Connect with us

Days Of Our Lives

17

Ashley Puzemis Addresses Her Exit as Holly Jonas on ‘Days of our Lives’

By Michael Fairman

Published

on

Photo: JPI

As previously reported four Days of our Lives actors were blindsided as 2026 began when they were informed by the Peacock streaming soap opera that they were being let-go. In addition, since that time, they have all wrapped their runs, including Ashley Puzemis who played Holly Jonas.

Puzemis, along with her on-screen love interest Leo Howard ((Tate), Carson Boatman (Johnny) and Raven Bowens (Chanel) have all made their exits, but since DAYS tapes ten-months ahead of dropping new episodes, they will be seen well into 2026.

Now for the first time, Ashley Puzemis acknowledged her run on DAYS with a heartfelt post sharing video and images via her Instagram account over the Valentine’s Day weekend.  Puzemis joined the soap opera as the SORAS’d daughter of Nicole (Arianne Zucker) and Daniel (Shawn Christian) in October of 2023.

Photo: JPI

Ashley shared: “Been meaning to post… but that’s officially a wrap on Holly Jonas! 222 episodes later, an Emmy nomination, many tears shed, and an entire cast who has become my family. Thank you for the memories.”

Several of her now former DAYS co-stars jumped in her IG comment thread including: Martha Madison (Belle) who said, “You light up the screen and every room you walk into. You will crush whatever comes next, and we will be cheering you on the whole way.” Hank Northrup (Liam) expressed, “Such a superstar, ” while Dan Feuerriegel (EJ) added, “Miss ya Ashy ❤️”

A DAYS spokesperson previously commented on the exits of Puzemis and the other younger set members: “While we don’t comment on individual contracts or casting decisions, we have tremendous respect and appreciation for the actors who bring these characters to life. What may seem sudden is part of long-range storytelling decisions. Our goal is to balance the show’s rich history with where we’re headed creatively. Due to our long tape-to-air gap, any changes won’t be on screen for some time.”

Now the question becomes, how did the DAYS writers handle the exits of Holly and Tate? Do they leave the canvas and Salem happy together to start their lives somewhere else, or do they go their separate ways? Stay tuned.

So, how do you feel about Ashley Puzemis exiting DAYS as Holly Jonas? Do you hope they will bring the character back at some point? Let us know via the comment section below.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ashley Puzemis (@ashleypuzemis)

17 Comments

17 Comments
oldest
newest

I love the character of Holly. I will miss her. I hope she and Tate get their happy ending.

As Martha Madison said about Ashley Puzemis (Holly)… Such a superstar & I agree, Ashley, does bright up the screen. Ashley did what she could with the direction of the character since Nicole & Eric moved to Paris. I feel like there was more investment and value with the character when Nicole, her mother, was in the picture.

Ari & Ashley had a great dynamic and communion … and, when Holly was sick and in recovery, Ashley did some of her best work with the drug overdose and coma and her rebellious behavior. She had really nice chemistry with Suzanne Rodgers.

The silly storyline with Sofia (1 & 2)… wasn’t fully carved out and it didn’t serve the character of Holly especially when Doug II had eyes for her. I think the writers didn’t know what to do with Holly when Nicole left. Ashley is a superstar and I’m hoping she can land on General Hospital.

GH could expand the Quartermaine clan with Skye Chandler- Quartermaine’s daughter, Lila Rae Alcazar. Keep auditioning, Ashley! It sounds like in the past few years, you grew very close and connected with the cast… cherish those memories with them and know you are on a new path, and I hope you land a part worthy of your talents.

And, you are a daytime Emmy nominee, well done for the recognition of that. That’s really awesome.

I would love for Ari Zucker to come back for 1 episode to bring Holly home to Paris with here. I think Tate will go out with Sophia . That storyline is not finished in my opinion.

Zucker will never return to DAYS.

I think you firing those 4 awesome young, bright actors is a huge mistake. The young stars of today are the stars of the future. I really feel like if anyone should have been fired it should have been Sofia. She is physco. Those 4 are major assets to the show. You will be sorry . How Could You???

It’s nothing new at Days of Our Lives, though. This has happened before. Plus, Carson Boatman (Johnny) was in contract negotiations, so he was already about to be a free agent.

I hate to see all four of them go. Been watching DOOL since 1965, my college days . My favorite soap of all. Think it over please!!

I too, totally agree with you, and have been watching since 1965. Some of the older characters on the show, I really don’t like their story lines, but the young ones bring more interest to me.

Rumors abound that Eden McCoy is leaving GH. After resting the character for a few months, could Ashley be the next Joss?

It’s a good idea and I wouldn’t be upset by it, but I would like to see Josslyn rested for more than a few months at this point.

Bring her back

I still don’t get why DAYS is so far ahead in production. When storylines aren’t clicking with us, it’s pointless to say anything because by the time any changes can be made, almost a year has passed and that’s a good way for viewers to find something else

She is very beautiful.

Bring back Sofia, And Kill – Off Kristin !

I hate they are getting let go which is huge mistake I think, tate and holly are good together, and Jonny and chanel are good too, they will definitely be missed

The drama on several fronts will be destroyed with the four actors being fired. My wife is a long time viewer and saw them as bringing new life to the show.

Yeah, you fired 4 great actors/actresses. I hope they get a good sendoff. I do not want to see anyone replace these individuals. Why do that when all the four that you fired have done a wonderful job.

Breaking News

53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced

Published

on

By

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.

Continue Reading

Days Of Our Lives

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

Published

on

By

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.

Continue Reading

Days Of Our Lives

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

Published

on

By

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.

Continue Reading

Video Du Jour

Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

Recent Comments

Power Performance

Heather Tom

The Bold and the Beautiful

Airdate: 7-24-2026

Popular

17
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x