Days Of Our Lives
Alison Sweeney Previews Her DAYS Return: "I Think I Can Say That It's Definitely An Emotional Homecoming …"

Courtesy/NBC
Alison Sweeney who returned to Days of our Lives recently to tape episodes surrounding the shows 50th anniversary that kicks-off in the fall and into November, chatted with PEOPLE.com about being back at the saddle on a daytime drama series, after being gone from the show for over a year.
The recently Daytime Emmy nominated actress, who also has on her resume: host/author/director, previewed what may go down when Sami returns to Salem: “I think I can say that it’s definitely an emotional homecoming and with family there is always going to be. Let me just say that it’s been over a year since I’ve had a tantrum or slapped anybody so I’m out of practice, I might need a refresher.”
After her almost 22-year run on DAYS, Sweeney who has been doing movies made for television, and hosting Biggest Loser among a myriad of projects, said she was challenged coming back to the rigors of soap operas: “Doing movies we do like eight pages a day, and than I have to go back and do like 50 pages in a day. Oh my gosh. I said to the producer, ‘You know I’m really out of practice, right? Just so you’re aware it’s a really long time since I’ve memorized anything like that.’ I’m freaking out a little but am very excited to see my friends and be family again.”
What will bring Sami back in story to Salem? Share your thoughts on Sweeney’s return below!
Can’t say I have missed Sami at all. And since she evidently is not bringing her children, guess it is a short visit. Either a wedding, or an illness/funeral is probably on the agenda.
Too bad Sami isn’t returning right now, as her son, Will, needs a wake up call.
Whatever the reason for the return, I pray it is better than the inane reason she went to CA (the movie on Sami’s life).
I agree with you, mzemma. I hope that she takes nuWill back to California with her…
I couldn’t agree more… take Guy Wilson back to hollywood… to ply his craft
in order for him to “be” in Salem
his job… for thee denizen to act at ???
and respond to Freddie Smith… ???
that’s not acting with… and for
his contribution to Salem … lulls… lacks.. and languor
sorry… has to be said…
I can’t help but think… this was a part of the reason Freddie Smith exited… although.. I had to google just how much his participation.. and invest in that facial cream… reaps
Salute
Sonny
and this pairing
hope the trio… : Sony / Days / NBC prop and reinvent
Say WHAAAAT? You haven’t missed Sami? This show has been pretty much complete CRAP since she and EJ left.
Sami gave the show so much energy; now it’s a snooze-fest!
Ok this is really mean, but why do they always come back? It’s like a vicious painful game of whack-a-mole. Just when you get used to them being gone, they come back and then leave again just to rip the band-aid off our poor wounded flesh. Why? Let us move on! I don’t watch Days too often, but I’ve been through favorite character whack-a-mole multiple times with other soaps, and the fans are the ones getting slammed on the head.
Agree! Stay or go! They always go to do “other projects”. Then, those projects seem to fizzle, and they return. Just stick with the show, like all the veterans have!
It is not mean, and agree in general, but in AS case it is a bit unfair. She was only sixteen when she started on the show, she stayed for 22 years– far longer than most of the young ones who leave thinking there are bigger pastures out there only to return a few years later.
Also, this is the 50th anniversary year– Sami was big part of the show, and I think AS would want to be a part of this milestone year. In this case, her returning is more like a family reunion, than an actress who left, realized there was nothing out there and is coming back. If it wasn’t the 50th anniversary year and she came back I might think it was bit too soon, but for this event I think her coming back for part of it is justified.
Agreed! And very well stated
Plus, she said all along that she would come back now and again, so this should not come as a surprise.
have to agree : “it’s not mean”
I didn’t even think of Sami… after the demise of EJ
yes, granted, he may still be alive
should the trio: production unify
re-invent EJ with Michael Muhney… or another actor capable of stratosphere.. then have at it
Caroline Brady’s illness and/or death will bring Sami back.
She has to find out EJ IS ALIVE & save him from Stefano !
OR
save
US
from Abs… senses dull.. with her… Keep her looking like a woman… ??? !!!! she’s done it before
this thing going on with .. pairing her with Chad… doesn’t work… I just balked at the scenes with Chad … throwing himself at… and she runs back to BEN… when her sanctimonious self declared DiMera less
BRING BACK Sheryl… ie: the hottest woman to be paired with Lucas.. since Sami… and Chad takes an interest… now .. heres… a HOTTEST trio… to spark
I’m glad Sami is back. It has been a nice break with her off the show but hopefully she will come back again.
It will be good to see Sami back she always added some spice to the show and please don’t let Kristen be alive that would be really stupid she fell 100 feet no one survives that
Cats do…lol
Due to illness…ill take the rest of the month off to comment…see you all in June…i hope!!!
