Days Of Our Lives
(EXCLUSIVE) DAYS Billy Flynn and AnnaLynne McCord Talk Who is ‘Abigail?’, Mark Greene Connection, Change in Original Direction of Story
On Days of our Lives, fans of the Peacock streaming soap opera have been watching as the story unfolds of a ‘mystery woman’ who is “potentially” believed to be the back-from-the-dead, Abigail DiMera. She has no memories of her own and has a new face. How that all happened is anyone’s guess since the story has not connected those dots … yet.
DAYS welcomed popular 90210 reboot star, AnnaLynne McCord to the show in the role and she first appeared in episodes back in June of this year. On Monday’s August 26th episode, fans got a glimpse that something is definitely up, when in the park, “Abigail” ran into Mark Greene (Jonah Robinson) and we learn that the two in cahoots, or are they?
Previously during his time on the soap opera, Billy Flynn had two fan-favorite leading ladies: Kate Mansi and Marci Miller, who both put their own stamp on the role of Abigail. Now, in a case of life imitating art, the character of Abigail suffered from DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder), which is something McCord has been publicly open about in her own struggles with the disorder over the last several years – all in an effort to bring a greater understanding of the diagnosis.
Photo: JPI
Michael Fairman sat down with Billy and AnnaLynne for a video interview for the Michael Fairman Channel from the social media studio at Days of our Lives. The DAYS duo talked about their on-screen working relationship, where the story was headed and where it might be going now since several writing regime changes took place. First, the writers strike, then former head writer Ron Carlivati and team returning after the strike ended, and now under the direction of hea co-head writers Paula Cwikly and Jeanne Marie Ford.
“It was complicated,” Billy began. “Originally, it was supposed to be that Chad just magically believed that this person was Abigail from the jump. It just seemed odd. That’s after what was confusing to begin with. We didn’t know what was happening with anything … who was who, or what was what?”
AnnaLynne added, “There was actually a lot of confusion with how the storyline was going to go. It was during the strike that this was all being created. The communication was literally stopped with the strike of who was at the helm.”
Flynn clarified, “I thought the strike writers had created something really interesting and then things got complicated. I had to make it it make sense to me that Chad was all-in to go find Abigail, and that he believed Abigail was alive or believes Abigail’s alive.” Billy added, “He went looking for somebody, his wife, and the person he found isn’t (exactly) what he went looking for.”
He added, “I think there was like a set plan and when the strike ended, Ron (Carlivati), did not you want to do anything that had been crafted during that period. I knew kind of what the plan was and then nobody knew.”
Courtesy/Peacock
This week, “Abigail’s” seeming connection to Dr. Mark Greene came to light, and as McCord shared on the moment where the two run into each other: “There’s a little stilted moment where you start to figure out that she might be being handled. You see that there’s someone pulling the strings and it’s not just Clyde Weston (James Read). Who’s ‘Mr. Puppeteer’ now? There’s this character Mark Greene, who clearly has some kind of energetic, or emotional, or some kind of hold over over “Abigail” and you don’t know what that is. (It begs the question), “Does she know what she’s actually doing and why she’s doing it?” It’s unclear. Flynn added for viewers to stay tuned to find out who this woman truly is, “Information will slowly be revealed.”
Photo: JPI
Since DAYS tapes nine months ahead, AnnaLynne previewed what viewers will see, “There is the kind of dance with a memory is returning and then how that makes everybody in the family feel. Is she going to remember everything … or, is it just this one moment? So, there is that kind of right on the edge of the cliff angst and then the let down. There’s definitely anguish, if not heartache.”
Watch the full conversation with Billy and AnnaLynne below. Then weigh-in, who will “Abigail” ultimately turn out to be? Is she part of a grand scheme, being manipulated, or is she in on the entire thing, or somehow … Abigail? Share your theories via the comment section below.
I hope the new writers are as good as Ron! I love his story telling
Let’s have a scene where she eats a sandwich. Take her to Brady’s Pub and get the girl some chowder!
Not liking this actress as Abigail. The story line is Great.
She’s obviously not Abigail. Hell only knows who she actually is or what she wants. Or how the new doctor Mark Greene fits into this.
Here’s what a Devil knows though…. both Mark Greene and his brother Aaron have a strong resemblance to Steven Olson. The long lost brother of Julie Williams last seen in 1979, but known to be returning soon for Doug’s funeral.
Steven’s last storyline involved drug smugglers. Redneck Clyde – who is obviously connected to Fake “Abigail” is a drug smuggler. Could it be that Clyde is the current boss of the drug ring that Steven was mixed up in, and that Steven’s children or grandchildren ended up with ties to the same “business”?
