Days Of Our Lives
45th Daytime Emmys: Outstanding Younger Actress In A Drama Nominated Reels: Who Should Win?

Courtesy/NATAS
NATAS has begun to release for soap fans the nominated performer reels that earned many of your favorites a Daytime Emmy nomination for the upcoming 45th annual Daytime Emmy Awards to be handed out on Sunday, April 29th.
First up is the Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series. Nominated are: Reign Edwards (Nicole, The Bold and the Beautiful), Olivia Rose Keegan (Claire, Days of our Lives), Hayley Erin (Kiki, GH), Chloe Lanier (Nelle, GH) and Cait Fairbanks (Tessa, Y&R).
Check out their nominated performances and reels after the jump. Then let us know, who you think based on the reels, should take home the gold on Emmy night via the comment section below!
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Lexie Emerges and Shocks Abe as the DiMera Family Gathers for The Reading of Stefano’s Will
Next week on all-new episodes of Days of Our Lives, finally it looks like Lexie Carver is fully resurrected when the character now played by Nikki Crawford stumbles into a DiMera family gathering, which is supposed to be for the reading of Stefano DiMera’s will.
In the Peacock video teaser, as EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) and company toast the Phoenix, the secret tunnel door swings open, and out stumbles out Lexie! Meanwhile, Dr, Rolf (Richard Wharton) realizes Lexie is gone and no longer in her bed. When Abe (James Reynolds) sees his beloved Lexie, he is absolutely stunned. But the question is, when Lexie speaks, is she the Lexie of old, or will her memory and brain be all scrambled eggs?
As longtime DAYS viewers know, the part of Lexie was portrayed for years by Renee Jones, who retired from acting after her run which lasted from 1993-2012. At the time of her departure, Lexie was killed-off with an inoperable brain tumor.

Courtesy/Peacock
Elsewhere, Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) is up to no good and now makes a play for Xander (Paul Telfer). but then tells him, “What I want now, is for you to kill him!” Who does she want killed? EJ? Johnny (Carson Boatman)? Or someone else?
Take a look at the official Days of Our Lives spoilers for the week of May 11-15 below.
Monday, May 11
Lexie crashes the reading of Stefano’s will.
Tony makes Gabi an unexpected offer.
Kristen sees Sophia.
EJ questions Cat.
Chad defends Leo.
Tuesday, May 12
Belle asks Marlena for advice.
Holly lashes out at Tate.
Brady and Sarah comfort each other.
Philip comes through for Gabi.
Ari opens up to Liam.
Wednesday, May 13
Steve pays Alex a visit.
EJ pulls a fast one on Gwen.
Marlena offers Paulina support.
Thursday, May 14
Johnny and Chanel lean on each other.
Jada moves Shawn into her place and opens the door for renewed romance.
Gabi presses Ari about her relationship with Liam.
Amy confronts Holly.
Friday, May 15
EJ wants to explore his past with Cat.
Kristen and Chad discuss life and death.
Javi opens up to Rafe.
Gwen plays hardball with Xander.
Check out the latest DAYS promo entitled, “Heartbreak Hotel” below.
Then, let us know, does this Lexie come back from the dead intrigue you, even though Nikki Crawford is taking on the role and not Renee Jones? Do you think she will be anywhere near the same personality she had before she “died’? Who does Kristen want killed now? Weigh-in via the comment section.
Breaking News
DAYS Lauren Koslow Temporarily Fills-In for Jess Walton as ‘The Young and the Restless’ Jill Abbott
In a ironic twist, Lauren Koslow, who currently plays Kate Roberts on Days of Our Lives is returning to The Young and the Restless to play Jill Abbott while temporarily filling in for Jess Walton. Koslow will appear for five episodes beginning on Thursday, June 25.
Koslow first appeared on The Young and the Restless back in 1984 in what was her first soap opera role when she was cast as Lindsey Wells. Now, she returns decades later subbing for Walton, who due to a scheduling conflict, was was unable to travel to Los Angeles when the storyline called for Jill. The Emmy-winning Walton has played the Jill since 1987 and went on recurring status with the show in 2012. Jess also left Los Angeles to reside in Oregon in 2011.
Making this all the richer was the original Jill played by Brenda Dickson, often shared scenes with Koslow’s Y&R character. Lauren played Lindsey Wells until 1986, before moving over to The Bold and the Beautiful as Margo Lynley. Koslow was B&B’s Margo from 1987–1992, and again in 2002. Then, in 1996, she was cast on Days of Our Lives as Kate Roberts, replacing Deborah Adair, and she has been in Salem ever since. But there’s still another another twist to this casting history. Y&R viewers recall Deborah Adair also played Jill, after Brenda Dickson left in 1980, and following a brief stint by Bond Gideon, before heading to DAYS to originate the role of Kate.

