In a move that has sent ripples of shock and excitement throughout the The Young and the Restless fandom, actress Cait Fairbanks—known for her captivating portrayal of Tessa Porter—has confirmed she’s stepping away from Genoa City to pursue a brand-new creative project. After years of bringing warmth, vulnerability, and soulful artistry to her beloved character, Fairbanks’ decision marks the end of an era for the long-running CBS soap and the beginning of an exhilarating new chapter in her career. Fans are both heartbroken and thrilled, as Fairbanks’ departure promises fresh opportunities while leaving behind one of the show’s most cherished characters and relationships.

For years, Cait Fairbanks has been a cornerstone of The Young and the Restless, earning critical acclaim and fan devotion through her portrayal of Tessa—an aspiring musician whose journey from troubled artist to devoted wife and mother symbolized resilience and emotional growth. Her on-screen chemistry with Camryn Grimes, who plays Mariah Copeland, helped create one of the most groundbreaking and celebrated love stories in daytime television. Together, they brought authenticity and depth to the show’s first major same-sex romance, resonating deeply with viewers around the world. The couple’s wedding, music-filled scenes, and shared struggles became emotional high points for the series, solidifying Fairbanks’ place in soap opera history.

But behind the scenes, Fairbanks has always been more than just an actress—she’s a multi-talented creative force. Long before joining Y&R, she was a singer-songwriter with a passion for storytelling through music. Now, after years of balancing her acting career with her musical ambitions, she’s ready to dive headfirst into her next big project, which sources describe as a “genre-blending artistic endeavor” that will allow her to merge both worlds. While details remain under wraps, insiders reveal that the project involves original music, creative writing, and potential collaboration with other prominent figures in the entertainment industry. The mystery surrounding it has only heightened fan curiosity and industry buzz, as everyone waits to see what Fairbanks will unveil next.

In a heartfelt statement shared with fans, Fairbanks expressed deep gratitude for her time on The Young and the Restless, calling it “one of the most transformative experiences” of her life. She thanked the show’s producers, cast, and viewers for their unwavering support, describing her journey as Tessa as “a story about love, courage, and the power of music to heal.” She added that while saying goodbye to Genoa City is bittersweet, the time felt right to explore new artistic challenges and creative freedoms. “I’ll always carry a piece of Tessa with me,” she said, “but I’m also ready to tell new stories—my way.”

Reactions from her Y&R

co-stars have been heartfelt and emotional. Camryn Grimes shared a touching tribute on social media, calling Fairbanks her “partner in storytelling” and praising her artistry and friendship. “Working with Cait has been one of the greatest joys of my career,” Grimes wrote. “She’s a force of creativity, compassion, and authenticity. Wherever she goes next, she’ll continue to shine.” Other cast members echoed the sentiment, with Sharon Case, Joshua Morrow, and Melody Thomas Scott all sharing admiration for her professionalism and warmth. Behind the scenes, producers have hinted that while Tessa’s exit will be handled with care, the door will remain open for a possible return—an assurance that has given fans a small glimmer of hope.