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Just when it feels like Genoa City might finally catch its breath, The Young and the Restless proves that peace is never part of the plan. As one threat begins to fade, another sinister force is already creeping back into the picture. And no — this time, it’s not Matt Clark causing the unease. A far more haunting presence is resurfacing, and its impact could be devastating.

As the new year kicks off, Y&R wastes no time plunging viewers back into darkness. A name that sends chills through longtime fans is making waves again: Ian Ward. Ray Wise is set to reprise his infamous role on Friday, January 2, and his return promises to reopen some very deep psychological wounds. While Ian isn’t physically storming Genoa City — yet — his influence is far from gone. Instead, he appears to Mariah in disturbing visions, proving that some villains don’t need to be free, alive, or even present to cause lasting damage.

Ian’s brief appearance may seem subtle, but its emotional weight is anything but. His last on-screen moment aired only a few months ago, yet the trauma he inflicted on Mariah clearly hasn’t loosened its grip. For her, Ian represents a lingering loss of control, safety, and trust — a shadow that refuses to disappear. And while he manifests as a vision to Mariah, viewers know the terrifying truth: Ian Ward is still alive, and the possibility of his physical return remains very real.

Meanwhile, the chaos doesn’t stop there. Matt Clark, also known as Mitch Bakall, continues to stir controversy in Genoa City. Roger Howarth remains on screen as the once-presumed-dead villain, and on Monday, December 29, Nick Newman finally confronts him head-on. Given that Matt was declared dead nearly two decades ago, skepticism is high — and Nick is clearly not buying his story. This confrontation could expose lies that change the game entirely.

Adding another layer of danger is the return of Annie Stewart, portrayed by Katherine Kelly Lang. The corrupt cop resurfaces on December 29 and again on January 2, crossing paths with both Matt and Sienna (Tamara Braun). With so many morally bankrupt players circling one another, the potential for explosive revelations is growing by the day.

Amid all the villainy, a quieter — but emotionally charged — storyline is also unfolding. Tessa Porter finds herself facing unexpected feelings for Daniel Romalotti. As December 31 approaches, Tessa begins questioning what this connection truly means. By January 2, Daniel makes her a promise that could either offer comfort or complicate things further — especially with Mariah still struggling and chaos erupting all around them.

With Ian Ward haunting Mariah’s psyche, Matt Clark under scrutiny, and multiple villains colliding, Genoa City is once again on edge. The big question remains: will Mariah find her footing, or will Ian’s return push her further into darkness before she can make it home to Tessa?

One thing is certain — the new year in Genoa City is starting exactly the way fans expect: with danger, emotional fallout, and the unsettling feeling that the worst may still be ahead.