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Days Of Our Lives

Alison Sweeney on how DAYS is fighting to stay alive in dwindling soap genre!

Photo Credit: JPI Studios

Photo Credit: JPI Studios

The star of Days of our Lives and The Biggest Loser, Alison Sweeney (Sami Brady) spoke to Zap2it.com on her recent tour to promote  the Hill Science Diet for Pets called Million Pound Pledge. When asked about the recent cancellations of All My Children and One Life to Live, Sweeney commented, “It hits close to home. It’s really sad.  I know, like many soap opera actors do, when you meet fans, that soaps have been a part of their family for generations. They’ve watched it with their mom or their grandma and it’s close to their heart… It’s hard to say goodbye.”

However, the very wise Sweeney, also knows that  soaps and daytime are stuck in an economics game with the networks, and that it is tough to keep a long-running soap still viable and on the air.  Sweeney elaborated about how DAYS is trying to make it work during these difficult times. “They have to find a way to make money. And at Days of our Lives, we’re working really hard to fight to be a financially good decision for those people who make those decisions and hopefully we tell good enough stories that the fans want to keep watching. At DAYS it’s clearly a different place to work than it was 18 years ago when I first started.We don’t have a lot of rehearsal time and we have to keep going. And the writers have to work harder and be able to write very simple scenes that are easier to shoot, inexpensive, without any fancy special effects, but still tell really compelling stories. Ultimately, most of the responsibility falls on the writers to tell really good stories and the actors to have to turn it around and bring it to life with a lot of constraints.”

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I can say one thing that can help Days. Get rid of Higley.

Wow, this explains alot why Dool is coming last for the 7th week in a row!! The problem is that the stories are not bringing in the viewership because they have no flow, they are all plot storied based instead of writing for the characters. They have all the wrong pairings, that simply do not bring compelling dynamics on our screens enough to draw in high viewership. The current storylines are beyond terrible, the dual Rafe storyline has proven to be a total waste of money, airtime and the ratings are proof that viewers are not tunning in to watch this and it is basically taking over about 50% of the show’s airtime. Along with that we have one of dool’s most favourite character the compelling Ej DiMera acting like a total love fool with no brains and the way they have simply erased all that we have endured through his journey as Ej in Salem “saying he has never been heart broken” is a slap in the face to all his fans who have cried over his numerous heartaches for 4 years. This kind of lack of integrity and history in the show frustrates fans and viewers to a point where they simply just stop watching as they do not recognize their favourite characters anymore. All the stories are all flops for Feb sweeps and now May sweeps is not looking good so far. I will admit that I am an Ejami fan, and believe that if this show is truly trying to make money in very rough economic climat for soaps in general then why are they wasting money on new castings?? Frankly there is nothing wrong with most of their actors, that is the only good thing left going for this show is the talented cast. However, the problem is that they are not being written to allow them to deliver in a way that makes them shine at their best. Like Ali and James they have a very natural and electrical chemistry that has not been forced or contrived, thus allowing this show to capitalize on their chemistry as the powerful grey couple Ejami, because for the last 5 years this couple have never been given a real chance and they have never been written for as a proper couple. However, Ejami sells itself. It doesn’t need pimping and primping in magazines, and forcing synthetic props to make us believe they should be a couple like “Safe”. Ejami can have the most simplest and natural scenes full of simple dialogue no special effects etc and Jamison bring it to every scene they are on together. They make “tomatos and tamatos” the hottest and funniest conversation!! Ali is right, but so far they are not making the right decisions in fact they are going against what the viewers want over and over. How about they start listening to their viewers for once, and allow us to sell their show for them.

IMO Days has been dead sence 2006,maybe if they would bring Bryan Dattilo/Lucas Horton and the charecter John Black back,things would be good again???

