On Sunday night, HBO’s Last Week Tonight with John Oliver had a very special surprise for for 16-year old wheelchair bound Syrian refugee Noujain Mustaffa and Days of our Lives fans.
Noujain is the young teenage girl we told you about earlier last week, who was trying to get to Germany and seek asylum. When ABC News first brought the young girl’s plight to the forefront, they asked Noujain how she learned to speak English. She said by watching Days of our Lives, and in particular the struggles of Sami (Alison Sweeney) and EJ (James Scott). She also related she was upset that her favorite character (EJ) was killed off the show!
But for one night only, EJami was reunited thanks to the efforts of Oliver and his production team who hoped to shed light on the struggles of the migrants and refugees in Europe, and wanting to do something for Noujain. So, after a hilarious recap of what led up to the “death” of EJ DiMera, Oliver threw to a clip which featured Alison Sweeney and James Scott playing out a sort of EJami reunion with a shout out to Noujain as only EJ can!
Watch the entire segment after the jump, which includes the set up from John Oliver featuring James and Alison as EJ and Sami after the jump! Then let us know what you think of Alison and James coming on board to do this segment with a nod to Noujain and her story? Do you hope to see EJami back on DAYS in the future? Comment below!
This was sooo amazing!! I loved that James and Ali did this for noujain!! But really this was for all Ejami Lovers who got cheated out of our HEA! So for James and Ali to get together and do this for her was so cool!! But that’s just the kind of awesome people that James and Ali are!! I would love to see them reunited back on Days, but I’m not holding my breath. But for know, I know it was just for noujain on LWT, but it was a way for Ejamis to finally get our HEA!!! Thanks James and Ali!!!!!
Now that Ejami got their HEA let’s pray that Noujain and all those seeking a better life will get one too.
God bless John, James and Ali.
camilla
8 years ago
So cool by Ali and James to do this 🙂 Ejami created a sensation on Days the actor’s intense chemistry and the characters fit so well together, do not know if they ever can create a similar pair on the show like Ejami? Anyway, very nicely done for the Syrian girl who seemed to love these characters. Strange that the show could not give Ejami fans a happy ending when they were on? Therefore Ejami fans left the show they were fed up with the disastrous writing as EJ and Sami got. Very strange that what was so obvious to viewers was not as obvious to the writers, producers etc?
Ahmad, thank you for sharing this. Just love her infectious joy! She’s an amazing girl. Reminds me how lucky I am and not to focus on my first-world “problems”.
Diana Whitt
8 years ago
YES !!!! I want EJ and Sami back !!!!!!
jb44
8 years ago
It was a lot of fun to watch and such a surprise! Who would have expected them to be on the John Oliver show. Wish they would both come back to Days.
carol smith
8 years ago
I don’t think I will ever quit missing these two,, ,, and one of the nicest things to do for this girl ,,, love it
Jimh(leave it to beaver)
8 years ago
It doesnt matter if EJ and Sami are together on Days(not really sure) but what they did for that girl was nice!
I’m not even an Ejami fan and I thought it was awesome! What JS and AS did for this refugee girl was funny and wonderful. In addition, it gives the Ejami fans the HEA they desperately wanted. I love that John Oliver’s show did this. How great is this? And I also have to give credit to Sony and DOOL, because they didn’t have to give HBO permission to use the show’s characters for this purpose. This is one of the nicest things I’ve seen a non-Daytime show do for a couple on Daytime. Well done by everyone!
Yes, Beth! This was grand for all so many reasons. One, it underscores and calls attention to the plight of the migrant/refugee’s and the injustices from which they are suffering. Two, and this might seem less important by comparison, it calls attention to the soap genre. Days of our Lives viewers are bound to watch this segment and will learn something while folks who do not watch soaps, will learn how fabulous (Days and Allison Sweeney and James Scott, in particular) can be. This put Days on the grid and that is a good thing. It’s a win-win situation which had me crying and laughing at the same time. I was in absolute hysterics when John Oliver screamed,”Why, EJ? Why?”
I swear, Mr John Oliver is a soap watcher. I only hope that dear little girl who learned to speak English from watching Days of our Lives got to see this. I also hope she’s doing well.
lulu
8 years ago
So so cool, all this story is great. This amazing and courageous young girl, i hope she find a home soon. And great move from John Oliver (who is so funny and smart like his pal Jon Stewart) and from the awesome actors Ali Sweeney and James Scott (who were able to create such an unique soap couple despite all the bad writing they suffered for years !)
I think they did suffer bad writing in the last year, but not for years. If it was bad for years, then you most likely would not have liked and rooted for them. Angst is a good thing for soap couples.
louisa
8 years ago
OMG Fabulous!! I will watch this over again.
Maggie
8 years ago
Absolutely incredible. Amazing that Last Week Tonight was able to pull an EJami reunion off in about 5 days time, to give Nourjain something happy to treasure while she goes through her horrific journey to freedom. Kudos to Ali Sweeney and James Scott for being willing to do this for this sweet, intelligent girl. And the added bonus is that all EJami fans got their HEA, the one Days was too vindictive to give to them last year. What fools.
