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DAYS Head Writer Josh Griffith On How OLTL, Winterthorne & A Magazine Cover Led To Casting John-Paul Lavoisier As Phillip Kiriakis!

By Michael Fairman

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Courtesy/IMDB

Courtesy/IMDB

The latest issue of Soap Opera Digest (on newsstands now) features an in-depth interview with DAYS co-head writer Josh Griffith, who recounts how he along with co-head writing partner Dena Higley helped create, shape, and mold the vision that fans of the NBC soap opera will be seeing for the 50th anniversary storylines and beyond.

One of the questions posed to Griffith was on how the casting of former One Life to Live star John-Paul Lavoisier (Ex-Rex Balsom) came to pass as the new Phillip Kiriakis.

It just so happens that JP’s role in Winterthorne, which bowed this week, was part of the impetus for the inspired casting, plus his time on Llanview and an SOD cover! Josh revealed the events that led to the casting.

JOSH GRIFFITH:  “Well, the casting was because he’s fantastic and we knew that he was fantastic, because we both worked with him, but not at the same time.  We had been saying, “We’ve got to bring Phillip back,” and I was looking at your magazine and it had a little picture of him on the cover of it that said he was doing Winterthorne.  I saw the picture of him and went, “There it is.  Right there.”  I took the magazine into the meeting and said, “Guys, here’s Phillip!”

What do you think about the interesting events that led JP to DAYS?  How do you think Phillip will return to the canvas?  Who will be his love interest?  You can also watch our latest video interview with Lavoisier here. Comment below!

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I love it! It sounds so old Hollywood -ish. I think he is going to be an amazing Phillip, but one thing…he needs to leave Rex Balsom behind. If he brings any part of Rex into the new character, he’ll ruin it. Phillip was nothing like Rex, and hopeful JPL has done his research on the guy. As for Phillip’s new love interest? They’ve got to bring Stephanie back. I only wish Shelly were available.

Yes, I hope they recast Stephanie. With Steve and Kayla and Joey all in town, it’s time for Stephanie to come back too.

I’m just very pleased that John Paul is on DAYS and as a Phillip recast.
I think he will do a fabulous job in the role. I can’t wait!

Looking forward to some great scenes with Lauren (Kate) and John (Victor). Perhaps, the return of Philip will give Kate some sort of solid story. It feels like to me that Kate is in no man’s land. I want a big storyline for Kate….enter Philip? I hope so.

…hope so…I adore Kate!

did they drop the ball… on Kate and Justin?

I haven’t seen “scenes” between these two in a long while

there was definite sparks?

meh? as much as I like Clyde… perhaps they are waiting to wrap his character up in all the murder mystery mayhem?

Still think its a bad casting choice. Don’t know why they couldn’t just bring back JKJ.

They would have had to force JKJ to come back. He wants to be left alone. He lives like a caveman now. He gained a bunch of weight and has a beard like ZZ TOP!

I think that is wonderful for him. I hope that it all works out for everyone involved.
I just wish that another Daytime drama would find something for Matthew Atkinson to play. He has a lot to offer. All he needs is a meaty role. Something that he can sink his acting chops into, spread his acting wings. Something that Chuck Pratt Jr. And Jill Farren Phelps cheated him out of!!!

Being a new Days viewer, I have don’t know anything about Phillip Kiriakis. I am very excited to see John-Paul Lavoisier again. He did a great job with the twists and turns and growth of Rex on One Life to Live. It will be great to see him in this new role.

of ALL the changes plus

this is the one… I have issue

pelt me… when he was on OLTL… I just didn’t see him as a strong masculine character

will his comedic light attitude swift?

I don’t know

I’m holding reservation… belonging with the Kiriakis’ Manse is huge

He should have been Dillon Q and brought on in 2012 he had the perfect look and style for that role.

On Gh!

I would like to know whether or not Jay Kenneth Johnson was even considered for reprising the role of Philip. I so enjoyed Jay as Philip. If he was not available, I understand. It just seems strange that no mention was made of the possibility of Jay reprising then role of Philip.

