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DAYS Freddie Smith Shares Sentiments On Departure Of Chandler Massey: "It Was An Incredible Time"

By Michael Fairman

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Courtesy/NBC

Courtesy/NBC

The other half of DAYS super couple WilSon, Freddie Smith (Sonny) shared his thoughts over the weekend via Twitter on the departure of his long-time scene partner, Chandler Massey (Will) who finished his last tape day on Friday.

Freddie related to his fans and followers: “I feel so lucky I got to work with @ChandlerMassey these past two years. It was an incredible time. I wish you all the best. You deserve it!”

The duo made WilSon hugely popular for being the NBC soaps first same-sex couple, and now the question remains, who will be the actor to fill Chandler’s big shoes, and how soon will DAYS release the casting info?

Whatever the case, many fans are heartbroken that Smith and Massey will no longer be together on-screen! So, how do you feel about Freddie’s tweet? Will you give the new Will a chance and see how their on-screen chemistry is with Sonny?  Or, are you giving up on the couple and the story, if Chandler is not playing Will? Comment below!

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So sad to see Chandler leave, and such a sweet tweet by Freddie. Will miss the “original” WilSon so very much. Definitely going to give the new guy a chance, he might be great, but if I just can’t adjust then I’ll have to stop watching. Hoping for the best.

I’m heartbroken that Chandler is leaving, but I support him 100%! To me FS deserves our support and CM has asked us to support WilSon! He was pushing for a recast. I will do my best to support and watch Sonny love another Will. I’m not sure I could have ever watched Sonny fall in love with someone other than Will…I think that would hurt my heart more then it aches today!

I feel the same way. I loved Chandler and will miss him. I wish him success and love for the future and hope to see him in other projects. I support Freddie Smith and love him as well. I support the WilSon love story and will continue to watch Days. I hope whoever takes over the role of Will is a good match for Freddie’s Sonny and the fans will accept the change.

Chandler Massey is leaving “big shoes to fill” vacating his role as Will. He is a superb actor in his scenes with Freddie. As much as I didn’t want Chandler to leave, I suppose I will give the new Will a chance although it will be hard not to constantly compare the two actors. Maybe Freddie will blend well with the new actor making it more acceptable to the viewers. As they say, time will tell.

I think Drew Garret(name right?) would fit the part perfectly because of his uncanny resembalance to CM, if available. However, who plays the part…ill wait and see how it goes first before i make a decision if ill give up on it or not…soaps are like long running plays where actors gets replaced and no one stops going to those plays when different actors take over..ok soaps are different with changing stories and running 5 days a week but as long as stories hold my interest i dont give up that easily unless they bore me…so ill wait and c what happens when the new actor takes over.

I will give the new Will a chance. I didn’t like Chandler so much at first. I think it was more the shock of, who is this person? Good luck to Chandler!

I love so much Chandler & Freddie together on-screen! They look so ridiculous adorable together. I want to support Freddie/Sonny… I love him and I love Chandler.

Definitely will get the new actor a chance. Will is a character- the character has not left, merely the actor playing him. I said it before I will say it again, on soaps the story is the star, and if the story requires a certain character to be on canvas then I rather lose the actor than the character. In this case Will is too important to the story in so many ways, I am just glad they didn’t get rid of the character. I know on daytime we viewers tend to blur the actors with the characters especially when they played the role a very long time– but in the end the character for me will always be more important than any one actor. I seen recasts work before and I have faith that Days would not have let CM out of his contract early unless they found who they believe is a talented actor who can take on this role. If they let the character go, then Sonny would have to start over with someone new–someone who is not tied to the core families and stories and I don’t think fans would like that either– so as good as CM was– I rather lose him than Will.

i shall support the new actor wilson story is the important issue

These two young actors — and their compelling well-told stories — are a major reason why DAYS became my new soap home following the cancellations of those serials I loved for years. Actors cannot be expected to stay in their roles forever and the award-winning Mr. Massey should be wished the very best as he explores new opportunities in his career. A new actor surely has been carefully auditioned and tested to step into the Will Horton role. I pray the writers do not minimize the storylines for this couple with the cast change. As much as ATWT and OLTL pushed their pioneering same-sex couple plots, Will and Sonny seem even stronger. Mr. Smith is a class act for this public show of support for his friend and colleague. Best wishes to them both! And to DAYS!

the reason I think this couple is so strong is because Days isn’t making their sexuality the storyline. They are merely characters in a story that happened to be gay–just like all the straight characters– this is a huge step forward in integrating this segment of the population into mainstream media– it doesn’t cover up their sexuality, but it isn’t the only thing about them– which makes them real and a couple that both gay and straight viewers can relate to as people— I hope that isn’t lost in the recast, but like you I am sure Days would not have release CM earlier unless they had someone very talented to take over the role.

