It's official: Jill Farren Phelps has been named Executive Producer of YOUNG AND RESTLESS, replacing Maria Arena Bell, as first reported yesterday by Daytime Confidential. "On behalf of everyone at 'Y&R,' we extend our sincere thanks to Emmy® Award-winning Maria Bell for her contributions to the show over the last five years. We wish her the best of luck and continued success," said Steve Kent, Senior Executive Vice President, U.S. Programming at Sony Pictures Television in a statement. Josh Griffith joins Phelps as the show's new head writer. "We are excited to have such a talented daytime veteran leading our team at 'Y&R.' Jill has a stellar record of success in the daytime genre," said Kent. "We are also happy to welcome Josh back to THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS and are looking forward to hiscreative input and ideas." Phelps, who most recently helmed Nick At Nite's HOLLYWOOD HEIGHTS, has won seven Emmys, picking one up this past June for her work at GH.
