Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Chandler Massey on that shirtless video of finding out he is an Emmy nominee & more!

Photo Credit: JPI Studios
This past Thursday, a video making it’s way around the Internet of a shirtless Chandler Massey (Will) of Days of our Lives, finding out he was nominated for a Daytime Emmy was all the rage. Now On-Air On-Soaps caught up with the newly nominated Younger Actor Emmy contender to get his thoughts on the nomination, the rumors of a gay storyline for Will, and if that shirtless video was indeed real or a publicity set-up. Here is what Chandler had to say about it all.
Chandler on if the video exploding on the Internet of him half-naked was real or set-up: “Yes it was real. It was not a set-up. That was my apartment actually, not my dressing room at DAYS. My publicist and friend Jeff, came over and was knocking on the door and woke me up! I did not even know Wednesday was the day the nominations were coming out or anything. So he shows up at my door with a camera, and I go, “What is going on here?” And he told me I was nominated, but it took me a second to compute what he was saying! Then I just started freaking out. It was early for me, around 8:45am. When I am off work, that is early for me. I did not get dressed immediately after finding out the news either! (Laughs) I went to get my phone and I had all these text messages and missed calls. Then I called my Mom and she actually knew! Next, I called my grandparents and talked to everyone for awhile. It was a great day. I saw Alison Sweeney (Sami) at work the next day and she congratulated me. I am flying my mom out from Georgia to be my date for the Daytime Emmys and that will be great, but I am going to have to keep her away from all the gambling. (Laughs) I think it will be a fun night regardless of what happens or who wins.
Chandler on what episode he chose for contention and why: “I chose the episode that had one scene in it for me. It was like three minutes long and it was a scene with Will and Sami, where Sami was upset because Nicole found the evidence that Sami shot EJ. And she was worried, because now Nicole was using it to blackmail Sami and Rafe to spend time with Sydney. She was worried that Sydney was going to think Nicole was her real mom. Will was just trying to calm her down and make her feel better, actually it was not that dramatic at all. I remember I decided on that episode because when I watched the scene again, it sort of hit me as being very real scene that a mom and son could have, but of course under extraordinary circumstances. Alison Sweeney is phenomenal to work and it felt right.”
Chandler on if he is familiar with the other two nominees in his category: “I saw Chad’s Duell’s (Michael, GH’s) one episode that he submitted and I was impressed. It was a great story that they have gave him and that he could sink his teeth into.”
Chandler on the rumored big gay summer story planned that is said to be involving his character of Will, and how the thought of DAYS first gay story is generating much PR for him and DAYS even though nothing has happened yet on-air and there is a lot of speculation going around. “I know, I know, (Laughs) I am in the same boat as everybody else.”
Make sure to visit On-Air On-Soaps 38th Annual Daytime Emmy Nominee Reaction section with quotes from many of this year’s nominees. And make sure to check back often as we will be continually updating this section with more stars comments!
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Sophia Seemingly Plans to End Her Life, But Not Before Setting Fire to Johnny’s Apartment With Him Trapped Inside
The final few moments of the Thursday, April 30 episode of Days of our Lives, will pave the way, to what just may be the end of Sophia Choi’s (Rachel Boyd) life, but not as you may think!
After an unhinged Sophia paid a visit to Johnny DiMera (Carson Boatman), maced him in the eyes, knocked him out and then tied up to a chair, now conscious, she lets him know that she holds him responsible for all the trouble and trauma she has gone through from adopting her child, and her being sent to a mental institution.
So instead of the unregistered gun Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) gave her to finish off Johnny, Sophia sets up a plan to light candle, use nail polish remover and turn on the gas on the stove to ultimately create a mass explosion, which although Johnny pleaded to her not to that to all the innocent people inside his apartment building, she doesn’t seem to care.

Photo: JPI
FIERY FACE OFF
The plan was supposed to be, after she takes care of Johnny she will toss the gun in the Salem River, then focus on payback to Holly Jonas before leaving town to start a new life.
Now, Sophia makes her exit, leaving Johnny to be a few moments away from an explosion or gas inhalation, when Chanel (Raven Bowens) comes home after awaiting the results of her mammogram. She sees Johnny tied up, as he panics and tells her to put out the flame on the candle, things go awry, and a fire has begun and everything may go up in flames with Johnny and Chanel inside.