It’d be nice if Days didn’t keep alienating it’s fans. Like the Lucas and Sami fans for instance. Breaking up a super couple like Lucas and Sami and then Jack and Jenn didn’t help. This soap is dying because of the many new faces that none of us have grown up with. We feel like why is there even a need to care? Characters like Melanie and Dario for instance? I’m supposed to care about them why?

I’m invested in characters like Lucas Horton<as played by Bryan Dattilo. I was invested in Jack<as played by Matt Ashford. If Days had gone ahead and made Johnny Lucas's, boy would that have made for some big time drama. I like Rafe okay, but he's not and never will be Lucas nor can he ever be John Black. I could also care less about Ej Dimera, whom I can not stand because he destroyed Lucas and Sami when he raped Sami on 12/26.

Sami was my favorite with Lucas. They destroyed her with Ej and Safe is just not my cup of tea. We need John and Marlena, Belle and Shawn and Austin and Carrie back. Possibly turning Will gay just isn't helping. That is not what I watch soaps for. Please stop killing the show and the soap boards as well. Also reuniting Brady and Chloe would be nice. Taking Parker from Chloe, not cool. Sending Philip off with Parker, even less cool.

This show is not even recognizable any more. Please do something about it, like maybe hire better writers and another producer. These are just my humble thoughts, I am entitled to them.

I agree with you. I love Ali Sweeney but the writers at DAYS have not told a good story for over 3 years now. My favourte is EJAMI and I will not tune in to watch the paint-drying, boring old SAFE. The dual RAFE story was so awful that DAYS fired one of their writers for it.
Im surprised DAYS is still on the air with their writing- they will be gone soon. I dont see them lasting particularly if they keep bringing in characters that are not part of theri history. Galen Gering came and has been bagging most of the airtime, no disrespect to him but his character is awful. If the GA wanted SAFE- why are their ratings down the drain. EJOLE was just a waste of time and now they expect us to believe that EJ stopped loving Sami and fell in love with Taylor at first sight.
I love Bryan Dattilo and he was let go- his chemistry with EJ was much better than Rafe and EJ. He was funny and I would love to see him back on the show.
If DAYS brought back Matt Ashford, Deidre, Drake and Thaao- their ratings would be better.
May Sweeps look terrible and how about giving EJAMI a chance. They have gold with EJAMI but as always GG is pets with Gary Tomlin, who has had a hand in ruining this show.

Avelina – I think they whole entire Hernandez family need to take a hike right out of Salem. None of them actually do anything for this show but drag it down, take over too much airtime, Sami has been totally ruined, and Rafe1/2 is a total flop just like Safe is the most uninspiring, old fashioned boring couple..it’s like watching paint dry, or the kettle boiling it really is that “snooze worthy”. Bring back Tanna, Jarlena and Nathan Mate was just the cutest couple..Reminded me of Rachel and Finn from Glee.

Agree with you. Yeah, look what they did to Ej’s character MY GOD . Why did they started the whole beautiful story about “vendeta between the brady’s and dimera’s or Santo and Colleen if Ej & Sami were not going to be together. It’s all about Galen Gering now . They are trying so hard to make Sami & Rafe super couple. Sorry!!!! Why don’t give Rafe s/l without Sami or Ej in it coz he ruined Sami’s character for me. Ej & Nicole great together too love them.

I think another point too is that the stories should be original, and not recycled stories. I truly believe that soaps in general are doing so bad in this day and age because they have not modernized their stories enough to match with what viewers enjoy nowadays. I hope that they do write a compelling and fresh gay story, if it is with Will and Chad then I give it my full support. Because, it would allow this show to venture into something completely different and Chill already have amazing chemistry. It would bring a new dimension to this show that I believe would bring it out of the dark ages and into the modern society we all live in today, where different sexual relationships are part of the norm. Look at Glee’s Kurt, he has brought in so much viewership because of such a compelling and sensitive issue that alot of people go through and can relate to. This is what Dool needs to start doing writing stories that their audience can relate and connect to. Unfortunately all the stories now on the show are so unrealstic, replayed over and over, and they are unbelievable, grotesque, unemotional, hypocritcal, no integrity. Another really popular trend is “Grey”, like in True blood’s Eric Northman, Dexter, Edward from twilight etc. These are all characters that are not necessarily pure good nor are they pure evil. However viewers love them because they bring more complexities to their over all dynamics and I believe that State, Ejami and Magic are good examples of Grey couples that this show really needs to start writing proper stories for them all so that it will bring wonderful compelling dyanmics, original stories that do not need to cost this show money as they have already the chemistry, history, and family which just makes them all “good soap material with a wonderful modern twist”.

