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Emmy winner Maura West (Carly, ATWT) is heading to Genoa City as the new Diane Jenkins!
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Emmy Winner Maura West Takes Of The Role of Diane Jenkins Beginning October 8!
Emmy winner Maura West (Carly, ATWT) is joining the cast of CBS’ “The Young and the Restless” next month, taking over the role of the scheming Diane Jenkins. With “As the World Turns” signing off the air on September 17, the timing couldn’t be better for the popular actress. TV Guide’s Michael Logan exclusively broke the news earlier this morning. According to Logan, Maura West will begin taping September 1, and will first air on October 8.
Prior to West taking over the role, Susan Walters (Carol, The Vampire Diaries) played Diane from 2001-2004, and most recently made an appearance in February when Diane brought her son Kyle to see his father Jack (Peter Bergman). Alex Donnelley originated the role in 1982, playing the schemer off and on from 1982 to 1984, 1986 and from 1996-2001.
It’s no so surprise that West’s newest role keeps her within the CBS family. During Emmy Awards in June, the actress made it clear that her loyalty lies with CBS. “If I were to stay in soaps, I would have to say that my loyalty is to CBS, which has been so loyal to me for years.” For the last fifteen years, West has entertained fans on “As the World Turns” as Carly Tenney Snyder, a self-destructive train wreck with a penchant for getting herself into trouble. West’s work as Carly earned her seven Daytime Emmy Award nominations, winning the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 2007 and 2010.
For more on Diane’s storyline and interview with Maura West, check out the upcoming issue of TV Guide Magazine.
As far as pairings go, there are plenty of potential love interests for Diane. Could she reunite with ex-flame Jack? Make a play for ex-husband Victor? Or will she toss it up with Tucker McCall? The possibilities are limitless.
My POV: Last night on In The Zone Radio it was said that now would be the perfect time for Diane to return to Genoa City (with a newly SORAS’d Kyle). It’s no secret that I’m a fan of Maura West, but I’m taking this news with a very cautiously optimistic approach. West is perfectly capable of handling anything that’s thrown at her and consistently rises above weak writing, but I can’t help but wonder if this will be another case of a miscast recast. Y&R’s last few recasts — Clementine Ford as Mac and Eden Riegel as Heather for example– have been lukewarm at best. Wouldn’t it have been better to give Maura a blank slate to work with? Doubts aside, this is a big boost for Y&R. I can’t wait to see West go head to head with Michelle Stafford (Phyllis).
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