Photo: CBS
THE DAYS AND Y&R CONNECTION
As soap fans know, Days of Our Lives and The Young and the Restless are both part of Sony. Y&R is produced by Bell Dramatic Serial Company in association with Sony Pictures Television, while DAYS is owned by Corday Productions and distributed by Sony.
So, having Koslow visit The Young and the Restless to fill in for Jess Walton has nothing to do with her continued role of Kate on DAYS. In fact, a rep for the show shared that her upcoming appearance on Y&R, “does not affect her status with the show in any way.” Recently, Stacy Haiduk reprised her role of Patty Williams on Y&R, even though she is still being seen as Kristen DiMera on DAYS.
In a joint statement offered up to TV Insider, executive producer, Sally McDonald and head writer, Josh Griffith expressed, “We’re extremely grateful to Lauren Koslow for returning to her Y&R roots and temporarily stepping into the role of Jill. We want to extend our sincere thanks to Ken Corday (executive producer) and Noel Maxam (co-executive producer) at Days of Our Lives and Peacock. Their support embodies the collaborative spirit of the daytime television community.”
McDonald and Griffith clarified that Jess Walton is forever their Jill and shared, “Jess Walton is an enduring cornerstone of Y&R. We look forward to welcoming her back to Genoa City as her schedule permits and celebrating her extraordinary 40th anniversary as the iconic Jill Abbott.”
So, what do you think of Days of Our Lives Lauren Koslow stepping in for Jess Walton as Jill Abbott? Excited to see what she does in the role while filling in for the Jess? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of Our Lives’ Alum Al Calderon Shares Parting Thoughts on ‘Brilliant Minds’ Following its Cancellation
Last week, NBC pulled the plug on the medical drama, Brilliant Minds, as the last 6 episodes of its second and final season will begin to air later this month. The series which saw its ratings plummet was taken off the schedule in February, with reports of it being on the bubble until finally the decision was handed down.
Al Calderon, who departed Days of our Lives in the role of Javi Hernandez in 2025 to join the primetime series as Nurse Nico Silva, was a part of the stellar cast that also featured One Life to Live alum, Teddy Sears (ex-Chad Bennett) and series star, Zachary Quinto.
On Brilliant Minds, Quinto plays neurology physician Oliver Wolf, who’s character and the series is inspired by the life and books of neurologist. Oliver Sacks. The series focuses on the medical mysteries of the mind, as Wolf a larger-than-life neurologist and his team of interns explore the last great frontier, the human mind, while grappling with their own relationships and mental health.

Photo: NBC
In a real-life twist, Days of our Lives announced Calderon’s successor, Jacob Martinez as the new Javi debuting this June on April 30. Come May 1, NBC canceled Brilliant Minds. Now, on Wednesday, May 6, Al Calderon took a moment to reflect on his experience at Bronx General Hospital, the backdrop of Brilliant Minds, via a post on his Instagram.
“Thank you Brilliant Minds” Calderon began. “What a life changing experience. Met forever friends. Learned from the absolute best. Was reminded that my voice mattered. Learned that it’s okay to believe in yourself. Felt like I was part of something. While our beautiful show has gone onto glory we’ve got 6 more incredible episodes to share with you starting May 27th.”
Al also added, “NBC and Warner Brothers TV, thank you for allowing me to be silly and quippy, Demane Davis, Michael Grassi, David Rapaport, Zachary Quinto, thank you for all of your encouragement and support.”
As his heartfelt post came to a close, Calderon explained why the experience on Brilliant Minds was life-changing: “I’ve been at this a long time and this show gave me hope for the future of my career. I owe it to these incredible individuals. Our crew. Our writers. Our editors. The whole shebang. I love you all endlessly.”
Taking to the comment threads were several of Al’s Brilliant Minds and DAYS former co-stars, and even his successor, Jacob Martinez jumped in and shared, “YOU are brilliant 💕”
What did you think of Al’s heartfelt message about his time on Brilliant Minds? Will you miss seeing him on DAYS and on the primetime series? Looking forward to seeing what he will do next? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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Reign Edwards (Nicole; B&B). She rocked those scenes.
I watched these twice now and Chloe Lanier is the only one who I believe is deserving of the Emmy; her reel made me understand Nelle and was full of fire! I was surprised by how much I disliked Reign Edwards’s reel: I found it one-note, lakcing in variety and vocal power, underwhelming. Cait Fairbanks is overshadowed by the brilliance of Camryn Grimes but had some nice moments. I found Hayley Erin’s reel the most disjointed and disappointing; I love her but not this reel. Olivia Rose Keegan surprised me in a good way: didn’t think I would like it. Still don’t get why it’s backwards but whatever! I think Chloe Lanier will win and should win.
me too !!! Go Chloe !!!
Cait.
