Young & Restless’ Joshua Morrow Reveals the Old Flame He Wishes Nick Would Reheat — and It’s Not Who You Think

Sharon and Phyllis will always own a piece of the character’s heart. But…
Ask any Young & Restless fan, and they’ll tell you that Nick has had two loves of his life, former wives Sharon and Phyllis. But he could yet have a third — and, at one point, nearly did: Phyllis’ sister, Avery.
Joshua Morrow, who plays Victor and Nikki’s son, considers that character the one that got away, he tells Soap Opera Digest. “That relationship was really trending in a great direction. Nick really wanted to be with her, and I wish they would bring Avery back to inject some energy into that part of his life.”

Here, Nick remembers a time when dates weren’t just numbers on a calendar.
Credit: CBS screenshot
Agreed. As it is, we recently imagined a scenario in which Nick was spending his nights with another familiar face around Genoa City. (See who we had in mind here.) But Morrow had a sparky chemistry with Jessica Collins, who won an Emmy for her work as Avery.
“I think that relationship really worked,” says Morrow, “and added an extra layer with Nick and Phyllis.” True — even when Phyllis hasn’t wanted to be with Nick herself, she hasn’t necessarily been crazy about anyone else being with him!

Here, Phyllis tries to pretend she’s totally fine with Avery seeing Nick.
Credit: John Paschal/JPI
Unfortunately, Young & Restless probably couldn’t bring back Collins as Avery at the moment even if it wanted to. The actress is currently starring on Apple TV+’s Acapulco as a glamorous resort owner who just happens to be a former soap star.
Check out photos of the stars we most want back on Young & Restless and all the soaps in the below gallery.
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<p>Four roles on three soaps. Three Daytime Emmys. Countless fans. No pressure, but it’s your move, <em>Young & Restless.</em></p>
<p>There’s a reason that <em>Young & Restless</em> viewers didn’t think Rey’s demise was “to die for.” The loss of his much-missed portrayer is it.</p>
<p>It ain’t for nothin’ that the powerhouse who brought to life <em>Guiding Light</em>’s “slut of Springfield” is regarded by her peers <a href="https://soaps.sheknows.com/the-young-and-the-restless/news/624899/young-restless-christian-leblanc-robert-newman-message-kim-zimmer/" target="_blank">as a golden goddess</a>.</p>
<p>The <em>General Hospital</em> fave has said that if he left Port Charles as Julian — and he did — <a href="https://soaps.sheknows.com/general-hospital/news/583055/general-hospital-william-devry-says-if-i-go-no-return/" target="_blank">he wouldn’t return</a>. So how about another show?</p>
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<p>If <em>Bold & Beautiful</em> wanted to fill the empty role of Rick, the <em>Studio City</em> MVP could pick right up where he left off as the legacy character.</p>
<p>We’d sing a chorus of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” — maybe two — if <em>Days of Our Lives</em> decided to get Paul off the bench.</p>
<p>Daytime’s been a bit dimmer ever since it last boasted among its ranks the Emmy winner who played <em>As the World Turns</em>’ Lily.</p>
<p>Ready, aim, and already, we’re fired up about the prospect of <em>General Hospital</em> bringing home the Emmy magnet as Lucky.</p>
<p>Even if <em>Young & Restless</em> never resurrects Dru, some soap <em>should</em> call home one of the genre’s most exciting performers. Ever.</p>
<p>He’s more than <em>As the World Turns</em>’ Luke. Hello?!? Drop him into the mix — <em>any</em> mix — stir, and let the sparks fly.</p>
<p><em>Bold & Beautiful</em> never <em>quite</em> made use of the enchanting Aussie actress, but we’ll be damned if she didn’t grow on us like (poison?) Ivy.</p>
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<p><em>General Hospital</em> fans have never <em>stopped</em> wanting her back as Brenda. If only Maurice Benard (Sonny) <a href="https://soaps.sheknows.com/general-hospital/news/602784/general-hospital-maurice-benard-says-vanessa-marcil-not-returning-brenda/" target="_blank">hadn’t told us this</a>.</p>
<p>Theo wasn’t just <em>Young & Restless</em>, he was hot and connected — <em>and</em> played by an up-and-comer who was cast aside just as he’d begun to shine.</p>
<p>Yeah, yeah, <em>Bold & Beautiful</em> killed off Macy. Twice. Big whoop. Her portrayer could still return and restart mom Sally’s classic brand. Please?</p>
<p>A comeback for the leading lady who breathed life into <em>All My Children</em>’s Maria? You <em>bet</em> we’ll drink to that. Also, are you, um, gonna finish that?</p>
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<p>She set a record as the first actress to win three Daytime Emmys for three different roles on three different networks. She is, in short, a necessity. <strong>Editor’s note:</strong> McClain continues to appear on <em>Days of Our Lives</em> as Jennifer from time to time.</p>
<p>Justice for Dev! The <em>General Hospital</em> standout was so freaking good, he all but demands a shot at another daytime role.</p>
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<p>Daytime television without the icon who rocked the role of <em>All My Children</em>’s Erica Kane doesn’t even make sense. Can we get an amen?</p>
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