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
‘Heated Rivalry’ Star Franco LoPresti Opens Up About ‘Days of our Lives’ Debut as Dante Vitali
Next week on Monday, September 14 will mark the first appearance in Salem of Franco LoPresti in his new Days of our Lives role of Dante Vitali.
Heated Rivalry fans now LoPresti very well from his part as hockey player Cliff Marleau in the series first season. (No word yet if Cliff appears in season 2).
Now in a conversation with TV Insider, DAYS fans will learn that LoPresti is on the soap for a limited run. No timetable was given.
Photo: Corday Productions, Inc
When LoPresti does burst onto the scene come Monday, Dante makes quite the impact as Franco LoPresti explains. It seems that viewers will first see him in scenes in Monte Carlo at a poker table with none other than Gabi Hernandez (Cherie Jimenez) and Philip Kiriakis (John-Paul Lavoisier). However, Dante will come to Salem to talk to the Brady family about his supposed fiancée Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney).
Franco shared, “Dante was born and grew up in Italy and educated at this pretty top-tier English boarding school. He then went on to build his own dynasty in finance, all the while trying to distance himself from the Vitali name (as viewers know Tamara Braun played his cousin Ava Vitali).”
“But at the core of Dante, there’s definitely an old-school quality to him”, continued LoPresti. “He’s super passionate, he’s sincere and incredibly generous, but he’s also someone that you probably shouldn’t underestimate. Loyalty is something that means a lot to him. As Dante enters Salem, I think the audience will get to slowly peel back those layers and discover what’s really driving him. So, I’m excited for Days fans to go on that ride with Dante.”
Photo: Almay
As it turns out, LoPresti taped his episodes of DAYS starting back in November 2025 which happened to be weeks before Heated Rivalry became a smash hit.
Franco recalled, “It’s so funny because I thought my episodes would air in a month (on Days of our Lives). But I found out it was nine to 10 months and I was like, ‘I gotta wait that long?!’ So, I’ve been biting my nails, trying not to think about it, and I think it’s actually kind of helped because now it’s here and it’s all coming at me from all different angles. I’m nervous. I’m excited, and I just can’t wait to see it all come together. It’s one of the best jobs I’ve ever had for sure.”
In his personal life, Franco just had his first child with wife, actress Emily Alatalo, just a weeks ago on August 23rd when they welcomed their daughter, Stella into the world.
So, looking forward to seeing Franco LoPresti’s debut come Monday? What do you think about the fact that it’s being reported as a limited run? Do you think Dante and Sami have a chance on-screen or off-screen to be a happy couple? What do you really think brings Dante to Salem sans Sami? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
In a metaphor for the start of the school year and their upcoming anniversary in November, Days of our Lives revealed its “Class of Season 62,” with a very clever yearbook montage on their social media handles, welcoming new cast members, while paying respect to the veterans and “class”-iying the other characters in Salem.
The official Days of our Lives Instagram account shared on the posting, “The Class of Salem Season 62 has arrived. Familiar faces, new names and plenty of personality. Flip through our yearbook for a peek at this year’s class.”
Let’s take a look at how they broke it all down: The Salem Yearbook starts with saying “another unforgettable season,” with some group pics, and then we dovetail into Salem’s new class which features: Sydney Malakeh (Sydney DiMera), Brandon Butler (Mason Whitfield), Angelica Nero (Victoria Kiriakis), Cole Gersmeyer (Thomas DiMera) and Lorelei Olivia Mote (Rachel Black).
Photo: Days of our Lives
Next up, are the likes of: Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez), John-Paul Lavoisier (Philip Kiriakis), Tyler Joseph Andrews (Theo Carver) and LeeAnn Hopkins (Joy Wesley). Then, in the “Drama Club” section are: Dan Feuerriegel (EJ DiMera) and AnnaLynne Cipriani (Cat Greene).
Following the ‘Recess” section with some group snaps, comes “Homeroom Highlights” with: Abigail Klein (Stephanie Johnson), Eric Martsolf (Brady Black), Rob Scott Wilson (Alex Kiriakis), Lamon Archey (Eli Grant) and Sal Stowers (Lani Price Grant).
The “Salem Spectator” section features: Conner Floyd (Chad DiMera), Greg Rikaart (Leo Stark), Stowers again, and Ashely Puzemis (Holly Jonas). In the “Afternoon Sweets” section look for: Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis) and Linsey Godfey (Sarah Horton), Emily O’ Brien (Gwen Rizchech), Stacy Haiduk (Kristen DiMera/Susan Banks), Brandon Beemer (Shawn Brady), plus Jackée Harry (Paulina Price).
