Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Alison Sweeney Talks Sami’s Return, Ron Carlivati, & Lumi!
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
Days of our Lives is bringing the drama under head writer Ron Carlivati. On the heels of the double wedding of Sonny (Freddie Smith) and Paul (Christopher Sean), and Chad (Billy Flynn) and Abigail (Marci Miller) airing Friday and next Monday, look for Alison Sweeney to make her return to Salem as the iconic Sami Brady on the upcoming October 13th episode for a two-month run.
As to what brings Sami back to the fold, well, that would have to do with the imminent return of Chandler Massey (Will Horton) and how that mystery and story reveals itself to the fans of the long-running NBC soap opera.
In an interview with TV Insider, Sweeney related how Sami gets caught up in the mystery of Will, and how she also stands by her outrage that the series killed off the character to begin with adding: “I still stand by my opinion. That was the only complaint about Days I’ve ever made out loud. It’s not my place and it’s not my way to do that sort of thing, but it had to be said.”
But as to her return to the action, Sweeney added: “It’s important that Sami blows back into town for this story—as important to all the Sami haters as it is to the Sami lovers. There’s so much history there that has to be honored. Hey, I know what it means to be a fan who’s insanely invested in a TV show.”
And as to if Sweeney had any input into her upcoming on-air storyline with head writer, Ron Carlivati, she revealed she did take the head scribe on a Sami “fast-track trip down memory lane”, and then gave kudos to Carlivati, stating: “He brings Sami back to the scene at full throttle. Hurricane Sami! You get a little hint of what she’s been up to while she’s been off the show but that’s not what’s important right now. For almost my entire run on Days, Sami’s overarching story was all about Will. She would lie for him, kill for him. Her fights over that kid were huge! She was always Mama Bear so when he died it was horrible. Even the guys on the crew were crying when we shot those scenes! It was a very big deal. I think the audience connected with Will in a much deeper way than they do with most soap kids because he pretty much grew up on camera. He wasn’t just trotted out at holidays and then aged 10 years overnight. There’s a real investment there.”
In a real treat for longtime Lumi fans, Alison says she will be sharing some screen time with Bryan Dattilo (Lucas), who has been tearing it up as drunk Lucas of late: “Ron really hit the nail on the head with the Lucas-Sami material. In fact, my scenes coming up with Bryan Dattilo are some of my most favorite I’ve ever done. The crew people were giving us the thumbs up, like ‘That’s our Lumi!”
“…That was the only complaint about Days I’ve ever made out loud. ”
Hello Ali – I thank you, so much… for giving back to your audience.
you are here, with us, to right a “wrong”
“…Her fights over that kid were huge! She was always Mama Bear so when he died it was horrible. Even the guys on the crew were crying when we shot those scenes! It was a very big deal. ”
there are waves of emotion going in to this. I do care not.. i’m going to be on the front lines… lined up to cheer .. and in the audience beaming
your mother and son relationship carried. that 4 generation mix is going to be in one place.
Marlena – Sami – Will – Arianna Grace. argh!
“Ron really hit the nail on the head with the Lucas-Sami material. ”
when the star align… when the writing and cast gell. magic surfaces. the imaginative and creative mind flies.
Alison Sweeney – Role: January 1993 – October 2014
you are the real deal. you carried DAYS . period. your passion care integrity and bond is with
this is a lifetime of exchange. you and the audience.
Days of OUR Lives
Spot on.
Cherry on the sundae: it’s Hurricane Sammi! Yes! Yes! Yes!!!!!.
Looking forward to seeing Sami back in town and reunited with Lucas and Will. I hope she tears that place apart when looking for him. Can they give her 5 mins alone with Ben? For putting her and us through all this past year and a half? The boy will never survive.
So glad Sami will return, if only for two months. Can’t wait to see Ali and Chandler back and Bryan continuing to serve us great scenes. Yay!
I didnt htink she was coming back full time but i will take any visits with the Days cast no matter how long the stay…like i said right after Will was ‘killed’-he isnt dead…off camera a faint pulse was felt…or a heart beat was detected and he was still breathing…but Will was in a coma…Sami was there and to protect him faked Will’s death to protect him from the killer…faked the funeral…and whisked him away for treatments…now the Sonny and Paul are set to wed its predictable time for Will to show up!!!
I thought maybe Sonnys brother who showed up at the end…unless its sami someone suggested???
I just wish she would stay longer and when is Ncole levin
I admit, I was biting my nails at that thought of Ron Carlivati writing at Days of Our Lives, but I do believe he is really doing great (likely under the guidance of Sheri and Ryan), aside from a few of the returns that’ve been announced. I am very excited to see his take on Sami Brady, and for Allison to make her two-month stint return!
That’s an interesting way of looking at it – I felt badly when Will died, and yet I am only a Five year watcher – I know fans were not thrilled with the recasting of Will, and I thought, gee couldn’t they have just had him leave the country to pursue his writing career and then resurface – I thought the violent end to him was unnecessary and didn’t serve any real purpose.
