Fan-Favorite Returns After Absence Since April

Ava Taylor 09/18/2026

Get ready to welcome back a beloved face to Genoa City! A fan favorite is set to make a spectacular return to The Young and the Restless, bringing the magnetic energy of Cait Fairbanks back in the role of Tessa Porter.

The excitement is official, as the actor confirmed the news on social media, announcing that filming has officially begun. For fans who have missed Tessa, this announcement signals a thrilling continuation of one of the show’s most complex storylines.

Cait Fairbanks, who was originally introduced in 2017, has posted her excitement on Instagram, sharing a mirror selfie while sporting a white V-neck top and black jeans. She tagged CBS Television City as her location, letting everyone feel the joy of her return.

Tessa’s journey on the show has always been intertwined with some truly dramatic history. She was the life partner of Mariah, whom she married in 2022. However, the road to marriage was not always smooth, as their relationship eventually navigated some significant turbulence.

The dynamic between Tessa and Daniel evolved during a difficult period, where their bond deepened, leading to a complicated love triangle. When Tessa eventually sought a divorce, her ex, Mariah, admitted to Daniel that she still held deep feelings for her wife. This intricate web of emotions unfolded as Daniel navigated these complex relationship shifts, eventually choosing to separate from Tessa to allow for clarity.

After that pivotal separation, Tessa took a pause from her on-screen activities. Yet, even during her absence, the show kept the emotional threads warm. Recently, news surfaced when Mariah updated Sharon about where her relationship with Tessa currently stood behind the scenes. While this revelation caused some fan speculation, it underscored the ongoing emotional weight of their history.

Now, as Cait Fairbanks prepares to step back into the role, the question remains: how will the show explore the complexities of Tessa and Mariah’s relationship moving forward? Fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter of this compelling storyline as Tessa returns to Genoa City.