Days Of Our Lives
BREAKING NEWS: James Scott Wraps-Up His Run As EJ DiMera Today At Days of our Lives!
Courtesy/IMDB Photo: Dana Patrick
It’s going to be a bittersweet day today for fan favorite James Scott as he wraps up his eight year run this afternoon at Days of our Lives. James is taping his final scenes as EJ DiMera! The popular actor will air well into the fall of this year.
The news report came via Soap Opera Digest who first reported the news! NBC/Corday Productions released this statement on the actor’s departure: “We are saddened but supportive of James Scott’s decision to leave the show after eight years to take some personal time and pursue new projects. His contribution to the show has been tremendous and we wish him the best always.”
James Scott in his own statement shared these sentiments: “I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to NBC, Sony and Corday, particularly Ken Corday, for the amazing 8 year run on Days of our Lives and for graciously supporting me in my decision in leaving the show to take personal time. To the unbelievably loving fans, I can’t begin to express my gratitude for your love and support over the years. I will miss you immensely.”
Earlier this week, On-Air On-Soaps posted our latest interview with James. During the interview, we originally had asked James what his future was with the show and if he wanted to comment on that, and at that juncture he had offered no comment on the situation, and On-Air On-Soaps honored that by not including it in the piece.
This is an incredible loss for Days of our Lives and the fans of the series. Will the show write-off EJ with Sami? Would the show even possibly consider recasting? That remains to be seen. So what do you think of the news of James departing DAYS? Comment below!
The June 22 episode of Days of Our Lives reminded us all of why Deidre Hall is iconic in the role of Dr. Marlena Evans. Here we are 50 years later, and Marlena is still the heroine of the long-running soap opera, and Deidre remains one of the most most recognizable names in the history of soaps.
To pay tribute, and to look back at the life and times of Marlena, the story starts with Marlena flipping through a photo album of her with John (the late Drake Hogestyn) over the years. As she misses him dearly, she gets a knock on the door and its none other than John’s son, Paul Narita (Christopher Sean).
With Andrew (Colton Little) in Salem working on a case, he sits down with Marlena, who says she can’t believe its been fifty years since she first arrived in Salem! Cue: Deidre’s first scenes on DAYS when she finds Mickey Horton (the late John Clarke) playing chess against himself inside the mental institution she worked.
Courtesy/Peacock
THE FLASHBACKS OF MARLENA’S LIFE
From there, viewers definitely got the cliff notes version of the history of Marlena and entrenched within them, some of the biggest moments in Deidre’s enduring run.
Paul thinks he is looking at 70s, and early 80s Marlena while going through her scrapbook, but he is actually looking at her twin, Samantha (Andrea Hall). Cue: when Marlena confronted Samantha about impersonating her, and then later getting a call on her radio show from the Salem Strangler (Jack Coleman as Jake Kostichek) who killed Samantha thinking it was Marlena.
In the present, Belle (Martha Madison) has arrived at this time to meet up with Paul, unaware of this trip down memory lane. She wants to go over the findings in the chess board mystery Stefano willed to Marlena and John, in private with him, since Marlena previously said she wanted nothing to do with it.
Back to the history lesson, Marlena speaks highly of Don Craig and even though their marriage didn’t work out, she could find a path forward with the new love her life, Roman Brady. (Wayne Northrop however is never shown, possibly to keep the story focused on John as Roman for confusion sakes?)
Paul sees a photo of a young Carrie (Christie Clark) in the album and Marlena says she was such a godsend after losing her baby. In fact, Marlena says caring for Carrie prepared her for her having and raising her own twins, Eric and Sami. Cue: The twin visiting Marlena in the hospital.
JOHN AND MARLENA’S LOVE CONQUERED ALL
Then, in a way to get through and incorporate the wild storylines only Marlena could have been in, she tells Belle and Paul, she has been through so much in her life, how lucky she was to find John, and some of the most unbelievable experiences no one could imagine. Cue: Marlena possessed by the devil and levitating from the bed. Next, John confronting Marlena being the Salem Stalker, where she admits she killed Alice Horton, pretends she needs help, then pulls a gun on her beloved John!
The comment is made by Paul and Marlena, that she literally has been to hell and back and she could not have survived were it not for her beloved John. Cue the big emotional highpoint clips; The Pier Scene! Marlena steps out of the fog when John sees her from a distance. After believing she was dead for four years, here she was before him in one of the greatest reunions in a soap opera love story in history. What followed were other times of the life of times of Jarlena.
Courtesy/Peacock
MARLENA’S ‘GIFT’ FROM STEFANO HAS A NEW CLUE
When Marlena makes a brief exit to the other room, Belle fills in Paul on the chess set Stefano left her mother and the photo of the Lire. Paul said he will investigate. Marlena comes back into the room and overhears, and says to promise her if things get dangerous he will back off, she does not want anyone hurt by Stefano’s games.
As the episode comes to a conclusion, it’s just Belle and Marlena going through the photo album giggling about 70s hairstyles and all the memories. Belle speaks on the impact Marlena has had in everyone’s lives, and that she is both the heart of their family and the heart of Salem.
An end card comes up acknowledging Deidre Hall’s 50th anniversary as Marlena, and we fade to black.
So, what did you think of Marlena’s walk down memory lane? Were you happy to see the flashback clips utilized throughout? Were you touched by the scenes and the performance of Deidre Hall? Let us know what you thought of Deidre’s 50th anniversary episode via the comment section below.
