Young & the Restless’ Colleen Zenk and Ray Wise Return as Villains

The Young & The Restless viewers were treated to a shocking moment when two cast members made an unexpected return.

During the Thursday, November 14, episode, fans learned that Jordan Howard (Colleen Zenk) and Ian Ward (Ray Wise) were back to cause more trouble in Genoa City.

While it’s too soon to confirm what the villainous pair have planned for the long-running soap opera, Zenk and Wise’s characters have seemingly been working together to ruin lives.

In fact, the pair already appear to be in cahoots against Sharon (Sharon Case), Phyllis (Michelle Stafford) and other beloved mainstays.

“The pairing of Ian Ward and Aunt Jordan will be a double dose of danger,” The Young & The Restless head writer Josh Griffith told Deadline on Thursday. “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.”

Zenk’s character hasn’t been seen since June, when she was held captive by Victor Newman (Eric Braeden) before going to prison. As for Wise, he was last seen on the show in 2016.

“It’s wonderful to be back on The Young and the Restless,” Wise told Deadline in a statement. “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. I could not have asked for a better partner in crime.”

While he’s not ready to share any juicy plotlines, Wise, 77, said he is looking forward to the “mischievous Ian Ward causing more havoc in Genoa City.”

“Stay tuned,” he added, “it’s going to be a whole lot of fun.”

The cast additions also come after the soap celebrated an impressive milestone — reaching 13,000 episodes. Since its premiere in 1973, the show has lasted more than 50 seasons and featured more than a few plot twists.

For Zenk, she’s looking forward to what surprises she can deliver for both her costars and the audience at home.

“I’m so happy to return to Y&R surrounding the show’s 13,000th episode and be paired with the amazing Ray Wise,” Zenk, 71, shared with Deadline. “[My character] 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 as well.”

The Young & The Restless airs weekdays on CBS.