Michael E. Knight OUT at Young and the Restless!

It’s been a week of huge changes on “The Young and the Restless.” Executive Producer Jill Farren Phelps was fired and a new report claims Michael E. Knight will be leaving the show as well!

Fans fell in love with Dr. Neville almost right away. From the moment he walked onto the set as a miracle worker who took care of Hilary, the audience took the character. They also lived his flirtatious relationship with Ashley (Eileen Davidson).

While the multiple Emmy-winning actor was never on contract, he’s been involved in several huge storylines and was getting close to an epic romance with the Abbott matriarch.

According to TVInsider writer Michael Logan, the decision was made under Phelp’s rule and will take effect soon. He only has a few more episodes to go before Neville packs his bags and leaves Genoa City behind.

What does this mean for Y&R? With no more Neville around, that puts Ashley back on the market and destroys the future fans hoped for. Also, Neville’s departure means the drug trial Hilary (Mishael Morgan) was hoping would be her claim to fame could also disappear.

Knight rose to fame during his nearly 30-year run as Tad Martin on “All My Children.” His romance opposite Y&R Alum Cady McClain (AMC’s Dixie) thrilled audiences and made them one of the most popular soap couples of all time.

Other credits for Knight include guest spots on “One Life to Live,” “Drop Dead Diva,” “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” Prince Edward in “The Royal Romance of Charles and Diana.”