It’s the end of an era in Genoa City. After months of emotional storylines and standout performances, Hayley Erin has officially wrapped her run as Claire Grace on The Young and the Restless — and her final episode left fans devastated.
In her last scene, Claire shared a quiet, gut-wrenching goodbye that brought even the toughest viewers to tears. As the camera faded on her tearful farewell, social media erupted with tributes to the Emmy-winning actress who brought depth, vulnerability, and fire to one of the show’s most complicated characters.
“Hayley Erin gave us a masterclass in acting — I’m crying like I lost a real friend,” one fan wrote on X.
“Claire’s redemption arc deserved more time. This one hurts,” another added.
Behind the scenes, the reason for Erin’s exit is as emotional as her final storyline. According to insiders, the actress chose to step away to focus on her growing family and new creative projects — a decision that came straight from the heart.
“Hayley poured everything she had into this role,” said a show source. “She loves her Y&R family deeply, but right now, it’s about taking time for herself and her loved ones.”
Erin, who first rose to daytime fame as Kiki Jerome on General Hospital, joined The Young and the Restless in 2023 and quickly became a fan favorite. Her portrayal of Claire — a woman torn between redemption and her dark past — was hailed as one of the show’s most powerful new storylines in years.
In a touching Instagram post following her final episode, Erin shared a heartfelt message with fans:
“This show, this cast, and these stories have meant the world to me. Thank you for welcoming me into your homes and your hearts. Claire will always be a part of me.”
As Y&R prepares to move forward without her, one thing is clear — Hayley Erin’s legacy will linger long after her final scene.
Fans are already calling for her eventual return, and in the world of soaps, we all know: never say never
