Days Of Our Lives
Alison Sweeney's Wrap-Party At DAYS Brings Back Familiar Faces & Deidre Hall Posts Emotional Message!
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
After over 20 years last week Alison Sweeney wrapped up her run as Samantha Gene Brady! For those who watched the NBC soap opera for those two decades, they have seen Alison grown before their eyes from a teenager to a woman who became the centerpiece more often than not of the series.
Alison will be seen on episodes into the fall, since DAYS tapes so far in advance, but when it was time for the on-set farewell party on Friday, she was in for a surprise when none other than Wayne Northrup (Ex-Roman), Christie Clark (Ex-Carrie) and Patrick Muldoon (Ex-Austin) where in attendance to wish her well and congratulate Ali on a job well-done!
The actress/author/host told Soap Opera Digest about the party on Friday: “That gathering and Ken Corday, executive producer. talking and seeing everyone there meant so much to me, in particular that people who came so far, like Wayne, and Christie flying all the way down form Northern California, and Patrick picking her up at the airport.” Sweeney also revealed, as one would expect that knowing this was the end of her run: “My last day was such an emotional day,” It was so difficult and sad, but also really wonderful and special. ”
Deidre Hall, who for years has played Alison’s mother, Marlena on DAYS for decades wrote on her own facebook page on Friday. “Dearest Ali. I don’t know how we will get through today, much less all the Days to follow. For years I have stood arms-length from you, finding our light, watching the greatest show of all. It has been your breathtaking journey to womanhood. I am unspeakably proud. My love and respect for you go beyond words. You are the daughter I never had. I always knew you would walk, I never dreamed you would fly. Clear skies, little one. Deidre”
So, this week Alison Sweeney is no longer taping at DAYS, hard to imagine! What do you think of Wayne, Christie and Patrick showing up for Ali’s swan song? And the words in Deidre’s post to honor Alison? How do you feel knowing that Alison has officially left the building to continue with her other projects and spend more time with her children? Share your thoughts below!
Days Of Our Lives
‘Heated Rivalry’ Star Franco LoPresti Opens Up About ‘Days of our Lives’ Debut as Dante Vitali
Next week on Monday, September 14 will mark the first appearance in Salem of Franco LoPresti in his new Days of our Lives role of Dante Vitali.
Heated Rivalry fans now LoPresti very well from his part as hockey player Cliff Marleau in the series first season. (No word yet if Cliff appears in season 2).
Now in a conversation with TV Insider, DAYS fans will learn that LoPresti is on the soap for a limited run. No timetable was given.
Photo: Corday Productions, Inc
When LoPresti does burst onto the scene come Monday, Dante makes quite the impact as Franco LoPresti explains. It seems that viewers will first see him in scenes in Monte Carlo at a poker table with none other than Gabi Hernandez (Cherie Jimenez) and Philip Kiriakis (John-Paul Lavoisier). However, Dante will come to Salem to talk to the Brady family about his supposed fiancée Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney).
Franco shared, “Dante was born and grew up in Italy and educated at this pretty top-tier English boarding school. He then went on to build his own dynasty in finance, all the while trying to distance himself from the Vitali name (as viewers know Tamara Braun played his cousin Ava Vitali).”
“But at the core of Dante, there’s definitely an old-school quality to him”, continued LoPresti. “He’s super passionate, he’s sincere and incredibly generous, but he’s also someone that you probably shouldn’t underestimate. Loyalty is something that means a lot to him. As Dante enters Salem, I think the audience will get to slowly peel back those layers and discover what’s really driving him. So, I’m excited for Days fans to go on that ride with Dante.”
Photo: Almay
As it turns out, LoPresti taped his episodes of DAYS starting back in November 2025 which happened to be weeks before Heated Rivalry became a smash hit.
Franco recalled, “It’s so funny because I thought my episodes would air in a month (on Days of our Lives). But I found out it was nine to 10 months and I was like, ‘I gotta wait that long?!’ So, I’ve been biting my nails, trying not to think about it, and I think it’s actually kind of helped because now it’s here and it’s all coming at me from all different angles. I’m nervous. I’m excited, and I just can’t wait to see it all come together. It’s one of the best jobs I’ve ever had for sure.”
