Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Chandler Massey on Will and EJ's Double Blackmail & playing a darker coming out story!
Photo Credit: Adam Campbell
In a brand new interview out today from On-Air On-Soaps Michael Fairman with Days of our Lives star, Chandler Massey (Will Horton) exclusively for Frontiersla.com, Chandler discusses Will’s internal struggle to come to terms with sexuality and all the dark twists and turns in Will’s coming out story. Plus, the actor chats on the importance of telling Will’s story to represent the LGBT community who are so under-represented at this point in time in the daytime soap genre.
And this week on DAYS, Will’s story kicks into high gear when he admits to Marlena that he saw EJ and Sami having sex! Then later in the week, things take another drastic turn when Will tries to blackmail EJ DiMera (played by James Scott), so he can get out of town, only EJ has his own plans for Will!
Here are a few interesting excerpts below from the interview!
Chandler on Will and EJ’s sudden double blackmail: “Will’s emotions and his disgust with his mom comes to a boiling point. His grandmother, Marlena, is there to try and diffuse that bomb, but she can only do so much. Will has all these different emotions going on inside him. So he goes to EJ because now he has dirt on him, and also Will wants to make him pay in his own way. And yes, Will could have gone to a different member of his family, but I think this is where he wants to make EJ suffer and really punish him for doing that. Will is hurt most by the fact that his mother betrayed his family, but also she wasn’t doing it by herself, you know what I’m saying? He tries to go to EJ and blackmails him for money to leave town. He wants to get away from his mom. He does not want to come to terms that he is gay yet, and of course, you can’t blackmail a DiMera, especially EJ, because they are going to turn the table on you immediately! And that is what happens. Will is in an emotional state and is not thinking very logically. EJ turns the table and then it turns into a very interesting relationship between the two of them! (Laughs) He now has Will under his thumb for sure, and he will be using that to make Will help him with his political campaign and aspirations to be the mayor of Salem.”
Chandler on DAYS approach to a darker coming out story: “They really want to tell a story that is unique and different from all the other stereotypical stories. I think they realize now is the time to take a risk and do a story like this where it’s not all PG, and not all happy, and everyone is loving and accepting. I think that is what makes this story so great; it’s twisted and dark and has so many facets to it. Another thing I like is they are not making Will the misunderstood goody-goody. He has some edge. He is going into a gray area instead of being such a clean character. I think that’s good too, because most of the storylines I have watched or read about involving a gay character, they seem to be afraid or hesitant to make the character bad. The lines are blurred here.”
Chandler on Will lashing out after Gabi breaks up with him and that kitchen scene! “This is another reason I love how they are writing the story. I just don’t have to play, “Oh man. I’m gay, but I want to hide it.” There are different ways it comes out, for instance, when Gabi broke up with him it came to the surface because Will wanted to keep Gabi and keep her as his safety net, and his pillar of support, and he wanted so bad to be with her and move in with her, and for her to be his beard! But when she broke up with him I was able to play losing his support system. That is much more specific, and that comes across, than just playing the angst that comes from not coming to terms with your own sexuality. And another thing; Will is funneling his denial into other things—like lashing out at his mom and trashing the kitchen.”
Chandler if Will and Sonny have a romantic future ahead of them: “I think anything is a possibility on a soap opera, but the feeling I get currently is that it is just a platonic relationship where ‘I am there for you.’ I don’t want to say “yes” to them as a couple and feed into that stereotype—that just because two guys are gay, and are the only gay guys on screen, that they are going to be together because that might not be it. Will has to do some soul-searching and really find peace within himself before he is ready to find love with someone else. He has to love himself before he can find someone to love him.”
Make sure to read the entire feature by clicking here! And then let us know, what do you think about Will’s storyline? Are you digging Chandler’s performance as much as we are?