Nicole
8 years ago
My heart will never get over the VOID of AS & JS not being on the show. I miss them so much they were my couple and can never be replaced. If I was them (tptb) I would do whatever I could to get them back on especially for the 50th and beyond. I want EJami back! So do many others!!!! Thank you Michael for sharing this with us. Noujain’s reaction – I would have loved to seen her reaction too this!
MBmomof3
8 years ago
The. Best. Thing. Ever.
4ever DAYS
8 years ago
I hope to find out Noujain was able to see EJami reunite. I loved the shout out to her!
Beyond heartwarming, so very sweet. What a story. My sincerest well wishes to Noujain Mustaffa, and thank yous to John Oliver/HBO and super awesome amazing thanks to EJami and Days.
Great post, Talisyn. It was very uplifting indeed.
Deb
8 years ago
Well, that simply made my day!
MBmomof3
8 years ago
ABC News found Noujain in a refugee camp and showed her the video. Sorry, I don’t have a link. Kudos to all involved. Another reason to love John Oliver.
Belle
8 years ago
That was great! I miss those two. Plus, John Oliver is okay, also!
Jamesj75
8 years ago
Kudos all the way around!!!
John Oliver is brilliant!
Noujain Mustaffa is inspiring!
Alison Sweeney and James Scott were terrific to agree to do this. And the scene they acted was very cathartic, not only for Miss Mustaffa, but also for fans of DOOL. It gives a degree of closure, to be sure…
Gmbenet
8 years ago
The Days of our Lives family has always shown much appreciation for their fans. So it is not surprising that James Scott and Alison Sweeney would do what they did to make this young girl happy and draw attention to her plight. This act of kindness was very much indicative of the character the Days family. Once a Salemite, always a Salemite full of compassion and kindness for fans!
‘Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit For Stand Up To Cancer’ Live Virtual Event Announced; Featuring Soap Opera Notables and Moving Tributes
May 2, 2024
Stand Up to Cancer in collaboration with Alan Locher and Michael Fairman, will come together for a a three-hour livestream benefit, Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer … We All Have a Story.
Several stars from from daytime drama television past and present are scheduled to participate for an evening of stories of emotional on- and off-screen experiences with cancer, and moving tributes to beloved daytime favorites who lost their battle plus musical performances.
Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer … We All Have a Story, streams live on Thursday, May 16, from 8 to 11 p.m. ET/5 to 8 pm PT simultaneously on StandUpToCancer.org and YouTube channels The Locher Room and Michael Fairman Channel.
Photos: CBS and JPI
Tune-in for cancer survivorship stories with General Hospital’s Cameron Mathison and The Young and the Restless’ Colleen Zenk, who will reflect on the impact of publicly sharing their diagnoses; 2024 Daytime Emmy nominee Eric Braeden, who shares his cancer journey as well his memories of beloved The Young and the Restless co-star Meg Bennett, who passed from cancer April 11; and more.
Moving tributes to soap stars who’ve lost their cancer battles, including: Daytime icon Jackie Zeman, who played nurse Bobbie Spencer on General Hospital for 45 years, shared by daughters Cassidy MacLeod and Lacey Gorden, a tribute to Elizabeth Hubbard who played the iconic Lucinda Walsh on As the World Turns and Dr. Althea Davis on The Doctors, as shared by her on-screen daughter Martha Byrne and real-life son Jeremy Bennett, two-time Emmy Award-winner Jerry verDorn (Guiding LightOne Life to Live), shared by widow Beth verDorn and his on-screen wife on Guiding Light, friend and co-star Liz Keife, the iconic Andrea Evans, who played Tina Lord Roberts on One Life to Live, shared by her husband Stephen G. Rodriguez and daughter Kylie Rodriguez and Kamar de los Reyes shared by his One Life to Live co-stars Michael Easton(General Hospital)Trevor St. John (The Young and the Restless).
Photo: MEastonFacebook
Poignant reflections from actors who have portrayed breast cancer survivors, including Sharon Case and Eileen Davidson from The Young and the Restless; Erika Slezak from One Life to Live; Tina Sloan and Kim Zimmer from Guiding Light and more.
Additional talent slated to participate in the virtual benefit include (*subject to change): Eddie and Kristen Alderson (One Life to Live); Elia Cantu (Days of Our Lives); The Day Players, Featuring Days of OurLives castmates Carson Boatman, Brandon Barash, Wally Kurth (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee), Eric Martsolf (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee); Kassie DePaiva (One Life to Live); Don Diamont (The Bold and the Beautiful); Linsey Godfrey (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee, Days of Our Lives); Leo Howard (Days of Our Lives); LesliKay (The Bold and the Beautiful); Eden McCoy (General Hospital); Kin Shriner (GeneralHospital); Michelle Stafford (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee, The Young and the Restless).
