Here’s the latest comings and goings casting news from The Young and the Restless. Find out if any popular stars from yesteryear are boarding the show this week or in the near future, if any newcomers are joining the soap in contract, recurring, or day-player roles, or if any of your favorite actors or actresses are leaving the CBS drama.
Key Takeaways
Melissa Ordway returns as Abby amid the Newman Enterprises takeover, while Roger Howarth’s Matt Clark resurfaces to face off with Victor.
Familiar faces cycle back into Genoa City, including Cait Fairbanks as Tessa, Kate Linder as Esther, and Valarie Pettiford as Amy.
A haunting message for Mariah raises questions about Ian Ward’s possible return as the week closes.
The Week of January 19, 2026
The takeover of Newman Enterprises means more airtime for Melissa Ordway. The actress returns as Abby Newman Winters on Friday, January 23, when the character faces trouble with her onscreen husband, Bryton James’ Devon. Ordway was taken off contract by the CBS soap last year.
Roger Howarth is back as the evil Matt Clark. (Y&R fans are torn about the character’s return, after being declared dead some 20 years ago.) Victor (Eric Braeden) prepares to battle the villain on Tuesday, January 20.
Cait Fairbanks resurfaces as Tessa Porter. She shares sweet scenes with Michael Graziadei’s Daniel on Wednesday, January 21.
Kate Linder pops in as Esther Valentine on Wednesday, January 21. Look for the Crimson Lights barista to turn up in scenes with Michelle Stafford’s Phyllis.
Camryn Grimes’ Mariah receives a haunting message on Friday, January 23. Could another appearance by Ray Wise as former cult leader Ian Ward be on the horizon? Check out how Grimes feels about working with the veteran actor again.
Valarie Pettiford is back as Amy Lewis. Zuleyka Silver’s Audra and Nathan Owens’ Holden make amends with the character on Friday, January 23.
Related