



The Soap Opera Digest magazine issue is out and in it, Eileen Davidson has taken the opportunity to set the record straight on why she really The Young and the Restless. With rumors circulating that her decision to not renew her contract had something to do with Mal Young, Davidson noted that it was not the case. Davidson revealed that her decision to exit the show came before Young had taken the position of Head Writer. She stated, "I think that's funny because I thought it was very clear. I decided pretty much a year before I left. I started talking about it seriously with my husband, Vincent about the concept of leaving the show. It really had nothing to do with Mal. He actually wasn't even technically the head at the point. I mean, I hadn't decided completely, but I started entertaining the thought."





Davidson knew within herself that she needed a break from the stressful workday having to memorize all those pages of dialogue per day and having to study the same on the weekends. It was with that thought in mind that she chose not to renew her contract and had given the show adequate notice.





Davidson noted that despite the rumors, Young had NOTHING to do with her decision. In fact, he was very nice to her and ensured she got a proper exit storyline, one she was fond of. As for whether we'd see Ashley Abbott again, Davidson revealed that she's always open to going back just not on a full-time basis right now. While she did tell them that it's ok to recast the role, if the show so desires to have her back for a story arc, she is willing to do it.









In regards to Days of Our Lives, she praised Stacy Haiduk for taking over the roles of Kristen DiMera and Susan Banks. She stated that she didn't want to comment much without jeopardizing what the show had going on over there. Fans can catch her in a new movie Walk to Vegas with her husband, Vincent Van Patten, one she is hoping has a sequel or even becomes a series. Check out the full interview in SOD.



