Y&R EP: Contract talks with Khalil 'have resumed'

Though the actress' web site revealed she was "indeed leaving," there is still hope that Christel Khalil will be remaining with The Young and the Restless. Contract talks, which had been at a standstill, are reportedly back on.

Don't count Emmy-winner Christel Khalil (Lily Winters) out at The Young and the Restless just yet.

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Last week, The Young and the Restless released a casting notice for a role referred to as "Sally Tate." The role, described as a "vivacious, energetic, ambitious" 20something African-American, sounded to many like Lily Winters. As Internet rumblings began to question if the show might be recasting the role, an announcement on Khalil's official web site confirmed her fans' biggest fear: Khalil was "indeed leaving" the CBS soap.

Since that time, Khalil has spoken out about the situation, acknowledging that she and the show had hit an impasse in contract talks.

"It's sad, because this is like my family. I've been here 10 years. I just wanted a few less restrictions, which I feel I deserve," Khalil revealed in an interview with MSN. "It's mainly about restrictions, and money. I guess they wanted all or nothing. I want to stay. [...] There's something I want that they don't want to give to me. It hurts. I thought I would be worth what I thought I was worth to them, but I guess I'm not."

Now, it appears that the publicity surrounding the possible recast has brought both sides back to the bargaining table. In a refreshingly candid interview with TVGuide's Michael Logan, Y&R's new executive producer, Jill Farren Phelps, revealed that "negotiations with Christel have resumed."

"I don't yet know how that's going to work out," Phelps added.

Khalil joined the cast of The Young and the Restless in 2002, but exited the show briefly in 2005 to pursue her dream of becoming a feature film star. Khalil returned in 2006 and has been a part of the canvas since that time. Over the years, Khalil has been nominated for a Daytime Emmy four times. Earlier this year, she picked up her first win in the Outstanding Younger Actress category.

To read more of Khalil's comments regarding the possible recast of Lily, click here.

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