One week ago, Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki Newman) informed fans that she'd be without screentime on The Young and the Restless for an undefined period of time. Now, the long-time daytime favorite has confirmed that she's been let go from the top-rated soap. "I returned to work on [approximately] January 7th, continued working regularly 'til [April 28th], when I shot what turned out to be my last scene," Scott revealed on Twitter. "Last Friday [June 3] was my last air show. That was shot 5 to 6 weeks earlier. Of course, no one bothered to tell me that." Since Scott mentioned that she hadn't filmed any new scenes recently, rumors surfaced that the actress asked for some time away from the show so that she could spend time with her new grandchildren. Scott flatly denies those claims. "Let me reiterate: I have NEVER asked for a leave of absence from the show."" . The actress recently informed fans that she's not sure if she'll be seen again on The Young and the Restless.
"Actually, I don't know if or when I'll be shooting again," Scott said on Twitter. "This week's air shows were my last, until someone determines otherwise."
According to Scott, this is not a case of contract talks breaking down.
"There are no negotiation problems that I know of," she posts. "Just no scripts for the last month. Believe me, I'd love to be working every day!"
This isn't the first time that Scott has been off-screen on The Young and the Restless. The actress has had three high-profile contract stalemates in the past ten years. In 2001, sources reported that Scott had been let go from The Young and the Restless. After several weeks of uncertainty, CBS announced that Scott was staying out. Just two years ago, a contract impasse between Scott and Y&R executives resulted in Nikki Newman being written out of the show.
Scott joined The Young and the Restless in February 1979. Though it may surprise fans, the actress has received just one Daytime Emmy nomination -- an Outstanding Lead Actress nod in 1999.
In much happier news, Melody and her husband, Ed Scott, are first-time grandparents. For more on that story, click here.