If you have ever tuned-in to the soap opera genre over the last 50 years, and witnessed some of the greatest romances, drama, classic and outlandish storylines of all-time, you would have seen Deidre Hall smack dab in the middle of it as longtime Salem heroine, Dr. Marlena Evans.
It was 50 years on this date, June 21, 1976 that Hall first appeared on DAYS on NBC which was its home for 57 years before it moved to its current streaming platform on Peacock in September of 2022.
In Hall’s first episode she was introduced as a psychiatrist treating Mickey Horton (John Clarke) at Bayview Sanitarium after he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Mickey learned that his brother Bill Horton (Edward Mallory) was the biological son of Mike Horton (Wesley Eure) with his wife Laura (Susan Flannery) and that he had been lied to for years and years. From that moment on, the rest is television and soap opera history. Days of Our Lives put Hall front and center.
Photo: NBC
There were so many heartbreaking and shocking story twists involving the beloved Marlena. One of the first was the historic crib death of baby DJ (Don Jr.) in 1980, Marlena’s infant son with Don Craig (Jed Allan). The story had never been told on daytime television and Hall’s performances received accolades from TV critics to fans when Deidre received thousands of letters from grieving mothers who had gone through the same thing in their own lives.
DAYS also brought Deidre’s twin sister, Andrea Hall Lovell to the show as her on-screen sister Samantha, who had a grudge and even locked Marlena up in a sanitarium and took her place! Fast-forward and in 1982, DAYS launched the Salem Strangler story where everyone believed Marlena was his next victim, only it turned out to be Samatha. Jake Kositchek (played by Jack Coleman) was revealed to be the actual serial killer.
Later, Deidre would assume the role of Marlena’s look-alike, Hattie Adams in 2004, once played by her sister, Andrea. Over the years, Hattie has come back to Salem and caused trouble giving Hall a chance to play a different type of character, then the always upstanding Marlena.
Photo: JPI
THE LOVES OF MARLENA
Deidre Hall struck gold with all her leading men: from the late Jed Allan, to Wayne Northrop as Roman Brady, and of course, her enduring love story with the late John Black played by the iconic Drake Hogestyn. In fact, Marlena’s 1986 wedding to John (who was believed to be Roman at the time) remains a favorite of fans to this day.
TOP MARLENA STORYLINES OF ALL-TIME
While the list is long, here are several that were some of the memorable during Deidre’s five decades in Salem!
The Possession (1994- 1995)
Considered one of the most ambiguous, outlandish and unforgettable story arcs in soap opera history, then Days of Our Lives head writer, James Reilly went there! Marlena was possessed by the devil! That included; the demonic eyes, hissing at father John (Black) the priest, morphing into creatures, and the classic levitating in her bed! It became a cultural phenomenon and cemented Deidre Hall’s status as a daytime television legend. Just ask Ryan Gosling!
Photo:JPI
The Affair with John Black (1993)
John and Marlena’s forbidden love could not be denied and they had passionate affair, while she was still married to the real Roman. Problem was her daughter, Sami (Alison Sweeney) caught her mother having sex with John on a desk that changed Sami forever.
The Salem Stalker Mystery (2003-2004)
In a shocker, Marlena was revealed to be a serial killer who bumped off several Salem favorites residents who were all alive on the island of Melaswen (spelled “New Salem” backward). Turns out, she was manipulated and gaslighted by Andre DiMera (Thaao Penghlis) to do the “killings” and had no memory of her actions.
The Pier Scene (1991)
This remains Michael Fairman TV’s all-time favorite Deidre Hall moment, which featured some of the best acting in the storied careers of both Hall and Drake Hogestyn.
In the story, a presumed-dead Marlena returns after four years. One foggy night on the pier, John is alone, and Marlena steps out of the fog to reveal herself, and is reunited with the love of her life. You can watch it any year, any decade, and in any moment, and it will have you reaching for the hankies again and again. (best music score fo a soap scene of all-time too!)
Photo: NBC
Kristen’s Secret Room Reveal (1997)
Marlena was caught in Kristen Blake’s (Eileen Davidson) elaborate web of lies, when she was held hostage in a secret wine cellar/room until John managed to track her down, leading to an iconic on-screen reunion. The classic catfight between Hall and Eileen Davidson was one for the ages.
It should be noted that Maison Blanche, Queen of the Night, Possession, Aremid and Lady in a Cage were all a part of classic DAYS storyline and all featured Hall at the epicenter of it from 1993-1996.
THE RECENT YEARS OF MARLENA
In recent years, DAYS brought back the possession 2.0 storyline under then head writer Ron Carlivati in 2021 where the devil leapt back in Marlena after taking advantage of a frail Doug Williams (the late Bill Hayes)
In 2025, viewers watched the end of the love story of John and Marlena, as John succumbed to injuries sustained in an explosion saving a vial of medication needed to bring Bo (Peter Reckell) back to life. Marlena has been a widow on-screen since June of 2025 as Hall as portrayed the good doctor struggling with her grief and to move on with her life since his death.
Photo: JPI
One story that never goes away is Stefano DiMera’s (the late Joe Mascolo) obsession with Marlena, his “Queen of the Night.” Even in death, Stefano is toying with her from the great beyond with the mysterious chess set and the missing “pawn,” that he had gifted John and Marlena in his will. The mystery is currently unfolding on all-new episodes of Days of Our Lives.
Tune-in to Days of our Lives on the Monday, June 22 episode as Marlena looks back at her 50 years in Salem.
Share your congratulations to Deidre Hall for this incredible 50-year milestone as Dr. Marlena Evans on Days of Our Lives in the comment section. Then let us know, what is your all-time favorite storyline or moment in the life of Marlena over the past 5 decades? And, just for kicks, and to celebrate this amazing milestone, here is Marlena levitating below circa Christmas Eve 1994.
