the Restless were taken aback when Allison Lanier announced she is leaving the long-running soap opera. After three years of playing Summer Newman, Lanier confirmed that her final episode will air in May 2025. Here’s the breakdown.
Why is Allison Lanier leaving The Young and the Restless as Summer Newman?
Allison Lanier, who joined The Young and the Restless as Summer Newman in 2022, announced she is leaving via X (formerly Twitter). She wrote, “Hi guys!! This Friday, May 2nd, will be my last episode on Y&R!” She further added, “I’ve loved the journey and learned so much but it’s time to grow in a different direction… very grateful for all of the Y&R fans who have supported me.”
While she didn’t specify her future plans, the wording suggests she’s ready for new acting challenges. CBS has not yet confirmed if the role of Summer Newman will be recast in The Young and the Restless, leaving the door open for either a replacement or a dramatic exit storyline.
Allison Lanier stepped into Summer’s shoes in 2022, succeeding Hunter King, who had played the character since 2012. As the daughter of Phyllis Summers and Nick Newman, Summer has been one of the main characters in some of The Young and the Restless’ biggest storylines. Like, from power struggles at Jabot to her messy love triangle with Kyle Abbott and Tara Locke.
Furthermore, Lanier’s role as Summer Newman earned her a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in 2024. Fans loved her fresh take on Summer, blending the character’s signature fiery attitude with emotional maturity.
Now, as Summer is leaving The Young and the Restless, fans are wondering if and how she will be written off the show. Fans believe it could be a career shutdown or a massive heartbreak, based on upcoming episode spoilers.
