Fans of The Young and the Restless' Tessa and Mariah should brace themselves for some tough moments ahead, because actress Cait Fairbanks reveals that, in the near future, she and her co-star, Camryn Grimes, are likely to be given some super soapy material that will rock the boat for their popular characters' relationship.
The actress explains to Soaps that though many Teriah fans don't want the couple to break up, having storylines that rip the women apart is true inclusion.
"I want them to be treated like any other soap characters," she shares. "That means they're going to break up. They're going to get back together. They're going to experience so many things, and I know it's going to be hard on some fans, which I completely understand, because they see themselves in these characters, and they see themselves represented in a way that we don't often get on television in general and daytime in particular."
The most recent challenge the pair has faced is Mariah's decision to become Abby's (Melissa Ordway) surrogate, and Fairbanks gives some insight into how she has chosen to play the unique storyline.
"Things obviously got complicated the moment Mariah agreed to become Abby's surrogate, and I've played it that Tessa's had some apprehension from the start, mostly about whether or not this was the right decision for Mariah," she shares. "Tessa has been supportive, but she also knew there might be unforeseen repercussions down the line."
No matter what is in the future for Mariah and Tessa, Fairbanks says that tough times are exactly what the fictional couple needs -- even though it might be difficult for some fans to watch.
"That's true inclusion," she points out. "As an actor, I'm like, 'Bring on the drama!' But it's tough, because I've spoken to so many of the fans, and I understand exactly how much this couple means to them."
For more from Fairbanks about Y&R's Teriah relationship, check out the actress' full interview with Soaps here.
Would you like to see the writers at Y&R treat Teriah the same as other couples on the canvas by giving them drama that may include possible breakups and makeups? Why or why not? We want to hear from you -- so drop your comments in the Comments section below, tweet about it on Twitter, share it on Facebook, or chat about it on our Message Boards.
