Soap Icon Returns to ‘The Young and the Restless’

If you have been a soap fan for a long time, then there’s a great chance that you are already familiar with the work of Jill Farren Phelps. Since 1974, she has circulated through the daytime genre as a producer for soaps like “Santa Barbara,” “Another World,” “Guiding Light,” “General Hospital,” and more.

Now comes word via SheKnows, that Phelps has stepped back into the role of producer, this time for “The Young and the Restless.”

Phelps Has Already Been Back at Y&R for Several Months

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While the news of Jill Farren Phelps return has just broken, sources say that she has actually been back in Y&R’s studio for the past several months. She began in a non-producing capacity and then stepped back into a familiar role. Phelps previously served as the show’s executive producer from 2012 to 2016.

Elizabeth Hendrickson recently stepped behind the camera to direct the soap. After doing so, she sent out a list of thank-yous to those who helped her make that transition. Current executive producer and head writer Josh Griffith and Phelps were both mentioned.

Confirmation of Phelps’ return has been met with mixed reactions by longtime soap fans. Some look forward to seeing what happens with the current state of Y&R under her guidance. They believe that the soap has been a bit of a snooze lately. Other fans have expressed concern that the producer may clean the current character canvas to make room for a list of actors that she often prefers to work with.

Jill Farren Phelps Career Is Rooted in Soaps

Phelps first got her start in daytime television as a production assistant on “Guiding Light.” Three years later, she hopped coasts to become a supervisor at “General Hospital,” where she stayed until 1984. She then jumped to “Santa Barbara,” where she worked her way up to the role of executive producer.

Phelps eventually returned to New York City, where she cycled through stints as executive producer for “Guiding Light,” “Another World,” and “One Life to Live.” The producer then moved on to “General Hospital,” where she helped to launch the spinoff series, “General Hospital: Night Shift.”

Over the years, Phelps received 14 Daytime Emmy Award nominations, including 11 wins. Five wins came from her work at “General Hospital,” with three others from her time on “The Young and the Restless.”

How do you feel about the news that Phelps is returning to “The Young and the Restless?”