Fans of “As The World Turns” alum Colleen Zenk (ex-Barbara Ryan) who have been clamoring to see her back on daytime in a hot, juicy role got their wish on the Friday, November 17 episode of CBS’ “The Young and the Restless” when the three-time Daytime Emmy Award nominee appeared on the series as Jordan, the devious aunt who is seemingly running things when it comes to her niece Claire (Hayley Erin).
Look for Jordan to stir things up in Genoa City as she has some scores to settle with the Newman Family, particularly Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott) who is currently being held captive by Claire.
As seen at the end of the episode, Claire is standing in front of a mirror fixing herself up when Aunt Jordan walks in, startling her, telling Claire, “Don’t get soft on me now, Claire.” She added, “We have waited so long and we are so very, very close,” as a seemingly frightened Claire stares back at her.
In an interview with PEOPLE, Zenk told the publication of Jordan’s motives, saying, “Prior to my showing up in Genoa City, I have sent my great niece to maneuver her way into the inner sanctum of the Newman family, which she has done quite successfully.”
Although Zenk declined to speak on whether she had joined the soap on a contract basis as a series regular, she did tell PEOPLE of her experience thus far, “I just can’t get over how loving everyone has been to me. In fact, I kept crying the first couple of days.” She noted, “It was just so overwhelming. I really didn’t expect it. I’m a New York actor coming into their show. It’s not my show, it’s their show and I just didn’t know how they would respond.”
Despite her storied career on “As The World Turns” and her performances in several New York theatre productions, Zenk’s joining “The Young and the Restless” marks her first time working in Hollywood, having never worked in the Los Angeles area, per her conversation with PEOPLE.
“I am just a newbie here. I know nothing,” she tells the outlet. “I found a fabulous, wonderful restaurant where I’ve eaten nearly every meal, four blocks away from where I’m staying, so that’s been great.”
Since the cancellation of “As The World Turns” in 2010, Zenk has kept herself busy, appearing in episodes of “Blue Bloods,” “American Criminal,” “Tainted Dreams” and “After Forever.” She originated the role of Barbara Ryan on “As The World Turns” in 1978 and remained on the series until its end.
For more from Zenk on her return to daytime, click here.
Watch a clip from Zenk’s debut on “The Young and the Restless” below.