Yeah, when they need Kristen she will live, just like every Dimera who “died” before her. Sorry to hear you are not well– keeping you in my prayers– these threads just won’t be the same without you, so I do hope you come back in June, in the meanwhile it is time to focus on yourself and your health– unlike like cats and Dimera’s we only have one life, so take care
Hope do better thinking of you be well
my sincere regards JimH
take care…
you’ve stamped and etched your presence w/FUN
I think that when Will goes to find out info on Clyde, He comes up missing or hurt really bad and it brings Sami back to Salem.
My gosh the woman was on for 21years let her pay tribute to a soap she grew up on! Allison Sweeney is a spit fire she has a lot on the ball I was sorry that she did not win the emmy. The problem with this whole system is you have columnists who pitch for their favorites and interns that get paid to go on blogs and drivel at the mouth about scenery chewers!
“I” was sorry too
let the : finally lauded : nominated : forego… the WIN
everyone in the industry knows… how equal… plus… Maura West contributes
there has to be times.. when gift back… should be lauded
Maura : if GH is smart… has plenty… and “ALL” the hierarchy at top
22 years of dream… should have persevered
I don’t want to denigrate or less than
Ali Sweeney
topped
carried
contributed the genre immense
“Thank You, Ali”
*there has to be times.. when gift back…
take note, Anthony Geary
“thank you”
What the hell is up with your punctuation and syntax? Trying to read your comments is like doing a puzzle.
It is too early for her to comeback.. she needs to stay away.. she made her bed( and left Days) and she needs to stay away for at least a few years to let her fans miss her….
Under normal circumstances I would agree with you, but this is 50th anniversary of the show– and she was a big part of the show for 22 years. I think it would be silly to have 50th anniversary year without bring back Sami for some of it. It would upset her fan base more if they didn’t ask her back or if she said no. Those who are not fans of hers can rest assured the return will no doubt be brief.
This is a different situation, Tim. Days is bringing many fan favorites back for their 50th Anniversary show. They are really pulling out the stops and it would be silly to NOT invite AS just because she just left a year ago. Quite frankly fans would be angry & disappointed.
Can’t wait to see her again. I SO hope EJ returns too!
I grew up watching Days and Sami has certainly been one of the most interesting characters. I do hope that EJ is alive (he is a Dimera) and he and Sami can finally find the peace they deserve. They both went from conniving, manipulative people, to find their true love. Sami finally found some happiness and the scene in the morgue even brought me to tears. Now they can get rid of Serena, she’s lies to everyone all the time. At least, Sami did it with dignity. Also, Will needs a good slap for acting like a paranoid idiot. So, if Sami comes back maybe she can line up several of the characters.
can carrie and austin come back too?!
i miss the beautiful christie clark… her and rafe were soooo good together,as are her and austin. which makes it so hard to choose! maybe they can do a rafe/ carrie/ austin triangle for real this time!
“beautiful” post
echo
gavel
gush
this would be MAGICal
“…i miss the beautiful christie clark… her and rafe were soooo good together ”
you add this threesome
w/ Stephen Nichols
w/ Peter Reckell
dang! this is serial recipe for fall all over in love again
I want Sami Horton to come back for Lucas and Will,they are family and please bring Allie Horton too.
I don’t know what to think
ie: Adrienne, Justin, and Lucas
this is combustion drama unfold
big
I can’t tell you who deserves Adri
I love them
tears, submission,for the fallout outcome, big reel
thank you Wally Kurth, Judi Evans, Bryan Dattilo
they should soras Ali…
for Joey
LOL
just to think of Kayla.. mixing… so much more.. and giving Lucas more air
keep
Ali and Joey are cousins.
Nick needs to come back and take Eve with him…Now that would be a good storyline…
Nick and Eve were one of the greasiest, sleaziest, most disgusting couples to ever appear on daytime t.v. second only to Kathie Lee and Hoda.
I really do seperate Kassie DePaiva and Casey Moss
two of the finest contributors in Salem
finest
Yes
I laud them
they forego… bad writing… or audience vehement… and troop upward
they love each other… and against the grain.. fan chagrin… they LOVE
let it go
these two carry
Bring EJ back with Sami to deal with Clyde. The big dogs all get into trouble and EJ comes back to save his father and Sami helps. Clyde, Stef and Kidockis get in to trouble together wtih some new villian they team up and the villian takes over and tries to kill them all and kipnapps their family members one by one, suddenly people are missing everywhere. EJ, Sami, Rafe, Hope, John swope in and take control after half the town feels the tremors of the evil surroundings. Interesting twist all over……….
Breaking News
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.
The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.
Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).

