Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Freddie Smith and Alison Sweeney Deliver Heartbreaking Performances As Sonny & Sami Struggle With Will's Death!
Courtesy/NBC
Earlier in the week, On-Air On-Soaps gave major kudos to the cast of Days of our Lives for their performances when many key characters in Salem learned that Will Horton (Guy Wilson) had been murdered by the necktie serial killer (Ben Weston). But once the action picked-up in later episodes, in particular on Thursday and Friday, it was Freddie Smith’s performance of Sonny Kiriakis, and Alison Sweeney’s performance as Sami, that truly broke our hearts.
Sonny had finally arrived in Salem from Paris grief-stricken. He lost his husband, the man he was intending on coming back to town to make things right with. Instead, he is coming back to Salem to bury him. As Sonny made his way through Salem, he first stops by to see his mother, Adrienne (Judi Evans) and his father, Justin (Wally Kurth) for some tears and hugs. He then made his way to the apartment he shared with Will. Once inside, nothing made us reach for the hankies more, during this sad week of air shows, than when Sonny nearly collapsed on the floor of the crime scene in anguish … in the most gutwrenching of cries. Gabi (Camila Banus), who was there, hugs Sonny and he asks to be alone. Later, Paul (Christopher Sean) shows up to try to comfort him, but to no avail. Sonny also goes to the hospital where he sees Abigail (Kate Mansi) and learns where Chad’s (Billy Flynn) room is. He tells Abigail he cannot comprehend how Chad could kill Will. “He was my best friend, and Will’s,” is what Sonny basically relates to Abby. Thus far, Sonny has not been able to face his daughter Arianna … Will and Gabi’s bio-child he helped raise!
Courtesy/NBC
Then we have Will’s mother, Sami who is dealing with her grief by barely grieving at all. However, she too lost it when she visited Will’s apartment, and wound up on the ground looking at the crime scene, and flashing back to her younger days caring for baby Will! It was a tearjerker. Sami also lets out some major tears at Will’s. As Marlena (Deidre Hall), Brady (Eric Martsolf) and Eric (Greg Vaughan) try to help Sami … kick, scream, cry and let it all out, she becomes even more removed from her emotions. Later, Sami wants to take her anger towards Stefano (Joe Mascolo) and the DiMeras, and put it good use to snuff out Chad’s life with a pillow, while getting into his hospital room. Marlena eventually happens upon the scene and stops her. When Sami goes to rest at John (Drake Hogestyn) and Marlena’s, she goes through a bundle of mail Marlena had been keeping for her, and it it contained a letter from EJ ! Will Sami check out what’s contained in the safety deposit box from the key EJ left her in the letter? Stay tuned. Sami has had to cope, and try to come to terms, with two deaths in the last year – her husband and her first- born son. How Sweeney plays Sami, as she tries to pull it together, and then despite of herself has a moment of heartbreak and emotion has made also for emotional viewing for DAYS viewers.
Will’s funeral begins next week as Sonny, Sami, and Lucas (Bryan Dattilo) have to bury their husband, and their child, respectively. We are sure hankies will be needed in droves for that, as well.
So, what did you think of the performances of Freddie Smith and Alison Sweeney on last week’s episodes of Days of our Lives? Do you wish they were staying on the series longer than their short visits? What moment make you reach for the hankies? Hard to imagine after seeing Sonny’s reaction, but … WilSon is no more. Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
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
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All performances were outstanding. I know many people were upset that they killed Will, but the show needed a shot in the arm and I think this was it. I am looking forward to see how this plays out. Kudos to the writers and actors. Emmy’s all around! 😉
Did Grandma Kate and 2nd cousin Teressa shed a tear over Will…noooooooo…they were more concerned with business matters…Sonny and Sami gave great performances as expected but when you have other characters showing very little emotion over Wills tragic death, it really somewhat ruins this storyline for me!
Hi, Jimmy.
If truth be known, I was ver much impressed by Lucas. He really outdid himself. I was in tears along with him.
Yes, Sami mourned, wept, sobbed as a mother should….however, no one can compare to Kassie D. The image of the what’s-the-point-of-living, grieving mother took permanent residence in my brain.
let my put out their; my adage… just when i think I”ve got it all figured out or formulated in my mind… posts stream in and level (LOL) my ideal… and help me creatively enjoy
JimH… I was all set to agree with you about Kate and Theresa… till I read… more
1… all I really need to see is Alison Sweeney ACT… and I’m floored dam break and on emotional overload
2… if he was my husband… i’d lose it…. ie: seeing Freddie Smith home for this is tantamount to… LGBT reeling very much REAL LIFE
Oh, Ceec’ : I’ve thought about Kassie DePaiva… (how dare I compare) these two amazing actresses….. and they are both no longer on the show
for the love of all things want : I’d take Kassie DePaiva back in a heartbeat… ie: and it’s due to new blood; new character; new energy ; new intrigue
Lauren Koslow… is one of my all time favorite characters on Serial… (LOL) and yes… i’ve stated as much… if I were a woman… I’d be Kate… a powerful woman… with intricacies… and emotional upheavel she carries with so much aplomb that I admire her character… how is it that her character… lives her life… with our without ??? any one? she traverses through Salem… on her own energies…
ie: JimH… I care so much about this show… that i’m pinpointing… like… Kate’s reaction kinda threw me… as well… I see her “sorrowing” on her own… as she collects herself, sums up , and pulls herself together and forges onward…
I liked that she told Lucas… as they are on the outs… “I’m glad that you called me”
she gave all the credit to Marlena… as Lucas shared how his mother knew and accepted outright Will happiness
TEARS : this is definately… a throwback to what serial does well.. when a character with so many ties… just cuts to the core
CeeCee…you know me very well…most people call me Jimmy…love it!
