"The Young and the Restless" Stuns Fans by Bringing Back Two Iconic Super Villains In Cahoots

Dan Lalonde
Nov 14, 2024
3 min read

On November 14, CBS’s beloved soap opera, The Young and the Restless, surprised fans by resurrecting two notorious characters, sending waves through Genoa City with an unexpected twist. Just days after the show celebrated a historic 13,000 episodes, fan-favorite super villains Ian Ward, played by Ray Wise, and Aunt Jordan, portrayed by Colleen Zenk, reappeared with a thrilling revenge scheme sure to shake up the series’ landscape. They are expected to be in the plot of Sharon and Phyllis as right now we are lead to believe Sharon killed off Heather in delusional rage off her bipolar meds.

The return of these two characters marks a double threat for Genoa City's residents, who are no strangers to chaos and intrigue. Head Writer Josh Griffith teased that fans should brace themselves for the complex, calculated mayhem Ian and Jourdan are bringing. "The pairing of Ian Ward and Aunt Jordan will be a double dose of danger," Griffith said. "The residents of Genoa City should be on high alert thanks to this intriguing alliance. As a company, we are thrilled to welcome back the talented Ray Wise and Colleen Zenk to the canvas."

The Long-Awaited Return of Ray Wise as Ian Ward

Ray Wise's character Ian Ward, a cunning cult leader, has haunted The Young and the Restless in various forms since 2014. Known for his manipulative schemes and menacing demeanor, Ian’s reappearance is sure to resurrect the dark, suspenseful energy fans remember from his previous story arcs. Wise, who earned a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Performer in 2015, last appeared on the show in 2016.

Reflecting on his return, Wise expressed his excitement to once again dive into the world of daytime drama, alongside Colleen Zenk. “It’s wonderful to be back on The Young and the Restless. It feels like home. I had a great time when I last appeared on the show and am having an even better time now with the talented Colleen Zenk," Wise shared. “I look forward to the mischievous Ian Ward causing more havoc in Genoa City. Stay tuned, it’s going to be a whole lot of fun.”

Colleen Zenk’s Aunt Jordan is Back for Revenge

Aunt Jordan, played by soap opera veteran Colleen Zenk, adds a fresh layer of complexity to the storyline. Since she was last seen in June 2024, after Victor Newman (played by Eric Braeden) held her captive before sending her to prison, her return promises to deliver high drama. Zenk, who joined the show earlier this year, brings years of soap opera experience to the role, and fans are thrilled to see her back.

Speaking about her return, Zenk expressed her enthusiasm to be part of the show’s milestone episodes. “I’m so happy to return to Y&R surrounding the show’s 13,000th episode and be paired with the amazing Ray Wise,” said Zenk. “Jordan is lucky enough to have Ian Ward by her side, and she settles some unfinished business while also finding the time to take on some new adversaries.”

Genoa City Celebrates 13,000 Episodes with a Star-Studded Event

The return of these villains is not the only reason for celebration on The Young and the Restless. Just a day before, on November 13, the cast and crew marked the 13,000-episode milestone with a grand press event, sharing moments with fans and media, and toasting with champagne. Lead actors, including Eric Braeden and Melody Thomas Scott, joined the festivities, taking time to acknowledge the show’s legacy in the soap opera genre and the community of fans who have supported the series over the decades.

What’s Next for The Young and the Restless?

With Ian and Aunt Jordan back in town, there’s no telling what’s next for the residents of Genoa City. Their looming presence hints at high-stakes storylines, old rivalries reigniting, and unexpected alliances forming. This return not only pays homage to the rich history of the show but also sets the stage for thrilling new developments, offering fans a chance to dive back into a world of deception, drama, and vengeance.

The Young and the Restless has been the top-rated soap opera for years, and this recent twist is a testament to its enduring appeal. With more surprises likely on the horizon, fans will want to keep tuning in to see how the story of Ian and Aunt Jordan unfolds and impacts the lives of their favorite characters.