Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Freddie Smith Chats On His Daytime Emmy Nomination & If He's Team WilSon or Team PaulSon!

Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
Although recently departing Days of our Lives, fan favorite Freddie Smith (Sonny Kiriakis) is still on the air for the next five months since the NBC soap tapes so far ahead. That gives viewers more of an opportunity to see him front and center along with Guy Wilson (Will Horton) and Christopher Sean (Paul Narita) as the story between Will/Sonny/Paul continues to twist and turn!
In the meantime, Freddie received his second Daytime Emmy nomination in the Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series where he is considered a serious contender for the gold at this year’s upcoming 42nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards on Sunday night, April 26th to be televised live on Pop (8PMET/5PMPT).
On-Air On-Soaps recently caught up with Freddie to get his reaction to being in the Younger Actor category and vying for gold, plus to get his thoughts on what’s ahead for WilSon and PaulSon fans. In fact, Freddie even weighs-in on which duo he is rooting for at this stage of the game.
Here’s what Freddie had to share about being part of daytime’s biggest night … and one of daytime’s biggest storylines!

Photo Credit: Getty Images
Freddie on his Daytime Emmy Nomination, his reaction to the news, and what scenes he submitted, and why he chose them for Emmy competition in a year where he lots of dramatic material to choose from in 2014: “I did have a lot of material, and it pretty much boiled down to … did I want to submit for Younger Actor … or did I want to submit for Lead Actor? And then when I looked at all of my clips that I was considering. It just so happened that my favorite work fell in February of last year before my birthday. So I submitted for Younger Actor, but I was really proud of the work I did. I submitted the episode where Gabi (Camila Banus, Outstanding Younger Actress nominee) and Sonny are fighting where he was talking about Nick, and how she slept with him on the couch, and then Gabi slaps Sonny and leaves! The scenes showed a lot of layers and that’s what I liked. So in five minutes you got to see me being cool and chill, and then it worked up to something. It wasn’t just me yelling all of the time and boring. (Laughs) So whether I was nominated, or not, that is what I went with. I felt I had a lot of material, but I really liked what I did that day.”
Freddie on moving into the “older” male field of Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for next year’s Daytime Emmy competition, since he can no longer be in the age limit for Younger Actor: “I will submit next year, and I am an old man now. So, next year I am going to have to submit for the Older Man category. So that’s my goal for next year to be “Old Man”! (Laughs)

