Big changes are brewing in Genoa City, and fans of The Young and the Restless have plenty to look forward to! A new detective is making waves in town, and we couldn’t be more
excited. Telma Hopkins is officially back on Y&R, reprising her role as Detective Denise Tolliver after a three-year absence. However, this return isn’t just for nostalgia—it’s all business! Hopkins’
character, Denise, is teaming up with Valarie Pettiford’s Amy Lewis, a determined mother desperately searching for her missing son, Damien. Together, these two powerhouse women are ready to
take viewers on a thrilling journey full of suspense, emotional twists, and heartfelt moments.
Fans of classic TV will recognize Hopkins and Pettiford from the beloved 2000s sitcom Half & Half, where they famously played feuding Phyllis and Big Dee Dee. Now, the two actresses are stepping into completely different territory. Hopkins, in an interview with Soaps.com, expressed her excitement about the reunion, sharing how much their previous work together built a strong foundation of trust. This connection, she says, makes their fast-paced soap scenes feel effortless. Pettiford echoed similar sentiments, calling this project a “dream” and praising the character, writing, and energy of the Y&R cast and crew.
For Pettiford, returning to soaps was a surprise after her role as Sheila Price in One Life to Live. She initially thought she had moved past daytime dramas, but the opportunity to play Amy changed everything. She even hinted that she’d happily stick around long-term if the show allows. Hopkins, meanwhile, is no stranger to soap reunions on Y&R—back in 2021, she shared the screen with Family Matters co-star Bryton James in a storyline that left Amanda reeling from shocking family revelations.
This time, though, the stakes are higher. Amy is racing against time with one goal: to bring Damien home so he can meet his brother. Denise, with her investigative instincts, could be the key to solving this mystery. Will she crack the case before it’s too late? Viewers will have to wait and see.
But that’s not all the buzz coming out of Genoa City. Y&R veteran Kate Linder, who plays the ever-loyal Esther Valentine, is making waves of her own. Linder recently revealed an exciting new project alongside Patrika Darbo and General Hospital’s Adam Huss. Darbo took to Instagram to share her enthusiasm for the new pilot project titled Two Stoned Old Ladies. The post featured a behind-the-scenes snapshot, giving fans a glimpse of the talented cast, including Linder as her co-star. Darbo praised the production and expressed her gratitude for being involved, while fans chimed in with eager anticipation, saying, “Can’t wait to watch!”
Although details about Two Stoned Old Ladies remain scarce, the project is currently in pre-production under Hennessy Studios. With such a stellar cast, it’s no surprise that fans are already raving about what’s to come. Linder’s involvement, of course, raises questions among Y&R viewers—does this new gig mean trouble for Esther’s future in Genoa City? While no official statements have been made, fans are hopeful this exciting side project won’t mean saying goodbye to Linder on The Young and the Restless.
With Denise Tolliver’s return bringing new energy to Genoa City and Kate Linder stepping into fresh opportunities, Y&R is heating up as we head into the end of the year. Between the intense search for Amy’s son and Linder’s outside venture, viewers are in for a thrilling ride. So, will Denise solve the mystery? And how will Esther’s story unfold? Stay tuned to find out—things are just getting started!