In his personal life, Franco just had his first child with wife, actress Emily Alatalo, just a weeks ago on August 23rd when they welcomed their daughter, Stella into the world.
So, looking forward to seeing Franco LoPresti’s debut come Monday? What do you think about the fact that it’s being reported as a limited run? Do you think Dante and Sami have a chance on-screen or off-screen to be a happy couple? What do you really think brings Dante to Salem sans Sami? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
In a metaphor for the start of the school year and their upcoming anniversary in November, Days of our Lives revealed its “Class of Season 62,” with a very clever yearbook montage on their social media handles, welcoming new cast members, while paying respect to the veterans and “class”-iying the other characters in Salem.
The official Days of our Lives Instagram account shared on the posting, “The Class of Salem Season 62 has arrived. Familiar faces, new names and plenty of personality. Flip through our yearbook for a peek at this year’s class.”
Let’s take a look at how they broke it all down: The Salem Yearbook starts with saying “another unforgettable season,” with some group pics, and then we dovetail into Salem’s new class which features: Sydney Malakeh (Sydney DiMera), Brandon Butler (Mason Whitfield), Angelica Nero (Victoria Kiriakis), Cole Gersmeyer (Thomas DiMera) and Lorelei Olivia Mote (Rachel Black).
Photo: Days of our Lives
Next up, are the likes of: Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez), John-Paul Lavoisier (Philip Kiriakis), Tyler Joseph Andrews (Theo Carver) and LeeAnn Hopkins (Joy Wesley). Then, in the “Drama Club” section are: Dan Feuerriegel (EJ DiMera) and AnnaLynne Cipriani (Cat Greene).
Following the ‘Recess” section with some group snaps, comes “Homeroom Highlights” with: Abigail Klein (Stephanie Johnson), Eric Martsolf (Brady Black), Rob Scott Wilson (Alex Kiriakis), Lamon Archey (Eli Grant) and Sal Stowers (Lani Price Grant).
The “Salem Spectator” section features: Conner Floyd (Chad DiMera), Greg Rikaart (Leo Stark), Stowers again, and Ashely Puzemis (Holly Jonas). In the “Afternoon Sweets” section look for: Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis) and Linsey Godfey (Sarah Horton), Emily O’ Brien (Gwen Rizchech), Stacy Haiduk (Kristen DiMera/Susan Banks), Brandon Beemer (Shawn Brady), plus Jackée Harry (Paulina Price).
Towards the end of the yearbook, veteran performers such as: Mary Beth Evans (Kayla Johnson), Stephen Nichols (Steve Johnson), Lauren Koslow (Kate Roberts) and Josh Taylor (Roman Brady) are featured, plus Deidre Hall (Marlena Evans), James Reynolds (Abe Carver) and Matthew Ashford (Jack Deveraux), Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie Williams) and Suzanne Rogers (Maggie Kiraikis) with her on-screen daughter, Linsey Godfrey.
The Salem Yearbook comes to a conclusion noting “Big things happening in Salem” and to tune-in on Peacock, where we also find Jacob Martinez (Javi Hernandez), Maggie Carney (Rita Lesley), and a host of other favorites previewing what’s to come this fall.
So, what do you think of the Days of our Lives Class of Season 62? Looking forward to seeing what happens in Salem? Did you like the yearbook concept for promotional tune-in? Let us know via the comment section below.
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Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of our Lives’ Head Writers Give Fall 2026 Preview: Marlena and Stefano’s Chess Mystery, The Arrivals of Dante and Sydney, Romance Drama for Sarah and Others
As summer comes to a close with Labor Day weekend, the former Days of our Lives co-head writing duo of Paula Cwikly and Jeanne Marie Ford have given their annual fall season preview in episodes taped some 10-11 months ago.
As previously reported this past July, Ryan Quan returned to Days of our Lives and is now co-head writing the show with Ford, while Cwikly is now a consultant. The new co-head writing teams stories will not be seen till late spring/early summer 2027.
So for now, the stories pick up from where we left off with Cwikly and Ford promising via TV Insider, “Fall in Salem is full of twists and turns and secrets and surprises. Dots connect in unexpected ways as seemingly unrelated threads converge.”
Photo: JPI
CHECKMATE?