Courtesy/Hangwiththeguys.com
Freddie on how he found out about his Emmy nomination: “I had so many tweets, and calls, and texts all at the same time. I don’t know how I actually found out to be honest! But, it was great and nice. I called my parents and they were congratulating me, and my manager called me too. I was right here at home at my kitchen counter when I got the messages I was nominated and I was like, ‘Heck yeah! Number two!”’
Freddie on his current storyline and where it’s headed, with so many secrets coming to the forefront of Will’s machinations, Paul’s bio-dad, and Sonny trying to figure out what to do about it all: “There is a lot of good stuff coming up in our storyline. There is another new chapter of craziness that is happening, and so I am pretty amped about that.”
Freddie on given all that has happened right now on-screen, if he is rooting for Team WilSon or Team PaulSon: “Oh man, I don’t know. I think I gotta be WilSon because Sonny is married. Yes, he’s married loosely at this point, but Sonny is a very loyal guy. So, I got to be Team WilSon … for now!”
Watch Freddie’s Emmy nominated work below! Are you hoping for a Freddie victory on Emmy night? Are you surprised Freddie says Sonny would still be Team WilSon at this point in time? What do you think is the next chapter in the craziness of his storyline that Freddie may be referring to? Share your thoughts below!
I think Freddie picked an excellent to submit; it was powerful and his delivery was excellent.
I hope we get to see Freddie in some more TV projects as I’ve enjoyed (and continue to enjoy) his work on DOOL.
He’s right about Sonny being loyal to his marriage; that would fit the character who we’ve gotten to know. I look forward to seeing where the story goes.
Yes, Sonny is definitely loyal and committed. Freddie’s response to which pairing he’s rooting for makes sense, Sonny is definitely in marriage for all the right reasons. He’s marriage material. As for Will, well that’s another story. But, I do believe in Will & Sonny, and hope they will prevail. Freddie and Guy are great together! Love them both!
Smith needs to be Team Alcoholics Anonymous.
Freddie and Guy are good together? From the stills and pictures I have seen, Freddie has had the saddest eyes and demeanour ever. Pretty clear it was the most blatant mismatch of actors.
Good luck to Freddie on Emmy night. I hope he brings home the gold! He is a wonderful actor and deserves all the accolades he is receiving. WilSon storyline is the best one on the air right now with Paul’s WTD story beginning now as well. Guy Wilson & Freddie Smith are rocking these scenes along with Christopher Sean. I will miss Freddie since he has decided to leave the show but I have confidence that we will be seeing him in other projects in the near future.
I remain a loyal Will & Sonny fan myself. It is the best storyline right now on DAYS!
Will and Sonny and Paul are about a cheating storyline. What’s great about that? Especially since absolutely everyone cheats on soaps – as said by Guy apparently. It’s pathetic how they destroyed a storyline that once had weight and impact. Now they are like any other lame story on soaps. I’m stunned how people can call this great. Soap-mentality at its finest. Groundbreaking would be if they wrote poignant storylines with depth and meaning, conveying something that betters the viewers minds and opinions. Not the same old lame “get everyone in bed with everyone”. It stuns me that fans call this the best storyline. Admit it, all you are interested in is to see hunks get it on with other hunks. It’s pretty sad, if you think about it. And worse is, Freddie is out and people are running to see who could replace him. Talk about loyalty…
I really hope Freddie wins. He deserves to with his work last year and this year as well for next years Emmy. I am Team WilSon all the way. I’m glad he is as well..for now..lol He is being very diplomatic, since there is such a debate about WilSon or PaulSon among the fans. He never lets anything slip. 🙂 I hope he has great success in whatever he is going to be doing from this point on. I will miss him as Sonny but he needs to do what is best for him so..I say Go for it Freddie!
Hey LeeAnn-
Exactly, as an actor, Freddie must do what’s right/best for him. It’s his career and, his reason(s) to exit DAYS has not been officially released as of yet. All that fans or non-fans can do, is speculate. I remain loyal to Will & Sonny, and when a recast steps into the role of Sonny, I will be rooting for Will & Sonny to mend their marriage and, watch their journey continue onward, together as a married couple, moving forward. I look forward to a recast, because for me, and I know many others, there are definitely loads of Team WilSon fans. I will miss Freddie, and he must do what’s right for him. Regardless of his reason(s) for not continuing with DAYS, I support his decision and wish him well. Fans should expect a Sonny recast in the next six months.
I love Freddie, and will really miss seeing his face on the show. I agree, Freddie did have a lot of material to consider using for his reel, and I would have preferred a different scene, I’m just not sure yet (without seeing the other contenders for Younger Actor), if this reel is winning material. I’m glad he incorporated his scene selection with Camila Banus in this particular scene, though, for me, I would have preferred some great moments he’s had with Judi Evans. Next year, Freddie can enter Supporting Actor, I don’t just see him duking it out, yet with the Jason Thompson’s, Billy Miller’s, Christian LeBlanc’s and Tony Geary’s.
Anyways, I look forward to having Freddie for another five months as our beloved Sonny. And, I do believe the show will recast the role. I mentioned before, that perhaps Sonny will leave Salem and, hang out with Alex in Phoenix, again, and return for the 50th anniversary with a new actor resuming the role. I wish Freddie all my best, he’s been such a gift to the show. Will follow him to see what he’s up to next!
He can’t go to Phoenix to hang out with Alex because Alex is already in Salem as Xander!
I guess so, right? I just caught up with yesterday’s reveal! How fascinating. So, he was living in Phoenix and, has an English accent? hmm… this should be an interesting.