I would, firstly, like to get to now John-Paul’s version of Phillip before giving an opinion as to whom is a good fit for him. Why entangle him? I can’t even think of anyone that would do this actor Justice, right now on DOOL. Perhaps, if brand new, older Belle, returned? Oh, wait…are they related? No incest, PLEASE!!! LOL.
He, himself, should get acquainted with his peers,, also, before TPTB make him jump into the fire, LOL. He needs to feel his peers and get comfortable and, I would think, so does the viewer.
I did not like Jay, as Phillip…..he was devious. I just hope John-Paul is not turned into a Kiriakis evil-doer. I am such a fan of his……it would be a shame to steer this great actor in the wrong direction, as was Melissa Archer. And, please do not turn him into another holier-than-thou, sanctimonious Brooding-Brady, who thinks his ‘high morals’ are no match for Theresa’s……NOT!!

Know…correction, not ‘now’.

PS.
I was mulling over this and I thought of Theresa. I still think JP should just ‘hang out’, getting to know his cast members before Phillip ventures into a relationship. But, I am as sure as the sun rising again, that TPTB will indulge the character with some kind of love affair or whatever we may label it. If that is to be the case, I would love to see him get involved with Theresa. What a maelstrom of events that would create. It would set so many ‘wars’ in motion…… drive Victor absolutely crazy…and Brady? Perhaps the idea of Theresa and Phillip together would shake his ego-centric self into admitting to himself that he wants….actually, fiercely desires Theresa, ergo his disdain toward her. He is actually mad at himself for craving her so much….yes? Sounds good to me.
And, what about goody-two-shoes Saint Maggie? Ugh!!!!! she came in and crowned herself Queen of La Maison Kiriakis . The competition, especially being Theresa, would catapult her into stop-wearing- leggings-and-blazers in 100-degree weather.

I think this was a great choice to cast JPL as Philip—I think what I see coming is the Philip who was played by Kyle Brandt some years ago and that was exciting for me when he played the character so knowing JPL’s work from OLTL, I know he will bring a new dynamic to the role while keeping the character’s streak alive. As for his love interest, I can’t help wondering if Eve will get involved with him but that is only a wild guess on my part.

Theresa will obviously make a play for him…i see Brady showing his jealous side and he and Philip coming to blows over her…isnt it time Brady took anger management classes…lol

Now if Melissa Archer had only been cast as Sarah Horton…never mind…lol

Ah, Jimmy. I wish they had done that. I remember with clarity you saying that as soon as we learned Melissa was joining the DOOL family. Too bad ‘they’ did not listen to you. LOL

Good luck, “Days” viewers. Lavoisier was fantastic during his first couple of years on “One Life” but a complete mess during the last four years of the show, sucking all of the oxygen out of the air and turning even the most dramatic stories into his opportunity to display his Jim Carey impersonations.

this is what “bothers” me….

the Kiriakis’ Manse : doesn’t need schtick, jokes, impersonations… etc….

they blend so well together… and it’s their inside joke that we are witness to

Victor, Maggie, Justin, Adrienne, Brady… add in Theresa and the butler

see? how well they cut each other? with nary a jokester

I’m not sure… about JPL

John Anniston’ Victor quick wit; Justin manner; and how well Maggie and Adrienne play off of their men

now if Brady and Theresa could just relax and get sexy!

LOL

I LOVE the Kiriakis’

I love John Aniston, Patrick. You are so right….he cracks me up as no other. Even when he’s mean, he’s funny….I love the way he brings down anyone he doesn’t like, with his sarcastic and smearing words. He certainly is an anomaly.

Hearing that both Dena and Josh knew they had to get Phillip back, as a way to re-build the history of the soap, it excites me in knowing that they’re serious about the soap. And casting JPL was incredible; I look forward to seeing his take on the character, and the direction they’ll be taking him!

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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

‘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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