Days Of Our Lives
Alison Sweeney Talks Her Departure From DAYS, Her New Book & Sami's Exit!
Courtesy/NBC
Last week Alison Sweeney left the building at NBC’s Days of our Lives as she completed her over 20 year run as Sami Brady. The departure of Sweeney will leave a gaping hole in Salem, where she has been the driving force behind many of the central stories on the canvas.
In a new interview out today with TV Guide Magazine’s Michael Logan, Alison reveals: DAYS EP’s Ken Corday reaction when she informed him of her decision to leave the show, teases how Sami will exit the canvas, talks about her new book Scared Scriptless (available June 3rd), and what she thought of the EJ/Sami fantasy episode where Sami “learns” EJ (James Scott) had an affair with Abigail (Kate Mansi). Here are a few intriguing excerpts below!
Alison on Sami’s upcoming exit: “She won’t just vanish into the night. I had no say over what they wrote, so my only leverage with executive producer Ken Corday was to promise that I’ll come back to the show if someone gets married or dies, or for Christmas or the 50th. I could not handle it if I was not there for the show’s 50th anniversary next year. I very much wanted that door left open and Gary Tomlin wrote a great send-off story that allows that to happen. I will always be a Days champion. I hope Salem is still here in five years and that there’s still a job for me. I want that town to be around forever.”
Alison on the theories out on social media on how Sami will find out that EJ had an affair with Abigail: “There is no secret agenda or revenge plot. The idea that she has known all along just couldn’t happen, especially not with this story going on for so long. Sami could never pull that off because you’re right — she does wear her heart on her sleeve. There’s another fan theory floating around that Sami knows what EJ did but she’s already forgiven him. That’s so not happening, either … I will say this: There is one theory circulating out there on social media that is actually very close to accurate.”
So how do you think Sami will eventually find out about EJ and Abby’s fling? How do you think the writers will exit Sami from the canvas, in order for her to still return, when viewers see that moment happen this fall? Weigh-in below!
Now that this year’s 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Nominations have been announced, several of the acting nominees will share their reactions and more to learning they are going for gold when the ceremony rolls around on October 30.
However, tonight on Tuesday July 14 beginning at 8pm ET/5pm PT, Michael Fairman once again host his 12th annual Daytime Emmy Nominations special live on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel.
Scheduled to appear thus far are: Beyond the Gates stars, Lead Actress nominee: Karla Mosley (Dani), Supporting Actress nominee: Trisha Mann-Grant (Leslie), and Supporting Actor nominees: Mike Manning (Smitty) and Timon Kyle Durrett (Bill).
From The Young and the Restless: Lead Actress nominee Michelle Stafford (Phyllis), Lead Actor nominee Christian LeBlanc (Michael), Supporting Actress nominee Camryn Grimes (Mariah) and Supporting Actor nominee Sean Dominic (Nate).
In addition look for General Hospital’s Supporting Actress nominee Amanda Setton (Brook Lynn), from Days of Our Lives, Outstanding Guest Performer nominee, Christopher Sean (Paul) and from The Bold and the Beautiful Lead Actor nominee Scott Clifton (Liam) and Supporting Actor nominee Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter) plus more featured guests.
So, what did you think of this year’s Emmy nominations for Beyond the Gates, General Hospital, Days of Our Lives, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless?
Be with us in the live chat with your questions and comments on this year’s nominations and for our special guests.
For upcoming celebrity features, livestreams, special event coverage and more, make sure to “subscribe” to the Michael Fairman Channel.
So, looking forward to tonight’s special show with the nominees? Let us know via the comment section below and if you can’t be with us live, if you have any questions you want posed to our special guests and we just might ask during the broadcast.
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.
TONIGHT: Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026 Live: Nominated Guest Line-Up
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
Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
Randolph Mantooth, ‘Emergency!’ and ‘Loving’ Actor, Dies at 80
‘The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards’ Nominations Announcement Date Revealed: Who Will Be Going For Gold?
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
TONIGHT: Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026 Live: Nominated Guest Line-Up
‘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
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Beyond the Gates6 days ago‘The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards’ Nominations Announcement Date Revealed: Who Will Be Going For Gold?
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General Hospital4 days agoSteve Burton Returns to ‘General Hospital’ on Its 16,000th Episode: How Will Jason Be a Changed Man?
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I think it’s awesome that they’re leaving the door open for Sami to return in the future. I also hope DAYS is on in five year’s time so Alison can come back, because it sounds like she wants a five-year break, which I fully support.
