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After weeks of rumors, The Young and the Restless star Michael Mealor has confirmed his exit from the top-rated daytime drama after a near four-year run as Kyle Abbott. Contract negotiations with the actor and co-star Hunter King (Summer) reached a stalemate, and the actors taped their final episodes before the July 4 holiday.
For fans of the hunky young star, the confirmation is a huge blow for those who had hoped Michael Mealor and the series would break their impasse and come to terms on a new deal. Unfortunately, that was not the case. In a message posted via Instagram, Mealor thanked fans for all of their support, even joking with (now) former co-star Jason Thompson (Billy) for announcing the news first.
In true Chanccomm fashion, Uncle Billy broke the news first…..my time as we know it on The Young and the Restless is coming to a close. The last three and a half years has been a truly humbling and life changing experience. I wouldn’t have been here this long without the love and support y’all have shown me throughout every inch of this ride! From appearing on national TV in my “birthday suit” to digging up graves for DNA fragments, every engagement and every heart break, whether you were #KOLA or #SKYLE, y’all were along for the rollercoaster. Thank you @youngandrestlesscbs, @cbstv and @sony for trusting me with this incredible character. Thank you for allowing me to be your Kyle Abbott. So much love to each and every one of you!
Michael Mealor (ex-Kyle, Y&R) via Instagram
TV Source wishes Michael Mealor all the best going forward. He will be missed at Y&R.
The Young and the Restless airs weekdays on CBS. Episodes are also available on Paramount+.