Days Of Our Lives
Al Calderon Reflects on ‘Major Chapters’ Coming to an End on ‘Days of Our Lives’ and ‘Brilliant Minds’
It’s been a bittersweet time for Al Calderon. The talented actor/singer/songwriter has watched from his vantage point to roles he loved so much come to their conclusion for different reasons.
In a heartfelt message posted to his Instagram story on Saturday, Calderon took a moment to share how grateful he was for the opportunity to play Javi Hernandez on Days of Our Lives, and nurse Nico Silva this year on NBC’s second season of Brilliant Minds. Currently, Brilliant Minds has two more episodes that will air on June 24 and the series finale on July 1.
Calderon expressed, “As I sit here reflecting on this lovely Saturday afternoon over the last two years of my life, I have two major chapters closing that have been part of my life every day for the last two years. We have Brilliant Minds. Our last episodes are wrapping up, and then my last scenes aired yesterday as me as Javi on Days of Our Lives.
Photo: JPI
“I’m just unbelievably grateful for the chance and the opportunity to be a part of something so much larger than me,” continued Al. “I (will) love Days of Our Lives forever, my family. Thank you for supporting me and supporting my decision to take the leap of faith and believe in myself and, and tell other stories. You know, it’s never goodbye. It’s always ‘see you later’ to me and just leaving with love and leading with love.”
Al concluded with a special mention to some very important people, the fans: “Thank you to the fans and the support from everyone, the lovely messages. So this next chapter, hopefully it’s not a dragon, hopefully it’s a gold coin.”
Photo: NBC
Calderon’s journey on-screen on Days of Our Lives began in October of 2024 and concluded this month. In one of his last appearances Javi was asking a favor from Gabi (Cherie Jimenez) before bumping into his ex, Leo (Greg Rikaart). In story, Javi has a new romance with Gus (Michael Ocampo), while fighting his feelings for Leo. The role of Javi will be played starting on June 30 by Jacob Martinez who takes over the role.
NBC decided to cancel the Brilliant Minds, after it split up the airing of its second season which began in the fall of September of 2025 and the back-half started airing after a long break this past May. Calderon joined the medical drama staring Zachary Quinto for the new season, which sadly was its last.
So, will you miss Al on Days of Our Lives and Brilliant Minds as his time on-screen has come to an end? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
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I’m so happy for James. And I wish him the best as he tries new projects. He brought so much to Days. I can’t think of one other male on the show who’s kept me as captivated. Truly EJ DiMera will be missed. I just hope in the time remaining, EJ will be written to make up for the tremendous hit the character took with the vile story Days told earlier this year. James deserves to have his character go out on a high note, and I hope he and his fan get it. Godspeed, James, and thanks for all the memories.
well said !
Yes, James Scott is going to do very well in primetime television . There are many great shows on TV. He will have no trouble finding a great drama series or comedy series. Any primetime drama show would be lucky to have him. Perhaps ,”Nashville” on ABC. He would be great. I also think Alison Sweeney will have no trouble as well finding a primetime show .
Great post! And yes, absolutely all of what you said! Ditto!
I will miss James very much he is very good actor EJ, you always look smart on the show’ haha no don’t bring back Kristen. She is evil. Ej please come back soon hehe’ and please don’t cancel the show. Let the show go on For 90 YEARS and more. Ja I like to se peter as we’ll and everyone on days DONT Quit
i hope you come back on days in the near future and not let it be long away i dont want to see you go but i know you have your life ot live but all your fans are going to miss u so and its not going to be the same with out u and sami i love eric on the show a few others but you and sami really make that show to what it is now please come back soon u and sami ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,love ya guys
That is so sad! We will miss him tremendously!!!!!
I’m saddened by James leaving Days. I’ve been a huge fan for years. Watched when Allison was saying goodbye when EJ was laying there. I couldn’t help but cry these to are amazing and are gonna be missed so much. Good luck to the both of you… Constance!!!
My husband and I watched this show for decades and we think it is terrible that EJ and Sami are leaving the show. They were the best their ever was..We will miss them very much and there will never be another EJ and Sami. Good Luck to both of you!!!!!!
Not surprised: He’s cut from the same cloth as Clark Gable and Cary Grant of a past gernation. James Scott is headed for the bigger screen. Think George Clooney. Will miss his tender and firm moments on DOOL. They gave him a dimentional persona. Sammy going too? Can’t image DOOL’s with out these two pivitol characters. This is big bump in the road for viewers and the writers. They have a way reinventing the wheel, and viewers have leared to expect dramatic schisms in daytime soaps.
I agree. EJ and Sami ‘s TV chemistry is something that cannot be denied. They are both exceptional actors. I will truly miss them. Its hurtful for either of them to leave, but it is more devastating because they are both leaving at the same time. The jury is out if I will continue watching. DOOL’s you will need exceptional storylines with excellent actors to rectify this loss. NBC, your writers have their work cut out for them. Also, can you please bring on educated career driven African Americans who are not criminals. I Haven’t seen any for a while besides Abe…Thank You!
Charity
With Sami & EJ gone, Days needs to bring in some Vets. Bring back Belle, Shawn D, MiMi, maybe Chloe, but don’t make her storyline so messed up again! Bring back Bo. If Kristen is going to be back, then find a way to bring back Peter. Id love to see Vivivan & Carly return & have great stories with Victor,Kate, & Maggie, but DAys burned their bridges with the actors.
absolutely, right… about, bringing in some vets….
