Stacy Haiduk has returned to “The Young and the Restless” as Patty Williams after a ten-year hiatus. The news comes amid speculation about Haiduk’s future on “Days of Our Lives” as Kirsten DiMera and Susan Banks. Haiduk has spoken out about her recent career shake-up, addressing her time on both soaps.
Revisiting Patty Williams After a 10 Year “The Young and the Restless” Hiatus
2026 kicked off with Haiduk getting a call from head writer and executive Josh Griffith asking if she would be interested in bringing Patty back to the CBS soap.
“Honestly, I had hoped through the years that it would come around again,” the soap star shared with Soap Opera Digest.
When it finally happened, Haiduk was over the moon and couldn’t believe she was going to be playing the character again.
“I always felt that Patty never got her fair shot. I’m sure she did, but I don’t think she did, stuck in an insane asylum, you know? I’m just happy to be back in Genoa City,” she expressed.
The last time Haiduk was in the role, Patty was sent off to a mental health facility for wreaking havoc on Genao City, especially the Abbott family.
Patty has a serious obsession with Jack (Peter Bergman) and also terrorized Ashley (Eileen Davidson) for years. Haiduk didn’t spill any details on the storyline that brings Patty back, but fans know it has to do with Victor (Eric Braeden) kidnapping Jack.
The actress also warned that this isn’t the same Patty that fans saw a decade ago. Patty’s a bit more grown-up and put-together. However, she needs to be watched very closely, because the character has some unfinished business with the people of Genao City.
“It’s not going to be boring,” Haiduk added, “Patty is going to bring a little excitement to the party. She gets to walk into town as a new woman — with new power behind her. I’m really excited to be back, and I hope the fans are ready for Patty to wreak some havoc!”
Patty’s return to cause trouble isn’t expected to be permanent but rather a limited run for storyline reasons.
Stacy Haiduk Addresses ‘Days of Our Lives’ Future
Another reason the timing for Haiduk’s return to the hit CBS soap worked out is that she’s not being used again at “Days of Our Lives” as Kristen or Susan.
“DAYS had basically put my characters to rest,” the actress explained, revealing that she got the call from Griffith to return to “The Young and the Restless” two weeks after she wrapped her latest run on the Peacock soap, in January.
Since “Days of Our Lives” films nearly 10 months in advance, Haiduk will pop up as one of her two alter egos occasionally throughout 2026. Haiduk has been used sporadically on the show over the past few years, with either Susan or Kirsten popping up in Salem briefly to prop up other characters and storylines.
Even though she isn’t currently filming for the Peacock soap, that doesn’t mean Haiduk is done for good. If the opportunity arises for her to play Kristen or Susan again, while she’s working on “The Young and the Restless,” Haiduk would be all for it.
Haiduk isn’t under contract with either show, so she would be allowed to pull double duty if needed.
