Christel Khalil Returning to Y&R, See First Photos of New Baby & Lily’s New Look!
Soap fans, buckle up, because Genoa City is about to feel the heat again. After weeks of silence and speculation, Lily Winters is officially on her way back to The Young and the Restless — and the confirmation didn’t come from the show… it came straight from Christel Khalil herself.
Now a proud mom of three, Christel knows exactly how to keep fans on edge. While Lily has been noticeably absent from our screens, the actress quietly dropped a not-so-subtle hint on Instagram that sent the fandom into meltdown. No press release. No formal announcement. Just a powerful tease that screamed one thing loud and clear: Lily’s return won’t be calm — it’ll be explosive.
Fresh off welcoming her newest baby, Christel shared an Instagram Story showing herself back in workout mode, lifting weights with her infant snug against her chest in a green baby carrier. The caption? Short. Cryptic. Dangerous.
👉 “Getting ready for Lily’s return.”
That was all it took.
No baby name. No details. No explanation. Just a warning shot to Genoa City — and especially to Cane Ashby.
In another story, Christel debuted a refreshed new hairstyle, hinting that Lily may look a little different when she steps back onto canvas. A glow-up? A reset? Or the calm before the storm? Fans already know: when Lily changes her look, big moves usually follow.
True to form, Christel has kept her personal life extremely private. She didn’t announce this pregnancy at all — just like she did with her second child, Remy, whom she shares with husband Sam Restano. She’s also mom to son Michael from her previous marriage. It wasn’t until a behind-the-scenes Y&R Halloween cast video surfaced that fans realized the truth: Christel was pregnant… and quietly preparing for a break.
On-screen, Lily exited Genoa City in the January 7, 2026 episode, leaving Cane behind to visit her daughter Maddie. But let’s be clear — this wasn’t just a casual family visit. This was Lily putting distance between herself and a man who refuses to let go.
The last time we saw Lily and Cane together, sparks were flying — and not the romantic kind. After their emotionally charged New Year’s Eve kiss, Cane believed Lily was finally coming back to him. He accused her of sending mixed signals, clinging to false hope that one kiss meant everything.
Lily shut him down hard.

She admitted she let her guard slip — but made it painfully clear the kiss meant nothing. Worse? She told Cane he was the last man she should ever be with… and suggested he turn his attention to Phyllis instead. When Cane offered her a rose, Lily refused it and walked away — leaving him stunned, rejected, and clearly unfinished.
Now comes the real question:
👉 What changed while Lily was with Maddie?
👉 Is she returning stronger, colder… or ready for war?
While Lily won’t be back immediately, insiders confirm her new episodes will air in early spring — and fans should not expect a gentle re-entry. If Christel’s teasing tone is any indication, Cane may be in serious trouble when Lily finally steps back into Genoa City.
One thing is certain:
🌪️ Old wounds will reopen
🌹 Old feelings will be tested
🔥 And Lily Winters is NOT coming back to play nice
Are you ready for Lily’s return? And do you think Cane is about to get the reckoning he deserves? Drop your thoughts below — Genoa City drama is just getting started. 💥