Very well put, Johnny. I agree. As you say, there was no need to destroy Will in such a macabre way.
You make it sound so simple because it could have been that simple.
Sometimes I question the writers’ sanity.
They literally threw Will away in a garbage bag — as a totally unnecessary insult to the character.
Just to make sure we didn’t overlook the intentional insult, they doubled it with an ending close-up of Will’s photo blowing off of his gravestone, away into oblivion.
As much as a Lumi fan as I am, they defined DAYS in threlate 90s, as long as there is a chance that EJ is alive, and he is, dont even tease long time fans with a Lumi reunion. LOL
I started watching DOOL again after many years when I heard Ron C. would be writing. He has really improved the show. The wedding scenes were great. Bonnie pushing herself into the aisle seat near Victor cracked me up. The best part is Ron is using the vets. The scene with Doug and Julie was so touching. Ron writes with heart and has added much needed humor to the show. Looking forward to Sami and Will’s return. GH used to be my soap to watch. They are in desperate need of new writers. They should never had let Ron go. All we get now is the Sonny show.
Ron grew up watching soaps, that helps and shows in his excellent, exciting writing.
Love Bonnie. We need humor on soaps and Bonnie brings that. From her white dress to yes, squeezing in next to Victor, she’s fab.
I too am loving more Doug and Julie and with Doug’s Place, it looks like they might be around more. I also hope to see more of Chloe.
Days is much better since Ron started writing for the show.
Hi Debra! I am replying to you here because you replied to me in the thread about ratings (and there was no reply button there)…
I am thrilled that you watched GH long ago and that you remember the love story of Peter and Diana Taylor! And, yes, I remember vividly the storyline of Phil Brewer’s murder and the twists and turns involving the five suspects! It was so damn exciting back then! I, too, watched Dark Shadows — such a great show! As well as OLTL!
I’m glad that you are still enjoying GH — they are lucky to have such a dedicated, long-term viewer in you! You make great points about the acting, particularly Maura West. Take care, Friend! 🙂
I’ve loved Sweeney for years and can hardly wait for her return. I could never figure out why she left. She always seemed to love working on a multiple of projects, simultaneously. I wish she was staying longer.
Sami is back! I know it’s not permanent but I’ll take what I can get. And Will, too.
Things are looking UP.
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Kristen Locates an Alive Sophia, How Much Does Rita Know About the Birth of Dominic Marino?
Next week, expected surprises and schemes on Days of our Lives. In official spoilers for episodes streaming on Peacock from October 5-9, it looks like Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) has hunted down a very much alive Sophia Choi (Rachel Boyd), while Marlena (Deidre Hall) admits a deeply concerning confession to her daughter Belle (Martha Madison), and more.
As previously reported, Tajh Bellow (ex-TJ Ashford, General Hospital) is stepping in for one day for Tyler Joseph Andrews in the role of Theo Carver and will share scenes with Gabi (Cherie Jimenez), where Theo finally agrees to go along with Gabi’s plan, after she offered him a job.
Meanwhile, Gabi may have her hands full with Philip (John-Paul Lavoisier) whose big win in Monte Carlo may have sparked his gambling addiction … all over again, but Philip reveals her has a plan.
Photo: Corday Productions
Sydney (Sydney Malekeh) is in for a shock when Dante (Franco LoPresti) arrives in Salem. Why is he in Salem? Is he part of the unraveling of the Dominic Marino mystery, since we know he seemed like he was talking to the man in Monte Carlo?
Will Marlena ever figure out what Rita (Maggie Carney) is hiding about the mystery of Dominic, and if Marlena is truly his birth mother or did something more suspicious go on and how deeply involved is Rita in this whole story?
EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) finally demands answers of his own from Rita after overhearing on today’s Cliffhanger Friday her conversation with Marlena. Will Rita cop to anything?
Then as noted, while everyone thinks Sophia took her own life, after Kristen “murdered” her, Kristen is infuriated to find she is somehow alive working as waitress in a diner in Kentucky. Will Kristen try to kill Sophia yet again?
Take a look at some of the additional spoilers for next week’s action on DAYS below.
Monday, October 5
Joy worries about her future.
Alex surprises Stephanie.
Chanel supports Johnny through a difficult decision.
Tuesday, October 6
Rachel gives Brady cause for concern.
Roman surprises Kate.
Wednesday, October 7
Leo’s good day takes an unexpected turn.
Brady is forced to make a difficult call.
Thursday, October 8
Paulina refuses to give up on Lani.
Chanel asks Johnny for a promise.
Friday, October 9
Stephanie and Alex steal a private moment.
Steve gets troubling news from Johnny.
