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 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.
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.
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.
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Xander Fights for His Life, Halloween in Salem, Lani Returns to the Salem PD
Y&R’s Jason Thompson and Mark Grossman Deliver the ‘Power Performances of the Week’
Troy Lennon Appel on Auditioning Six Times for ‘General Hospital’ Before Being Cast in the Role of Hudson Parker
‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings on Hayley’s Pregnancy, ‘Friendship’ with Leslie, and Working with Timon Kyle Durrett (Exclusive)
GH Alums Kelly Monaco and Greg Vaughan to Reunite for Special Fan Event
Tabitha Brown and Kandi Burruss Guest Star on ‘Beyond the Gates’ for Dani’s ‘Welcome to Your Life’ TV Special; What Could Go Wrong?
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced
‘Beyond the Gates’ Stars Lami and RhonniRose Mantilla Cover Raye’s ‘Nightingale Lane’ in New Music Video
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Stands Up to Brooke, ‘I Have Spent My Entire Life Sacrificing My Happiness for Yours. But No More!’
Days of our Lives’ Conner Floyd Talks Dominic Marino Mystery, Chad and Belle, and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Exclusive)
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Xander Fights for His Life, Halloween in Salem, Lani Returns to the Salem PD
Y&R’s Jason Thompson and Mark Grossman Deliver the ‘Power Performances of the Week’
‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings on Hayley’s Pregnancy, ‘Friendship’ with Leslie, and Working with Timon Kyle Durrett (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: One Woman Lies to Another, While Two Sisters Tear Each Other Apart!
Joe Hendry Talks WWE Microdrama Collab ‘Agent of Shadows,’ New Music, and What’s Next! (Exclusive)
-
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
-
Recaps1 week agoTHE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Stands Up to Brooke, ‘I Have Spent My Entire Life Sacrificing My Happiness for Yours. But No More!’
-
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
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