In one of the top mystery’s, Marlena is still having troubling memories and she will have another one on the Monday, September 7 episode. Meanwhile, her daughter Belle (Martha Madison) has gotten very close to Chad DiMera (Conner Floyd) and as pictured here, the two smooch while in Italy searching for answers to the chess set that Stefano DiMera gifted th the late John Black and Marlena (Deidre Hall) that has some significance.
The head scribes share, “The (chess board) mystery and its fallout are central to the fall stories. Chad and Belle follow the clues to a discovery that changes both of their families, and Salem, forever. Marlena worries that their investigation/the chess set may be a Pandora’s box that has been opened. And she is right…”
Newcomers are also the order of the day for Cwikly and Ford, this fall. We have already seen the debut as Brandon Butler as Mason Whitfield, and next week you can add as previously reported Sydney Malakeh on the Thursday September 1o episode as Sydney DiMera, followed by the the Monday, September 14 arrival of Franco LoPresti as Dante Vitali.
Photo: Corday Productions
Paula and Jeanne Marie expressed on the incoming Dante, “The arrival of a stranger who will set the whole town on its ear. The character has several strong ties to the current canvas and impacts many storylines.” What will Dante be up to? We know Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney) had mentioned in 2025 she got engaged to the man, but that was off-screen.
LOVE THE ONE YOU’RE WITH OR THE ONE YOU WANT?
In the romance department, the triangle between Brady/Sarah/Xander heats up with a very conflicted Sarah (Linsey Godfrey). The head writers reveal, “When Sarah faces attacks personally and professionally, Xander (Paul Telfer) and Brady (Eric Martsolf) work together to help and protect her. Sarah’s new love for Brady is challenged by her lingering love for Xander. Xander risks everything for Sarah.”
In addition look for, “Gabi (Cherie Jimenez) and Philip (John-Paul Lavoiser) to draw closer as he tries to save the family company and home.”
Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) will also be returning at some point this fall and she won’t be alone. Who might she bring with her? And from the looks of the Peacock promo for next week’s DAYS, someone is wearing Stefano’s ring around their finger, but who … and how does it all tie in this fall?
So, what do you think about some of the highlights coming up this fall on Days of our Lives per the series head writers? Does anything float your boat or pique your interest? If so, what? Let us know via the comment section. But first, check out the action next week on DAYS in the promo entitled “Bag of Tricks” below.
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I’m glad that the show threw Allison a fareweel party and that some of her former cast mates came to say goodbye to her.As for Allison leaving the show i can understand that after 20 years she needs a break to do other stuff and spend more time with her family.However it wouldn’t surprise if she returns one day even if it is just for short visits from time to time.So she could come back for holiday episodes or for the show’s 50th anniversary next year.So finally i wish her all the best in whatever she does next.
That was so nice that former castmates showed up. Deidre’s message is wonderful. It all just shows how highly people think of her.
I remember when Ali/Sami first showed up in Salem. I have enjoyed watching her all the Days of my Life. I’ll miss her, but the show will go on!
Deidre Hall is always such a class act. I absolutely adore her; I love when she is on-air and am so happy to see Marlena give John the boot! She’s incredibly beautiful and classy. Best of luch to Ali.
“the divorce is preceding”
“there was no reason for you to come back”
————
woah, hold the horses one dang minute
let me get my bearings
this is coming from Marlena at John
as she walks out
scene end
???
WOW….
DAYS writing stirs up continually within that cast everything gells
I just couldn’t be happier
—————
I admire Deidre Hall immensely
she sees the big picture and helps her lot….
she’s magnanimous in her being their…
her part in the DAYS production is rock….
“like the daugher I never had”
even I don’t know what will become of John and Marlena… but I know they caught me off guard and I”m up and waiting for MORE
I really like that Lucas is a suspect… he just props his dig in and runs away with show…
Now, if only they would start featuring Mary Beth Evens’ Kayla….
then give me some Bev
then start T (tad)
so many avenues and outlets – it’s rich beyond – the cast cull…..
