The spoiler photos for the Friday, January 2, 2026, episode of The Young and the Restless feature Mariah — wherever she is — in trouble as visions of Ian Ward haunt her. Meanwhile, at Crimson Lights, Tessa and Daniel look cozy and connected. And maybe even a bit glowy. In other news, Sienna’s awake, and Sharon and Noah appear to be having a heated conversation.
Key Takeaways
- Ian Ward still haunts Mariah, raising fears that she’s spiraling despite leaving treatment.
- Tessa and Daniel spark publicly at Crimson Lights, but lingering worry clouds the glow.
- An awake Sienna confronts Matt, and tensions rise as Sharon and Noah appear to clash.
Scenes from Genoa City
Mariah (Camryn Grimes) has left the Boston psychiatric facility and headed for parts unknown. However, what we do know is that, despite being in that facility, she doesn’t seem to be improving. She is still seeing Ian Ward (Ray Wise). The daily spoilers suggest that Mariah is haunted by the man who has caused so much damage to her life. These visions couldn’t be real, could they? After all, Ian Ward is alive.
Back in Genoa City, Tessa (Cait Fairbanks) and Daniel (Michael Graziadei) have taken their relationship to the next level. Tessa was practically despondent over the fact that Mariah had checked herself out of the facility and didn’t come home. While in bed, she told Daniel that she didn’t regret what they did. And now they are in public at Crimson Lights looking cozy together. They are all smiles and intensely eyeing each other. But in the last photo, Tessa also appears to be a bit worried. Could this be about the promise that Daniel makes to Tessa in this episode?
Sienna (Tamara Braun) is no longer unconscious, but she is still Matt’s (Roger Howarth) and Annie’s (Catherine Kresge) captive. In the first photo, it appears as if Sienna tries to talk some sense into someone who, basically, has no sense. There’s a deal on the table, and it’s up to Matt to figure out what to do next. But he may want to think quickly. The weekly spoilers reveal Victor (Eric Braeden) and Nick (Joshua Morrow) plot against Matt. What devious and damaging strategy will those two brainstorm?
While Nick and Victor do their thing, it looks like Sharon (Sharon Case, Soap Hub‘s performer of the year for 2025) and Noah (Lucas Adams) clash on Friday. Noah is understandably upset. Sienna’s out there. He doesn’t know where Matt is holding her. Noah wants to be the one to take action, rather than letting his dad and grandfather do whatever it takes. Will Noah take matters into his own hands at some point? Because he doesn’t appreciate his mom being his gatekeeper.
Finally, Adam (Mark Grossman) pops by Sharon’s and ends up chatting with the mother-and-son duo. This is an unexpected interaction. Is this about Adam helping out with the Matt Clark situation? Does he have news, ideas, or is he simply there to support?
