Breaking News
52nd Annual Daytime Emmys: Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series Nominees
Ahead of Thursday’s full list of nominations for the upcoming 52nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, some of the major categories were announced on Wednesday via several syndicated television entertainment/news programs including: Entertainment Tonight, Extra and Access Hollywood.
NATAS (National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences) will unveil the rest of the nominations on Thursday at 12 pm ET/9 am PT via their account on X @TheEmmys or @TheEmmysTV.
Meanwhile, Entertainment Tonight had the exclusive to reveal the nominees in the Outstanding Lead Performance in A Daytime Drama Series: Actor. In a very competitive year, three of the nominees are from Days of our Lives. Let’s take a look at who’s going for gold below.

Photo: JPI
The nominees for Outstanding Lead Performance in A Daytime Drama Series: Actor are:
Peter Bergman (Jack Abbott, The Young and the Restless)
Eric Martsolf (Brady Black, Days of our Lives)
Greg Rikaart (Leo Stark, Days of our Lives)
Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis, Days of our Lives)
Dominic Zamprogna (Dante Falconeri, General Hospital)
The Lead Actor category features three Daytime Emmy winners: Peter Bergman who has won Lead Actor three times in his career (1991, 1992, and 2003), and has landed 25 nominations. Days of our Lives’ Eric Martsolf and Greg Rikaart have both won gold in the Supporting Actor category before: Rikaart for his work as Y&R’s Kevin Fisher in 2005 and Eric Martsolf for his role as DAYS Brady in 2014.

Photo: JPI
This marks Paul Telfer’s first Lead Actor nomination for his role as Xander on DAYS having previously earned a Supporting Actor nomination in 2020. GH’s Dominic Zamprogna is nominated for the fifth time in his career, having scored in both the Supporting Actor and Lead Actor categories, previously.
So, what do you think of this year’s crop of nominees in the Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama category? Any snubs? Let us know via the comment section below.
The 2025 nominees for Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series. #DaytimeEmmys #YR #DAYS #GH pic.twitter.com/NT6FGbFO9U
— (@IsntDaveOne) July 9, 2025
Only five nominations is insane to me; again, Stefan Dennis from Neighbours should have gotten a nod. Dominic Zamprogna is the only one on this list I’d like to see win.
Good for days would love to see Paul Telfer win
Great to see DZ move up to the Lead category. His work after Sam’s death and Lulu reawakening was top notch.
Actually kind of surprised not to see Benard get a nomination this year. The scenes when Valentin (then Ava) altered his meds had him doing some powerful scenes.
That said, Bergman will likely take home number 4, assuming he submitted the bender scene with MTS.
Another category head scratcher – Rikaart as lead? Wasn’t most of Leo’s 2024 revolving around that awful soap within a soap storyline?
DZ should win it based on his character’s reaction to Gio announcing at the Nurse’s Ball that BLQ and Dante were his parents. Within a few seconds, Dante’s expression went from bemusement, then to confusion and ending with askance. His facial expression told a story with no words. Powerful.
Well, that would be on his reel for 2025 maybe. But not for the current nomination. I’m guessing his 2024 reel was based around Sam’s death & Lulu’s return from veggieland, which of course played out at the same time.
Oh that’s right. Losing track of time.
Dom Zamprogna gets my vote. His performances have been stellar. He definitely displays Leading Man energy and deserves to be acknowledged for the extraordinary actor he is.
Not surprised to see Peter Bergman on here. He very likely submitted those mind blowing scenes of Jack’s bender with Melody Thomas Scott as Nikki. He would be stupid not to submit those scenes. In all of the years that I’ve watched that man grace our TV screens, this was by far the best work he’s done. Get that Emmy Peter!! You deserve it.
Peter Bergman
Paul Telfer deserves it for being so hot
What a shallow and silly comment.
I agree but it’s true
As I huge Days fan, I would love any of the Days guys to win, but I am a huge Eric Martsolf fan. So I am pulling for Eric. Paul was amazing also.
The only one of the nominees I personally don’t care for is Peter Bergman. I simply do not like his acting, sue me, I don’t think he should be the most nominated performer in Daytime Emmy history.
I am rooting for Paul Telfer to win but honestly would be happy with Eric, Greg or Dominic too.
I wonder if Michael Easton submitted? I thought he was deserving for Finn’s exit storyline. Chad Duell as well, but he usually submits in supporting.
Surprised to see Greg in Lead Actor, but I’m not going to quibble because he does a great job. Congratulations to Eric, Greg, Paul, and Peter. I don’t watch GH.
Dominic for the win, as far as I’m concerned. He always brings his A game to the scene.
Evan Hofer( Dex) should have been nominated for best lead actor. I wonder if he submitted that wondrous tape of Dex practicing for the police physical fitness test in the park as Joss looked adoringly on? It triggered memories of Rocky practicing for his come back heavy weight boxing match with Apollo, the reigning champion. Watching Dex perform push ups, timed runs and gymnastics in the sunlight wsd one of those golden soap moments that will live in until infinity like Luke and Laura dancing at Wyndham’s Department Store.
Breaking News
‘Santa Barbara’ Favorites A Martinez and Marcy Walker, ‘Cruz and Eden’ Reunion Chat, On Demand Replay Available for Half Price (Exclusive)
The love was felt around the world during the Sunday, June 7 livestream conversation featuring enduring Santa Barbara Daytime Emmy winners, A Martinez and Marcy Walker who played Cruz Castillo and Eden Capwell on the iconic NBC soap opera. The popular duo reunited for this special one-day only special event honoring their most memorable of daytime roles.
Santa Barbara was globally a hit, and nothing illustrated that more than having attendees from 20 countries and over four continents participate in and watch the live chat moderated by Melissa Braverman, the author of Santa Barbara: The Complete Story due out this fall.
While many were not able to purchase the initial livestream when the ticket costs were revealed to be $100, A Martinez previously clarified the event was to also raise money for Walker, who is currently facing a very serious health situation, now there is a way to catch the replay at half the price.