DAYS is healthy, out their… and
well you know…. Days of OUR Lives is in command, must watch mode
DOOL has really shown a vast amount of improvement since the ’90’s. The writers are back to writing about the core families and the legacy characters. The storylines have balance. The cast is a good size. I love how the show is now being recognized at the Daytime Emmys. I also watch General Hospital, which has seen a decline with too many characters and storylines not getting enough plug. The show is all over the place. Back to DOOL, I would love to see the actress who plays Kate Roberts be nominated for an Emmy, as well as, Deidre Hall. Two beautiful and talented woman with a lot of class and sophistication. I can’t wait for Gabi to leave. Wish she would take Rafe with her, too. “Wil-Son” nauseates me. I don’t care for nuWill. To each their own, I suppose!
Sami will be back one day…i guess Chandler Massey wasnt there!!!
I haven’t watched the show in over a year but as a big fan of Days for many, many years and watching Alison Sweeney since day one on the show, I think it’s a great send-off for her. How awesome that Wayne, Christie & Patrick all made a special visit too!
Nice message from Deidre as well.
AS can always come back. I wish WN would come back as Roman.
Wayne will always be Roman to me!!
agreed. Drake is John Black. Josh Taylor is CHRIS KOSTICHEK! Can’t believe he has “played” Roman this long. ridiculous.
Agreed. It was really a shame to see Josh as Roman Brady. Although not as bad as when DOOL fired Natasha Livingston as Taylor and replaced her with Tamara Braun. Loved her as Carly Corinthos, but her chemistry with James Scott was downright terrible.
I can remember her first episodes. Loved that naughty little character. Love Samir now and can’t imagine DOOL without her. All the best to Allison Sweeney. You’ll be missed.
I haven’t watched this show in years but boy was AS a find I can remember ML from TV Guide writing an article on her and how great she was he was right. To my knowledge she has never had a emmy nomination this is why I think the emmys are a big joke! I saw a picture of Wayne Northup on the set to visit her he looked wonderful. I am sure she will be missed. Best wishes AS!
I will miss Alison so much, she is a wonderful actress. Days should fire Josh Taylor and bring. back Wayne Northrop.
totally!!!!
good luck to her. I don’t watch days anymore but I did .Nice of her *family*,to show up. Wish her the best.
I knew Allison was leaving DAYS but I thought she was taping through December. It won’t be the same but I hope they don’t ever recast and leave it open for both her and James to return anytime.
Allison said she would be willing to come back to the show for weddings,funerals and big events like the 50th anniversary next year.However if the show decided to recast Sami Allison said it would break her heart but would understand that the show would have to do what’s best for them.Plus she said if the show did recast Sami she would wish the new actress luck.However i think before the show recasted Sami they would make every attempt to get Allison back first.
Thank you for the update. If TBL becomes canceled at some point, I am sure Days would welcome her back with open arms if Allison wanted to return.
I will miss Allison as Sammie I do not know how the show will ever be the same. She was such an important part of the show. I really was hoping she would change her mind and stay but I do wish her good luck in what ever she does.I know she wants to spend time with her family and also wants to do other things. I hope to see her back on dool some time in the future
The show never is and never has been the same. It is forever evolving, as it should. It can be just as good or better than ever with her exit. Many things come into play. Not being the same does not automatically mean it will be worse. The show will go on. I’ll be watching until the end of time.
Ive seen many comings and goings(the worse in 1980 during the shows mass firings) since the 1960s(with a few breaks over the years but i came back,) and ill probably continue to watch until the hour glass stops!!!
She will bes sorely miss but I am sure she will come back one way or the other..Good luck to her..I been watching for close to 3 years, and I always get giddy when she comes on screen..A soilid actress who delivers..Those who do not watch DAYS are missing out on a damn good soap..The best in the business for the last couple of years and I watch 3 of the 4..Started boycotting B&B for the last few weeks.
Days Deidre and Ali are just so classy! There is no better show than Days!!!!!
I can’t think of anyone who deserves a great sendoff party more than her. Like the character or hate her, I don’t think anyone could ever say that AS doesn’t put her ALL into each and every scene.
I’m really going to miss her and I’m only a newish viewer. I can’t imagine how long time fans must feel.
Thank you Allison for so many wonderful scenes. My Family and I have watched you from the beginning. You will be missed at our house.
could Christie and Patrick or Austin peck stay!!!!!!!!!! love carrie and Austin!!!
after a 10 year hiatus from Days, I returned for Christie, Patrick and Matthew only for them to be dumped …. continued to watch due to Dee, Drake, Ali, Eileen, Chandler, Kristian & Peter but gave up anyway …. just couldn’t stay interested in the Daniel, Jennifer, her icky son, Abigail, Chloe and Hope’s backburner status.