They, should try… Kimberly and Shane
Oh… this is a big loss
evenmoreso, with Sammi going… as well
i’m not surprised he’s venturing out of this arena
I kinda had that gut expectation…. after AS’ Sammi announcement… that he’d follow suit
this is a big patch… not undoable… as DAYS is : per James Scott” in a Healthy Place
it just smarts
James Scott is an invaluable… hot commodity…
he dedicated his time to DOOL
I just wish and want more
Fan Press and Salute… this influx of ebb and flow I hope isn’t too much
If ej is leaving then I will not see a reason to keep watching its bad enough that sami is leaving their the best and u will miss them
ej gone sami will have to go back to rafe thats what a lot people want;s
please don’t leave the show send me a message letting me know whats going on love you sami
She is leaving in 2 weeks…
I mean her final filming is in 2 weeks as well.
So true!!!
If you are referring to the original actors, IF they want to come back. They are not slaves you know. 🙂 Many may have other work elsewhere that is better to them.
Who wants those old stale actors back? It will just turn it into a farce.
Good for James. Glad he is branching out and open to other opportunities. DOOL is taking a big hit with the loss of Scott and Sweeney. I can only say thanks for many lovely memories of the dynamic, romantic and incredibly handsome EJ DiMera. Here’s hoping we get to see more of James in other mediums.
Big thanks to Michael for all the wonderful interviews you recorded with James and for being a great fan of such a talented actor.
I will miss James Scott on Days and I hope we see more from in in the near future. Wishing him Much happiness and success !
Mr. Fairman
I know I left you a comment on why you didn’t ask James if he was staying or leaving DOOL in your James Scott interview from earlier this week.
But I’m glad to read that you did ask. I knew you would have. But I’ll admit that I’m surprised that you didn’t just say that James didn’t want to comment on that in your interview with James.
Thanks for clarifying that you did ask.
I still think it was an amazing interview, like you always do.
But darn it, I’m really going to miss seeing James on my TV screen, possibly, every week day. (sniffle. sniffle)
I’m really hoping that James will give you an exit interview now Mr. Fairman!!!!!
EJAMI yayyyyy!!!!!! I’m hoping lol
OH… shucks : heart murmur
EJAMI fans… will get their dream after all
EJ and Sammi ride that wave… as only they can…. and it’s off in to the sunset… or side by side : all the rest be damned in Salem
Oye!
emotion
Ali isn’t wrapping for another 2 weeks.. Let’s hope and pray so..
I am hoping so too! Ejami forever!!!!
Sad for James though he was a great actor and I wish him all the best for the future
As much I enjoyed EJ and Sami in their scenes together I cannot beilve that they are leaving the show I love all of my days characters good or evil I liked EJ with Sami they had chemistry together I wish James scott the best of luck He is always going to be EJ Di Mera
Consiser recastig? Like they did with Will? No thanks!
Kelly Sullivan and Michael Muhney or Trevor St. John
No. There can NEVER be anyone to replace these two. Maybe in the VERY distant future, but not immediately.
nope…just NEVER, please.
Nope…never ever!
What the heck?!!!!!!!!!!!
Would love to see him in a new project movie with Michael Muhney. The ratings would go through the roof.
While I am sad because I won’t be able to watch James’ incredible acting talent nearly every day once the character of EJ DiMera leaves our screens in the fall, I am super happy and excited for James. I believe he is meant to move on to bigger and better things. I will always be a fan and will watch any other acting project that he is involved with in the future. Godspeed James!
Vicki
Well said Vicki
I will miss him….but we will see him again…Now the question is …What will Stepheno do.This I got to see……
And they are bring Bo back !!!! This should be intresting…..isnt Hope falling for Aden..
Lets see what Days does now..
Iam glad she didnt fall in bed with dude…now that would have been messy,,but the feeelings are there ……..Also I think Days writters she control how that little girlspeaks to her mother she can be so disrespectful and she is only 8….They need to watch that…
WOW – what a loss. I wish him the best. He probably figured since Alison Sweeney was leaving it was a perfect time for him to move on as well.
I think its time to end the importance of the Dimeras…i dont mean entirely, especially with the return of Kristen and i think the show needs to bring in a new Peter Blake to play the towns bad boy(and maybe Tad could turn out to be Peters son?)…i feel the show needs to bring back a few more Hortons (Bill, and Laura)and Bradys and expand the roles of Maxine, Rory, Bev ect. Give Anne a backstory:lets say Bill caused the death of Annes father during surgery and this is the real reason she hates the Hortons…hire Kelly Sullivan to play Nicoles sister Taylor and pair Taylor with Peter Blake!!! I could go on but other Days ideas i have are posted on different parts of this message board since i joined about two years ago…i cant remember…time flies…lol
now, I’m afraid, that Nick… (Blake Berris) may take leave as well.
it’s time for the writers to flesh out Anne… and give her some back story
it seems, like the writers are doing better by fleshing, out Theresa…
I now have to wonder… how long Kassie DePaiva is on DOOL
did you listen to MF interview show? I guess… Eileen Davidson’ story arc is 3-4 months….
Oye… this leaves a lot of speculation…. upheaval for Salem’ites
I hope Eileen’s stint contains EJ and Susan scenes! Maybe Kristen in disguise as Susan until the real Susan shows up!!!
I still believe Nick will be killed off…Percy his killer!!!
They bring the drama and excitement. But it has to be a bonafide DiMera, or step-DiMera. Chad was an excellent addition to the fam, but we don’t need any new ones. Bring Peter Blake back from the dead.
