According to published reports, Alex Donnelley (Diane Jenkins) will leave The Young and the Restless for an undefined period of time beginning sometime in February.

Speaking of the record, a Y&R source said that Donnelley's impending departure is storyline dictated, though many are questioning the peculiar timing for Diane to take a walk.

Donnelley is a long-time veteran of The Young and the Restless, but she's come and gone in the past. Donnelley joined the show in 1982 as a Jabot model. The actress left in 1984, but returned in 1986 for a short time. Then after a decade-long absence, Diane returned in 1996 --- and four years later ended up pregnant in a sperm snatching saga.

Donnelley's departure is pegged for the February Sweeps period, but it unclear how Diane will be written out of the show. Most insiders say it's a safe bet that the role will not be recast. However, it's unclear when or if the actress will return to Genoa City.