But unlike the straight couples, Will and Sonny have no love (sex) life. Every other straight couple can go at it like rabbits but Wilson cannot. Days has taken their relationship further than any other U.S. daytime soap, but let’s be realistic…Will and Sonny are still NOT treated like every other couple. They’ve only had one love scene, which was last year! And they have not been anywhere near a bed together in months.

devastating that all the hard work both put into the creation of WILSON could be down the tube now…and Freddie has to carry an awful burden with a new “person” in Will’s slot…doesn’t make any sense…this event may prove to be a serious negative with fan base and ultimately viewership…seems to me powers should’ve use more common sense and kept the BRAND WILSON alive in a better way. Bottom line is under siege.

Agreed! The tv people handled this very badly! We know that Chandler wanted to leave and even earlier than his contract stipulated. But letting him know on Friday that that was his last day, no prior notice! That’s just mean!

I feel so bad for Freddie too! He knew Chandler was going to leave, but not like that! From one hour to the next, puff there you go, here is your new on-screen boyfriend! Now you better create the same mesmerizing chemistry you had with Chandler, with the new dude!… Nice! Really nice NBC!.. No wonder so many of the young folk on DAYS leave!..

The more details that come out about how Chandler was handled in past days, the complete lack of respect for him and how lousy they treated him, even now dropping him from the show events he had planned, the more angry I become. Freddie, I hope, will take this to heart and as a great actor will do what he asked to do. He’s been the ROCK of WILSON but these so-called bosses are basically without soul and quick to cut you off at the knees if you don’t produce. Freddie has my support but I can’t say that I want to watch the newer stuff, when it arrives, with any great enthusiasm. I HURT FOR BOTH GUYS.

Wish him well !, However, won’t miss that weird grin/smile from every scene !

I’m heartbroken!

I will continue watching DAYS for Freddie! Can’t abandon him.

I will follow Chandler and his acting career.

But WilSon without Chandler is not WilSon. His departure was too sudden and too early! They could have given Chandler a little time to let the news sink in and maybe give him a last scene with Freddie, instead of telling him on his last day that it’s his last day! Cruel! Can’t imagine how the two actors must feel right now..

It has been known that some actors are told by their agents they are no longer needed at their job. At least Chandler had a face to face meeting. It’s a business.

I believe that Chandler checked out of his role for awhile now. I could feel his boredom and because of that, Wilson chemistry suffered. He also always seemed a bit uncomfortable in intimate scenes with Freddie. Is because of Freddie that I still believe in Wilson. I hope the new Will has good sexual chemistry with Sonny and hopefully brings new energy to the role. I wish Chandler good luck to his future. Maybe the show should have future storylines focused on Sonny so that the new Will gets time to learn and not worry about getting too much script to learn. We need to find out more about Sonny anyways and you can’t have every problem come from Will. That gets old. Can’t wait to find out who the new Will is.

I hope they get a great recast, because Will is so important to the show and Sonny and Will are such a great couple!

I will miss Chandler terribly he was just incredible from the get-go but I love Freddie more and more and will support a recast. I hope it is someone good and intense like Chandler was.

I do not plan on watching anymore. I think Chandler is a great actor and made his character, along with Freddie, the best part of the show. Good luck Chandler.

I’m inclined to agree with you C.J. I guess we’ll have to take a “wait and see” approach as we have no other choice short of stop viewing altogether. For my part, I shall deeply miss Chandler and wish him the very best! And who knows, perhaps Chandler may return someday to DOOL. It has happened before. I also have full confidence in Freddie and trust he’ll make it work with the new Will. WILSON Forever!!! 🙂

MY WIFE IS REALLY HEART BROKEN ABOUT CHANDLER LEAVING BUT SHE WISHES HIM AND FREDDIE THE BEST SHE WILL NEVER FORGET HIM

i still wish that cm didn’t have to leave. we surely would him being with freddie on screen. great chemistry.. good luck cm we love you and fs…

I dont think it will be the same with out Chandler massey but im looking forward to seeing how will be playing will but it wont be the same.

Oh my gosh, I swear I cant believe that, I can freddie with someone else.
earlier, I was so so happy and excited by watching Will & Sonny (Chandler and Freddie together) but now I dont have any feeling and motivation to watch them, I just hope Chandler comes back one day, I really miss him very much.

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53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced

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Daytime Emmy Presenters

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).

Genie Francis

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.

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

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Kyle Pryor

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.

Dominix

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.

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Days Of Our Lives

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

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Conner Floyd

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.

EJ and Chad

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.”

Belle and Chad

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.”

Susan Seaforth Hayes

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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