I will miss him on Days but wish him the best . James deserved better . I will always support him.
dool ia a dying soap opera. this is the start of the end. i am so sad too bad the story lines are so weak
I am saddened but not surprised at James Scott decision. I sincerely hope Days does not recast either EJ or Sami. James and Ali have made an indelible mark on these characters. They have given everything to their fans and we are grateful.
Shocking…………Did NOT expect this at all!
Awwwwww he is Truly an Amazing Talented Actor on Days for the 8yrs he’s been on he’ll be Truly Truly miss we wish you all the Best James Scott pls coming back real soon for the 50th Surprise Anniversary with Ali pls for your Loyal Loyal Fans here …. We Thnku so much on all your Air time & Hottt Hottt Scenes Incredible …. You & Ali put DAYS on the Map God Bless you always ….. & To Ken Corday please step it up with your Writers in Hearing the Best Actors & Actress that are new coming aboard to the show in the Near Future pls Bring in more strong Talented Dimera’s we need some New Stories now … to follow in there foot steps where James & Ali will Leave off ……DAYS you can do it don’t let your Loyal Fans Down ….Thnku & God Bless you alll always Huggggggs from Marc we Love you James & Ali you will be Truly missed !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I guess we saw this coming ever since AS announced she was leaving. He will be solely missed– great talent. Hoping there will be a happy ending for both Sami and EJ, finger’s crossed. Don’t know if this means Days will finally retire the DiMera clan. I can see Kristen taking over EJ’s spot in the family business. I wouldn’t want a recast EJ. Wouldn’t mind a recast of Chad in the future. I guess we’ll see.
As for James I wish him well. Perhaps now that he has some free time he can go back to Peru and inhale some more of that hallucinogenic smoke (see MF interview with him) and get enlighten on which path to take next. Back in my day they called that tripping out, now it is called a spiritual quest– LOL — good luck James, hope you stay here with us on planet Earth.
Michael, I knew when he skillfully avoided any mention of his staying or leaving, that his leaving was immiment. His contract ends this month and there had been no mention of a new contract or negoatiations. Sure signs he was done!
I also thought James was leaving because there were not even rumors that he had signed a new contract or even that him and the show were negotiating a new deal.Plus James has only been signing one year extensions in recent years and that could have also been a sign that he was going to leave sooner rather than later.Now since yesterday was his last tape day James probably knew news of him no longer taping would have gotten out.So he made the announcement.
I sincerely hope they kill off E.J.’s character. I’ve hated him since day one. I like James Scott though. I loved him on AMC. I hope he finds a home on Y&R or B&B in the future. My hope is that Sami and Lucas will reunite before Alison leaves, but I wouldn’t be that upset if it didn’t happen.
You are one of the very few. It would be a great disservice to the phenomenal work that he has done and put his heart and soul into this character.
This Ej/Lucas debate will never end, it seems..lol..it is worse than Twilight.
I agree with gwennylou. I guess I am one of “the very few” as well. I also dislike that EJ and Sami have been on just about every day for years. They are always front burner…I have EJAMI burnout. And could never get over Sami being with a man who raped her.
And Lucas did as much worse to her, just admit you wanted with Lucas and not Ej therefore you did resent Ej because he created a popular pairing with Sami..admit it, it is not hard..everyone is entitled to his/her opinion.
Anyway Ali is gone, James too and Bryan is staying therefore this debate is moot.
Huh? Glad you know so much about me. I don’t care for Sami at all, I could tolerate her if she wasn’t on screen so much. I think EJ is an interesting character and like James Scott, but I think the character is overused. They used to play the soaps differently, where characters were front burner and back burner at different times and I preferred this. I’m not sure what this all has to do with Lucas. If you are thinking of going into the mind reading business, don’t give up your day job.
whatever you say…
And long live James Scott and his new projects. I can’t wait to watch him in new adventures.
I have watched James Scott since his first day on air. My late Mom – was calling me in May 2006 as soon as I walked in the door from work. She asked – have you seen DAYS yet? I told her no yet – it was on DVR as always.. but I asked what happened.
My sweet southern belle Mom – who had been a long time Days viewer – said – The most handsome and electric young man was on with Sami. He has a beautiful British accent. My 66 year old Mom was awestruck — and made me promise to call her back as soon as I saw him. It is a favorite memory — of my Mom and I giggling like schoolgirls over this handsome, new character – EJ Wells.
My Mom had a difficult death in ICU before her death in 2009. On one of her last coherent afternoons… she said let’s watch EJ. And we did. James Scott has meant a lot to me and always will. I am just a fan among many who found him to be magnetic. You just cannot look away. He is tremendously talented and made EJ the most layered and interesting character I have enjoyed in my 40+ years of viewing DAYS.
EJAMI love story has become iconic. I think years from now they may be more vivid and beloved than even Hope and Bo. I know they will now in my heart. I was a tremendous fan of the Bope supercouple. But Ali Sweeney and James Scott brought EJ and Sami to life in a way I have never seen before on daytime scripted serials. I really think of them as a Scarlett and Rhett. It is an incredible accomplishment with writing regimes both good and tremendously bad (Higley).
Days could never effectively recast James Scott as EJ or Alison Sweeney as Sami. They own these characters and their nuances and magnetism. I hope and pray we have a storybook wedding with a Happy Ever After flight from Salem to their honeymoon.
We all deserve it. It will be a crowning touch for the perennial DAYS – how many 8 year love stories have kept us glued to the screen for the next installment without lapse. It is why we love Scripted Serials. We were blessed to have the story and so much of 2013 when the characters were finally together as a team and happy for a long stretch.