Hey Sweetsherry- I agree completely with your previous comment. Its all about Galen Gering now and its destroyed the show completely. Him and Sami are so boring, I actually feel like gagging at times. The way Ken Corday is trying to shove them down our throat is sickening.
I dont see the point of bringing Dario to the show- just a complete waste of time when we could have our vets like Jack, John, Marlena back.
Ive given up on this show and now Y&R is my favourite. If EJAMI are not given a chance, DAYS has lost my viewership!

sami and Lucas was and still is my old time favorite, I want them back and their kids need them,
and please dont make Will gay,,,,
and no this show is not even recognizable,Maggie would never act this way,
LUMILY forever Joanne

I have lost most of my interest in Days since they teased the Ejami fan base with Ejami. They are the hottest, most dynamic couple on Days or any daytime soap. They have an explosive chemistry together and the sparks fly whenever they are in the same room together. It just seems it comes so naturally and their eys lock together and speak in volumes. TPTB are not the most brightest of writers for not capitalizing on what Ejami have. I believe that is the reason there aren’t too many scenes between AS & JS…their chemistry is there and TIIC are so wrapped up in trying to make safe work that they are willing to destroy their show. Give Ejami a chance. With the ratings as they are since Sami and Ej aren’t together…dump the bore and give Ejami they chance they should have had five years ago. Ejamis are tired of the crumbs…we want the whole loaf or nothing!

AMEN!!!!

Lucas and Sami 🙂
Jenn and Jack
John and Marlena
Tony and Anna
Bo and Hope
EJ and Nicole LOVE THEM together
their chemistry comes so naturally,so put them back together and the rattings will come up up up,,,,,

Bryan Dattilo/Lucas Horton and Sami forever and always

Michael : I love that you are making a comparison with British soaps and here in the states. I managed to find this clip and it truly is a good example why Corrie is celebrating it’s 50th anniversary!!

Ok, Well reading about Michael Fairmans blogg this week about how US soaps are dropping like flies and the brits soaps are raking it in!! Well, Corronation Street is the “daddy” of Soap Dramas coming up to it’s 50th Anniversary only 5 years older than DOOL!! However, Corrie is as POPULAR when it first aired half a centry ago as it is today!! Here is a clip of why Corrie is doing so well!! Maybe this show could get a few tips from the Daddy of Soaps..and start a new soap revelation in the US!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e54gzq5Xr0Y

This had me laughing till I cried, the dialogue was the best, Blanche is the oldest lady who unfortunatley passed away last year, well she certainly had “Spunk!!” Barlows represents what family drama is all about!! This clip had no special effects, no over the top primping and pimping, it was simple but full of what a daytime drama should be!! This is an example of how this show can create awesome drama scenes without having to get out the big bucks!!

I can so imagine Ej and Sami going to therapy just like this with Stefano and Kate stirring up shit, and the Will being gay, Kate poisoning Chloe, Sami shooting Ej, Ej stealing Sydney etc!! It would be brilliant if only this show would see what we do!! Ejami, DiMeras are soapy goodness.

I so wish this show could start injecting the much needed humour back into the show, this family reminds me of DiMERAs meaning Ej, Sami, Stefano, Kate, and their kids!! Please don’t forgive up on the potential of EJAMI as the new DiMERAs!! I get all excited just thinking about it!! LOL

I have been watching Days for years and the storylines are still excellent. I love the drama that is before each character and I am glad that some old characters are gone and that they consistantly bring in new characters to spice up the storylines. That is why they are still on. I would love it, if it went on at primetime or would be on soap net so they could get better ratings as alot of viewers work during the day and have to watch it by recording it.

