Melody Thomas Scott, who has played Nikki since 1979 on The Young and the Restless, has been rumored to leave the long-running soap amidst uncertain contract negotiations. Most recently, however, the 53-year-old actress has set the record straight: Her character will leave in August for a few weeks but she will definitely return on The Young and the Restless.

Warning: This article may contain spoilers!!!

It’s a little confusing when you think about it. But since this is the soap world, everything’s possible. According to Scott, the writers of The Young and the Restless scripted a very dramatic exit for her character just in case a deal could not be reached. And by the time both sides came to an agreement, it was too late to change the plot so Nikki’s exit was taped and will air in early August.

“The way they write me off is shocking, but ambiguous,” Scott revealed to TV Guide Magazine. “It’s a short amount of time. Just a few weeks. I have not been given my exact date of return. I’m going to take advantage of this overdue breather and have a little ‘me’ time, travel a little bit, get reacquainted with my family and friends. I finished shooting just last Thursday [July 2]. And I really have to hand it to the writers. Nobody knew how this [contract situation] was going to end so they very cleverly figured out a way to get me off the show. I never say stuff like this, but I have been so knocked out, so impressed with the writing of the episodes that air the first week of August.”

“That week is not to be missed,” she added. “It’s an amazing ride–grueling but really satisfying–and the writers did terrific work. Not just with my story but the whole show that week. You cannot miss it. [Head writer-executive producer] Maria Bell, who came in and saved Y&R, as we all know, is doing an amazing job.”

-Kris De Leon, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: TV Guide Magazine
(Image courtesy of CBS)

Kris De Leon

Staff Writer, BuddyTV