It is very likely EJAMI 2013 was a special planned gift for the loyal fans of the show and the couple. I keep thinking of James Scott’s answer to an interview question at Day of Days – He selected Dvorak’s New World Symphony. A nineth symphony which was Dvorak’s last. It is a classic, romantic journey about a man from Bohema coming to America. His love of nature and the folk sense of a melting pot with Native Indians and others who were not living a fantasy American dream.
That is James Scott. Erudite to the end. I have been watching that interview and listening to Dvorak ‘s New Symphony and enjoying his clever and smart hints.
I also wonder if James has writing chops, too. God speed to him in all he does. He intuitively knew what women dreamed to have…and gave us great romantic escapes of mind. At least, that is true for me.
James is his own man, at least that is my perception. I am so thrilled to have met him and Ali at a fan event in 2010. This middle 40’s lady flew across the country to meet them for a brief few minutes of conversation. Another treasured memory.
James is talented and has many options. I hope we see him on our screens soon or writing screenplays and novels. He has made his mark in the hearts of many besotted fans. Never to be forgotten.
You just made me literally cry. What a wonderful thing for him to have brought into your life and a bond that you and your mom shared <3
Thanks Days4Days. It made me feel good to share Mom’s story.
Hello Libby,
I totally, agree with Days4Days
your post : welled up emotion’al ties…
If I may…. paragraph 2, 3, and 3rd from the last… just speaks
James Scott : catapulted, stratosphered, embodied, and embraced EJ
what an enigmatic, feeling, individual
No doubt : that EJ and Sami belong, with : DAYS supercouple status
DAYS, unlike any other show… that showcase supercouple… Love and romance, and belonging endures
I swear… one of these days… I hope to make it to a fanfest….
My best to you and yours
I read your comments above and must say I experienced a similar situation with my Mother in 2010. We watched Days together every day. I miss her so, and miss watching with her.
You are absolutely right about James Scott, and EJami. They are one of a kind characters, and couple. There will never be no one else like them.
I have been watching Days of our lives for about 8 years. Have loved the show.
Please take the story line away with Will and Sonny. People don’t need to see them kissing and being married. This is a good soap opera. Its the only one now that is showing a gay couple, and its losing viewers. I almost stopped watching it cause of sonny and will. Every time it comes on i have to turn my head and cut the TV off and then turn it back on to make sure that scene is not there. The show is wonderful and the Lord would not want you to have this segment in the show. Please write off Sonny and Will and never put a gay couple on the show. A lot of people have stopped watching the show because of this. You are not getting more viewers cause of the gay part and i would pray about it and search your heart and take this off the show these two characters. People do not accept this and its not right. Marriage is between a man and woman its in the Bible and you cannot justify this part in the soap opera trying to appease people. I pray you will take this off this soap opera, its been very disturbing, and eventually i will have to stop watching it if it continues.
It is terribly wrong. God bless you and i hope you do the right thing, and you will see your ratings go really high up cause you will be honored in doing the right thing. God be with you.
I feel bad for “Faith Jimerson”. Organized religion is ruining the world. God will welcome people that love each other over people with hate in their hearts. Thank you DOOL for standing up for what is right and helping to change the public perception of gay relationships. The people that most reference “family values” are the people that are poisoning the future generations with bigotry. God can judge people, but people should not judge people.
I am heartbroken over James’ departure. He is such a fantastic actor and I will really miss being able to watch him everyday. I wish him the best of luck in all his future projects.
My one small moment of hope is that with this timing I might actually get a happily ever after exit for Ejami. Please, please, please tptb!
Sad news for Days fans but best wishes to James in his future endeavors.
So disappointed, first Sami, now EJ! Is this a precursor to Days ending in near future?! What will be the point in watching – the two best characters are leaving!
There are plenty characters and stories left and returning characters.
Oh dear!
You must be spinning after this news. ANOTHER veteran character leaving Days.
What’s going on over there?
No possessions now…let’s try to get this wobbly boat afloat!
The Days writers will just have to do their jobs…and write. This show has survived the loss of every one of their legendary supercouples at one point or another, couples who put EJ and Sami to shame. The show has survived and thrived. I don’t see this as so much a loss as a chance for Days to reinvent itself again. They have to commit to creating a younger set who can move up and become the next generation. They have established popular vets in place. Nicole and Eric are more than ready to pick up the mantle of lead couple. If they would straighten Brady out and give him a viable love interest, it could be glory days again of couples…who were also friends…and who battled bad guys instead of each other.
“…The Days writers will just have to do their jobs…and write”
Thank you, Johnny
isn’t that the truth
don’t let up…. of the 4 soaps,, currently… DAYS delivers
DAYS has survived the supercouple syndrome….
yet we still have… and LOVE
those ladies… Kayla, Hope, Jenn, Maggie, Julie,
I want Kimberly home… with Shane
Marlena stands heralded
love Lexie
I’m crying right now… for EJ and Sammi… but… as another poster shared… EJ and Sami will forever be : sharing… the best of
WOW! Shocker. It sounds like he needs some time away and they should not recast but leave it open for his return.
Wow what a loss! He certainly will be missed. It is a shame he and Alison are leaving just when Days had recovered and is doing so well.
James Scott is a wonderful actor and will be missed
Hopefully with time away. He will return
Is there hope he could go to y and r as adam
I have always thought that James Scott should be the next James Bond. He’s perfect for that part.