AS is the whole package– beauty, brains and talent. She is one of those soap actresses who has earned the right for her character to be retired if she is truly finished with Days. I suspect she will pop in now and then, can’t imagine they would kill off Sami.
My favorite Sami moments were in her early days, kidnapping her baby sister, the love triangle between her, Carrie and Austin. Loved her with Lucas in those early days too– partners in crime those two were.
But I think I respect her loyalty to the soap and to the character. Sad truth is many of the young ones, once they get a taste of fame, want out, to move on, but AS stayed put and we got a chance to grow up with her, and her character– quite the emotional investment for her and us as viewers.
“Bon chance’ Allison– you will be missed.
I am going to miss AS so much. She is extremely beautiful and she is my favorite soap actress. Thank you! AS and Good Luck! DH’s tribute to AS was absolutely wonderful.
She is favorite actress and character, I will miss her character like crazy. Im glad they threw her farewell party. Alison is truly a great talent!
Hard to believe that both Ali and James are gone. They have been front and center for so long. With that said, I thank them for the entertainment, and wish them the best. Well, Days the ball is in your court to fill the void, and keep the drama going to draw us in. Look forward to see what you will do.
So completely devastated. In tears. Heart felt words from Deidre. So sad to see her go. EJAMI better have a happy ending!!!
We love you Ali. Good luck and God bless you in future endeavors. I am PRAYING that Wayne Northrop came to the farewell not only to say goodbye to Ali but to maybe talk to the powers-that-be to reprise his role as THE REAL ROMAN BRADY. I am not being cruel here at all, but Josh Taylor is NOT Roman and NEVER has been in my opinion. We need Wayne back to show the true acting ability and stage presence that he personified as Roman Augustus Brady all those years ago. If they want to keep Josh Taylor, that’s fine. Bring back Chris Kositchek and let Josh take over his own original role. I honestly think the reason that Roman gets little screen time is that fans don’t get excited about the portrayal of the character by Taylor, As a man of 48 years old, I have watched this show since the early 80s. Deidre Hall & Wayne Northrop had chemistry that sizzled back in the day. If Wayne came back to the canvas as Roman, that would be an awesome way to get those two back together, especially now that John Black is being such a jerk. No offense, Drake, we still love you just not JOhn at the present time. LOL. Anyway, good luck Ali. WE WILL MISS YOU GREATLY> Hugs and love to you.
I will miss Alison i’m sad to see her go she reminds me of a poem she walks in beauty for so many years and throughout her years so beautiful with a lot of bite as sami think you for sami
I ment to say at the end thank you for sami
I’ll miss seeing her because that “girl” can really act !!!! I have watched her from day one, she acts her ass off …..
I am sorry to see her go even though the character she plays is one gigantic pain in the neck (of course, that’s the way she’s written I know) – with the characters of EJ and Sami going bye-bye I wonder how the writers will work around their absense.
They are the focal point of the show it seems to me (I am a relatively new viewer)
so it should be
interesting to watch.
I’d love to see photos from the party. Anyone know where we can see some pics?
Go to Deidre Hall’s facebook fan page and you will see many photos of Alison’s last day.
Ms. Sweeney,
Thank you for the wonderful yrs that you’ve shared with us, your fans, you. Ive watch you on the show since you came on, and I must say, you have grown into a beautiful young lady. Good luck in the next chapter of your life, whatever that will be, you will be awesome in it. Sami, don’t stay away from Salem to long like your Uncle Bo, or Aunt Kim……………….
There have been many awesome storylines that defined you, but the one that sticks out is when Sami saw mom n John on the table at da party… CLASSIC!!!! Did Sami ever forgive her mom??
And Oct 232014 show. That hug between Sami n Nicole……….WOW!!! I freekn cried Allison!!!! lol. Finaly, the letter from Deidra Hall.. Only a **mom*** would know how to put things in order…….Awesome Doc.Evans…………..
Again Samantha Gene Brady, aka Allison Sweeny, Thx and good luckin your new adventures.