Young and the Restless' Melissa Ordway Reveals Soap 'Decided to Take Me Off Contract': 'Interesting Couple of Months'

Melissa Ordway is ready for her next chapter.

The Young and the Restless star shared on her Instagram Stories that the popular soap had taken her “off contract.” She also offered a glimpse at her new “look” — a shorter hairstyle — ahead of getting ready for auditions.

“Honestly, it’s been an interesting couple of months,” she wrote. “The show decided to take me off contract so I decided to change my look up a bit for auditions.”

“Definitely not something I wanted but I love and respect my YR family and appreciate any time they ask me back. ❤️”

Ordway, 41, emphasized in another Instagram Stories post that while she’ll continue to play her character Abby, regular appearances on the show are “not guaranteed.”

“I’m still playing Abby I’m just not guaranteed episodes and can work on other projects,” she explained. “I’m still a part of the YR family and pray they continue to let Abby be a part of all the things in Genoa City.”

“Trust me, I hope I’m still there all the time!” she continued. “I think they’re just focusing on other characters and storylines. But I worked today and lots of fun stuff coming up!”

PEOPLE reached out to CBS for comment.

Ordway joined The Young and the Restless in 2013, portraying Abby in 1081 episodes and earning an Emmy nomination in 2022 for best supporting actress. During the popular soap’s 13,000^th episode which aired Wednesday, Nov. 14, Abby married Devon Winters (Bryton James).

While reflecting on her 10^th anniversary on the series with Soap Opera Digest in 2023, the actress shared her gratitude for being a part of the show.

“I can’t imagine my life without Young and Restless. It would just break my heart to live without my Y&R family,” she told the outlet, adding, “The show has provided a great life for me.”

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The Young and the Restless airs weekdays at 12:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. PT on CBS.