Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Eric Martsolf and Stephen Nichols Named ‘Power Performances of the Week’
Last week’s Days of our Lives provided quite the backdrop for some stellar performances, as we had previously noted earlier in the week here. However, there were a few scenes and moments that just stood out to us, that even when we watched them back for a second or third time, still got us choked up.
First, Daytime Emmy winner, Eric Martsolf (Brady) really deserves some major kudos here for his understated and effective work when Brady is finally given the truth – that his daughter Rachel is alive – and his brother Eric’s (Greg Vaughan) child, Mickey is the one who really died in a nefarious baby switch scheme thanks to Xander (Paul Telfer) and Victor (John Aniston).
Courtesy/NBC
Not only did Martsolf convey the joy that his daughter was alive juxtaposed with months of angst that preceded it, but he also showed the heartbreak knowing that Eric and Sarah’s (Linsey Godfrey) child did not survive. In scenes with Arianne Zucker (Nicole), Greg Vaughan, and later with Stacy Haiduk (Kristen), where Brady tells Kristen their child is alive, Martsolf delivered.
Then, there was Stephen Nichols (Steve), who did what he does best, showing the vulnerability of Steve Johnson. In key scenes following surgery to rid Steve’s head of the chip that made him believe and act like Stefano, Kayla (Mary Beth Evans) tries to explain her new relationship with Justin (Wally Kurth). That alone is a shocking moment for Steve … and then he cannot understand how his sister and Justin broke up. That is when Kayla has to tell Steve that his beloved sister, Adrienne (Judi Evans) had passed away a year ago following a tragic car crash.
Courtesy/NBC
Steve is overcome with emotion and tears, as any brother would be who loves his sister, which made this all the more realistic. It was heartbreaking watching Steve try to deal with finding out Adrienne was gone and then blaming himself for not being there for her. It was made all the more hankie-inducing in a later scene, when he hugged his brother Jack (Matthew Ashford), as the two mourned the loss of their sibling.
For these moments noted above, Michael Fairman TV names Eric and Stephen last week’s Power Performances of the Week.
So, what did you think of Eric and Stephen’s work? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
For me the most overpowering scene in a week filled with them was when Jack and Steve finally reunited in Steve’s hospital room. As wonderful as it was to have Steve and Kayla in the same place together again, that moment of the brothers finally hugging each other again after all those years caused me to burst into tears of joy and relief to have them together again. Matt and Stephen were exceptional in that scene and I will remember it always.
Stephen and Mary Beth had me sobbing as Steve remembered the past. So powerful
My mother was doing the same thing. Stephen and Mary Beth began way before my time. I just don’t understand the fascination with these two.
Your mother has great taste.
Two great choices!! Both actors were wonderful..I loved Brady talking to Nicole about everything and then when he found out. Everything with Stephen was exceptional this week, I loved him finishing his vows to Kayla as he got his memory back and then when he and Jack hugged..
Great acting but this show has too many plots involving amnesia or mind control…
Last week was probably the best all around acting & writing during the whole jump.
Stephen Nichols is the best male actor in daytime right now. The range he has shown since his return has been amazing.
Stephen is the best. Im not taken with Brady so meh.
As for the character of Steve our Patchman he has such range and is far more human than most of Days stereotypes. As for the current storyline I truly think Kayla no longer deserves this man. She has proven to be far more taken with herself than anyone else. She also displays a constancy in that she has zero faith and belief in Steve and yet she is the first to betray her own set of codes (honesty and faithfulness). He deserves someone far less critical of him and one who actually sees the man he is not someone who has to be tied to her strings.
The scenes between Jack and Steve were just incredible. It has been a long wait to have Matt Ashford and Stephen Nichols in such a powerful scene mourning Adrienne. The whole week of shows last week was great with the Kayla-Steve story as well as the baby story. The pace was good and you really could not miss a day.
I will grant you that these 2 actors were terrific! As stated by @Jimh, there are too many stories relying on amnesia and mind control, to say nothing of the old staple, the baby switch. BTW, as I write this, it has been a few days since we saw Sara take off with the baby she now knows is not hers. They are sure dragging out this storyline out for all it’s worth. I just want to see Brady and Kristen be given their baby! Then you should have even more outstanding acting performances to highlight, and I can move on…
But before I do, one other point about DOOL. Maybe I’m all by myself on a limb here, but I just don’t like (or understand) the character of Kayla. Her eruption at Steve in Monday’s show was so uncalled for. She should be glad that he made her choice easier (by stepping aside); she has been so whiny and wishy-washy to the nth degree. And let’s forget all the amnesia, mind control, face masks (for impersonation), and brain chips for a moment. In what universe does a physician operate on her ex-husband (brain surgery, no less)? And as Chief of Staff, Kayla evident specializes in virtually every discipline in medicine: that is what I find hard to believe.
