Young and the Restless Spoilers: Linden Ashby Breaks Down His Shocking Return, Reveals What's Ahead

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The Young and the Restless fans were stunned when Linden Ashby's character, Cameron Kirsten, thought to be dead, reappeared on August 1.

"It's exciting because it's not a resurrection," Ashby explains to TV Insider in an exclusive chat. "It's not a spirit. It's a figure living in Sharon's mind, aware of his existence there and his non-existence in reality. This adds a significant twist."

The Young and the Restless actor confesses he didn't anticipate returning after his character's fatal stabbing in 2023. "No, I was dead," he states. But when approached in May, he found the idea of a return intriguing. "I really enjoy doing this," Ashby adds. "I like everyone on set. I appreciate my family here, both real and fictional. And carpooling with [wife] Susan [Walters, who plays Diane Jenkins on the show] is always a plus. She's incredibly helpful, and I'm fortunate to have a built-in acting partner."

Fans have watched Sharon Newman (Sharon Case) gradually unravel following Cameron's reign of terror last year. Ashby reveals he's enjoying portraying a different version of his character.

"The abusive elements are gone," he notes. "I don't think he poses the same level of threat as in real life. He's Sharon's perception of Cameron. He's a manifestation of her inner world, helping her voice things she's afraid to say out loud, things she's scared to do. He's encouraging her to do things she perhaps shouldn't. It's not exactly what Cameron would do, but it's what Sharon believes Cameron would do."

Ashby has been impressed by Case's performance. "She's doing an amazing job," he praises. "She's a friend who welcomes me back warmly, and I reciprocate. We get along great."

While Ashby says he fell back into his role easily upon returning to the studio, he's reminded of the job's demands.

"Being a soap actor is the toughest job in show business," he asserts. "It's grueling. You're filming five episodes in four days, memorizing, performing, moving on, then starting again the next day. It's like Sisyphus pushing that boulder uphill when you're in the thick of it. It's challenging, and you forget how hard it is when you're away for a while."

This level of commitment is why he can't help but admire his co-stars. "These guys are incredible," he commends. "Honestly, I don't know how they do it. I'm a guest here, so I get a taste of it, but hats off to them."

Although he's a guest star, Ashby reveals Cameron will be a fixture in Genoa City in the near future. "I've read quite a bit ahead. I know where certain storylines are heading, and it's pretty exciting," he hints. "I love good stories; that's what I find enjoyable."

Y&R fans, are you happy Cameron is back for the time being? Keep watching The Young and the Restless, airing weekdays on CBS and streaming on Paramount Plus. Please share your thoughts with me in the comments section below. Remember to follow me to read more of my content.