Genie Francis leaving 'Y&R'

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 14 (UPI) -- Genie Francis is leaving the U.S. soap opera "The Young and the Restless" after several months, EW.com reported Friday.

Francis, who starred on "General Hospital" from 1977 to 2008, joined "Y&R" last May.

EW.com said the decision to let Francis go from "Y&R" was due to budget cuts but it could pave the way for a return to "General Hospital," which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this season.