Cait Fairbanks and her character Tessa have been featured prominently this year on The Young and the Restless. However, the actress was recently absent from a very special episode of the CBS soap.<\/p>\n
Key Takeaways<\/p>\n
Y&R recently taped its final episode of the year.<\/p>\n
An illness forced Fairbanks to miss out on filming.<\/p>\n
The actress expressed her gratitude for a wonderful 2025 at Y&R.<\/p>\n
Final Episode<\/p>\n
2025 was a big year for Fairbanks and her alter ego Tessa. Fans saw the actress pull out emotional performances as Tessa dealt with her and Mariah\u2019s (Camryn Grimes) marital problems<\/a>. Then there is Tessa\u2019s conflict over her friendship\/budding romance with Daniel (Michael Graziadei).<\/p>\n With a frontburner storyline, viewers saw a lot more of Tessa on screen, but it might be a while before they see her again.<\/p>\n Recently, Y&R wrapped filming for 2025 with all the cast in attendance. However, Fairbanks was missing from the action. In an Instagram<\/a> story, the actress revealed she had to miss filming because she was sick.<\/p>\n \u201cSad I can\u2019t be with all my favorites on the last day of filming because I had COVID,\u201d Fairbanks wrote. Although she was upset to miss work, she was grateful for everything 2025 had to offer.<\/p>\n \u201cTo all the beautiful faces that have come and gone, all the people continue to inspire me and make me laugh, I\u2019m grateful to you. Thanks for such a wonderful year, can\u2019t wait for the next! You are all dear to me.\u201d<\/p>\n What\u2019s In Store For Next Year? <\/p>\n Getting sick isn\u2019t how Fairbanks wanted to round out 2025, but it was still a joyous year for the actress. Earlier this month, she announced her engagement to her long-time boyfriend<\/a>, musician Jay Rudolph.<\/p>\n Heading into 2026, Fairbanks\u2019 personal and professional life is sure to continue to thrive. Not only will she be busy making wedding plans, but Tessa\u2019s storyline will also be front and center.<\/p>\n Daniel and Tessa\u2019s kiss has awakened their feelings for each other. Although they agreed to stay just friends, they can\u2019t ignore their attraction. With Tessa\u2019s marriage to Mariah seemingly over, the singer may feel it\u2019s time to move on with Daniel.<\/p>\n However, Tessa and Daniel\u2019s budding romance might be thwarted by Mariah\u2019s return. Once Mariah is well, she\u2019ll return and be ready to fight for her family.<\/p>\n Tessa will certainly have a tough choice between Daniel and Mariah. So will it be a Teriah reunion or a Dessa romance that takes over Y&R in 2026?<\/p>\n \n\tRelated\n<\/p>\n \t