It’s been nearly a year since Summer’s departure on The Young and the Restless. Following Allison Lanier’s exit, the writers had Summer move to Milan. As for who will be the next Summer recast, that remains to be seen, but fans are already chiming in with their casting choices.
Key Takeaways
- Allison Lanier left Y&R in May 2025.
- Summer has been busy working in Italy.
- Recent mentions of Summer and the latest Newman drama has sparked speculation of a return.
One Legacy Character To Another
When Lanier exited the role of Summer in May 2025, it stunned Y&R fans. The Daytime Emmy nominee had big shoes to fill taking over from Hunter King, but made the role her own.
After three years, the actress decided it was time for a change. Meanwhile, onscreen, Summer was going through a big change, too. Genoa City’s Supergirl decided to move to Italy to concentrate on her work for Marchetti.
The door is open for a Summer return, and when she does, fans think they’ve found the perfect recast. On Reddit, one poster suggested former General Hospital actress Lexi Ainsworth as the new Summer. Ainsworth played Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Alexis’ (Nancy Lee Grahn) daughter Kristina on GH from 2009 to 2023.
The possibility of Ainsworth being Summer intrigued many Y&R fans, who are on board with the idea. “Yes, I loved her as Kristina on GH, she is a phenomenal actress. I think with dyed blonde hair it could work,” wrote one fan.
”I wouldn’t mind seeing that,” one commenter replied. “She would turn Genoa City upside down,” one viewer wrote about Ainsworth.
Is Supergirl Summer Returning?
Although Summer is loving her new life in Milan, she’s needed in Genoa City. With the latest drama going on between Phyllis (Michelle Stafford) and Victor (Eric Braeden), now would be a good time for her to return.
The recent mention of Summer during Phyllis’ takeover of Newman Enterprises seems to hint that Summer might be headed back to Genoa City. Perhaps Victor will bring his granddaughter home and use her as part of his plan to regain control of his company.
Summer seems to be on her grandfather’s side and would be more than happy to help. But the question is: how far is Summer willing to go to take down her mother?
Will Summer take a gentle approach and remind Phyllis of all she stands to lose? Or will Summer take a page out of the Newman playbook with scheming and manipulation?
