It's been a little more than two months since Eric Braeden (Victor Newman) made his last appearance on The Young and the Restless. For fans of the actor and his character, it's felt more like two years. There is light at the end of the tunnel, Victorholics: the Emmy-winning actor returns to the airwaves this week.

Braeden's disappearance from the canvas was the result of a prolonged and very public contract flap between the actor and show executives. Briefly, Braeden was asked to take a paycut to help keep the show operating within its budget. Braeden agreed to work for less money, but he refused to do so in the middle of an already-negotiated contract. Executives at Sony, the production company in charge of getting The Young and the Restless on television sets every weekday, held fast to their demands. As a result, Braeden and his alter ego were given the boot.

Outraged at the way things had transpired, Braeden gave a series of interviews in which he blasted those responsible for his dismissal as "aloof and arrogant." Cooler heads prevailed and the two sides did get back to the bargaining table. About two weeks after Braeden's exit was first announced, it was announced that a deal had been reached. Still, because story was already written and scenes were taped in advance, it was impossible to get Victor back in Genoa City just as quickly.

Braeden joined The Young and the Restless in 1980. He was last see on-air on November 2, when Victor headed out of town. Braeden's first return airdate is January 15.