The battle for one of As the World Turns' most honored performers is over -- probably before it even began. Two-time Emmy winner, Maura West (Carly Tenney) will join the cast of The Young and the Restless this fall. TVGuide's Michael Logan reports that the actress has been cast as Diane Jenkins. It has been speculated for months that West would move to Genoa City once her time in Oakdale came to an end. In fact, backstage at this year's Daytime Emmys, West hinted that she wanted to remain with one of CBS's two remaining soaps.
"If I [were] to stay in soaps, my loyalty [is] to CBS, where I've been on for 15 years. That's where my loyalty lies," West responded when asked if she'd consider joining another soap.
West becomes the third actress to tackle the role of Diane. The role of Y&R's Diane was most recently played by Susan Walters. Walters appeared on the role from 2001 to 2004, but popped up in Genoa City last February for a two-day run. Alex Donnelley originated the role and two runs with the show, one from 1982 to 1986 and another from 1996 to February 2001.
Maura West picked up her second Daytime Emmy earlier this year when she was named Outstanding Lead Actress. West has received four consecutive nominations in that category.
As the World Turns halted production in June, but the show will continue to air until the series' finale on September 17. West, meanwhile, reports to work as The Young and the Restless on September 1. Those first scenes are expected to air on October 8.
