Fans have been hoping that eventually Adam Newman would be brought back on The Young and the Restless, but the soap's head writer has officially squashed all rumors of a recast, confirming that at least for now, the character is truly dead after a cabin explosion.

Since Justin Hartley's turn as the character ended a few months ago, fans have wondered if either he would make cameo appearances in the future as Adam, or if the show would reconsider bringing back Michael Muhney, who had previously been fired from the show for alleged sexual harassment.

But in a new interview, head writer Sally Sussman has confirmed that the show is not recasting the role, and the character of Adam Newman is really and truly dead.

"I'm not playing it at all. Adam is off the show," she said in response to whether or not Nick (Joshua Morrow) would ever learn that Adam was really Christian's father. "And Justin Hartley will never be back. He's too successful now. He's gone."

She further elaborated on why she didn't really think a recast would be necessary, but did maintain that if the situation needed to be addressed on the show, then she'd potentially consider crossing that bridge when she came to it.

"I don't see that we need it. Nick believes this baby is his and for all intents and purposes, it is," she said. "When and if an Adam comes up, then we'll deal with it. I'm not looking to bring that character back nor so I want to do a paternity reveal involving a character who is off-camera. Unless there is a compelling reason to have Nick learn the truth, I see no reason to go there. What purpose would it serve to do it now?"

The news is of course likely to upset fans, who have been hoping for Adam to make a triumphant return in one way or another at some point.

The Young and the Restless airs Monday-Friday at 12:30 p.m. on CBS.

Tags: The Young and the Restless CBS Soap Operas