Days Of Our Lives

Days of our Lives Star, Greg Vaughan, Gives Health Update and Thanks Everyone for Their Support

Greg Vaughan (Eric, Days of our Lives, ex-Lucky, GH, and ex-Diego, Y&R) provided an update on his health on Sunday, March 17th. Vaughan had previously shared that he had become ill during a trip with his sons to Colorado, and had developed altitude sickness when he was having trouble breathing accompanied by terrible headaches and landed in the urgent care.

Now on St. Patrick’s Day, Greg took to his Instagram and shared how he is feeling now, and to thank everyone for their love and support.  As it turned out, Vaughan was diagnosed with high altitude pulmonary edema, commonly known as HAPE. However, he is on the mend slowly and surely.

In his new video post, the DAYS favorite started by expressing, “I just felt such an appreciation and gratitude for everything. . reaching out. Your prayers have been felt. It’s been a struggle, but I’m over the top. And, taking this moment just to say I didn’t realize the things that I was going through. My (original) post was simply just to educate, put some information out there and some things that I was feeling, just share that information and the struggle that I was going through, which I didn’t quite understand. And it wasn’t because I’m stubborn or just because I’m a father, a man, and didn’t want to go to a doctor. It is just something I thought was so minor that I could overcome it, just by taking care of myself.”

Photo: JPI

The Daytime Emmy winner then revealed his actual diagnosis, “So, basically my situation was high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). With some good friends, doctors that had reached out to me, it kind of gave me some understanding on the aftermath, which was very, very beneficial.”

“But I’ve been resting, taking care of myself even though I live in a hamster wheel,” said the dad of three teenaged boys. “I gotta get up and, you know, do my normal domesticated stuff, eventually. I’m tired of laying down in this bed, but, I am feeling much better.”

Photo: GVaughanIG

Talking on his confusion of trying to understand what could have been ailing him, Vaughan expressed, “I couldn’t quite figure it out, even though I was emphasizing and professing to my children going on our spring break getaway about hydration. I professed it. But, even though I was acting on it, it had a greater effect on me, and for which I did not even think, because my head was such in pain, and I was in a very bad state of mind – not being able to be out there with my kids on the mountain, enjoying their time, as well. I thought I was doing the right thing. Unfortunately, my lungs were full of fluids and my head was in severe pain and even migraine pills didn’t even help. So, I just want anybody that goes into the Colorado Mountains to know, it is no joke. It is this very serious thing which I guess is why they call it the Mile High City.”

Greg had a mountain of ‘thank you’s’ to give for the outreach he received from his original post, “For everybody internationally, wherever you are, I love you and I appreciate you and just the time and the thoughts that you’ve shared with me,” said Vaughan. “I didn’t realize that it would make such an impression on so many people around the world. I feel tremendously loved and I can’t say it enough. I’m good. And I appreciate you.”

Photo: GVaughanIG

The actor concluded his video with, “To all the family and friends that have reached out to me, man, it means the world. So take care of yourself, enjoy your spring break with your families. It’s Saint Patty’s Day, obviously. I wish I could be out there.” Vaughan added, “I feel loved and touched and I can’t emphasize that enough. I’ll take better care of myself, promise you will do the same.” Before he signed off, Greg shared, “Just know, that I’m alive and well and breathing, and I’m sore. So, be well, take care. I mean it. Thank you, tremendously.”

Glad to know that Greg has been on the mend, and shared his appreciation for everyone that reached out to him during this trying time? Comment below.

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Days Of Our Lives

‘Access Hollywood’ and ‘Couple to Throuple’ Host Scott Evans to Appear on Days of our Lives

Scott Evans, host of Access Hollywood and the Peacock reality series Couple to Throuple, will make a guest appearance this week on Days of our Lives.

