Viewers of The Young and the Restless are in store for a major blast from the past this week, with Michelle Stafford stepping back into the role of Phyllis Summers -- the character she originated in 1994 and played until 2013. The CBS soap opera took to social media to announce that Stafford will be back in the shoes of Phyllis this Friday, June 21.
In celebration on the special occasion, Y&R put together a "look back" video session, where an actor -- in this case, Stafford -- sits in front of a screen and watches scenes of themselves as their character through the years. This one is particularly funny, with Stafford lovingly poking fun at some of Phyllis' silliest moments, like how she always pulls out the "Danny's son" trick from her back pocket, and the time she instantly knew how to line dance. Other memorable moments include some steamy scenes between Phyllis and Nick (Joshua Morrow) and the dramatic moment when Phyllis caught Nick kissing his ex, Sharon (Sharon Case), in Paris.
Stafford played the role of Y&R's Phyllis from 1994 to 1997, and again from 2000 to 2013. Seven months after departing the CBS soap opera, she debuted on ABC's General Hospital as Dr. Silas Clay's presumed-dead wife, Nina Reeves. It was announced earlier this year that after her contract was up, Stafford and GH were reportedly unable to reach new contract terms; thus, she decided to return to the role of Y&R's Phyllis.
While Stafford was starring on GH, Gina Tognoni took over the role of Phyllis and has been playing the Y&R character since 2014. When news broke that Stafford would be reprising the role, Tognoni took to Instagram with a heartfelt thank you to all who made her five-year Y&R experience possible.
"Five years ago, I was blessed to embrace the incredible character of Phyllis Summers Abbott. I am beyond grateful for the creative experience that Y&R has given to me as well as the amazing relationships I made," she shared. "I wish Y&R continued success and everything it richly deserves."
As for what viewers can expect now that Stafford is back in the shoes of Phyllis, the actress recently did a video interview and teased: "Phyllis is really kind of controlling her life again... and possibly the town."
What do you think about the fun sit-down video Michelle Stafford made in anticipation of her return to Y&R? How do you feel about her stepping back into the role of Phyllis? We want to hear from you -- so drop your comments in the Comments section below, tweet about it on Twitter, share it on Facebook, or chat about it on our Message Boards.
