Y&R 11 Years Later, Avery Bailey Clark Returns With a Scandalous Secret

After more than a decade away from The Young and the Restless, Avery Bailey Clark may finally be on the verge of making a dramatic comeback—and if Jessica Collins has her way, Avery would not return empty-handed. Instead, she could arrive in Genoa City carrying a life-changing secret that would send shockwaves through the Abbott, Newman, and Summers families alike.

It has been nearly eleven years since viewers last saw Avery, the brilliant attorney and talented baker who was also known as Phyllis Summers’ younger sister. Her departure in July 2015 came after one of the darkest chapters of her life. Avery endured a traumatic sexual assault, struggled through painful legal battles, and found herself trapped in toxic relationships involving both Dylan McAvoy and her manipulative ex-husband, Joe Clark. Emotionally exhausted and desperate for a fresh start, she left Genoa City behind, seemingly closing the door on her past forever.

But according to Jessica Collins, Avery’s story may not be finished after all.

The actress recently shared that she has often imagined what Avery’s life would look like if she returned today. Rather than simply revisiting old romances or unresolved family feuds, Collins envisions Avery bringing an explosive revelation that no one could have predicted—a ten-year-old daughter whose existence has remained hidden from everyone in Genoa City.

The idea is especially fascinating because it is inspired by real life. Collins revealed that during the final five weeks of filming before Avery’s exit in 2015, she was unknowingly pregnant with her daughter, Gemma. At the time, she had no idea she was expecting, although some attentive viewers had already begun speculating online that she appeared pregnant during her emotional final episodes. Looking back now, Collins believes it would be a perfect full-circle moment if Avery returned with a child of approximately the same age.

Naturally, such a twist would raise an even bigger question: who is the girl’s father?

Dylan McAvoy immediately becomes an obvious possibility. Avery and Dylan shared a passionate but heartbreaking romance that included devastating personal losses. Revisiting that relationship through the introduction of a secret child would instantly rewrite years of Genoa City history and create powerful emotional conflict.

However, another possibility is even darker. Joe Clark, Avery’s abusive ex-husband, could also be revealed as the child’s father. If that were true, Avery’s return would not simply be about reconnecting with family—it could become a dangerous fight to protect her daughter from a painful past that refuses to stay buried.

Then there is the inevitable confrontation with Phyllis Summers.

The relationship between the two sisters has never been simple. Years of abandonment, resentment, and sibling rivalry created deep emotional scars that were never fully healed before Avery left town. Revealing that Phyllis has had a niece she never even knew existed would undoubtedly reignite old tensions while opening entirely new emotional wounds. A showdown between these two strong-willed women could quickly become one of the most compelling family conflicts the series has delivered in years.

Interestingly, Collins admitted that discussions about bringing Avery back have nearly happened multiple times since her departure. Unfortunately, scheduling conflicts with other acting projects prevented those opportunities from becoming reality. Even so, she has never completely closed the door on returning, especially as fans continue asking about Avery across social media platforms.

With The Young and the Restless welcoming back numerous familiar faces in recent years, Avery’s return feels more possible than ever. As Genoa City continues embracing legacy characters and long-buried secrets, Avery Bailey Clark may be exactly the missing piece the canvas needs.

If she does walk back into town in 2026 with a secret daughter by her side, the consequences would extend far beyond one shocking revelation. Old romances would be questioned, family loyalties would be tested, and Phyllis could find herself facing the biggest surprise of her life. One thing is certain: Avery’s comeback would not simply be a reunion—it would be an explosion capable of changing Genoa City forever.