Photo: NATAS
In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year, A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.
The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).
The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”
Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.
So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of our Lives’ Reveals Kyle Pryor Cast as Dominic Marino

For months now, Days of our Lives has teased the character of Dominic Marino. In recent weeks, viewers learned that Marino is on the down low working with Sami Brady’s (Alison Sweeney) apparent fiancé ‘Dante Vitali (Franco LoPresti), and that he is the never-before-heard-of child of Stefano DiMera (the late Joseph Mascolo) and Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall)!
Up until now, the Peacock streaming soap opera has never revealed his face, but that all seemed to change on the Tuesday, October 2o episode of DAYS. In story, Dante met Sami’s parents for the first time, Roman (Josh Taylor) and Marlena.
He shows them a photo of Dominic, which he happened to have on his own phone and even commented he kind of looked like he could be Marlena’s son. The photo, which has quickly made it around Soap Twitter/X, revealed that British-born actor Kyle Pryor is the man in the photo and eagle-eyed viewers actually located said photo on Pryor’s Instagram.

Photo: Peacock
Deadline revealed Pryor started taping at the end of 2025 and will first be seen in the role, on air Monday, November 2. In addition, Days will celebrate its 61st Anniversary with two special episodes featuring Dominic’s arrival, as well the returns of Tony and Anna DiMera, played respectively by Thaao Penghlis and Leann Hunley, on Friday, November 6 and Monday, November 9.
Those in the know, are are that Pryor previously held series regular roles on Australia’s Home and Away, and the UK’s Hollyoaks and guest starred on Emmerdale. In an ironic twist, Pryor appeared in the series Spartacus: Blood and Sand which is the same action series his apparent TV brother, Dan Feuerriegel (EJ DiMera), once appeared in before coming to DAYS.
So excited to see Kyle Pryor take on the role of Dominic Marino as Days of our Lives sets its anniversary story to kick-off with is arrival in Salem? Share your thoughts in the comment section. And in case you missed our latest conversation with Conner Floyd (Chad DiMera) he weighs-in on how Dominic’s appearance will shake things up in Salem. You can check that out below.
Days Of Our Lives
Days of our Lives’ Conner Floyd Talks Dominic Marino Mystery, Chad and Belle, and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Exclusive)

Fasten your seat belts Days of our Lives fans, as the mystery of Dominic Marino continues to unravel on all-new episodes of the Peacock streaming soap opera. Last week, Chad DiMera (Conner Floyd) learned that he may have a half-brother, who may be the biological child of his father, the late Stefano DiMera (the late Joseph Mascolo) and Dr. Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall), giving him great pause, because he knows Stefano had kidnapped Marlena for four years back in the late 80s and early 90s.
Chad has already been hunting down clues with his current girlfriend Belle Black (Martha Madison) in Italy and Salem, which revealed a photo of a young boy with Stefano with the date 1992 on the back of it, hidden inside Stefano’s chess set. So, what’s next?
Conner Floyd chatted on the Michael Fairman Channel in a new virtual interview released on Sunday, October 18, where he spoke on what the new addition to the DiMera family could do to the already dangerous sibling rivalries, the state of Chad’s relationship with Belle and much more.

