Days Of Our Lives
Chandler Massey DONE at DAYS! Daytime Emmy Winner Let Out Of Contract Three Months Early!

Photo Credit: Adam Campbell
While were many were hoping that come December, somehow Days of our Lives and Chandler Massey(Will Horton) might somehow work out a deal for him to extend his contract, that appears to be dead in the water. The two-time Daytime Emmy winner, who had made be known he was going to leave come December to go to school and pursue other acting opportunities has done so, but early!
According to the story that broke this evening from Greg Hernandez of the Gay Star News, “Chandler Massey officially finished with the role of Will Horton on NBC’s Days of Our Lives today on Friday, August 23rd.” The 22-year-old actor revealed that NBC has agreed to let him out of his four-year contract more than three months early so he can focus on school and pursue some other acting opportunities.
Massey will continue to appear in episodes of Days of our Lives through the end of December because DAYS is filmed so ahead of their airdates. On-Air On-Soaps also this evening confirmed the news through Chandler’s personal publicist, Jeff Ballard. According to the star, who has become beloved for the role of Will Horton, the role will be recast!
So soap fans, what do you think about Chandler departing DAYS early? Are you glad the show will recast? Are you devastated the Chandler is off the show as of today? Weigh-in on this breaking story!
I don’t mind recasts, but I generally like a bit of time if possible between the different actors so the transition is less jarring. In this case the character is very central to many stories so I understand the need to recast especially since he is leaving earlier than expected, but ideally would have preferred a month or two between them. However, they obviously have someone line up otherwise they wouldn’t have let him go— do we know who is replacing him?
Recast…no longer bothers me…If C.M. wants to quit to do other things its his decision but the show still needs Will Horton so i say lets see what a different actor can do in the role…i remember back in the early 70s when Denise Alexander left her popular role as Susan Martin on this same show and her replacement(4get name at the moment)…imo…did a fine job taking over the role…
I DO NOT LIKE IT ONE BIT!!! IUNDERSTAND THAT CHANDLER WANTS TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL, BUT COULDN’T SOMETHING BE WORKED PUT WHERE HE COULD BE RECURRING AND STILL GO TO BACK TO SCHOOL??? i REALLY HATE TO SEE HIM LEAVE DDOL’s…:(
Boo!
Miss him already.
I hate to see him go but I understand its time to move on for him. He’ll show up again and we’ll say, “I remember him when he was on Days.”
Supposedly they already have a recast so I’m curious as to who this will be.
I would like to see Drew Garrett a.k.a Michael Corinthos from General Hospital or Kevin Schdimt a.ka. Noah Newman from Y&R.
kevin Schmidt is an excellent choice.
Good thinking Jerome. Either would be great choices!
I absolutely hate the idea of a recast. I don’t watch soaps really, got no experience with recasts. I’m only watching for the storyline and for both Freddie Smith and Chandler Massey. Top-notch! I totally understand that Chandler wants to move on but I had actually hoped that he’d reconsider and stay a few months longer (jjust so to let them have the story wrap up nicely and then get a new love-interest for Sonny (even though that scenario sucks too..) and not leave EARLIER!..
This is going to be difficult! Feeling sad for Freddie!.. Wishing Chandler tons of success though of course with everything that’s ahead of him (school, life and career)!
There is no doubt Chandler Massey is a fine actor and I am sure we will see more of him in movies and television if that is the direction he wants to go into. As for the character of “Will”, don’t you think it’s time they could hire an established gay actor for the role, if the character of Will is to continue being gay?
Perhaps another reason for the departure in the back of Massey’s mind is he doesn’t want to act gay and do the kissing scenes anymore. My point being, perhaps a serious gay actor would be more comfortable in the role of “Will”.
Talk about a homophobic comment. MANY STRAIGHT actors EARN their accolades and success by playing “GAY” characters. Are you psychic?
Glad for Chandler.
It’s just sad that Corday/DAYS thought that Chandler was waffling on his choice to move on.
I just hope that all the viewers will give the new guy, cast to portray Will Horton a chance.
I will miss Chandler, but the role of Will Horton is too important to be written off of the show. There are so few gay characters on Soaps (much less ones that are part of an extremely popular couple).
Recasts are not always a bad thing. Chandler, himself, was a recast. Since Will is such an iconic (& award-winning) character, it’s going to be a much sought-after role. That always brings out the best talent.
For folks who can remember when recasts were introduced in all sorts of ways: check out this clip from Santa Barbara.
I will miss him as Will, but wish him nothing but success in whatever he does in the future. He brought such wonderful qualities to the character of Will and for that, I will forever be grateful.
Didn’t b&b do the same for jacob young when he still was a young actor? Then he hopped from gh to amc and back to b&b.
I will miss him so much but wish him well.
I wish him well and encourage him to pursue his education. I hope the replacement can do at least half as well as he did.
Sucks! Maybe he wanted to leave now so he can start the fall semester at college. Will miss him. Who is the recast?
Recast it so we don’t lose a major gay character on daytime TV.
Remember on OLTL when the guys slept together then vanished shortly after…
If he will be shown till December-this means that the scenes we are watching today were taped, what 4 mos. ago, in April or something? Why (& how) does Days tape so far ahead? Does every soap? I used to think it was a 2 week lag-like what we seeing was taped 2 wks. ago-not 4 months!
Days is the only show that does the advance taping. They do it to save money
This is actually a soap first, yes, recasting a gay character? That’s actually kinda cool. They’re approaching it like any other character. Will’s got too many ties with the core families to just disappear. The show could have used this as an opportunity to drop Will AND Sonny (by having them ride off into the sunset together), but didn’t.
Yes! I thought the same thing! Will is so integral to the canvas the show didn’t just allow him to leave with the actor. I think that’s awesome that they’re not abandoning the character, and such a testament to a) NBC/Sony supporting gay characters on their show, b) the stellar work CM has done in bringing the character to life, c) the outstanding writing they’re giving the character and d) the amazing reception from the critics (soap and non-soap) and audiences.
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.
Breaking News
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced

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.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of our Lives’ Reveals Kyle Pryor Cast as Dominic Marino

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.
-

Beyond the Gates5 days agoTabitha Brown and Kandi Burruss Guest Star on ‘Beyond the Gates’ for Dani’s ‘Welcome to Your Life’ TV Special; What Could Go Wrong?
-

Breaking News4 days ago53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced
-

Beyond the Gates1 week ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Stars Lami and RhonniRose Mantilla Cover Raye’s ‘Nightingale Lane’ in New Music Video
-
Days Of Our Lives1 week agoDays of our Lives’ Conner Floyd Talks Dominic Marino Mystery, Chad and Belle, and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Exclusive)
-

Interviews3 days ago‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ Cast Dish on Steffy, Finn & Carter, Daphne Baby Drama! (Exclusive)
-

Previews1 week agoTHE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: What Has Happened to Jill?
-

General Hospital1 week agoWil Traval Talks His ‘General Hospital’ Debut and Being Paired with Kelly Thiebaud
-

General Hospital6 days agoKin Shriner Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ TV Daughter Kelly Kruger