Well if Abigail had been preggy She wouldve found out the baby is E.J.s when the boy is born and Abigail names it Damian and Sami sees the no. 666 on the back of its head…sounds like something James Reily wouldve written…lol…or if Abigail was preggy and had a girl she wouldve named Elvis’s daughter Lisa Marie and that wouldve made Sami suspicious…they shouldve had Abigail preggy or is she…kidding aside i think Sami and E.J. will move to Europe to work in a branch of Dimera interprises or go on an extended trip around the world!!!
I dont think Sami shot Nick but i cant wait for the trial…maybe Will or whoever goes on trial and on a Fri cliffhanger the courtroom doors open and in walks NICK FALLON!!! Percy…on the witness stand to testify against the suspect…gasps in shock and exclaims: “You cant be alive! You’re dead! You’re dead! Im the one who shot you!!!” We learn Percy did it…but how is Nick alive?…because Percy had shot and killed Nicks identical twin brother Rick Fallon who has been impersonating Nick for months!!!
I would love to have nuWill or Sonny be the killer; ugh, those two are nauseating. I can’t stand nuWill. I think Nick’s killer will be someone no one expects; but, not sure who?!
Nick’s murderer will be revealed in the next few episodes and then going to prison.So there won’t be a trial.However those photos Nick had of EJ and Abagail could resurface again and be found by someone.
Gabby shot Nick– the gun used was Victor’s and since she is the one leaving the show it is a safe bet she is the one who did it and will be going to prison –
I do think Allison will come back to DOOL eventually even if it is just for short visits.However right now she just might need a break from the show.As for how and when Sami finds out about EJ’s affair i’m thinking it happens around their wedding.Maybe after marrying EJ Sami overhears him and Abagail talking about their affair and then plots revenge.As for how Sami leaves i’m thinking after she gets her revenge she takes her younger kids and moves away.That way she could leave with her head held high sort of.
You mean how Abigail and EJ talk about their affair in open public and at the mansion? I mean, does it matter if the door is closed, really? HAHA!
If Sami leaves that way then E.J. will eventually go looking for her and try to convince her to take him back(all done off screen since both are leaving the show)
Well we don’t know yet how EJ is leaving.So he might not be in any shape to follow Sami.Plus James Scott wrapped his taping a couple of weeks before Allison Sweeney.So unless he taped scenes that can be inserted into episodes later i’m assuming when Sami leaves EJ will already be gone.
I actually dont want to know how or why they each leave…i like to be suprised but there is fun in making a harmless guess…hope Kristens return for however long it is and Eve’s return keeps the show interesting!!!
Good luck, Ali. I have to say, I have my doubts that she had no say in how her character would exit, considering her character is from a core family, a legacy character, and a very popular one, as well. But, who really knows?! Should be interesting. I will miss James Scott.
Man is she going to be missed!!!!!!!!
I watched her very first scenes and have loved Alison for years. However, something about her reasons for leaving just doesn’t ring true. She has worked nonstop for years, and all of the sudden she needs to rest? She practically gave birth on camera! I wonder what really happened to spark her departure.
Nothing awful “sparked” her departure except wanting to be with her family. She has hinted at such in several interviews. Remember, she has other acting/hosting gigs, plus being a writer, she needed some time off while her kids are still little.
Glad to hear Allison will be back for the 50th Anniversary. She has been such a hallmark for the show the last 21 years, and then not be there for the 50th would seem strange. Nice to know the door is open for her to make some returns. Will be nice to see her for time to time. All the best, Allison!
hi ali I loved u on days and biggest loser goin to miss u good luck in your nexy journey hope u can come back to days cant believe u r leaving and EJ and the twins boys they r so cute good luck your fan always
I am really going to miss her. Salem won’t be the same without her. Glad she will be returning for special events.
Best of luck Alison and thanks for the years of entertainment!
Good luck to her, but Sami will not be missed by me or many people I know. The character has been a nauseating witch for so longl i think she learns EJ cheated on the altar and leaves him, then he dies, and she eventually takes the kids out of town.
I hope the social media theory regarding Sami and Ej that AS is referring to as being close to accurate is the one where it all isn’t real, that it never happened and that it is all in Abigail’s head. I want Ej and Sami to leave Salem together. C’mon Ejami! The writers better give the fans what we want-EJAMI FOREVER!
I agree I think ej and sami should be happy and Abigails losing her mind
First of all, I want to say Allison Sweeney is my all time favorite. I LOVE HER!!! What I would like to see happen when she leaves, is her and EJ reconcile and they decide to leave Salem to get a fresh start. Since EJ leaves first, he will go find them a home and get things settled, and then call for her to join him and that is how she leaves, to meet him. That way, they can both come back, and still be together.
Love like Ejami should go on forever. I am to old for waiting to see in nursing home and I am 70 yrs old. Please leave their charatures alive aned some day come back
I hope her and the children go to Paris and EJ meets her at the plane when she gets off….. that would be great… Bye Sami you will be so missed.