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……….
Beyond the Gates
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 16
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) today announced the full list of nominees for the upcoming 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, and it was CBS daytime’s The Young and the Restless and broadcast television newest soap opera, Beyond the Gates that racked up the most nominations with 18 and 16, respectively.
The full reveal on Tuesday follows the announcement of several major categories including Lead Actor and Actress on Monday via Extra and Entertainment Tonight and The View today revealing Daytime Drama Series and more.
The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmys ceremony is set to take place on Friday, October 30 at the historic Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood, California.
Photo: CBS
In a statement, Adam Sharp, President and CEO of NATAS expressed, “We’re proud to honor the extraordinary talent and creative teams whose work continues to define and elevate daytime television, As the Daytime landscape evolves and new forms of storytelling emerge, we remain committed to recognizing the innovation happening across the industry.”
“Each year, the Daytime Emmy Awards celebrate the creativity, passion, and dedication that drive this vibrant community of storytellers,” said Rachel Schwartz, Head of the Daytime Emmy Awards. “Congratulations to this year’s nominees, whose work continues to entertain, inspire and connect with audiences every day. We look forward to celebrating their remarkable achievements in Hollywood this October.”
The Daytime Emmy Awards have recognized outstanding achievement in television programming and crafts since 1974, honoring work in a variety of genres, including daytime dramas, talk series, entertainment news, culinary, adventure, instructional and legal/courtroom programming.
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Honoree, Gold & Silver Circle Inductees, and ceremony host will be announced at a later date.
Now below, check out the nominees in the daytime drama, talk show, entertainment news series and creative arts categories and congratulations to all!
Photo: JPI
Outstanding Daytime Drama Series
Beyond the Gates
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Stacy Haiduk (as Kristen DiMera), Days of Our Lives
Karla Mosley (as Dani Dupree), Beyond the Gates
Michelle Stafford (as Phyllis Summers), The Young and the Restless
Heather Tom (as Katie Logan), The Bold and the Beautiful
Tamara Tunie (as Anita Williams Dupree), Beyond the Gates
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Eric Braeden (as Victor Newman), The Young and the Restless
Steve Burton (as Jason Morgan), General Hospital
Scott Clifton (as Liam Spencer), The Bold and the Beautiful
Thorsten Kaye (as Ridge Forrester), The Bold and the Beautiful
Christian Jules Le Blanc (as Michael Baldwin), The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Linsey Godfrey (as Sarah Horton), Days of Our Lives
Camryn Grimes (as Mariah Copeland), The Young and the Restless
Beth Maitland (as Traci Abbott), The Young and the Restless
Trisha Mann-Grant (as Leslie Thomas), Beyond the Gates
Amanda Setton (as Brook Lynn Quartermaine), General Hospital
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Sean Dominic (as Nate Hastings), The Young and the Restless
Timon Kyle Durrett (as Bill Hamilton), Beyond the Gates
Michael Graziadei (as Daniel Romalotti), The Young and the Restless
Roger Howarth (as Matt Clark), The Young and the Restless
Mike Manning (as Bradley “Smitty” Smith), Beyond the Gates
Lawrence Saint-Victor (as Carter Walton), The Bold and the Beautiful
Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series
Braedyn Bruner (as Emma Scorpio-Drake), General Hospital
Al Calderon (as Javier Hernandez), Days of Our Lives
Alice Halsey (as Rachel Black), Days of Our Lives
Giovanni Mazza (as Gio Palmieri), General Hospital
Ambyr Michelle (as Eva Thomas), Beyond the Gates
Arielle Prepetit (as Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne), Beyond the Gates
Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series
Jasmine Burke (as June Hughes), Beyond the Gates
Jeff Kober (as Cyrus Renault), General Hospital
Eva LaRue (as Natalia Rogers-Ramirez), General Hospital
Christopher Sean (as Paul Narita), Days of Our Lives
