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The Young and the Restless character Summer Newman is coming back to Genoa City. Nick Newman (Joshua Morrow) and Phyllis Summers’ (Michelle Stafford) daughter was last seen enjoying her new life in Italy. When viewers see Summer again, they’ll notice a significant change.

'The Young and the Restless' actor Hunter King wearing a white and multi-colored dress during a red carpet appearance.
Hunter King I David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

‘The Young and the Restless’ recasts Summer Newman with Allison Lanier

Summer is a legacy character on The Young and the Restless. Fans have watched every moment of Summer’s life, from her birth to her marriage to Kyle Abbott (Michael Mealor). Her and Kyle’s relationship made them the show’s newest super couple.

Despite other people’s attempts to break them up, Summer and Kyle always found their way back to each other. The couple left Genoa City for Milan, Italy, in August 2021. But now they’re returning to their beloved hometown.

Mealor will reprise his role as Kyle; however, Hunter King won’t be returning as Summer. According to Soap Opera Digest, Allison Lanier has been cast as the new Summer. Lanier’s previous acting credits include the Amazon series Red Oaks and the films It Happened in L.A., Mia, and Fish Bones.

Mixed reaction to Allison Lanier taking over the role

Lanier will have big shoes to fill when she debuts as Summer on The Young and the Restless. King played the role from 2012 to 2021 and earned two Daytime Emmys. In August 2021, King left after a contract dispute with producers. The actor returned for several brief appearances but turned down the opportunity for a full-time comeback.

With King out, the producers decided to recast the role. While recasts are part of the soap opera business, fans have mixed reactions to Lanier as the new Summer. On a Twitter thread, fans expressed their opinion on the recast.

“Nothing against her, but the show did Hunter King dirty,” wrote one viewer.

“I’ll give her a chance, but it’s not going to be the same. Chemistry matters, and I don’t see it,” another user replied.

“I’ll miss Hunter King, but I’ll give this one a chance,” another commenter chimed in.

“Truly going to miss Hunter King very much as our Summer, but I understand if she’s doing other projects. The recast looks so much like Hunter, and I wish Allison Lanier the best in her journey on Y&R,” a fan wrote.

Summer Newman’s mother-in-law drama

Summer and Kyle’s returns come at an exciting time on The Young and the Restless. Kyle’s presumed-dead mother, Diane Jenkins (Susan Walters), recently returned. Kyle and Diane will have a lot to discuss as she tries to reconnect with her son.

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‘The Young and the Restless’: Michael Mealor Returns as Kyle

Meanwhile, Summer will play the supporting wife yet be skeptical of her mother-in-law’s motives. Summer and Diane will undoubtedly butt heads regarding her role in Kyle’s life. But luckily, Summer has Phyllis in her corner, who’ll be more than happy to take on Diane.

Phyllis and Diane won’t be the only ones fighting. Summer and Kyle’s marriage will be shaky as they disagree over his mother. With a rift growing in their union, Summer may regret her decision to come back to Genoa City.

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