Courtesy: MBraverman
HOW YOU CAN STILL CATCH A AND MARCY’S LIVESTREAM
Michael Fairman TV can share exclusively that if you missed the chance to see and listen to what A and Marcy had to say, On demand access is available at the event link for a half price at $50 (guests can contribute up to $100 if they so chose). Like the livestream, 100% of On demand sales for the recording will be available for a limited time only, and also go toward Marcy’s medical expenses.
There was plenty of laughter, tears, and reminiscing through the the two and a half hour chat which included: some memorable footage and images from the love story of Cruz and Eden. At one point, Marcy reflected on the enduring impact and affection for Cruz and Eden. “You hope that whatever you do in this life, that you’ll make an impact of some kind,” expressed Walker. “It doesn’t have to necessarily be wrapped up in success or career or anything like that, but I think we all want desperately to feel like our time here blessed someone. To hear that somebody’s life was even a moment better because of what we did is a massive gift.

Photo: NBC
A AND MARCY’S DESIRE TO WORK TOGETHER AGAIN
In a moment that brought joy to those in attendance, A and Marcy both expressed a sincere hope and desire that one day they can work together again. Martinez explained, “There’s more avenues to pursue now than there have ever been. I would say just keep a good thought for it. I’ve been holding it for decades, and I fully intend to do whatever I can to make it happen. We’re engaged in trying to make it happen. And you know, we’ll see. I know we both want to do it.” Marcy simply nodded and responded “Amen.”
Melissa Braverman shared with Michael Fairman TV, her sentiments on hosting the Santa Barbara favorites. “Seeing A and Marcy together again, even virtually, was an absolute gift. It instantly reminded all of us why we fell so hard for Cruz and Eden in the first place. Their undeniable chemistry leaped off the screen and straight back into our hearts, proving that the magic they created all those years ago hasn’t faded one bit. Sharing in equal parts laughter and tears felt like catching up with old friends. It just meant the world to see them side-by-side again and to see how this incredible fandom showed up for Marcy during such an important time for her.”
So, if you attended the livestream chat with A Martinez and Marcy Walker, what did you enjoy hearing about the most? Now the tickets have dropped to watch the replay On Demand, would you want to check it out? Let us know via the comment section below.
Breaking News
‘Days of Our Lives’ Officially Confirms Ryan Quan Returning as Co-Head Writer Beginning in July