Courtesy/LaceyGorden
“Daytime television invites viewers into the private lives of characters, often bringing important issues like cancer screenings into living rooms and around water coolers. Soaps debuted the first cancer storyline in 1962 – years before the topic was discussed in the mainstream, and it left an indelible impact: a whole generation of women who scheduled a potentially life-saving Pap smear for the first time,” said Daytime Stands Up host Alan Locher. “For so many viewers, this brought the issue front and center,” added co-host Michael Fairman. “Today, it’s become almost impossible to avoid; but there is hope with cancer research, thanks to organizations like Stand Up To Cancer.”
SU2C Co-Founder Sue Schwartz, SU2C President and CEO Julian Adams, Ph.D., and SU2C Health Equity Committee Member Elizabeth Jaffee, M.D., will also participate to speak to the importance of early detection, exciting scientific breakthroughs, and the ongoing work yet to be done to make screenings and treatment equitable for all.
“This year, an estimated 2 million people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer, presenting an opportunity for the public to stand with us and rise to the occasion,” said Adams. “We’re thankful to Alan Locher, Michael Fairman and our friends from the daytime television community, who will raise critical funding to honor those we’ve lost – and to propel new scientific breakthroughs for current and future patients. Everyone has a story, and we’re grateful to all of you for sharing yours.”
For over 15 years, SU2C has leveraged its relationship with the entertainment community – which includes more than 1,100 celebrity ambassadors – to generate public donations, increase awareness and fund cutting-edge cancer research. SU2C research has contributed to the development of more than 10 scientific breakthroughs that have significantly impacted the field and provided new treatment options for breast, colorectal, lung, melanoma, pancreatic, pediatric and prostate cancers.
Photo: SUTC
In support of the event, SU2C will also be launching a 10-day eBay silent auction, from May 16 through 26, for fans to bid on items, including a meet-and-greet experience with the cast of NBC’s Days of Our Lives; an autographed script from the cast of Young and Restless and signed merchandise from the Bold and Beautiful cast; a 1:1 video call with General Hospital’s Cynthia Watros, Maura West and Laura Wright, and with daytime legends Robert Newman, Vincent Irizarry, Colleen Zenk, and more. Full details will be shared the evening of May 16, on Stand Up To Cancer’s website.
Are you looking forward to this very special one-night only virtual event to help benefit cancer research and shed light on the stories, performances and lives of the people we love and have loved in daytime TV? Comment below.
Deidre Hall to Guest Star on Season 3 of Comedy Series ‘Hacks’
May 1, 2024
Days of our Lives star Deidre Hall (Marlena) is set to play a version of herself on third season of Hacks. Look for Hall this month in an episode titled “The Deborah Vance Christmas Spectacular,” to air on May 23 on Max.
Not only will Hall appear in the episode, but so too, will Back to the Future and Taxi star, Christopher Lloyd.
According to EW.com, Deidre will play “a fictional version of herself, who just so happens to be the mom of Paul W. Downs’ Jimmy.”
Photo: JPI
Hacks co-creator and Downs’ wife, Lucia Aniello shared on Hall’s casting, “It made sense to us that Jimmy’s late father, a big-time manager, would have been married to an actress. When the idea for Deidre Hall came up, it just felt right.”
As for Lloyd, he will portray, reclusive writer Larry Arbuckle, who is to have had a rather famous grandfather. In the episode, Hall and Lloyd’s character intersect, which leads to onscreen sparks.
Photo: AP
“We had written some things that were flirty, but the chemistry was palpable,” says co-creator and series star, Downs shared. Hacks stars Jean Smart as comedy legend Deborah Vance.
Photo: Max
Season 3 of Hacks debuts on Thursday night May 2nd on Max 9 pm ET/6 pm PT.
So, will you be watching Deidre Hall guest starring on Hacks? Comment below.
Peacock Raising Subscription Prices $2 Dollars a Month This Summer; Includes Days of our Lives
April 30, 2024
As the Paris Summer Olympics are a few months away, the Peacock streaming service has revealed its plan for a two dollar summer price hike on its subscription plans, beginning in July for its content which will include Days of our Lives.
According to Deadline, in July, look for the monthly price for Peacock Premium to increase to $7.99. Premium Plus, which offers limited advertising, download capability and live local programming, will now be $13.99, while Annual plans will go up to $79.99 for Premium and $139.99 for Premium Plus.
This price hike will effect new customers starting on July 18th, while existing subscribers will notice the price change on their next billing date on or before August 17th.
Photo: JPI
This marks the second price change in two years for the streaming service, the previous one being in 2023, which was the first since the service launched back in 2020. The Summer Olympics in Paris which will be on NBC and Peacock run from July 26 to August 11.
The bright spot for Days of our Lives fans, is that unlike if the show was still on network television and NBC, the show would be preempted for two weeks, but with it being on Peacock it will continue with all-new episodes without interruption.
Photo: Peacock
At the recent Days of our Lives 15K episode celebration, Michael Sluchan the EVP, Current Scripted Programming & Limited Series for NBC/Peacock shared that the soap opera is doing extremely well for the streaming service, and they were very happy with its performance.
If you want to join Peacock now, there is still some time to get in on the current rates to watch DAYS and all of the programming and series it offers.
So, what do you think about the Peacock streaming service next price hike? Comment below.
