'Young and the Restless' Officially Names Jean Passanante and Shelly Altman as New Head Writers

Shelly Altman and Jean Passanante have been named the new head writers of The Young and the Restless, Soap Opera Digest reported Thursday.

The duo will replace exiting Joshua Griffth. Tracey Thomson was also promoted to Co-Head Writer. The announcement was made by Steve Kent, Senior Executive Vice President, U.S. Programming at Sony Pictures Television, released the statement.

"Shelly has been an important part of the Y&R writing team since joining the show last year and Jean brings with her a wealth of daytime writing experience. We are excited to have these two talented daytime veterans leading our writing team at 'Y&R," said Kent.  "We are also thrilled to have Tracey take on a new role and we look forward to her creative input to the show."

A date has not been given as to when material from the duo will be airing. At the moment, Griffith's work is still airing. According to sources, he left the soap in August because of a power struggle. He did not feel as though his stories were being told in a manner he envisioned.

Nelson Branco, a journalist, has claimed that Griffith was fired because he clashed with Y&R executive producer Jill Farren Phelps in regards to upcoming storyline for the #1 rated soap.