Emmy winner Billy J. Miller (Billy Abbott) could be exiting The Young and the Restless when his contact expires this summer. In addition to his Emmy win, Miller is extremely popular with fans, as evidenced by his five Soap Central Dankies Awards wins earlier this year.

Word of Miller's exit was first reported by Soap Opera Digest. Citing sources, the magazine indicated that Miller had chosen not to renew his contract with the top-rated CBS soap. However, Miller's exit may not be as done of a deal as first reported.

After talking to its own insiders, Soaps In Depth reported that Miller and show executives are still engaged in contract talks. The magazine hints that one of the key negotiations might involve the ability for Miller to do projects outside of daytime. In the past, the networks have been reluctant to let their contract players appear in primetime and movie projects. That's not the case anymore, as networks have been working to find a middle ground in order to keep top-name talent.

Another setside source tells Soap Central that this might be another case of show brass trying to negotiate via the media. Contract talks are typically closed-door meetings. Y&R, however, has had several very visible and very high-profile negotiation sessions in the past few years, including those involving Eric Braeden (Victor Newman), Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki Newman), and Jess Walton (Jill Abbott).

Miller debuted on The Young and the Restless in September 2008, becoming the fourth actor in six years to play the role of Billy. Prior to joining Y&R, Miller appeared for a year on ABC's All My Children. In 2010, Miller was named Outstanding Supporting Actor at the Daytime Emmys.

A Y&R spokesperson had no comment.