Circle the Thursday, March 21st episode of DAYS for Evans’ arrival in Salem. During his tape date last fall (since DAYS tapes months well ahead of when episodes actually stream), Scott posed for a snap alongside Mary Beth Evans (Kayla), Jackée Harry (Paulina), James Reynolds (Abe) and Greg Rikaart (Leo).

Teasers for the 3/21 episode of DAYS share that Leo tries to come up with his next gossip column, and Paulina and Abe return home to a mini-celebration set up by Johnny and Steve. Will Evans pop up in one of those scenarios? Stay tuned.

Photo: JPI

For a long time, soap opera fans knew only of one Scott Evans. The one who played Oliver Fish on One Life to Live from 2008-2010.  But in show business, there are two Scott Evans’ that are widely-known.

Last Thursday, March 12th at the 35th annual GLAAD Media Awards, it found both Scott Evans and Scott Evans together in the green room and they taped this video ditty below, calling out how they both share the same name.

Photo: JPI

Last weekend, viewers saw OLTL’s Scott Evans on-stage at the Oscars when he performed in the musical number “I’m Just Ken” from Barbie led by Ryan Gosling.

As for Access Hollywood’s Scott Evans, he has been with the entertainment news program since 2015, appeared in the recent Ladies of the 80s: A Divas Christmas with Linda Gray, Donna Mills, Nicollette Sheridan, Loni Anderson and Morgan Fairchild, and currently has an overall talent and development deal with NBCUniversal.

So, looking forward to seeing Scott on DAYS? Check out ‘Evans meeting Evans’ below, and then share your thoughts in the comment section.

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Days Of Our Lives

Days of our Lives Star Greg Vaughan Shares Sudden Health Scare: “I Truly Feel Like I Work & Live in a Soap Opera!”

What started out as an adventure with his sons, quickly turned into a nightmare for Days of our Lives Daytime Emmy winner, Greg Vaughan (Eric Brady).

In a series of Instagram posts, Vaughan shared the sudden health crisis he found himself in.  The images show Greg with an oxygen tank to help him breathe.

The actor began to fill people, sharing, “I’ve said more than a few times, I truly feel like I work & live in a Soap Opera! 🤪 this trip was nothing short of another great Vaughan adventure!”

He went on to say that on a father and son Colorado spring break trip, he began to feel shortness of breath, feeling tired and with a headache and after two days of hoping he would feel better, Vaughan finally went to an Urgent Care to get checked out.

Photo: GVaughanIG

“I finally surrendered & went to urgent care and to my shock I learned that I was experiencing severe altitude sickness.” Vaughan admitted. “My Blood Oxygen was at 54% & my lungs were full of fluids! Blood oxygen, also known as oxygen saturation, represents the percentage of hemoglobin in your red blood cells that is carrying oxygen. Most people have an oxygen level of 95-100%….”

Providing more detail to his health scare, Greg shared, “Well, 4hrs later, a couple of bags of IV & oxygen tank strapped to my face, I was told that I needed to immediately get off the mountain! However I couldn’t, we still had another day to go & wanting the boys to enjoy their last day on the hill tops! I opted to go home with an oxygen tank, a good laugh for everyone, and I know will follow, but my boys looked after their old man & fortunately they had friends on this trip!”

Photo: JPI

The experience of altitude sickness in the Colorado Rockies gave Vaughan a bit of a new perspective, “In all seriousness, no matter your age, and all the times I’ve ⛷️ & 🏂 in my lifetime, Colorado Rockies is no joke! As they say, ‘ take a breathe and smell the roses!’ That is truly something we need to remember & appreciate! #recover”

Share your well-wishes to Greg as he continues to be on the mend via the comment section below.

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Peter Reckell returns for a second visit with Michael Fairman following the wrap-up of his recent run as Bo Brady on Days of our Lives.Leave A Comment

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