Loving Paul in the role! 🙂
It turns out that Xander isn’t Alexander.
Really? Yesterday’s episode Xander called Victor his Uncle and, there was backstory, yet no mention of him being Sonny’s brother.
Was that all just to mislead viewers. Is he a fake Alexander? Brady didn’t recognize him. And, what happened to the role of Damon who worked for Victor played by Paul?
I’m not even sure the writers know.
I tried hard to like GW as Will but he’s just so-so ok with me…i believe the ptb are deliberatly turning Will into Sami—they know most Will fans dislike GW as Will so they are going to make us hate Will too as if it makes it easier for us to accept him in this role—i say send Will and Sonny off together to start a new life—have Paul move on to someone else—maybe Kaylas son Joey arrives in town and is gay—anyway, the Will/Sonny/Paul storyline has run its course—it was good for awhile and currently Days only good storyline but its starting to get old…with Freddie leaving write out Will too so Wilson can have a happy ending for now…both can return later as recast or stay away…plus its time to end this Eve/JJ pairing…i might had liked it if JJs father Jack was still around and was the one who confronted Eve over Eve and JJ sexual encounter instead of Dr. Dullniel Jonas—less of him the better—keep him away from Jen—she is more interesting when not in scenes with him—he could be more interesting too if he wasnt the only doctor at the hospital who must have a medical degree in every illness and surgery known to man!!!
I really wish sonny won’t leave the show or that’swhat i heard if its true please please ddon’t go. Your one of the reasons I watch the show. My grand daughter Britney loves you. So please you got our vote here Freddie please find your way to stay on the show….love ya and God Bless!!!
TEAM WILSON MY ASSSSSSSS
I wish you had asked him why he decided to leave I’m sure a lot of fans are curious cos it seemed so sudden. In any case I wish him all the best for the future he will definately be missed. I’m not a fan of Guy Wilson but I love Christopher Sean and Freddie, they really are amazing actors with great chemistry. TeamPaulSon for me.
Gosh, as part of the first gay married couple on daytime he didn’t even pick a scene with the guy he’s married to. Sad and telling at the same time. Or is it just that he didn’t want to pick a gay scene at all? And no word about his “departure” from Days.
Maybe his departure is temporary until he completes his community service.
Oh and, no, I do NOT hope he wins. He has used the popularity this role and fanbase gave him for his questionable cream business/cult enough. It’s a shame that this is the kind of “representation” gay men get on TV. There are openly gay actors out there who are way better actors, would concentrate on their work as actors and actually show some commitment to such an important role.
Huh? WTH are you talking about? Freddie is a fantastic actor
Freddie is going to win an Emmy this year watch and see.
I love Freddie and while I hope he wins I do think Tequan Richmond’s submission is (surprisingly) the best in his category. I think the panel will give it to TR.
I personally am Team PaulSon because Paul behaves maturely and Will is being a total jerk! It’s going to be really interesting to see how it all plays out and what his exit will be (recast, killed off, or just off the canvas?)
And Freddie definitely has great material for a Lead Actor nomination (and win – however, that pesky Tony Geary really delivered in the 52nd anniversary episode, unfortunately) – I would pick the episode where Sonny and Will talk about what happened between Will and Paul – his anger, hurt, vulnerability were all pitch perfect and Emmy-worthy! (:
I will look forward to the next five months of seeing my favorite actor on Days! (:
When Sonny leaves, have nuWill leave as well and return as a new actor.
Will miss seeing you. You are the only reason I began to watch that SOAP after 30 years plus. I certainly hope you have another exciting project in the making. I know that Renee and Fred and Grandma Fran and all the relatives are very proud of what you have accomplished. Good luck in the future, Freddie.
Are you related to Freddie or a friend of his family?
im officially done with days until kirsten returns, i couldnt believe that the days prodction staff reused the ‘ office’ set for the upteenth time as sonny s coffee shops office when paul took off his wet clothes. brutal. they didnt even try to make it look different than say, marlena s office, or hope s office , or kayla s office or daniel n jenns office!
same window in the corner, same awkward door, same paint job!!
hey i need a job , come cheap, and can move furniture around and am a pretty good painter! is days hiring?
sorry, show looks like shit. maybe get rid of ben, clyde and daniel and use the extra $ for some sets.
i hope he dumps will and takes paul back .
I am hoping he comes back. He has Community Service he has to make happen in Ohio.
Once that is finished I am hoping he comes back to Days. If not then I might quit watching all together.
Why doesn’t Freddie communicate with his online fans about any of this? He has been totally disconnected from anything that has to do with DAYS. Some of last year’s video/online interviews, you only see Guy talk or Christopher. Freddie hasn’t mentioned anything about his nomination on social media, nor about his exit. I guess he knows it was a pity-nomination, because they couldn’t be arsed to nominate him last year for a really excellent and important work, rather than a cheating storyline. Interesting also the reel he submitted. Nothing to do with new Will at all. He knows the WilSon’s storyline has evolved in the totally wrong direction. That’s probably why he didn’t renew. Best decision ever.
— “So, I got to be Team WilSon … for now!” —
Ha! Freddie choosing WilSon and not PaulSon is a joke. Of course he has to say that, but it’s clear he prefers PaulSon even if it means he likes the cheating storyline. But new WilSon is a disaster, so I woudn’t like that pairing anymore either.
we want Wills character to leave not yours. sorry Will but you are not cutting it as the husband of Sonny…….LOL
Breaking News
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced

