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!
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Xander Fights for His Life, Halloween in Salem, Lani Returns to the Salem PD
This week on all-new episodes of Days of our Lives streaming October 26-30 on Peacock; after Xander (Paul Telfer) has been shot by George (Michael Rose), and retaliates by firing a bullet his way, Sarah (Linsey Godfrey) is on the scene!
In a key moment, Dr. Horton does everything she can to stabilize Xander in order to rush him to the hospital, which finds the two former loves rekindling many of the feels that brought them together in the first place.
The official Days of our Lives promo for the week also teases how Mason (Brandon Butler) and Holly (Ashley Puzemis) get a very unexpected caller which is Sophia (Rachel Boyd)!
Photo: Corday Productions
Meanwhile, Steve (Stephen Nichols) is heard saying, “Never give EJ DiMera the benefit of the doubt. You might learn to regret it!” Next, we see Cat (AnnaLynne McCord) appear to be hanging onto Steve’s every word.
Meanwhile, Lani (Sal Stowers) celebrates her return to the Salem PD, while many Salem residents get ready for Halloween.
Chad (Conner Floyd) and his son Thomas (Cole Gersmeyer) are ready for Fright Night, as is Kirsten (Stacy Haiduk)! But as things go in Salem, masks, hidden identities, and more make for mystery and mayhem! The conclusion of the promo shows an upset EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) throwing a book at the portrait of his father, Stefano DiMera. What has him so unglued?
Photo: Corday Productions
SPOILERS
Here’s a look at additional Days of our Lives spoilers for this week.
Monday, October 26
Brady gets devastating news.
Leo and Javi share an emotional moment.
Tuesday, October 27
Marlena hesitates to reach out to Dominic.
Kristen makes a confession to Lani.
Wednesday, October 28
Johnny faces down his father – and his future.
Stephanie gets surprising news from Alex.
Thursday, October 29
Johnny and Chanel receive wonderful news.
Brady and Sarah have a heart-to-heart conversation.
Friday, October 30
Sarah and Xander share an emotional reunion.
Julie breaks up with Foster.
Kristen ties up some loose ends.
Chad refuses to be intimidated by EJ.
Now below, check out this week’s DAYS promo entitled, “Spooky Salem.”
Then weigh-in: are you rooting for Sarah and Xander to get back together? What is EJ so upset about? Is it about his half-brother, Dominic Marino? What skullduggery might go down on Halloween night in Salem? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.
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.
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.
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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.