There is definitely a shake-up going down at the writing team at Peacock’s Days of Our Lives. Now, the long-running soap opera has confirmed, what has been previously reported, that current General Hospital breakdown writer, Ryan Quan is heading back to his old stomping grounds in Salem. This time as the series co-head writer.
The appointment of Quan comes with the official news that current co-head writer, Paula Cwikly, who was previously rumored to be departing the series, is not. She is staying with the soap opera and transitioning to a consultant role with the show. Now, Quan will join current co-head writer, Jeanne Marie Ford to steer the ship for the characters on the canvas.
On Wednesday, TV Insider, reported the official confirmation and that Quan will return to DAYS next month in July. In a statement to the outlet, executive producer, Ken Corday expressed, ‘We are lucky to have Ryan back in the fold. There are very few people who have such a deep knowledge and understanding of our show’s history. Stay tuned!”

Photo: JPI
THE FUTURE OF DAYS OF OUR LIVES
Since Days of our Lives unusual production schedule tapes ten-months ahead of air, the new creative team’s vision led by Quan and Jeanne Marie Ford are not expected to stream on Peacock until mid-2027.
Days of Our Lives is currently renewed through its 63rd season. The former NBC soap opera which transitioned to Peacock in September of 2022, celebrate its 60th anniversary in November of 2025.
The writing regime change comes after NBCUniversal Media Chairman Matt Strauss revealed that Peacock is expected to turn a profit for the first time in the current quarter, punctuating their investment with the enduring soap opera on its platform.
As for Quan, his knowledge of Salem is tremendous. Ryan joined Days of Our Lives as a writer’s assistant in 2007 after some time over at Passions. He then spent two decades and held every position on the writing team where he previously served as co-head writer from 2016-17 alongside Dena Higley.
Later, when Ron Carlivati took over as head writer for 7 years in 2017, Quan became his right-hand man and main story consultant for his deep knowledge of the history and the legacy of the show. After Carlivati exited the show in 2024, General Hospital hired Quan in 2025.
So, what do you think about DAYS making it official with Ryan Quan as the new co-head writer of the series alongside Jeanne Marie Ford. What do you think about the fact we won’t see the changes on-screen till 2027? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Breaking News
ABC Announces ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Texas Spin-Off Gets Straight-to-Series Order

In a surprise move, coming a week after ABC unveiled its 2026-2027 fall television schedule, Grey’s Anatomy is getting a new spinoff co-created by the original series’ creator/executive producer Shonda Rhimes.
The new untitled medical drama will be written and executive produced by Rhimes and Grey’s Anatomy showrunner/executive producer Meg Marinis under the Shondaland and 20th Television umbrella. In addition, long-running ‘Grey’s’ star Ellen Pompeo will also serve as an EP of the spinoff.
The upcoming new series will debut midseason in 2027. This will be the first of Grey’s franchise not set in urban city or West Coast locale. According to Deadline, the new “edgy drama is about a team at a rural West Texas medical center — the last chance for care before miles of nowhere.”

Photo: ABC
In a statement, Marinis shared, “I am incredibly excited to expand the Grey’s Anatomy universe. This opportunity will bring new characters and stories to life that will embody the same heart, emotion and connection audiences have loved from Grey’s for more than two decades — all set in my home state of Texas. I am so grateful to Shonda Rhimes for creating this dynamic world and feel so fortunate that I get to be a part of it.”
A NEW GROUP OF DOCTORS IN RURAL TEXAS
The Texas spinoff will feature a a new group of doctors, but there will be some connection to the OG Grey’s Anatomy and possibly to Debbie Allen’s character of Catherine Fox. The amount of episodes in the series order has not yet been determined. Previous Grey’s Anatomy spinoffs were the defunct Station 19 and Private Practice.
Previously, Grey’s Anatomy was renewed for its upcoming 23rd season while the amount of episodes is unclear. The last two seasons the series produced 18 episodes.
It should also be noted, Grey’s Anatomy and the Texas spinoff would likely share a time period, which requires limited-run orders for both with Grey’s premiering in the fall, followed by the spinoff on the midseason programming block.
So, what do you think about a Texas spinoff of Grey’s Anatomy coming in 2027? Who would you like to see from daytime or primetime as some of the featured roles as new doctors? Put on your casting directors hat and let us know via the comment section below.
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