So, what do you think will happen when Kristen finds that the woman she thought she murdered and framed (making it looking like a suicide) is alive and well and working in a diner far away from Salem? Was Rita more involved with Stefano DiMera than we even know? Who is the birth mother of Dominic? Is it really Marlena or did someone else carrying her child? And what of Dante? Why is he back in Salem? To get at Philip, or something else? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
After an earlier post on Thursday, October 1 about General Hospital alumni Tajh Bellow’s (ex-TJ Ashford) upcoming project from Issa Rae’s HOOPAE Digital, comes word that Bellow is temporarily stepping into the role of Days of our Lives Theo Carver to fill in for Tyler Joseph Andrews on the Peacock streaming soap opera.
According to TV Insider, Bellow will be making a one-day appearance next week on the October 6 episode of DAYS as Andrews was unable to make the tape date that was shot 10 months ago on a day last December. Andrews (pictured below) took over the role of Theo in September of 2025.
In Bellow’s upcoming episode as Theo, he will share scenes with Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez). A DAYS spokesperson tells the outlet that Bellow “stepped seamlessly into the role, and the cast and crew were grateful for his professionalism and commitment, albeit for only one episode.”
Photo: JPI
TAJH WILL BE SEEN IN MULTIPLE PROJECTS IN OCTOBER
As General Hospital fans know, Tajh played the role of TJ Ashford from 2018 to his last appearance in December of 2024. Along the way, he received two Daytime Emmy nominations for his performances as TJ, the last being in 2025 in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.
In addition, bellow along with Y&R alum Loren Lott will be seen starting on October 14 in the new Love Island spoof series, The Compatibility Experiment. The show will drop exclusively on TikTok and the PineDrama platform.
The Compatibility Experiment gives a satirical look at reality dating shows, think Love Island! The story centers around Kelvin (Bellow) and Camila (Lott), whose relationship is put to the test when they join a reality show to try to win a the million dollar prize.
So, what do you think of Tajh stepping in for Tyler Joseph Andrews as Theo on DAYS? Perhaps, the soap opera liked his work that he might be considered for another role in the future bringing Bellow back to the soaps? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
Four cast members are officially on contract at Days of our Lives, according to the soap opera’s closing credits on Peacock and longtime Days expert and historian Jason 47.
Lauren Koslow (Kate), Sydney Malakeh (Sydney), Sal Stowers (Lani) and Jacob Martinez (Javi) are the names that appear in the closing credits in the contracted cast members section. Days of our Lives fans also note that the series tapes ten months in advance of streaming episodes.
As Days of our Lives fans know, Lauren Koslow has played Kate Roberts since 1996, and recently filled-in for Jess Walton in the role of Jill Abbott on The Young and the Restless when Walton was unable to travel from Oregon to Los Angeles during the specific tape dates. But now, Koslow has been re-upped to contract status as of the September 8 episode.
Photo: JPI
SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED
Sydney Malakeh is the newest member of the contract players when she debuted on contract status on the September 10th episode. Days fans first met Sami (Alison Sweeney) and EJ’s (Dan Feuerriegel) daughter in scenes in Monte Carlo around a gambling table.
As for Sal Stowers, the actress had been on contract from 2015-2022, then on recurring status with the soap, and would make appearances and limited runs since 2023. Soap fans first saw Sal as Cassandra Foster on Prospect Park’s revival of All My Children in 2013. Sal’s first new contracted episode was noted to be September 16.
Jacob Martinez, debuted on June 30 of this year as the successor to Al Calderon in the role of Javi Hernandez, and has now been bumped up to series regular as of the September 10 episode.
Photo: JPI
CREDITS
According to the referenced posting from Days of our Lives expert and historian Jason 47, he shared, “It took me four weeks to realize, but the same week that Sydney Malakeh (Sydney) debuted (9/7-9/11), “Days” also put Lauren Koslow (Kate), Jacob Richard Martinez (Javi) and Sal Stowers (Lani) on contract.”
Jason47 added, “This confirms the “errors” of Lani being listed in the credits the week of 9/7 but not appearing, and Kate and Javi appearing in the credits the week of 9/14 but not appearing. It also now makes sense why Javi and Sydney are being listed before Rafe and Philip in the credits.”
He also shared, “For the record, Lauren Koslow’s first date back on contract was 9/8, Jacob Richard Martinez was upped to contract on 9/10, Sydney Malakeh debuted on contract 9/10 and Sal Stowers’ first date back on contract was 9/16. The records will be fixed on the website in the coming days.”
So, glad to hear Lauren, Sydney, Sal and Jacob appear to be on contract with Days of our Lives (as of these episode airings)? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Kristen Locates an Alive Sophia, How Much Does Rita Know About the Birth of Dominic Marino?
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
REPORT: ‘Days of our Lives’ Puts Four Actors On Contract
‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
Alley Mills Returns to ‘General Hospital’ as Heather Webber
Judith Light Joins Cast of ‘Shrinking’ Season 4 in Recurring Role
‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
GH Alum Tajh Bellow and Y&R Alum Loren Lott Star in New Tiktok and Microdrama ‘Love Island’ Spoof
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ava and Drew Revealed to be Behind Framing Sonny for Sidwell’s Prison Beatdown
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