Although, she plays a highly unlikeable character, she does it well-Chloe Lanier (Nelle, GH) gets my vote. She is diabolical. I’ve never been a fan of Kiki Jerome (either actress); and I don’t know why Tessa from Y/R was even nominated. She is not a contract player and was involved in one of the worst storylines of the year, IMO.
Nelle is cold, cruel, and nasty-all of which comes from hurt and shame. Chloe is a great actress. It’s just too bad that she’s been written into a corner, and most fans of the show would rather the character leave Port Charles.
Agreed, dmr. It takes talent AND courage to play such a diabolical character and do it so well. Cait is a lovely presence but it’s way too soon for Emmy consideration. Hayley had some good moments but I see her turn coming perhaps next year with this harassment story unfolding. So for me it’s Chloe all the way.
I agree, Chloe Lanier plays Nelle great!
Absolutely, Chloe Lanier, dmr…
reign edwards had the best tape.
Chloe lanier..
Absolutely, Jimh! Chloe has shown phenomenal acting in roles on GH not just the once, but twice! First, as the lovely young Patricia, then as the far more dastardly Nelle. To show such a range in portraying these vastly different sort of females just goes to demonstrate how very talented Chloe is….she totally deserves the Emmy!
Rumor is she is Nina’s daughter..ugh!
Nina seems to be in everbodys story…Maxi needs her mom(i need more Feliia)not her sister-in-law…i hope Nelle keeps gaslighting Carly and she ends up next to Heather Webber whom i sorely miss…as for Sonny Of A (bleep) im so tired of him too that i only watch a few times a week and mainly when Nelle is on…i wish she was Heather’s granddaughter instead !!!
She is a good actress, but she is certainly hindered by the poor material she has been given. Since it seems she is going to be a permanent resident in Port Charles, I wish she would be allowed to turn it up several notches. I like Nina. Make Nelle her daughter.
UGH, indeed, Jimh!!!! The notion that Nina has a long-lost child needs to be dead and buried once and for all…I’m so tired of her endless babylust….especially now that she seems to be coveting the thought of Nathan’s unborn offspring…run Maxie run!!!!! If this character is so bound and determined to be a mother, then she should be sent off the GH canvas to Western Europe, China or Africa in order to buy herself an infant via the international adoption market….
That still isnt far enough…
Hayley Erin (Kiki, GH) …..
None of these woman I like Marci Miller but then again what do I know.
You know a lot because Marci is nominated for LEAD actress, these ladies are for YOUNGER actress– a separate category
Well I hope she wins the lead actress.I kind of figured it was a different category.I just wanted to say she deserves something.Don’t you think that Marci is doing a great job with her playing three roles?That must take a lot out of her.Got to give her a lot of credit for her work.
Marci Miller is nominated for Best Actress
She’s nominated for Lead Actress.
Chloe Lanier for the win
It will be Chloe or Reign.
Definitely Chloe Lanier!
As much as I hate Nelle, Chloe Lanier should/will win. Because, well, clearly she’s doing a phenomenal job in the role.
Have to go with Nelle here. Probably good that she’s nominated this year, since I suspect she’s not going to live long enough to be nominated in 2019.
Guess she’ll have to win awards in Hell when that happens, because there’s zero chance she will be heading “upstairs”
HAVE TO GO WITH CHLOE LANIER …DO NOT LIKE THE STORYLINE BUT SHE IS A TERRIFIC CONVINCING ACTRESS…..
It’s bizarre the way this works some years. There were a couple of years where I thought Hayley Erin did good work on GH, such as the aftermath of the death of Silas (Michael Easton character #2 of 3 on GH, lol), and then 2016 with Morgan’s death, and she didn’t get nominated. This year, her stuff isn’t that great to me, and she got nominated. Go figure. Still like her on the show.
I’ll have to echo what some others have said, can’t stand the character of Nelle, but that’s because Chloe Lanier does an exceptional job playing the bitch, for lack of a better word. Every year when commenting on these things, I always include the caveat that I’m biased towards GH, because it’s the only soap I watch. But I think this is Chloe’s to win.
Reign Edwards should win, but it will probably go to Chloe
Loved Haley Erin from the first moment she took over the role of Kiki. Chloe Lanier is very good but she needs to cut back on the tears; I don’t think there’s one scene she’s played where she hasn’t called on her eyes to do the talking. She’s got happy tears, sad tears, angry tears, vengeful tears. I’m getting all teary just thinking about it!
But, still, she’s good at being bad. Chloe for the win.
Chloe Lamier is extremely convincing as the scheming Nelle! Reign Edwards reel is flat no real acting range ! Haley was good but Chloe Should get this Emmy !
None of the performances really did much for me (due in large part to the writing) but I’m guessing Chloe Lanier will win.
nelle chole lainer