The last thing Salem needed was a whole family of newbies. But what they DID need was more Hortons. Even if this branch of the family tree is a little shady.
How Fake “Abigail” got involved in all this, or who she really might be is entirely another question, of course. Then there’s always the weird coincidence that Chad & Jack found John Black tied up in this abandoned building owned by Redneck Clyde, in his home town Poplar Bluff (or whatever it’s called) when John was supposed to be in Greece visiting the grave of Konstipated’s dead daughter who he supposedly killed way back in the early 80s before he came to Salem in his mummy wraps as “the Pawn”.
Some would say that Fake “Abigail” might actually be Konstipated’s daughter. Obviously that can’t be the case, because if that girl was a teenager when John supposedly killed her, she would be in her mid to late 50s now. Which Fake “Abigail” obviously is not. It does imply there’s some sort of connection between Clyde & Konstipated, as unlikely as that seems. Though with Clyde in prison and Konstipated here in Hell, who would have actually abducted John in Greece and somehow transported him to Missouri as a prisoner?
Like any ReRon storyline, there are more plot holes than a 666 pound block of swiss cheese, and the way they are eventually filled in will probably make zero sense.
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Kristen Locates an Alive Sophia, How Much Does Rita Know About the Birth of Dominic Marino?
Next week, expected surprises and schemes on Days of our Lives. In official spoilers for episodes streaming on Peacock from October 5-9, it looks like Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) has hunted down a very much alive Sophia Choi (Rachel Boyd), while Marlena (Deidre Hall) admits a deeply concerning confession to her daughter Belle (Martha Madison), and more.
As previously reported, Tajh Bellow (ex-TJ Ashford, General Hospital) is stepping in for one day for Tyler Joseph Andrews in the role of Theo Carver and will share scenes with Gabi (Cherie Jimenez), where Theo finally agrees to go along with Gabi’s plan, after she offered him a job.
Meanwhile, Gabi may have her hands full with Philip (John-Paul Lavoisier) whose big win in Monte Carlo may have sparked his gambling addiction … all over again, but Philip reveals her has a plan.
Photo: Corday Productions
Sydney (Sydney Malekeh) is in for a shock when Dante (Franco LoPresti) arrives in Salem. Why is he in Salem? Is he part of the unraveling of the Dominic Marino mystery, since we know he seemed like he was talking to the man in Monte Carlo?
Will Marlena ever figure out what Rita (Maggie Carney) is hiding about the mystery of Dominic, and if Marlena is truly his birth mother or did something more suspicious go on and how deeply involved is Rita in this whole story?
EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) finally demands answers of his own from Rita after overhearing on today’s Cliffhanger Friday her conversation with Marlena. Will Rita cop to anything?
Then as noted, while everyone thinks Sophia took her own life, after Kristen “murdered” her, Kristen is infuriated to find she is somehow alive working as waitress in a diner in Kentucky. Will Kristen try to kill Sophia yet again?
Take a look at some of the additional spoilers for next week’s action on DAYS below.
Monday, October 5
Joy worries about her future.
Alex surprises Stephanie.
Chanel supports Johnny through a difficult decision.
Tuesday, October 6
Rachel gives Brady cause for concern.
Roman surprises Kate.
Wednesday, October 7
Leo’s good day takes an unexpected turn.
Brady is forced to make a difficult call.
Thursday, October 8
Paulina refuses to give up on Lani.
Chanel asks Johnny for a promise.
Friday, October 9
Stephanie and Alex steal a private moment.
Steve gets troubling news from Johnny.
So, what do you think will happen when Kristen finds that the woman she thought she murdered and framed (making it looking like a suicide) is alive and well and working in a diner far away from Salem? Was Rita more involved with Stefano DiMera than we even know? Who is the birth mother of Dominic? Is it really Marlena or did someone else carrying her child? And what of Dante? Why is he back in Salem? To get at Philip, or something else? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
After an earlier post on Thursday, October 1 about General Hospital alumni Tajh Bellow’s (ex-TJ Ashford) upcoming project from Issa Rae’s HOOPAE Digital, comes word that Bellow is temporarily stepping into the role of Days of our Lives Theo Carver to fill in for Tyler Joseph Andrews on the Peacock streaming soap opera.
According to TV Insider, Bellow will be making a one-day appearance next week on the October 6 episode of DAYS as Andrews was unable to make the tape date that was shot 10 months ago on a day last December. Andrews (pictured below) took over the role of Theo in September of 2025.