Ray Wise (as Ian Ward), The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Writing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Beyond the Gates
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
Outstanding Directing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Casting for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Daytime Talk Series
3rd Hour of TODAY
The Drew Barrymore Show
The Kelly Clarkson Show
Live With Kelly and Mark
TODAY With Jenna & Friends
The View
Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host
Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin & Ana Navarro, The View
Kelly Clarkson, The Kelly Clarkson Show
Tamron Hall, Tamron Hall
Jennifer Hudson, The Jennifer Hudson Show
Sherri Shepherd, Sherri
Outstanding Entertainment News Series
Access Hollywood
Entertainment Tonight
Extra
Outstanding Daytime Personality (Daily)
Mona Kosar Abdi, Derek Hough & Terri Seymour, Extra
Cassie DiLaura, Denny Directo, Kevin Frazier, Rachel Smith & Nischelle Turner, Entertainment Tonight
Scott Evans, Zuri Hall, Kit Hoover & Mario Lopez, Access Hollywood
Star Jones & Corey Jovan, Divorce Court
Outstanding Arts and Popular Culture Program
Beyond the Gates: Welcome to the Neighborhood — An Entertainment Tonight Special
Off Script With The Hollywood Reporter
Variety & CNN Actors on Actors
Variety Studio: Actors on Actors
Working In the Theatre
Outstanding Music Direction and Composition for a Daytime
Beyond the Gates, Episode 103
Have Guitar Will Travel World
The Kelly Clarkson Show Episode 5033
Let Frankie Cook,” Getting the Band Back Together
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Outstanding Technical Direction and Video for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates, Episode 104
The Bold and the Beautiful,” Episode 9511
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade”
The Jennifer Hudson Show, ” Episode 4041
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade”
Outstanding Hairstyling and Makeup for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates, Episode 103
General Hospital, Episode 15719
The Kelly Clarkson Show,” Episode 5033
The Young and the Restless,” Episode 13273
So, what do you think of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy nominations? Who are you happy to see receive a nomination and who do you think was snubbed? Weigh-in via the comment section.
Monday on Entertainment Tonight, the second set of nominations for the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards were announced which included the highly-coveted Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actress and Outstanding Daytime Talk Series.
ET followed suit after Extra announced the nominees, as previously reported, in the Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actor and Outstanding Daytime Talk Host.
Now, five leading ladies of the soaps are vying for the gold for Lead Actress and the category marked the first-ever nominations for CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates when two actresses made the final cut. Only General Hospital is not represented among the actresses this year after Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis) took home the trophy last year.
Photo: NATAS
THE FIVE LEADING LADIES OF THE SOAPS ARE …
The 2026 Lead Actress nominees are: Stacy Haiduk (Kristen DiMera), Days of Our Lives, Karla Mosley (Dani Dupree), Beyond the Gates, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers), The Young and the Restless, Heather Tom (Katie Logan), The Bold and the Beautiful, and Tamara Tunie (Anita Dupree), Beyond the Gates.
This marks the first Daytime Emmy nominations for Karla Mosley and Tamara Tunie. In addition, this marks the first-time in her career that Stacy Haiduk had received a Lead Actress nod after two Supporting Actress nominations.
Meanwhile, Michelle Stafford had previously won 3 Emmys – 2 for Lead Actress and 1 for Supporting, but this recognition makes it her 11th overall nomination.
Heather Tom currently is tied for the most all-time Daytime Emmy wins with One Life to Live alum and General Hospital guest star, Erika Slezak. The B&B star has 19 nominations throughout her career.
Photo: ABC
DAYTIME TALK SERIES
In the Outstanding Daytime Talk Series category, the nominees are: 3rd Hour of Today, The Drew Barrymore Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Live with Kelly and Mark, Today with Jenna and Friends and The View.