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.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of our Lives’ Reveals Kyle Pryor Cast as Dominic Marino

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
Days of our Lives’ Conner Floyd Talks Dominic Marino Mystery, Chad and Belle, and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Exclusive)

Fasten your seat belts Days of our Lives fans, as the mystery of Dominic Marino continues to unravel on all-new episodes of the Peacock streaming soap opera. Last week, Chad DiMera (Conner Floyd) learned that he may have a half-brother, who may be the biological child of his father, the late Stefano DiMera (the late Joseph Mascolo) and Dr. Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall), giving him great pause, because he knows Stefano had kidnapped Marlena for four years back in the late 80s and early 90s.
Chad has already been hunting down clues with his current girlfriend Belle Black (Martha Madison) in Italy and Salem, which revealed a photo of a young boy with Stefano with the date 1992 on the back of it, hidden inside Stefano’s chess set. So, what’s next?
Conner Floyd chatted on the Michael Fairman Channel in a new virtual interview released on Sunday, October 18, where he spoke on what the new addition to the DiMera family could do to the already dangerous sibling rivalries, the state of Chad’s relationship with Belle and much more.

Photo: JPI
DIMERA RIVALRY
After finding out from EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) that Dominic Marino could be the never-before-heard-of child of Stefano and Marlena, Conner Floyd explained, “I think it blows Chad’s mind a little bit. I think there’s a lot of things working there with old Chad. Obviously, bringing in another DiMera could cause some noise and the whole situation with Marlena’s a little awkward as well because he’s dating Belle, so this could cause a little tiff there. I think his head’s spinning and he does not know what to expect, but I also think he kind of expects that from Stefano, for sure.”
As to how this will change and color Chad’s relationship with EJ, Floyd responded, “Chad knows EJ’s not happy about it and I think he’s going to be real upset if this gets in his way of doing what he wants to do with the DiMera legacy and all that. However, for Chad, I think he’s just going to keep a sharp eye, see what this guy’s about, see if he’s here to cause some trouble or here to be a friend and kinda play it by ear.”

Photo: JPI
BELLE OF MY HEART
With Chad and Belle already being sleuths, Floyd says, you can look for the duo to continue getting to the truth. “I think Chad and Belle are committed to this. They’re going full National Treasure, Nicolas Cage,” says Conner. “They’re going to follow the clues. They’re going to get some answers.”
Since beginning in the role of Chad in June of 2025 and debuting on-screen back in April of 2026, the former Y&R star (where he played Chance Chancellor), says it was Madison who helped him get comfortable in his new surroundings.
“Martha is phenomenal. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to get tagged up with when I started here, just because she knows everybody,” shares Floyd. “She knows where to go, who to talk to. She’ll get the tea if you want, and so it was kind of cool. Martha took me under her wing, showed me the ropes. She’s a sweetheart. I love working with her too. She’s a great actress.”
But, is Chad in love with Belle after such a tortured past with his beloved Abigail Deveraux DiMera? Floyd thinks so! “I think he’s into it. They’re such good friends and they have such a rich history. I think he’s in for the ride. You know, it’s one of those things you probably overlook at first and then they reconnected, and it feels easy and they’re going on these fun adventures.”
MAKING CHAD HIS OWN
Conner had the arduous task of being the successor to Billy Flynn in the role of Chad.. Flynn had played the part for 12 years before deciding to exit and head to Y&R. So, how did Conner approach learning the ins and out of Chad? Floyd shared, “I really dove into Chad when I first got this job. I liked that he kind of walks this tightrope of DiMera and not DiMera, you know. He want to so honor his family roots and really do something for the DiMera family, but he doesn’t want to fall into that trap that all the other DiMera have found themselves in. Chad is a DiMera at heart. He’s got those demons, but he’s just trying to keep them contained.”

Photo: JPI
ICONIC
When Floyd got to DAYS, it was none other than Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie Williams) who most surprised him in the most delightful way, given that he knew Hayes was a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award winner and the current longest-running cast member on the canvas.
“I love working with Susan Hayes! I love her. She’s a sweetheart. Susan is one of the nicest people there. I just thought she was cool and it’s Susan Hayes, you know? We’ve had a lot of scenes together, which is nice,” explained Conner.
“We’ll go to her dressing room, we’ll run our scenes, and then we’ll spend about an hour just talking about life and she’ll tell me about a book she’s reading. She’s such a history buff, which blows my mind. She’ll start dropping all these historical facts on me. I learn something new by the time I walk out of her dressing room every time!”
Now below, check out the full conversation with Conner Floyd via the Michael Fairman Channel.
Weigh-in: Do you like Chad and Belle as couple? Do you think Chad will get to the bottom of the Dominic Marino mystery? If so, do you think Dominic is truly Stefano and Marlena’s son … and what about Rita (Maggie Carney) in all this? Let us know your theories in the comment section.
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