And while I’m on a negative rant here, I have to admit I am not a fan of the other so-called heroines of DOOL: Jennifer (never liked her — I may be influenced by the actress, though), Hope (too undefined as a character), and the beloved Marlena (to me, a cold, uncharming, know-it-all). I apologize for offending fans of these characters: they just rub me the wrong way (maybe Kayla also specializes in dermatology and could treat my ill-rubbed skin).
Give me Kate (more please), Kristen, and Nicole anytime!
And one other thing. I am not a long-time viewer of DOOL, so admittedly my opinions of these beloved characters is framed over the last few years. Other viewers with a much longer investment might be far more enamoured with these “heroines.”
Also, in addition to the absurdity of the brain chip plots, wherein Stefano’s “essence” (?!?!?!) was implanted into Steve’s body, I was a bit confused, as I remember the same actor playing Stephan on GH (Steve, Stefano, and Stephan), to say nothing of the possible return of Stefan O….
Jamesj75
I have never agreed with anyone more, especially your view of those so-called heroines. I would also like to add to your list, Julie who can also be a pushy busy-body. I also like Kate, but not Nicolle so much. I feel she always has some darn reason for butting into someone’s life. I would just love to see Kristin gone for good, as I don’t think she can ever be totally redeemed. The first time someone looks at her daughter the wrong way, is she going to kill them? I also can’t stand Sarah, so whiney, screeching, loud and obnoxious. So now that we’ve named all these women, not too many left, oh except Gabi, and there’s only one name for her!
Hello Violet Lemm2! Thanks a million for your reply! Glad you largely agree with me, and it’s awesome to read your opinions on this!
I do understand your points about Nicole and Kristen. BTW, I wrote my post before Kristen stabbed Victor. I know she’s done some terrible things (understatement). As Gabi has. But the actress who portrays Kristen is just so mesmerizing — that’s why I “enjoy” this villain.
Of the women, my absolute favorite is Kate, also mesmerizing and stunning. I’m always happy for any storyline they send her way; I don’t care how many times she is held captive; at least she’s on screen!
And I am totally with you on Sarah (“whiney” personified) and Julie (“busy-body” personified). I think it’s great that this actress has a long and storied body of work with this show. But when there are scenes of Julie and Gabi arguing, I often find myself siding with Gabi.
Jamesj75
Thanks for your quick reply. Not too much to look forward to these days. I had meant to reply to your comment about Steve and Kayla’s
outburst to him. Being a woman, I can perfectly understand what that was all about. She was hurt, angry and any other emotion I could think of because he gave up so easy and didn’t rant and rave about giving her up to someone else, mainly Justin without a fight.We women are like that James, if you love us fight, you don’t just walk away!
So nice talking to you, stay well,
Just a quick reply, Violet Lemm 2, you make a great point about Kayla’s reaction to Steve. Okay, so now I can “walk away….” 🙂
Thank you, Violet Lemm 2. You stay well, too!
She became completely abusive and cruel! Kayla lies not sweetness at all! She needs therapy!
I don’t see that at all. She was hurt? She is living with another man for heaven’s sake! She does everything she can to throw Justin in Steve’s face and is as abusive as she can be. Sorry these excuses for Kayla are a bit off and seem more like the interviews given by the actress to justify spoiled and crappy behaviors
Thanks for your replies, Jaime. I am just noticing them now. (I didn’t get the usual email noting a reply to a post.) But you make some great points about the flawed character of Kayla. Take care.
Sounds more like the interviews by the Days staffers and actors than a reality. This woman is weak, dependent, needy and everything a professional should not be. She is also in total denial of her own actions and the consequences not of others behaviors but her own.
I am in total agreement with everything you stated.
As for Kayla she is unrecognizable today and enables the worst. She is a woman who completely denies her own role in creating situations and destroying her own marriage. She blames, she rants, she lashes out, she distorts the events and facts, feels entitled, shamelessly blames the victim and inserts herself as the primary victim! She and Justin have acted out, have enabled their worst of behaviors and present themselves as weak, spoiled and completely needy individuals incapable of standing on their own two feet.