“We’re proud to honor the extraordinary talent and creative teams whose work continues to define and elevate daytime television,” NATAS president and CEO Adam Sharp said in a statement on the nominations. “As the Daytime landscape evolves and new forms of storytelling emerge, we remain committed to recognizing the innovation happening across the industry.”
The rest of the nominations will be revealed tomorrow on Tuesday July 14 starting on The View and then the full list of nominees in both the main and creative arts will be released by NATAS. The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards are slated for October 30th in Hollywood, California.
So, what do you think about the women who are vying for the Lead Actress Daytime Emmy? Happy with who got in? Who do you feel got snubbed? What do you think of the nominees for Daytime Talk Series? Weigh-in via the comment section.
It’s Daytime Emmy nomination week, and as previously reported things kick-off on Monday, July 13 when Entertainment Tonight (7pm ET) will announce the nominees for Lead Actress category and Daytime Talk Series for the upcoming 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards. In addition on Monday, Extra (7pm ET) will reveal the nominees for Lead Actor and Daytime Talk Host.
On Tuesday, The View (11am ET) starts things off with their announcement of Daytime Drama, Entertainment News program and Outstanding Daytime Personality-Daily. That is followed by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) full reveal of all the categories beginning at 12noon ET/9am PT on their website and their official social handles on X and Instagram.
Then, Tuesday night at 8pm ET/5pm PT join Michael Fairman as he hosts his 12th annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026 live on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel where he will chat with some of the just announced nominees as we celebrate the hard work of the men and women in front of the camera who will be going for gold.
WHEN ARE THE DAYTIME EMMYS?
This year, the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be handed out on October 30 in ceremonies in Hollywood, California (Venue yet to be revealed). At that time, as like last year, both the major categories and creative arts will be presented. There is no word yet on a broadcast partner for the annual celebration of daytime programming, or if it will soley be streamed on NATAS’ watch.theemmys.tv and various apps and platforms.
WHO WILL BE APPEARING ON THE DAYTIME EMMY NOMINATIONS SPECIAL 2026?
Throughout Tuesday, keep an eye on Michael Fairman TV’s social media handles on X, Facebook and Instagram, for updates of who will be expected to appear on our live show.
If you have a question or comment for one of the nominees, or on the nominations, we can encourage you to join us in the live chat on Tuesday night.
So, who are you hoping lands a nomination from Beyond the Gates, General Hospital, Days of Our Lives, The Bay, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless? Let us know via the comment section. More Tuesday!
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 16
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actress Drama Series
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actor Drama Series
Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
‘The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards’ Nominations Announcement Date Revealed: Who Will Be Going For Gold?
Randolph Mantooth, ‘Emergency!’ and ‘Loving’ Actor, Dies at 80
Steve Burton Returns to ‘General Hospital’ on Its 16,000th Episode: How Will Jason Be a Changed Man?
‘Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026’ Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
GENERAL HOSPITAL Spoilers Promo: Jason’s Back, Drew Begins to Make His Move, Portia Goes Into a Labor
Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Daphne’s Devastated, Steffy Finds Herself at a Crossroads with Finn
-
As The World Turns2 days agoScott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
-
Beyond the Gates6 days ago‘The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards’ Nominations Announcement Date Revealed: Who Will Be Going For Gold?
-
Breaking News4 days agoRandolph Mantooth, ‘Emergency!’ and ‘Loving’ Actor, Dies at 80
-
General Hospital4 days agoSteve Burton Returns to ‘General Hospital’ on Its 16,000th Episode: How Will Jason Be a Changed Man?
-
Beyond the Gates2 days ago‘Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026’ Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
-
General Hospital2 days ago‘General Hospital’s’ Rory Gibson Ties the Knot with Alicia Ruelas
-
General Hospital6 days agoKelly Kruger Set to Debut on ‘General Hospital’: Why Serena Baldwin Comes Back to Port Charles Revealed
-
Beyond the Gates1 week agoRATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ and ‘General Hospital’ Score Highest Weekly Viewer Increase