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
DANCING WITH THE STARS: Britt Stewart Visibly Upset After Shocking Elimination with Taylor Hanson
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I am beyond excited for this storyline. I think Chandler is handling this challenging material with such a great sense of responsibility and attitude. I love the directions this coming out storyline is taking; that it isn’t “just” about him being gay, but rather, about the struggle of coming to terms with it. It makes for a complete, well rounded, well layered story. This is exactly what DAYS needs right now!
Chandler Massey is a good actor. But I am not interested in a gay Will Horton story (or any other gay story). Plan to skip over scenes as deemed necessary. Looking forward to watching other storylines on the show.
Producers and writers cannot force people to watch what they don’t want to watch on television (or in movies)!
Funny Gmbenet…that’s how I feel about straight love stories. Maybe soaps should just give up on any love stories all together. That way the homophobes and non-homophobes will have nothing to complain about.And while we are cutting any kind of reality out of soaps why don’t we take rape, unwed sex, teenage sex, any form of crime, extramarital affairs, evil twins, cousins having sex, brothers and sisters accidentally having sex, switched at birth babies, priest having sex, true love, love at first sight, Blacks, Latinos, Asians (except for servant roles of course)…or just any “unethical” stories that one or two audience members find “icky.”
On the other hand…I’m OK with you forwarding over the gay stuff…the soaps would be so boring without all of the above stories (reality or non-reality based) including the gay stories.
Like I said, no one can force anyone to watch what they do not want to watch on television. Fortunately there are plenty of television networks, as well as services such as Direct TV, Dish as well as cable companies to give people a nice variety from which to choose regarding television viewing. There are also DVDs and blu-ray discs of television shows and movies. So if a person doesn’t like what is playing on television, they can pop in a DVD or blu-ray disc (even VHS if you have the equipment). So people don’t have to watch what they don’t want to watch.
And if all else fails, they can turn off the television altogether. I am sure television advertisers would love that!
Adam, as far as you “being okay” about me forwarding over television content I deem objectionable, I don’t remember consulting you on that. What makes you think your opinion about my television viewing habits would matter to me one way or the other?
Great interview. Chandler is certainly one of the best actors on Days currently. Can’t wait for his parents to get involved in his coming out story. Sucks that EJ has to be part of it… He’s such scum and sucks the life out of everything he’s involved in.
I have really been impressed with Chandler’s acting. Not happy with Will being gay as I thought Will and Gabi made a nice couple, but at least Days is making the ‘coming out’ story interesting.
I love Will,his charecter has been on Days all his life,I will be soooooo
happy when Lucas and Sami get involved in his SL too.
I wish EJ would go away for about 5 years :((
Ej is maybe one of the best thing that happened on Days these last years..well when they write him as a grey character, not a one-note cartoon villian..Lucas is alright most of the time, he can be funny intentionally or unintentionally..lol but he stays above all a weak character, supporting character who whines a lot and abuse of self-righteouness, the actor is alright but never great, Sweeney outshines him in every of their scenes..i prefer more complex characters..to each his own of course.
that is your opinion,and I have my op,and stop emeiling me at home,I dont care what you think @@
I am sick to death of EJ myself. Am I the only person alive that knows he shot JOHN? Did I miss that fallout on the show or what? And this Rafe & his double thing-EJ & Stefano just completely got away with that? Seriously. And what about poor Fay? Nicole got over that in a hurry. I remember when EJ first came on-he was a race car driver, wasn’t he & then he dated Kate? Anyway, he has taken over the show & they need to balance things out & back burner him for a while.
I am sick of EJ too,he has to be in every story ,,,, not
I’ll be so happy when Lucas is back,and the writer better give he a GREAT story,for his fans miss him and he should have NEVER lift IMO
i love this story i’d bet my money on ej and will pairing as a gay couple
EJ and Will pairing,how sick is this 🙁
IF we have to have Will gay,make it with Sonny.
if it is not ej what about chad for will as a gay couple
since will is gay out and proud what about will and ej pairing they are so much alike in many ways they can both take it to new lows and heights and will can have some fun with sami to the hilt and to provoking her in many ways in every way possible