It was a shock and sadness to know Ali was leaving but now James. I can’t see the
show making it with their most popular couple. A very sad day to lose both Ali & James. They were a dynamic duo. Hopefully we will see them on the big screen or
a sitcom with the 2 together again. You can’t find that chemistry anywhere on the Soaps .
Sami and EJ have pretty much run their course. Hopefully they will get a happy ending of some sort. They have pretty much run the gamut …I mean how many rapes, shootings, triangles, custody battles, and court trials can a couple to through and still be viable? Since soaps are completely incapable of writing for couples who stay together, this is best. Both James and Allison have enjoyed good and popular runs and best that they leave at the top of their game before they devolve into complete uselessness and irrelevance (see General hospital).
Maybe E J can be convicted of murdering Nick……
First Alison Sweeney and now James Scott! Wow, DAYS is going to have two big shoes to fill now. These two wonderful actors have made the show so watchable. Good luck Mr. Scott, job well done. I hope EJamie sail off into the sunset together.
James Scott should be chosen to be the next James Bond 007 after Daniel Craig is released.
With the characters of Sami and EJ now leaving, this should make Stefano feel very lonely and vulnerable. With EJ gone, most of Stefano’s power will be gone. Now would be a good time for Tony to return from the dead, but I understand he may be in a General Hospital somewhere (hee-hee)
Great news! Maybe now they can feature the long time vets John and Marlena in affront burner story. Tired of the ejami show !
Absolutely LOVE the EJAMI show!!! LOVE IT!!!
‘Ejami show’ ? Seriously ? Characters like Jennifer, Daniel and Abigail..totally bland characters have more air time than Ej and Sami so NO there is no ‘Ejami show’ Carlie.
Is this the new Adam Newman? If he can speak with a Midwestern American dialect, hmmmm….
“OH” wow
I can’t fault him… for having the best 8 years in Salem
to perhaps, knowing… he couldn’t possibly trump and or best EJ and Sami
that he’d delve in to another GREAT role
———
be that as it may tho…. when DOOL production is as healthy as he says
at least fans are aware : so much is amiss in Y&R product…. a job is a job and if they give him what he wants… he’d certainly set Y&R ON FIRE
smoldering… don’t look back
He would be amazing as “ADAM NEWMAN”!!!!!!
This is terrible news…. they are the 2 characters that I watch this show for….. what is ODD is that he has taped his last day TODAY while A Sweeney does not leave until the end of the year… that to me means there will be no walking into the sunset together….
I LOVED EJ… you redeemed the character and we all rallied for you and Sammi….I absolutely despise the fact that there is much turmoil in the soaps these days…. I was hoping Kelly Sullivan could have been the Nu Sammy but with EJ leaving, I don’t want a recast!
Horrible news for Salem. Awesome job and I will miss you and your alter ego very much!
Allison Sweeney’s last tape date is this month also. They tape so far in advance that their last airdates will be in the fall. So there is a chance for them to have a Ejami ending after all.
Maybe Sami and EJ will leave town together and that’ll be James Scott’s exit.However maybe we’ll still see Sami a little after with her talking to people back in Salem on the phone or something.
Oh No! What am I going to have left to look at? He is gorgeous and I will miss him on OLTL, but I only wish the best of everything for him in the future.
isn’t this some vigil time
I celebrate them
OUR Lives
I am so bummed it won’t be the same but days needs to bring back some vets
I’m still thinking about the cast as a whole
now, more than ever… why not bring back Peter Reckell
even so… with Hope and Aiden.. off to a blazing start… this would just firework and trigger all our senses
and help our forward with (out)
Yes, Patrick! DAYS will have more money. They should also kick Jennifer out of her grandparents house and move Mike and Robin or Mike and April in. Where in the world is Michael T. Weiss?
Michael T. Weiss is now the age as Macdonald Carey was when he debuted as Dr. Tom Horton-52.
It would be nice to have the patriarch grandson whom is also a Dr. living in THE home of homes!!!
If Mike isn’t with Robin or April, why not have him with Kayla? Mary Beth Evans should not be wasted!!! I also hope the writers saw the spark between Kayla and Aiden!
So many possibilities!!!
Great idea about Michael T. Weiss.
It was really something how Days kept this quiet. James will be missed. Wishing him all the best. I am a big Eric and Nicole fan and I hope we get to see a lot of them. Sami and EJ. Are such a big part of Days. I hope the show can recover. The Dan and Jennifer thing has been a disaster in my opinion.. Maybe things will perk up now that Kristen will be on the air soon. Hope Sami and E,J. Have a happy ending. Something we don’t get to see much in soaps these days.
I’m also surprised that everyone was able to keep the news that James was leaving secret too but that could have been a good thing.Now the show or James won’t have to spend months hearing the fans begging him to stay.
I honestly don’t believe they would of lost him if they hadn’t disrespected his character and how he clearly felt about EJ and Sami and theyre prior 7 years of energy he put into it. Just….what could of been, what was in brief, amazing. Because of the actors. The writers are horrible, only Melissa Salmons can write anything good and hopefully shes in charge of giving them the HEA they so deserve. Thank you James Scott, your amazing character has kept me going for seven years and Im so sorry that this show let you down…again…and again. I get it. Will be looking for you! Best of luck!
