In a twist that has The Young and the Restless fans buzzing, Cait Fairbanks, the talented actress who brought Tessa Porter to life, is

officially stepping away from Genoa City — and she’s already diving into an exciting new project that promises to show fans a whole new side of her creativity.

 

 

After years of heartwarming storylines, emotional performances, and unforgettable chemistry with Mariah Copeland (Camryn Grimes), Cait’s decision marks the end of an era on Y&R. But according to insiders and Fairbanks herself, this isn’t a goodbye — it’s a bold new beginning.

1. Farewell to Genoa City — For Now

Cait Fairbanks first joined The Young and the Restless in 2017, quickly winning over viewers as the charming, complicated musician Tessa Porter. Her powerful performances in the show’s groundbreaking LGBTQ+ love story with Mariah earned her both critical acclaim and fan devotion.

However, recent months have seen her character taking a step back from major storylines, leaving many wondering if something bigger was brewing behind the scenes. Now, it’s been confirmed: Cait has decided to take a break from the soap to focus on new creative ventures.

In a heartfelt statement shared with fans online, Fairbanks wrote:

“Tessa has meant the world to me, and I’m forever grateful for the journey. But it’s time to explore new sides of my art — to tell new stories, sing new songs, and grow as an artist.”

The post sparked an outpouring of love from castmates and fans alike, with Camryn Grimes commenting, “Proud of you always. You’ve made history here, and now you’re going to shine even brighter.”

2. The New Chapter: A Bold, Creative Leap

So what’s next for Cait? According to sources close to the actress, Fairbanks is currently working on an independent film project — one she’s not just starring in, but also writing and producing.

The film, said to be a “raw, emotional exploration of love, loss, and finding identity in chaos,” is already in early production and will mark Cait’s first time behind the camera.

“She’s incredibly hands-on,” one insider shared. “Cait’s always been a storyteller, not just an actress. This project is deeply personal to her — it’s something she’s been dreaming about for years.”

Rumor has it the film will feature original music written and performed by Fairbanks herself, blending her two greatest passions: acting and songwriting.

3. A Musical Comeback in the Works

Longtime fans know that before she became a daytime star, Cait was already making waves as a singer-songwriter under her stage name Ginesse. Her haunting, indie-pop sound and introspective lyrics earned her a loyal following, and now she’s ready to take that music career to the next level.

Fairbanks has teased new material on her social media accounts, hinting at an upcoming EP that reflects “the chaos and clarity” of her life over the past few years.

In one recent Instagram story, she shared a clip from the recording studio with the caption:

“Back where it all started. New sounds. New stories. Can’t wait to share this one.”

Fans immediately flooded her comments with excitement, calling for a tour or at least a few live performances.

“Cait’s music always hits differently,” one fan wrote. “You can feel every emotion in her voice. If her new songs are anything like Bedhead or LA Don’t Look Good on You, we’re in for something special.”

4. Co-Stars React with Love and Support

Her Y&R family isn’t letting her go quietly — and they’ve made sure to remind everyone how much she’ll be missed on set.

Camryn Grimes (Mariah) shared a behind-the-scenes photo of the two of them laughing between takes, writing: