The Young and the Restless just celebrated 13,000 episodes and also had a big blow out wedding for Devon Hamilton and Abby Newman, so you would think that would mean we'd be seeing more of Melissa Ordway on the soap not less but it looks like that's not going to be the case!
TV Insider reports that Ordway opened up to fans on her Instagram after posting pictures of her new hair-do which was much shorter than they're used to. Abby's known for her long, flowing blonde hair and actors don't often change their look dramatically when playing long-standing roles. At most you may see a slight color change or the addition of highlights though sometimes a big chop does happen. In this case, however, Ordway's bob is a sign of unexpected change in the actress' work life.
When asked by a fan what inspired the new look, Ordway got candid. She shared on her Stories, "Honestly, it's been an interesting couple of months. The show decided to take me off contract so I decided to change my look up a bit for auditions. Definitely not something I wanted but I love and respect my YR family and appreciate any time they ask me back."
For viewers that don't know what she means by "off contract," Ordway is referring to guaranteed screen time. Contracted soap stars are the lead and supporting cast. They're heavily involved in storylines whether as the protagonist or the characters most affected by the plot unfolding on the show. Being taken off contract means that Ordway isn't guaranteed screen time and will be incorporated in storylines depending on what they decide to write her in and her own schedule. While this does free Ordway up to audition since she isn't contracted on the soap, it also means we could see less of her.
In a follow-up answer, Ordway explained that she thinks The Young and the Restless team have chosen to focus on other characters and storylines but that she prays "they continue to let Abby be a part of all the things in Genoa City." She still wants to be on the soap all the time and teased in her Stories that she had worked the day she posted and has some fun stuff coming up.
Fans may have thought there'd be a small break for both Ordway and Bryton James since their characters just got married but with the news the actress has shared, we could see a dramatic change in the amount of screen time Abby has on the soap. Hopefully that won't be the case but being off contract opens up that possibility.
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