Miles Gaston Villanueva addresses Y&R exit rumors

The Young and the Restless' Miles Gaston Villanueva (Luca Santori) thanks fans for the love as his time in Genoa City seemingly runs dry.

It looks like time is up for The Young and the Restless' Luca Santori, who may be leaving Genoa City sooner rather than later in either a prison suit... or a body bag.

After a recent storyline twist revealed Luca to be one heck of a bad guy, responsible for the recent oil spills on the canvas, fans of the actor took to Twitter to express their love and support of the character despite his numerous mistakes. Villanueva answered many of the concerned fans and seemingly confirmed his exit in a series of tweets.

One fan lamented that if Villanueva left the Y&R canvas, nobody would see his "fineness" anymore, to which the actor responded, "You'll see me elsewhere. Believe me... Thanks 4 appreciating Luca."

Another fan pleaded with the actor not to leave the show and to please stay on, which Villanueva answered with, "That's not my job, dear Rob. Talk to TPTB. Thanks for the love."

And yet another fan praised the actor for his work and wished him a bright future. "You've been nothing but the best," Villanueva answered. "Thanks for always supporting me and Luca."

A Y&R rep was unable to confirm Villanueva's exit and politely reminded Soap Central that it's show policy not to comment on casting rumors.

If the exit news is indeed true, however, fans who wish to continue watching the actor on-screen can tune in to Jane the Virgin, as the actor has been cast in the recurring role of Sam, an old crush of Jane's from years ago.

UPDATE:

Upon the conclusion of the Friday, September 9, episode, Villanueva took to Twitter to update fans."The Great Kai Kim directed today's Y&R," the actor shared. "You are as kind as you are brilliant. Thanks for the beautiful send off."

What do you think about the rumored exit of Villanueva? What direction were you hoping TPTB would take the character? 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.