In a surprising revelation that has left The Young and the Restless fans heartbroken, Melissa Ordway, who plays Abby

Newman, shared some major news that has sent shockwaves through the Y&R community. On November 13, alongside

the airing of the monumental 13,000th episode of the soap, Melissa took to Instagram to answer fan questions, where

she candidly revealed that she has been taken off contract with the show. This news came as a shock to many, especially given her long-running role as Abby, which she has portrayed since 2013.

When asked about her recent dramatic haircut—she went from long locks to a chic, extremely short style—Melissa opened up about the reason behind the drastic change. Although fans initially assumed it was simply a personal style choice, Melissa explained that it was actually tied to recent developments in her career. She shared that, after being taken off contract by Y&R, she decided to switch up her look in preparation for upcoming auditions. It was a move driven by necessity rather than desire, and she admitted that it was not something she wanted to happen. Despite this setback, she expressed deep love and respect for her Y&R family, showing appreciation for any future opportunities to return to the show.

Melissa further clarified what being “off contract” really means for her character, Abby. While she is no longer guaranteed a certain number of episodes, she assured fans that she is still playing the role of Abby and remains a part of the Young and the Restless family. The change allows her to take on other acting projects, though she emphasized that she hopes Abby will continue to be a significant presence in the storylines of Genoa City. Melissa’s dedication to Abby and her character is clear, as she expressed her sincere hope that she would still be involved in the show as much as possible.

In a follow-up post, Melissa provided more context, explaining that the decision to take her off contract is likely related to the show’s current focus on other characters and storylines. While it’s a difficult change for her, she teased that there are exciting developments coming up for Abby in the near future, suggesting that her character will still play a role in key events within the show. This news comes just as Abby and Devon’s wedding episode was airing, marking a significant moment in the lives of these beloved characters.

Later in the day, Melissa confirmed in a video that she was indeed no longer on contract with Y&R, but reiterated her gratitude for the time she’s had with the show. She expressed her hope that Abby will continue to be a part of the storyline, and that her fans will see her again soon. Although the news was undoubtedly heartbreaking for fans who have followed Abby’s journey for over a decade, Melissa’s positive attitude and enthusiasm for new projects show that she’s embracing the changes in her career with optimism.

While it’s unclear what the future holds for Abby on The Young and the Restless, we can only hope that Melissa will return to Genoa City in the near future. Fans continue to support the actress and wish her the very best as she pursues other endeavors. With her talent, dedication, and undeniable charisma, there’s no doubt that Melissa will continue to shine in whatever projects she takes on next. Y&R fans may have to wait a little longer for more of Abby, but we trust that Melissa’s journey is far from over.