"Why are they back" — The Young and the Restless fans question Ian and Jordan’s motives for targeting Phyllis

Emerald City Comic Con 2023 - Source: Getty — Ray Wise plays Ian Ward on The Young and The Restless (Image via Getty)

Ian Ward was introduced as a cult leader on The Young and The Restless. Portrayed by Ray Wise, Ian gained a reputation for manipulating Mariah Copeland and Nikki Newman, ultimately resulting in his imprisonment in 2015.

After being imprisoned for 8 years, Ian returned to the soap on November 14, 2024, where he was seen collaborating with Jordan Howard. As soon as he got out of jail, Ian returned to his old ways. He framed Sharon Newman for the murder of Heather Stevens. Along with Jordan, he has been plotting against the Newman family.

Last week on The Young and The Restless, Jordan kidnapped Sharon under Ian's orders and has kept her captive in a motel since. It is speculated that Ian might order Jordan to murder Sharon and frame Phyllis for the murder, as the rivalry between Phyllis and Sharon is well known.

Fans are disappointed with this plot as Ian and Jordan always seem involved in such evil actions. A fan, Cathy Oliver Terrill, commented under a post expressing frustration over Ian and Jordan being back on The Young and The Restless.

"I thought we were rid of Jordan and Ian. Why are they back."

Screenshot from a Facebook post (Image via Facebook/@Young and Restless Canadian Day Ahead Recaps - Soaps Spoilers)

Diane Milkowski, a fan, posted on The Young and The Restless fan page that she doesn't understand why Ian would be targeting Phyllis.

Other fans mentioned that Ian is targeting Phyllis because he wants to frame Phyllis for Sharon's murder, and it would be believable as everyone in Genoa City knows about Phyllis's hatred for Sharon.

Fans expressed disinterest in the storyline and didn't find it "interesting."

Screenshot from a Facebook post (Image via Facebook/@Young and Restless Canadian Day Ahead Recaps - Soaps Spoilers l)

Some fans speculate that Phyllis might end up saving Sharon and they might end up sorting out their differences. Fans agreed that it would even make a cool storyline.

The Young and The Restless: What is happening with Sharon Newman and Phyllis Newman?

Sharon Newman was kidnapped by Jordan Howard on the orders of Ian Ward. On the December 30 episode of The Young and The Restless, Jordan knocked Sharon unconscious and brought her to a shady motel room, where she remains restrained and vulnerable.

Nick confronts Ian when he notices that Sharon has gone missing, but he receives no useful information. Nick starts looking for Sharon on his own, having no other way. Outside of Society, Nick discovers Sharon's car abandoned, her keys on the ground. Even after discovery, her location is still unknown to her loved ones.

After overhearing Phyllis being frustrated with Sharon, Ian decides to frame her for Sharon's disappearance and potential murder. It is speculated that he might order Jordan to murder Sharon and pin Phyllis for the crime.

However, Jordan might hide Sharon as insurance as it is hinted that she doesn't have a good relationship with Ian, and he puts his needs over hers.

Fans can watch The Young and The Restless on CBS.

Edited by Toshali Kritika