The Young and the Restless is once again turning to its past with another high profile behind-the-scenes change. Hot on the heels of the news that Y&R has asked former head writer Sally Sussman to resume her duties at the writing helm comes news that the CBS soap has rehired former top scribe Kay Alden, as well.
Alden, who started as a scriptwriter in 1973 and assumed the position of head writer in 1998 when co-creator William J. Bell retired, is coming back as a story consultant in what appears to be an overall shift to return the number one soap opera to its glory days.
Adds Sussman: "I am so thrilled to be working with Kay again. I can't ever imagine doing Y&R without her."
Alden last wrote for Y&R in 2006. Shortly after, she served as a consultant for ABC Daytime's All My Children, One Life to Live, and General Hospital. After declining an opportunity to become AMC's head writer in 2007, Alden joined The Bold and the Beautiful as associate head writer and later became co-head writer in 2008. Rumors swirled that she was returning to Y&R during the show's 10,000th episode in 2012, but the buzz was about 1,000 episodes too early, as Y&R just celebrated its 11,000th episode last month.
Daytime Confidential first reported the news of Alden's hiring.
What do you think about Y&R bringing Kay Alden back as a story consultant? Do you think it was a good idea for the soap to re-hire old blood? Or would you have preferred some fresh faces behind the scenes? We want to hear from you -- so drop your comments in the Comments section below, tweet about it on Twitter, share it on Facebook, or chat about it on our Message Boards.
