Y&R’s Most Memorable Newcomer in 2016 was…

A few newcomers slipped in and out of Genoa City in 2016.

Each one was involved in key story with one or more of the show’s cast and added spark to The Young and the Restless, be it on the romantic front, inside the corporate world or, in one case, behind prison walls.

Key players included Michael Roark (Travis), Mara McCaffray (Natalie) and Alicia Cappola (Meredith). Soap Hub asked which one stood out as the most memorable newcomer of the year and some 6000 of you responded.

Totally Travis
According to 60% of you, Michael Roark may have been the actor and character who got away. You loved Travis’ pairing with Victoria and felt he had great chemistry with actress Amelia Heinle.

The abrupt end to their romance took you by surprise and Travis leaving town was even more of a shocker. You’re holding out hope that he’ll return, some day.

Nuts About Natalie
Mara McCaffray garnered 28% of fans’ votes. You enjoyed her portrayal of computer geek Natalie and how she impacted both the Newman and the Abbott corporations, as both Victor and Billy vied for her services.

Her interaction with Kevin was a bonus; particularly when she started crushing on him. And you loved her constant bickering with Mariah, too.

Mad for Meredith
As prison doc Meredith, daytime vet Alicia Cappola scored 10% of your vote. Her rapport and interaction with Victor gave the normally humdrum prison storyline some life. She was a smart, complex character, who held her own opposite Victor, even if she did end up being manipulated by him.

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