The Young and the Restless spoilers, January 2: Victor and Nick plot against Matt Clark

The Young and the Restless spoilers for Friday, January 2, 2026, have Victor and Nick plotting against Matt Clark, Daniel making a promise to Tessa, and Mariah being haunted by Ian Ward.

What's next on The Young and the Restless

Matt Clark may find formidable foes in Victor and Nick on The Young and the Restless | Image: CBS

Viewers may have mixed feelings about Victor Newman's (Eric Braeden) attack on Jabot Cosmetics, but no one can blame the mogul for going after Matt Clark (Roger Howarth) for his crimes against Nick (Joshua Morrow) and the Newman clan. On Friday's show, Victor and Nick (Joshua Morrow) are going to make it a New Year's resolution to plot against the man who has called himself Mitch Bacall!

Mitch may have the upper hand in a way because he's got his wife, Sienna (Tamara Braun), the woman Noah (Lucas Adams) loves, in his clutches. But that may make Victor and Nick only more determined to bring Matt down!

Staying power

Daniel and Tessa on The Young and the Restless | Image: CBS

Daniel Romalotti (Michael Graziadei) and Tessa Porter (Cait Fairbanks) took their relationship a step further on New Year's Eve. This wasn't a step either of them took lightly. The duo did the slow burn, starting as friends earlier in the year. They became teacher and student when Tessa taught Daniel the guitar. Later, he supported her as she went through turmoil with Mariah (Camryn Grimes), who kept pushing Tessa away because of what happened on a mysterious trip.

On Friday's show, watch for Daniel to make a promise to Tessa. Is he going to make a commitment about their future as lovers? Or will he make a vow to always be there as a friend? Or both?

Mariah's dilemma

Ian Ward and Mariah Copeland on The Young and the Restless | Image: CBS

Tessa has pointed out that Mariah (Camryn Grimes) has cut off all contact with her. Is that truly what's happened? We may get some answers on Friday's episode when Mariah is haunted by Ian Ward (Ray Wise).

We've seen Mariah conjure Ian up as an apparition when she was in the clinic in Boston, as Mariah grappled with her mental state. Ian taunted Mariah, but she was able to banish him from her thoughts. Or so it appeared! Has Mariah allowed Ian to creep back into her mind again? Or has the dastardly cult villain appeared in the flesh to create more problems for the troubled redhead? Tune in to find out!

Catch all-new episodes of The Young and the Restless weekdays on CBS and Paramount Plus.