On The Young and the Restless, no change is ever small — not when it involves legacy families, fragile relationships, and the next generation destined to inherit the emotional wreckage of their parents’ choices. What appears to be a simple casting update is, in reality, a powerful narrative signal: Dominic Newman-Abbott-Chancellor-Winters is stepping back into the spotlight, and with him comes a tidal wave of unresolved tension, buried fears, and looming heartbreak.

The soap has officially recast the role of Dominic, bidding farewell to Riverwear and Rainwear — the twins who have portrayed Abby and Devon’s son — and welcoming young actor Ethan Ray Clark as the new face of one of Genoa City’s most symbolically important children. His debut on Friday, January 23rd marks more than a cosmetic change. It marks the beginning of a new emotional chapter for Abby and Devon — one that threatens to test their marriage, their trust, and the fragile stability they have fought so hard to protect.

Dominic Returns — and So Does the Past

The last time viewers saw Dominic was during an emotional reunion in December 2024, when Abby and Devon returned from their honeymoon in Fiji and rushed to the Abbott Mansion, where Ashley had been caring for their son. The moment was tender, filled with relief and hope — a picture of domestic peace after years of conflict, surrogacy trauma, and family feuds.

But peace never lasts long in Genoa City.

Dominic has mostly remained offscreen since that reunion, a quiet presence in the background of Abby and Devon’s “happily ever after.” Yet longtime fans know that on Y&R, children are never just children — they are emotional anchors, symbols of unresolved guilt, and living reminders of past betrayals.

By bringing Dominic back into active storylines, the show is sending a clear message: the calm is about to break.

A Marriage Under Pressure

Abby and Devon’s relationship has always been built on complicated foundations. Their love story was born from chaos — a surrogacy scandal involving Mariah, Abby’s desperation to become a mother, and Devon’s unexpected emotional attachment to the baby that would become Dominic.

Though they fought hard to move past those painful beginnings, the emotional scars never truly disappeared. There were moments of doubt, jealousy, and fear — and while marriage gave them a sense of unity, it did not erase the past.

Now, with Dominic returning to the screen, those unresolved tensions are rising again.

Recent previews have hinted that “Dabby” is heading into a dramatic storm — one filled with emotional tests, unexpected challenges, and secrets that could tear them apart. Dominic’s recast signals that his role will no longer be symbolic background. He will be central to whatever crisis lies ahead.

Because when a child becomes the emotional core of a storyline, the stakes grow exponentially higher.

A New Face for a New Chapter

Enter Ethan Ray Clark, the young actor now stepping into Dominic’s shoes. While recasts are a familiar part of soap history, this one feels deliberate — strategic — designed to prepare Dominic for more meaningful screen time and deeper emotional storytelling.

Ethan may be young, but he is already no stranger to the camera. Fans may recognize him from his appearance on Abbott Elementary, where he played one of Janine’s students. He has also appeared in a national Home Chef commercial, proving his comfort in front of an audience.

Behind the scenes, Ethan’s enthusiasm is infectious. His social media recently shared an adorable video from his first day on the Y&R set, with a heartfelt caption describing how welcoming the cast and crew were. Even more telling, he returned to set again in early December — confirming that this is not a brief guest appearance, but a long-term role.

In late 2025, Ethan also became a SAG member, a milestone that underscores the seriousness of this casting choice. This is not a temporary placeholder. This is a recast designed for emotional longevity.

The Ripple Effects: What Dominic’s Return Really Means

In soaps, children often represent more than love — they represent accountability. Dominic is the living embodiment of Abby and Devon’s most painful chapter, and his increased presence means they can no longer bury the emotions tied to his birth.

Will Devon once again feel the weight of guilt for ever wanting to claim Dominic as his own?
Will Abby struggle with fear that her family could fall apart just as quickly as it came together?
And what happens when outside forces — jealous exes, power-hungry relatives, or long-buried secrets — begin circling their happiness?

With Dominic back in focus, the narrative energy shifts. Every argument becomes more dangerous. Every secret becomes more explosive. Every decision now has a child at its center — and that changes everything.

A Storm on the Horizon

Sources close to the show have teased that major drama is coming for Abby and Devon — drama that will challenge their bond in ways they never anticipated. Bringing Dominic back into active storylines feels like the emotional fuse being lit.

This isn’t about cute family scenes.

This is about emotional reckoning.

Dominic’s presence will force his parents to confront the truth about who they are, what they’ve sacrificed, and whether love alone is enough to survive the shadows of the past.

A New Beginning — Or the Start of a Breakdown?

As Ethan Ray Clark makes his debut, fans are invited not just to meet a new Dominic — but to witness the transformation of a family standing on the edge of something far bigger than they realize.

Because in Genoa City, no child enters the spotlight without a reason.

And this reason?

It’s about to change everything.