As The Young and the Restless moves into 2026, whispers of major returns are spreading like wildfire across the fandom. With long-

running storylines wrapping up and new arcs being set into motion, viewers are asking the question burning on everyone’s mind: Who is

coming back to Genoa City next year?

 

 

Insiders say 2026 might become one of the most nostalgic, explosive comeback years in the show’s recent history. Several big names have been quietly contacted, others are already in negotiations, and one or two returns—if confirmed—could change the entire dynamics of Y&R for years to come.

 

 

Here are the most likely (and most requested!) returns fans could see in 2026.

1. Dylan McAvoy – The Comeback That Could Reshape Sharon’s 2026

Rumors about Dylan’s return never truly disappear, but this year they’re stronger than ever. With Sharon drifting into darker, more complex storylines, writers may reintroduce Dylan to stabilize (or destabilize) her world.

 

 

A Dylan comeback could spark:

A renewed love triangle with Nick

Tension with Sharon over past trauma

A new police-related storyline involving Genoa City’s criminal underbelly

The most shocking theory?
That Dylan may return with a long-hidden secret child, turning Sharon’s peaceful life upside down.

2. Avery Bailey Clark – A Legal Powerhouse Returns?

Fan outcry for Avery’s return has grown steadily, especially as Genoa City becomes a hotbed of legal battles and wrongful accusations. With Christine heading into a deeply emotional new chapter after sudden tragedy, and Michael juggling impossible cases, Avery’s return makes perfect narrative sense.

Producers reportedly love the idea of reviving a character with strong ties to Dylan, Joe Clark, and Phyllis. If Avery comes back, expect:

A massive legal war involving Newman Enterprises

A clash with Phyllis that reignites old rivalries

A possible romantic reunion—or disaster—with Dylan if he returns too

3. Chance Chancellor – A Hero’s Homecoming

Though Chance recently exited the canvas, the door was left suspiciously wide open. Y&R rarely lets the Chancellor legacy fade for long. Insiders believe writers are planning a redemption-focused comeback arc for 2026.

Viewers could see:

Chance returning wounded or on the run

Abby getting pulled back into his world despite moving on

A dangerous storyline involving undercover missions or cartel connections

One source teased, “If Chance returns, he won’t be the same man who left.”

4. Ashley Abbott’s Other Personality – Not Ashley… but the Woman Inside Her

Ashley technically hasn’t left Y&R—but a return of her alter personality is heavily rumored. With Tucker spiraling and Audra navigating new alliances, the timing is perfect for a resurgence of the darker, more manipulative persona living inside Ashley’s mind.

This “internal return” may trigger:

A revenge plot against Tucker

An unexpected partnership with Audra

A terrifying family showdown inside the Abbott mansion

This would be one of Y&R’s boldest psychological storylines in years.

5. Dr. Ben “Stitch” Rayburn – The Villain Comeback Nobody Is Ready For

Stitch remains one of the most controversial characters. His exit left unanswered questions, and his crimes against Mariah continue to haunt the show. Yet soaps love a villain returning to finish what they started.

If Stitch resurfaces in 2026, expect:

A chilling confrontation with Mariah and Tessa

A kidnapping plot involving another character

A psychological breakdown arc similar to past Y&R villains

This comeback would be explosive—and terrifying.

6. Colin Atkinson – Cane’s Father Might Be Back to Stir Chaos

Colin’s name has reappeared in internal casting sheets, sparking speculation that the trouble-loving conman will reappear in 2026. His return could tie into Jill’s business dealings, Devon’s empire, or even big secrets from the Chancellor family archives.

If Colin returns, chaos always follows.

7. Reed Hellstrom – A New Generation Storyline for 2026

As Y&R leans into younger storylines, viewers may finally see Reed return as an adult with a stronger, more dramatic arc.

A Reed comeback could bring:

A music-industry storyline

Complicated emotions between Victoria and J.T.

A possible love triangle with Claire or Summer

This would inject fresh energy into the teen-and-20s cast.

What Does This All Mean for 2026?

If even half of these rumored returns become reality, 2026 could be one of the most dynamic years in Y&R history. Legacy characters, unresolved storylines, and explosive confrontations are poised to collide in unpredictable ways.

Whether the show focuses on family feuds, romantic tension, legal warfare, or psychological thrillers, one truth is clear:

Genoa City is preparing for an unforgettable year—filled with comebacks fans have been begging for.