Towards the end of the yearbook, veteran performers such as: Mary Beth Evans (Kayla Johnson), Stephen Nichols (Steve Johnson), Lauren Koslow (Kate Roberts) and Josh Taylor (Roman Brady) are featured, plus Deidre Hall (Marlena Evans), James Reynolds (Abe Carver) and Matthew Ashford (Jack Deveraux), Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie Williams) and Suzanne Rogers (Maggie Kiraikis) with her on-screen daughter, Linsey Godfrey.
The Salem Yearbook comes to a conclusion noting “Big things happening in Salem” and to tune-in on Peacock, where we also find Jacob Martinez (Javi Hernandez), Maggie Carney (Rita Lesley), and a host of other favorites previewing what’s to come this fall.
So, what do you think of the Days of our Lives Class of Season 62? Looking forward to seeing what happens in Salem? Did you like the yearbook concept for promotional tune-in? Let us know via the comment section below.
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Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of our Lives’ Head Writers Give Fall 2026 Preview: Marlena and Stefano’s Chess Mystery, The Arrivals of Dante and Sydney, Romance Drama for Sarah and Others
As summer comes to a close with Labor Day weekend, the former Days of our Lives co-head writing duo of Paula Cwikly and Jeanne Marie Ford have given their annual fall season preview in episodes taped some 10-11 months ago.
As previously reported this past July, Ryan Quan returned to Days of our Lives and is now co-head writing the show with Ford, while Cwikly is now a consultant. The new co-head writing teams stories will not be seen till late spring/early summer 2027.
So for now, the stories pick up from where we left off with Cwikly and Ford promising via TV Insider, “Fall in Salem is full of twists and turns and secrets and surprises. Dots connect in unexpected ways as seemingly unrelated threads converge.”
Photo: JPI
CHECKMATE?
In one of the top mystery’s, Marlena is still having troubling memories and she will have another one on the Monday, September 7 episode. Meanwhile, her daughter Belle (Martha Madison) has gotten very close to Chad DiMera (Conner Floyd) and as pictured here, the two smooch while in Italy searching for answers to the chess set that Stefano DiMera gifted th the late John Black and Marlena (Deidre Hall) that has some significance.
The head scribes share, “The (chess board) mystery and its fallout are central to the fall stories. Chad and Belle follow the clues to a discovery that changes both of their families, and Salem, forever. Marlena worries that their investigation/the chess set may be a Pandora’s box that has been opened. And she is right…”
Newcomers are also the order of the day for Cwikly and Ford, this fall. We have already seen the debut as Brandon Butler as Mason Whitfield, and next week you can add as previously reported Sydney Malakeh on the Thursday September 1o episode as Sydney DiMera, followed by the the Monday, September 14 arrival of Franco LoPresti as Dante Vitali.
Photo: Corday Productions
Paula and Jeanne Marie expressed on the incoming Dante, “The arrival of a stranger who will set the whole town on its ear. The character has several strong ties to the current canvas and impacts many storylines.” What will Dante be up to? We know Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney) had mentioned in 2025 she got engaged to the man, but that was off-screen.
LOVE THE ONE YOU’RE WITH OR THE ONE YOU WANT?
In the romance department, the triangle between Brady/Sarah/Xander heats up with a very conflicted Sarah (Linsey Godfrey). The head writers reveal, “When Sarah faces attacks personally and professionally, Xander (Paul Telfer) and Brady (Eric Martsolf) work together to help and protect her. Sarah’s new love for Brady is challenged by her lingering love for Xander. Xander risks everything for Sarah.”
In addition look for, “Gabi (Cherie Jimenez) and Philip (John-Paul Lavoiser) to draw closer as he tries to save the family company and home.”
Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) will also be returning at some point this fall and she won’t be alone. Who might she bring with her? And from the looks of the Peacock promo for next week’s DAYS, someone is wearing Stefano’s ring around their finger, but who … and how does it all tie in this fall?
So, what do you think about some of the highlights coming up this fall on Days of our Lives per the series head writers? Does anything float your boat or pique your interest? If so, what? Let us know via the comment section. But first, check out the action next week on DAYS in the promo entitled “Bag of Tricks” below.
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