I’ll miss James that’s for sure but in the long run this is a blessing in disguise for the show. EJ and Sami (Sami especially) have taken up so much air time and story pushing other fan favorites to the sidelines ie Lucas. If I didn’t like EJ and/or Sami, there wouldn’t be much reason for me to watch Days of our Lives the last 8 years! This will finally force the TPTB to invest in other characters and bringing back old fan favs to bolster the cast. I am most worried about the status of the Dimeras though. JM is up there in age and doesn’t seem to film very much, ED is only doing short stints and now with JS gone, all we are left with is Chad!
from the get go
James Scott’ EJ
smoldered : with no grasp :
we eked out our imagination.
willed our thought process abandon : and he blithely whetted OUR
and You still loved him
excite : yum : prevailed beyond our comprehension : A DiMera stud all live
he reigns in the echelon of monolithic proportion
Salem unrequited
I’m sad that James Scott is leaving but not that surprised.After 8 years been on DOOL maybe he needs a break.However it wouldn’t surprise me if he returns in a few months.
Wow! Ok so would this be awesome or what? Before anybody gets their panties in a bunch… Ski is leaving so is James. Young and the restless are looking to recast trouble characters. Mpg thought… Janes will go to yr to play Adam Newman. And Ali Sweeney as Phyllis Newman?? Haha omg if they rid that that would be awesome!!!sad to see them go but man I’d love to see that! All the best to Hanes and Ali!
I should proof read and edit sorry! I got excited over here 🙂 but ya I think they could work as mm and ms replacement on yr
Simply, NO.
Allison has said that Days is the only soap she would ever do and she’s not leaving Days just to jump to another soap.I think with the Summer coming up Allison will be spending time with her family and taking a break.Plus Ali and James may not want to be recasts because they would be compared to the previous actor in the role.
With James and Allison both leaving, Days will have to really step up to the plate with new stories and conflicts.
I will be glad to see the back of Sami; I have never liked the character.
I think James has taken the EJ character about as far as the character can go without a major change in circumstances.
It is really going to be interesting to see what the show comes up with after the loss of EJAMI. Nicole is already featured too much. Eric is about as exciting as watching paint dry. Hope and Jennifer are so uptight it is a wonder either can draw a breath. When Kristin comes back this summer little Miss Liar Theresa will be toast because she cannot play with the big girls no matter what she thinks. If Kristin wants Brady back, then Theresa might as well book her flight back to California right now.
When will we see the last of Gabi? I am amazed at how dumb this character is. Has anyone heard how the actress is going to exit the show?
I am very upset that James is leaving. With him gone as well as Alison Sweeney and even the character of Nick… I feel this is the absolute end of days. I am very very sad about this news.
Best of luck to him/them… Days will not be the same to me.
it’s a darned shame… the three characters you mention… have, never, faltered
EJ, Sami, Nick
Oye… I hope the salaries made available
will be put to good use…
why not bring back Peter Reckell, or Ted King
and/or Charles Shaughnessy or Patsy Pease
Bo, Shane, Kimerly
DAYS hasn’t had the influx and implosion… Y&R and it would seem GH…
so… this is tread and egg shell… stance
keep pressing.. and fan salute
Yes to all that, Patrick!
And also bring to the forefront..Kayla, Justin & Adrienne and ANNE!!!
Also, I can’t handle the thought of Danifer living in the Horton House…Mike Horton is a must if not Lucas!!!
Have been watching “Days” since its inception. Now you know how old I am. James Scott is a fantastic actor, and as much as I will miss him, he should definitely go on to the big screen as a leading actor.
As a Ejami fan I feel very sad today but part of me wants them to leave together I don’t think EJ could love any other woman than Sami even James said EJ cheating on Sami was totally out of character to him and he actually said it was a slap in the face when he learned EJ would be unfaithful to Sami. He and Ali will be a huge loss to the show I am sure the show will go on without them but its going very boring to watch. Love or hate Ejami they always got people talking whether it was in a good or bad way they created huge buzz for days.
Totally agree Paul….
Glad we won’t be subjected to more EJ with whoever garbage. Samantha Gene Brady is the ONLY woman for EJ Dimera. Always has been and always will be.
Yay!!! ABSOLUTELY!!! I’m going to miss James & Alison so very much! But at the same time…GOOD FOR THEM!!! So happy for them and so glad that they and EJ & Sami are getting to away from it all! So, glad that the characters of EJ & Sami are leaving in the same month and time and that James & Alison and the actors that play their children [besides Will who will be the only one staying] are leaving the show together! Yay!!! So sweet!! So happy for James & Alison and EJ & Sami and that they get to get away from daytime soaps for a while and all this crazy stuff, and get to move on to bigger and better things! Can’t wait to see their future projects and them outside of the Days stuff. I love James & Alison and Supercouple EJAMI so extremely much, but I’m so glad and happy for them for leaving together! And good for them! I’ll miss them a tremendous amount…but that’s right Aaron & Griffin (Johnny DiMera), Sydney, Allie, and James & Alison…you go! Run fast and away, get away from all of this and go on to bigger and better things! We will miss you all and all the greatness and hard work you brought and gave throughout the years, but so glad and happy for you all that you get to get away from all of this and leave together! YAY!!! GOOD FOR THEM!!! And can’t wait to see the very big and bright futures that are just waiting and lying ahead of them! So excited, proud of, and happy for James Scott & Alison Sweeney!!!
I, like everyone else, hate to see James leave. I hope to see him in other “movies “..maybe big screen..maybe James can be James Bond! 🙂 Good luck to you. Thanks for giving us 8 wonderful years.
OMG!!!! I am really going to miss EJ-James Scott.First Ali..now James is leaving too!Well I wish them both the best and I hope James does movies and primetime.Thanks Ali and James for all the talent and excitement you gave to us fans through the years.Ejami forever!I hope Ejami leave the show together with their kids.