Hayley Erin has had another whirlwind year of playing Claire Newman on The Young and the Restless and the drama for her character shows no signs of slowing down. From her initial storyline as a vengeful stranger controlled by her aunt Jordan (Colleen Zenk), Claire has recently started to let loose in Genoa City – and Los Angeles – especially with her attraction to the new and mysterious Holden (Nathan Owens).

The TV Watercooler caught up with the actress in Toronto to discuss the latest twists, including Claire’s newfound comfort, the escalating tension with Audra (Zuleyka Silver), and what might happen when she discovers Kyle (Michael Mealor) has been digging into Holden’s past.

Erin opens up about navigating Claire’s complicated romances and the unique challenge of her family ties. She shares insight into why Claire feels she can justify her connection with shady characters, and we also dive into the beautiful, yet fragile, relationship Claire is forming with her mother, Victoria (Amelia Heinle), and how the lingering voice of Jordan continues to influence Claire’s inner monologue.