Photo: JPI
A BROKEN SOPHIA
Back in her room, Sophia breaks down after reading the social media comments about her, she planted, and then starts writing a suicide or farewell note which says. “I’m tired of begging for forgiveness for my mistakes. All I wanted was to move forward, to be loved and understood. But it’s clear that I was never going to get that. Holly Jonas said that I was dead to her. So, as her former BFF, I’m going to make her dream a reality.”

Photo: JPI
A DEADLY TRAP
Now, the fate of Johnny, Chanel and Sophia will be revealed on tomorrow’s May 1st cliffhanger, which may be the end of Sophia when she crosses paths with Kirsten at the bridge near the river. We do know Rachel Boyd is no longer appearing in the show credits section and is now off contract with the soap.
So, what did you think of the climatic final moments of DAYS? What did you think of the performance of Rachel Boyd as Sophia Choi? Let us know via the comment section.
Breaking News
Jacob Martinez is ‘Days of Our Lives’ New Javi Hernandez Replacing Al Calderon in the Role
Finally! The casting has been revealed as to just who would be Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Days of our Lives, Javi Hernandez. On Friday, April 30, the long-running soap opera revealed Jacob Martinez is taking on the part and he will first be seen this coming June 30th and then on all-new episodes streaming on Peacock.
As previously reported, the popular Calderon exited the soap opera last year to join the cast of the NBC primetime medical drama, Brilliant Minds as nurse Nico Silva, who in May will air the remainder of their second season. The series has been on the bubble for renewal by the network. His last episodes as Javi will also air this May on DAYS.
Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming, Martinez has been secretly ensconced in all the drama in Salem for quite some time. When viewers see the new Javi in story, we should learn what will happen in Javi’s relationship with Leo Stark played by Emmy winner, Greg Rikaart, plus his continued relationship with his relatives in the Hernandez clan. Currently, when Javi returned to Salem after taking care of his ailing father, and after the bust-up of his marriage to Leo thanks to Dimitri (Peter Porte), he claimed he had moved on with someone else while he was away from Salem.

Photo: JPI
Like Calderon before him, Martinez is a multi-talented actor and singer. Jacob’s resume is impressive having appeared in the musical In Pieces: The Musical at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater and he was hand-picked by Joey Contreras to play the role of Grey. Other credits include: the short film, Memory Swim and the play Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage.
Martinez hails from Norfolk, Nebraska and appeared when he was very young at the Johnny Carson Theatre, and as DAYS fans know, Jacob is now working at the Days of our Lives studios, right where the “Tonight Show” is filled. In addition, Jacob Martinez is a graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA).
Taking to his Instagram on Thursday, April 30 once the news of his casting was revealed, Martinez, expressed, “Way too many people to thank in one post, so I’ll just say THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART to each and every person who continues to pour into me and encourage me to chase my dreams. I cannot even begin to express how grateful I am. I already feel beyond blessed, supported, and loved. See you all in Salem ⏳”
Jacob Martinez appeared on Friday on the Days of our Lives Instagram account announcing his casting. You can check it out below. Deadline was the first to report the casting switch.
So, excited to learn who is the new Javi Hernandez? Please welcome Jacob Martinez to the role and be on the lookout for his debut on June 30. Comment below.
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Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of Our Lives’ Conner Floyd on Chad’s Quest For Abigail’s Resurrection; But Who Should Be Cast as NuAbby?
Former Y&R favorite, Conner Floyd made his debut as the recast Chad DiMera on Days of our Lives last week on the April 21 episode of the Peacock streaming soap opera
Floyd replaced Billy Flynn in the role who is firmly cemented in his old stomping grounds of Genoa City and The Young and the Restless as Chad DiMera. For the last year or two of Chad’s story, he believed his wife, Abigail Devereaux DiMera could be alive, he even thought Cat Greene (AnnaLynne McCord) was Abigail until the story turned.
Now with Floyd taking over the role and Lexie coming back to life after years of being dead, and Chad noting how Dr. Rolf (Richard Wharton) and his brother, EJ (Dan Feuerriegel), could resurrect somehow they all love, he thinks, how about Abigail? The part of Abigail was played by Kate Mansi and then Marci Miller.