In Bellow’s upcoming episode as Theo, he will share scenes with Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez). A DAYS spokesperson tells the outlet that Bellow “stepped seamlessly into the role, and the cast and crew were grateful for his professionalism and commitment, albeit for only one episode.”
Photo: JPI
TAJH WILL BE SEEN IN MULTIPLE PROJECTS IN OCTOBER
As General Hospital fans know, Tajh played the role of TJ Ashford from 2018 to his last appearance in December of 2024. Along the way, he received two Daytime Emmy nominations for his performances as TJ, the last being in 2025 in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.
In addition, bellow along with Y&R alum Loren Lott will be seen starting on October 14 in the new Love Island spoof series, The Compatibility Experiment. The show will drop exclusively on TikTok and the PineDrama platform.
The Compatibility Experiment gives a satirical look at reality dating shows, think Love Island! The story centers around Kelvin (Bellow) and Camila (Lott), whose relationship is put to the test when they join a reality show to try to win a the million dollar prize.
So, what do you think of Tajh stepping in for Tyler Joseph Andrews as Theo on DAYS? Perhaps, the soap opera liked his work that he might be considered for another role in the future bringing Bellow back to the soaps? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
Four cast members are officially on contract at Days of our Lives, according to the soap opera’s closing credits on Peacock and longtime Days expert and historian Jason 47.
Lauren Koslow (Kate), Sydney Malakeh (Sydney), Sal Stowers (Lani) and Jacob Martinez (Javi) are the names that appear in the closing credits in the contracted cast members section. Days of our Lives fans also note that the series tapes ten months in advance of streaming episodes.
As Days of our Lives fans know, Lauren Koslow has played Kate Roberts since 1996, and recently filled-in for Jess Walton in the role of Jill Abbott on The Young and the Restless when Walton was unable to travel from Oregon to Los Angeles during the specific tape dates. But now, Koslow has been re-upped to contract status as of the September 8 episode.
Photo: JPI
SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED
Sydney Malakeh is the newest member of the contract players when she debuted on contract status on the September 10th episode. Days fans first met Sami (Alison Sweeney) and EJ’s (Dan Feuerriegel) daughter in scenes in Monte Carlo around a gambling table.
As for Sal Stowers, the actress had been on contract from 2015-2022, then on recurring status with the soap, and would make appearances and limited runs since 2023. Soap fans first saw Sal as Cassandra Foster on Prospect Park’s revival of All My Children in 2013. Sal’s first new contracted episode was noted to be September 16.
Jacob Martinez, debuted on June 30 of this year as the successor to Al Calderon in the role of Javi Hernandez, and has now been bumped up to series regular as of the September 10 episode.
Photo: JPI
CREDITS
According to the referenced posting from Days of our Lives expert and historian Jason 47, he shared, “It took me four weeks to realize, but the same week that Sydney Malakeh (Sydney) debuted (9/7-9/11), “Days” also put Lauren Koslow (Kate), Jacob Richard Martinez (Javi) and Sal Stowers (Lani) on contract.”
Jason47 added, “This confirms the “errors” of Lani being listed in the credits the week of 9/7 but not appearing, and Kate and Javi appearing in the credits the week of 9/14 but not appearing. It also now makes sense why Javi and Sydney are being listed before Rafe and Philip in the credits.”
He also shared, “For the record, Lauren Koslow’s first date back on contract was 9/8, Jacob Richard Martinez was upped to contract on 9/10, Sydney Malakeh debuted on contract 9/10 and Sal Stowers’ first date back on contract was 9/16. The records will be fixed on the website in the coming days.”
So, glad to hear Lauren, Sydney, Sal and Jacob appear to be on contract with Days of our Lives (as of these episode airings)? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: After Carter Blurts Out That ‘Implantation and Fertilization’ Has Begun to Daphne; Will Steffy Put the Brakes on His Scheme?
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Kristen Locates an Alive Sophia, How Much Does Rita Know About the Birth of Dominic Marino?
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
REPORT: ‘Days of our Lives’ Puts Four Actors On Contract
‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
Judith Light Joins Cast of ‘Shrinking’ Season 4 in Recurring Role
‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: After Carter Blurts Out That ‘Implantation and Fertilization’ Has Begun to Daphne; Will Steffy Put the Brakes on His Scheme?
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
GH Alum Tajh Bellow and Y&R Alum Loren Lott Star in New Tiktok and Microdrama ‘Love Island’ Spoof
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ava and Drew Revealed to be Behind Framing Sonny for Sidwell’s Prison Beatdown
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