Jess Walton returns to Genoa City as Jill Abbott on The Young and the Restless

Jess Walton as Jill Abbott on The Young and the Restless | Image Source: CBS/Paramount Press
Jess Walton as Jill Abbott on The Young and the Restless | Image Source: CBS/Paramount Press

On The Young and the Restless, the corporate elite of Genoa City need to brace themselves. Jill Abbott is coming back to town.

In an interview with Tonja Walker on YouTube, actor Jess Walton divulged her plans to return to L.A. to shoot some upcoming scenes for The Young and the Restless.

Walton, who plays Jill Abbott, said she had an Airbnb booked near the studio until the end of September. She is scheduled to work on The Young and the Restless from September 24 through 27.

Walton also expressed her gratitude to the show for still giving her storylines. She said the show calls her with ideas and asks if she is available, and she appreciates the opportunities.

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Jill talks with Billy on a video call on The Young and the Restless | Image Source: CBS
Jill talks with Billy on a video call on The Young and the Restless | Image Source: CBS

Where has Jill been on The Young and the Restless?

For months, Jill Abbott hasn’t been seen on-screen. Her son Billy Abbott (Jason Thompson) and grandson Chance (Conner Floyd) have indicated that they have been in touch with Jill and that she is dealing with a health issue.

Jill has been seen this year on The Young and the Restless, but less often. The few times viewers saw Jill interact with family and friends have been via video calls with people at the office of Chancellor Industries, the company she owns.

Jess Walton plays Jill Abbott on The Young and the Restless | Image Source: CBS
Jess Walton plays Jill Abbott on The Young and the Restless | Image Source: CBS

In the online interview, Walton revealed that she usually films those scenes while calling in from her phone. She noted that although that sounded simple, she had to learn how to use the halo light and, depending on the scene, whether to turn her phone horizontal or vertical. With the help of a friend, she managed to get it set up so that she could film easily from her home in Oregon.

Months ago, Jill confided to Billy that she had a heart condition. She said her heart was beating too fast, and she was experiencing lightheadedness. Although she indicated complications, Jill said that she was in London, and her brother Snapper (a doctor) was taking good care of her.

Jill said that she needed to take time away and avoid stress. Jill asked Billy to stay in Genoa City and defend the company from outside threats rather than coming for a visit to check on her. Billy promised his mom that he would protect her legacy.

Why is Jill returning to Genoa City?

Jill’s company, Chancellor Industries, has been under a microscope lately. Jill needed to focus on her health, so she gave her voting shares to her son, Billy, who was co-CEO with Lily Winters (Christel Khalil). However, Billy correctly suspected that Lily was planning to oust him, so he used his mom’s voting shares to fire Lily instead.

Billy fires Lily on The Young and the Restless | Image Source: CBS
Billy fires Lily on The Young and the Restless | Image Source: CBS

Meanwhile, Victor Newman (Eric Braeden) has been waiting for his opportunity to take over Chancellor Industries. With Lily’s help, Victor is getting closer to the day he can have control, but Lily thinks that Victor will reestablish her as CEO. However, Victor has promised the position to his wife, Nikki.

Jill’s return will definitely upset many, but could she be too late to save the company by the time she gets back to Genoa City? If she took control of Chancellor away from Billy, it doesn’t guarantee that Victor would drop his plans to take over.

Victor Newman (Eric Braeden) on The Young and the Restless | Image Source: CBS
Victor Newman (Eric Braeden) on The Young and the Restless | Image Source: CBS

It is possible that Jill could return to secure ownership of Chancellor and agree with Billy’s choices in running it. Jill could be the ace in the hole that Billy needs. Having his mother’s support and approval might change the minds of everyone who has no confidence in him, but it could also help Billy finally feel like he has proven himself.

See Jill shake up Genoa City when she returns next month. The Young and the Restless airs weekdays on CBS.

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