Photo: JPI
Speaking with Stephanie Sloane for her new Daytime Dish Newsletter on the matter, Conner shared, “Any kind of idea that she could possibly be coming back, as farfetched as that may seem, he’s stuck on it. The idea gets in his head, and he’s locked in on it.”
CHAD WRESTLES WITH THE FATE OF ABIGAIL
Floyd added that Chad, “He’s asking Theo (Joseph Tyler Andrews) about it. He’s asking EJ about it. It’s one of those things where he loves her so much that the peace in his mind that he’s made with this kind of comes unbroken. So the fact that that she might be able to come back, he’s so bent on it, he thinks it’s going to happen and he kind of spirals away.”
A NEW ABIGAIL ON THE HORIZON?

Photo: ABC
That begs the question, with Days of Our Lives taping ten months in advance, which is already taking them into the beginning of 2027, is it possible that the soap has already recast Abigail and its being kept top secret?
Recently, it was revealed that former General Hospital favorite, Sofia Mattsson (ex-Sasha) has joined Days of our Lives. Back on March 30 it was reported that Mattsson is now taping all-new episodes that will be seen in 2027, but her role was being hush-hush! Could she the new Abby?
If not, the question is, since it seems that Kate Mansi is not coming back as she is firmly entrenched in her role as Kristina Corinthos-Davis on General Hospital and other outside projects, and Marci Miller has also been away from soaps for awhile working on other TV and film roles and indie motion pictures, who should play nuAbby?
Now below, let us know, who do you think would make the perfect leading lady opposite Conner Floyd as a recast Abigail Deveraux DiMera? Be our armchair quarterback casting director and drop your pick in the comment section.
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I am pissed about him going gay on Days,Will Horton has always been on Dool and has never-ever made us think he is gay,and I will never-ever believe it,,, never ever,,
^^Get over yourself! You act like they killed the guy and worse, you act like being gay is something bad. Being homophobic is far worse.
you get over yourself,we can say what we want just like you do,
I am talking about a soap charecters,most of the long time Days fans feel the same way as I do,so you get over your self and dont email me again,
say what you want but you are not very bright if you haven’t picked up that Will had a big ole crush on Chad. In fact the actors playing those parts purposely played it that way and gave themselves a couples name Chill. There is a website dedicated to this supercouple in the making. So for you to think of this as being out of the blue is kinda backwards for you. Maybe you should pay more attention.
im looking forward to this storyline so much i think chandler massey is hot and days did a excellent job in casting him sadly i live in sydney aust and we’re fourteen months behind the states so we have to wait awhile to see this story unfold but its high time this soap got it together and introduced gay characters they attempted an AIDS storyline years ago and it was just glossed over but given the current climate for soaps this story played right could bring alot of younger viewers on board especially those wrestling with their sexuality and it doesn’t matter if your gay or straight this story should be compelling and any person who is in turmoil over ur sexuality please know you are not alone and you are loved and respected and HOMOPHOBIA IS UNCOOL!
Days is doing a great job with Will. I think he is still confused about his feelings,
Why does Sami always cause trouble. Can’t she just appreciate her handsome hunk
of a husband and take a chill pill. She is such a winey b—- and I don’t know how Raffe can stand her, He deserves so much better. I hope they find a new woman for him.
Okay. I am lesbian and i have been for three years now. This is a great thing that days us doing. I still haven’t come out to my parents. I know the feelings that will is having on this show. It’s literally scary. And you don’t know what is gonna be every ones reaction. So you know I take offense to the comment up above. I hate homophobics. They really piss me off.
i would love to see will in a first time gay love triangle between ej sonny will that would be fun to watch
It is insaned to put Nicole and Daniel together on Days. Her and Daniel making out and she is having EJ’s baby, and have feelings for Rafe that’s a hol===. poor writers.
iloveillhescooliwouldlovetomeethimheisverysexy