I respectfully disagree with you– Kate is not the sloppy sentimental type, I think it would be out of character to see her grieving Will outwardly– the show did show a shot of her crying alone in the park when Lucas showed up– then she composed herself like Kate would. Also many people deal with grief by keeping busy, like tending to a business, which is also an acceptable way to do it.
As for Theresa she hardly knew Will even if they were related. I think the amount of grief she shown is in keeping with the character.
Lastly this still a television show and there has to be some balance, if everyone was just standing there weeping for an hour that would way toooo depressing. There are also only so many scenes they can show per day, so they are focusing on the reactions people want to see like Sonny’s and Sami’s — and hopefully Caroline’s because she loss her great grandson and her reaction is the one I want to see over watching Theresa shed some fake tears for a 2nd cousin she hardly knew.
So I hope you reconsider because this story is so compelling as it is, it is a shame if you let something like this ruin it for you.
You are right about Kate…but still talking business in the town square felt sowewhat tacky and disrespectful to me…i barely knew my cousin who was killed by a drunk driver but i still put off normal everyday activities until at least after the funeral but then again this is a soap!
Kate is somewhat cold anyway, Jimh. Plus, she did thank Lucas for calling her “last night” to tell her of Will’s death, which meant her reaction wasn’t shown, except the little bit with Lucas at the park. Kate had to keep up her business bitch facade with Nicole and Theresa.
I never want Sonny to leave. I feel like Freddie did a wonderful job as the grieving husband.
And Paul dropping by? Shades of Noah butting in on Luke’s grieving of Reid and asking hiim to come to LA with a view toward taking more of Noah’s abuse. But at least Paul didn’t play that card. But him dropping by was SO inappropriate. have they let Sean go, too?
v
Sami/Alison? Tpical over the top chewing furniture immature bullsht she usually pulls. I’m TERRIFIED that she is going to stay since she got a letter from EJ. But then, I keep forgettng. When Sonny leaves, I leave. I’d rather eat dirt than watch that fireplug emote her way from A to B. In what universe do people act that way and pull the crap Sami pulls and people still love her and fall all over themselves for her well being. What did that guy call her? Trainwreck of self-involvement! How many times has she gotten away with murder or attempted murder iincluding last week? No, no, no. I just can’t. I kknow she’s a fan favorite but I just can’t ride that train.
PS: Please please give Fr eddie Smith his second Emmy! This whole year has been Sonny & Will’s year.
yeah, I really thought the same thing… when it seemed like all things were going good … ie: character evolve
and she pulls the stunt of wanting to murder Chad… with pillow , as he lay comatose in the hospital
that’s what let me go… of AS … when she left the show… the immaturity and loud vocal of her stubborn lacks
all in all… Alison Sweeney and Kassie DePaiva acting of loss… when it’s your child…
tears and had me right their
Blown away! However, mixing business in with the grief feels false and is disappointing. Kate would be beside herself losing Will.
I agree… Emmys all around. This is DOOL’s year!
“gosh darned it”
would’nt this be an opportune time… for the headwriting team… and DAYS production to let loose…. Lauren Koslow
as in: give her a predilection… of damnation… ???? !!!! just giving in and collapsing her stalwart back bone and losing spine and losing face….
having said that… it wouldn’t be our Kate… who puts one foot in front of the other
to see her show emotion…
it’s been a long time hasn’t it ?
She was so good with Rafe
ie: when it was shared that Eduardo may be in her horizon ????
couldn’t come any sooner
Reign
I think Freddie Smith was wonderful. He mourned was so realisticly. He made me cry right along with him. If he doesn’t get a Emmy for this one something is wrong.
hmmm I actually disagree and have not thought that the crying from Freddie Smith has been that great.. I have watched this show for many years and have no connection with the actor who played Will.. I have not felt bad at all. This murder has not drawn me in… it has been fun to wath.. but not shedding any tears….
For me, Eve’s grief scenes felt far more heart wrenching. Even in her appearance… little makeup, wardrobe, just incredibly real and raw in her grief. Major kudos to Kassie DePaiva.
I cried when Sami was on the ground crying for her first-born. Sonny crying over his husband made me feel so bad. I don’t understand why Days had to kill Will. Ali Sweeney didn’t understood it either. But Ali is a really great actress, she can play Sami like only she can. I just hoped that she would stay for the longer hold. But there’s nothing you can do about it. I love Sami
I think the acting the last couple of weeks was spot on. From the moment Will stepped into Ben and Abigail’s Apartment, to his death scene, and now with all of his family and Husband finding out.
I was heart sick to watch Sami (Alison was amazing) and especially Sonny (Freddie was incredible), I used a box of tissue during the two episodes, and I have more waiting.
I also think that Kassie DePaiva was great the past fews weeks too.
I WANT THE RATINGS FROM LAST WEEK NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Will’s death has provided so many wonderful scenes. With these performances I could see Emmy wins for Sweeney and Smith! Even these episodes for best show!
Sorry Michael I meant to put that in the general comment section.
Will’s death has provided so many wonderful scenes. With these performances I could see Emmy wins for Sweeney and Smith! Even these episodes for best show!
Great performances; although, I am ready for Sami to head to Switzerland to chase after EJ’s letter. Nice visit; but time to go. Really, who would believe that Chad committed these murders? It’s ridiculous. The evidence is all circumstantial. Anyone that knows Chad knows that he may be arrogant and have an ego-but he’s not a murderer.