Photo: JPI
DIMERA RIVALRY
After finding out from EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) that Dominic Marino could be the never-before-heard-of child of Stefano and Marlena, Conner Floyd explained, “I think it blows Chad’s mind a little bit. I think there’s a lot of things working there with old Chad. Obviously, bringing in another DiMera could cause some noise and the whole situation with Marlena’s a little awkward as well because he’s dating Belle, so this could cause a little tiff there. I think his head’s spinning and he does not know what to expect, but I also think he kind of expects that from Stefano, for sure.”
As to how this will change and color Chad’s relationship with EJ, Floyd responded, “Chad knows EJ’s not happy about it and I think he’s going to be real upset if this gets in his way of doing what he wants to do with the DiMera legacy and all that. However, for Chad, I think he’s just going to keep a sharp eye, see what this guy’s about, see if he’s here to cause some trouble or here to be a friend and kinda play it by ear.”

Photo: JPI
BELLE OF MY HEART
With Chad and Belle already being sleuths, Floyd says, you can look for the duo to continue getting to the truth. “I think Chad and Belle are committed to this. They’re going full National Treasure, Nicolas Cage,” says Conner. “They’re going to follow the clues. They’re going to get some answers.”
Since beginning in the role of Chad in June of 2025 and debuting on-screen back in April of 2026, the former Y&R star (where he played Chance Chancellor), says it was Madison who helped him get comfortable in his new surroundings.
“Martha is phenomenal. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to get tagged up with when I started here, just because she knows everybody,” shares Floyd. “She knows where to go, who to talk to. She’ll get the tea if you want, and so it was kind of cool. Martha took me under her wing, showed me the ropes. She’s a sweetheart. I love working with her too. She’s a great actress.”
But, is Chad in love with Belle after such a tortured past with his beloved Abigail Deveraux DiMera? Floyd thinks so! “I think he’s into it. They’re such good friends and they have such a rich history. I think he’s in for the ride. You know, it’s one of those things you probably overlook at first and then they reconnected, and it feels easy and they’re going on these fun adventures.”
MAKING CHAD HIS OWN
Conner had the arduous task of being the successor to Billy Flynn in the role of Chad.. Flynn had played the part for 12 years before deciding to exit and head to Y&R. So, how did Conner approach learning the ins and out of Chad? Floyd shared, “I really dove into Chad when I first got this job. I liked that he kind of walks this tightrope of DiMera and not DiMera, you know. He want to so honor his family roots and really do something for the DiMera family, but he doesn’t want to fall into that trap that all the other DiMera have found themselves in. Chad is a DiMera at heart. He’s got those demons, but he’s just trying to keep them contained.”

Photo: JPI
ICONIC
When Floyd got to DAYS, it was none other than Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie Williams) who most surprised him in the most delightful way, given that he knew Hayes was a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award winner and the current longest-running cast member on the canvas.
“I love working with Susan Hayes! I love her. She’s a sweetheart. Susan is one of the nicest people there. I just thought she was cool and it’s Susan Hayes, you know? We’ve had a lot of scenes together, which is nice,” explained Conner.
“We’ll go to her dressing room, we’ll run our scenes, and then we’ll spend about an hour just talking about life and she’ll tell me about a book she’s reading. She’s such a history buff, which blows my mind. She’ll start dropping all these historical facts on me. I learn something new by the time I walk out of her dressing room every time!”
Now below, check out the full conversation with Conner Floyd via the Michael Fairman Channel.
Weigh-in: Do you like Chad and Belle as couple? Do you think Chad will get to the bottom of the Dominic Marino mystery? If so, do you think Dominic is truly Stefano and Marlena’s son … and what about Rita (Maggie Carney) in all this? Let us know your theories in the comment section.
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