Young & Restless’ Melissa Claire Egan Reveals Her Return as Chelsea — What It Means for Billy *and* Adam

We can look forward to some ‘Chelly’ on our telly because Melissa Claire Egan, who has been on maternity leave, recently announced her return to Young & Restless as Chelsea Lawson.

Egan welcomed her second son, Jake, with husband Matt Katrosar, back in July. The newborn joined his family and big brother, Caden, a few weeks earlier than expected.

Chelsea left our screens after that, last appearing on August 21, when she and ex-husband Adam made the decision to allow their son Connor to switch to a school near his grandmother Anita’s home. Despite being in a burgeoning relationship with Billy Abbott, Chels packed up her belongings and left the little apartment above Crimson Lights coffee house to head off to her mother’s place with Connor.

Presumably, Chelsea and Adam won’t be yanking Connor out of his new school this soon, so it’s safe to say that Chelsea will leave her son with Anita and head back to Genoa City alone. She not only has a man waiting, but her new job at Marchetti with Summer. During Egan’s maternity leave, Chelsea was said to have been working remotely from her mother’s place.

So, when exactly will Chelsea be back on our screens? Well, in a new social media post, Egan replied in response to a fan’s question about the timing of her return to Young & Restless with, “Soon! A few more weeks. Already shot my first episode back.”

Will there be drama ahead for Billy and Chelsea? Presumably they’ll resume the relationship that went “long distance” when she left. It’s possible she’ll get caught up in his quest to save Jabot, especially considering that Marchetti is on the chopping block should Tucker get his paws on it. She may also get involved in her ex’s problems — Adam’s managed to stir the pot and raise the ire of both Nick and Tucker despite his claim he’s on his best behavior and a changed man. Big trouble may be headed Adam’s way!!

Given that Young & Restless shoots a few weeks ahead, we could see Chelsea back in time to help Sharon decorate Crimson Lights for Halloween. Stay tuned to SOAPS for her first airdate when it becomes available!