The Young And The Restless Fans Can't Stop Buzzing Over The New Ashland

When "The Young and The Restless" star Richard Burgi was fired from the CBS soap after accidentally breaking the network's COVID-19 protocols in January 2022, fans of the show were curious to know how its head writers would handle Ashland Locke's disappearance — or if fans would accept a new actor in the role. After all, Ashland had just married Newman conglomerate heiress Victoria Newman (Amelia Heinle) and announced his miraculous recovery from a seemingly fatal illness before Burgi was removed from the part, which meant the show couldn't conveniently kill him off that way.

Fortunately, CBS quickly recast the role with a veteran soap actor, who made his debut on February 8. Robert Newman has been in multiple soap operas before landing this pivotal part, and fans definitely seem to be taking to his version of Ashland. In fact, on the "Young and the Restless"' subreddit and on Twitter, they're raving about Newman's work and seem pretty excited about Ashland's future with Victoria — and the prospect of a showdown between Ashland and his father-in-law, Victor Newman (Eric Braeden).

"Y&R" fans seem to love the experience and talent Newman has brought to the role of Ashland thus far. "Hot as ever," observed u/HighJeanette on a discussion post announcing Newman's casting on the soap's subreddit. "I think I'll enjoy the Victoria/Ashland story a little more," agreed u/peaches0101. "Well at least we know he is a good actor. With a heavyweight like him, Ashland is sticking around for a while," said u/tiffanylan.

Fans on Twitter are also excited about Newman's work. "All I can say is, whatever 'Young and Restless' is paying him ain't enough! Fab debut," opined @KingMinos777. "Robert Newman gives Ashland a certain gravitas," @rodrigosworld81 noted.

Considering how much time Robert Newman has put into the soap world, it's perhaps not surprising that fans love him so much in the role. Newman multiple soap roles under his belt — per his IMDb, he did over a dozen episodes of NBC's beloved '80's soap "Santa Barbara" as Kirk Cranston, recurred on the internet soap "Venice" as Richard, and also appeared on ABC's "General Hospital" as Prescott Harrell. However, he is beloved for one part in particular. Newman portrayed Josh Lewis for over 800 episodes on the much-missed CBS soap "Guiding Light." Josh was part of a mega popular pairing with Reva Shayne (Kim Zimmer), and their antics defined the series during the '80s and '90s. Fans will have to wait to see how Newman further fits into the cast — and if that titanic showdown between Ashland and Victor will change the game for either character.