As Chief of Staff its a bit ridiculous since her actions are completely lacking in professional ethics. From operating without a trained certified neurosurgeon, to operating based on emotions, to entertaining her new boyfriend in the ex’s hospital room while unconscious and having that boyfriend stalk a patient was rather obscene. There is just so little left of the Kayla that we knew. As for Justin a more infantile man would be hard to find. He is totally dependent on having someone there for constant ego stroking. To pretend this is entertaining is a farce. To say they are over bolstering a character Justin who had not led a story for 20 years and has been inserted not naturally placed in this one was in such poor taste that one can only be turned off.
Thank you for your reply, Dexter. Your further analyses of the characters of Kayla and Justin are insightful, and I agree with you! I was looking at Kayla’s profession only in the sense of her boundless areas of expertise. Your point about her “lacking in professional ethics” in myriad ways is an even stronger argument, to say nothing of a Chief of Staff constantly showing public displays of affection in the workplace. Take care.
So grateful to have Stephen back. Watching Steve and Kayla again feels like I have my Days back. They bring to the show what other couples dont for me. As outrageous as having a chip in your brain SL is Steve and Kayla always bring a realness to their scenes. I hope Stephen finally gets Emmy recognition
Loved the Stayla scenes. These two shine incredible performances no wonder MBE has so many Emmy’s. And Stephen Nichols going from obsessed villain, Stefano to our beloved Steve Johnson, incredible acting range . Love love loved it
Steve broke my heart. For once it wasn’t his bad choices that hurt Kayla. He was on his way home to her. His life got blown up in 5 minutes- he found out his wife was with someone else and his sister was killed. Just heartbreaking scenes.
It is Kayla who betrayed him. It is her bad behaviors not his. Its just time Kayla looked into a mirror rather than this nonsense that anything Kayla says goes. Because of Kayla’s insistence upon everything her way I can no longer support that character and I truly believe its Time Steve dumped her for real
Based on the number of posts/replies, it looks like you’re here only to bash Kayla to those who are fans of the couple. Wish I had that much free time. But, then, I wouldn’t use it for such petty & infantile behavior.
How can you defend Kayla and her bad behaviors??!
But Kayla never accepts any blame! It’s disgusting
Stephen Nichols hands down is best actor on Days and hopefully the writer will capitalize on it. The chemistry/connection he and Mary Beth Evans have is out of this world. I love their dance scenes because they convey more with a look than any couple I have ever watched on tv.
He is the best by far.
To bad the writing is awful and those justifying bad behaviors including some from the days set who just stroke the writers egos are doing more harm than good. It becomes insulting and that is a good way to lose your own fan base.
For the most part, Days seems like it’s getting back to what makes it so good, family, drama, and angst. It was nice to watch this week. Though they really need to cut back on all the flashbacks. The only ones that were really relevant and fitting were the Steve/Kayla and Marlena/Orpheus ones. Watching the two actors that play Steve and Kayla is a true joy, they have that much connection and chemistry. Plus they are both really good actors!! Eric has really grown and continues to grow it’s a joy.
Oh please don’t let Steve and Hope get together. I was really sick of him and Sweetness, but she is the lesser of two evils. It was bad enough seeing him romance Marlena.
Better Hope than the spoiled thing that is now Kayla
Jaime
I am not crazy about Kayla, but it is not that she’s spoiled. She’s hurt because Steve is not fighting for her as he always has. Nothing could ever come between them, but now Steve feels so guilty with the Stefano thing, he’s pushing her away to another man and she can’t stand it.
She is abusive and shows a total lack of concern for anyone’s feelings other than herself. His never even come into play. She threw him away and dumped him like garbage. She not he.
I love Steve and Kayla; would love for them to reunite. Agree Hope and him no.
Yes to hope
O.K here goes.I know there are a lot of Kristin fans out there, but has everyone including the writers who made her this person,really,forget who she really is? Brady is so stupid when it comes to women, I can ALMOST give him a pass, but to let this crazy woman take off with his child is worse than stupid, it is aiding and abetting a criminal. My God, she stole his first child right out of his mother’s womb. I don’t think she would hurt the baby, it’s the idea of rewarding her in a sense, letting her just take the baby and run, like she deserves this prize she’s won. She just sat there and stuck a knife into his grandfather, and then he just gives up his daughter to this lunatic! Sorry, but this is so distasteful to me and my maternal feelings.
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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