Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of our Lives’ Final Episode Dates for Billy Flynn, Michael Roark and Cary Christopher
It’s the end of over a decade of Billy Flynn‘s run as Chad DiMera on Days of our Lives, when next week on the Tuesday, February 17 episode of the Peacock streaming soap opera, Chad bids adieu to Salem along with his children Thomas and Charlotte, played by Cary Christopher and Autumn Gendron, respectively.
As DAYS and Y&R viewers know, Flynn shocked the soap world in March of 2025, when it was announced that Billy chose to leave DAYS and join the cast of The Young and the Restless. It was later revealed in June that Flynn was playing the retooled and recast, Cane Ashby on the number one soap previously portrayed by Daniel Goddard. Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of dropping all-new episodes after next week, Billy can only be seen on Y&R starting mid-next week.
In addition, the upcoming April 29 episode of Days of our Lives marks the end of the run of Michael Roark as Jeremy Horton, which turned out to be an approximately six-month role for the former Y&R actor. Roark debuted back on the October 3, 2025 episode and has recently been involved in the “Who’s stalking Stephanie Johnson (Abigail Klein)?”storyline.
Photo: JPI
It was back in September of 2014 that Billy made his first indelible impression as Chad DiMera, making it his own from his predecessor, Casey Deidrick. Flynn earned three Lead Actor Emmy nominations along the way in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series category.
Cary Christopher also received a Daytime Emmy nomination in the Younger Performer category back in 2023, and has become a fan favorite since his debut almost six years ago in May of 2020.
Photo: JPI
Now, it’s time for DAYS fan to welcome Conner Floyd (ex-Chance Chancellor, Y&R) into the role of Chad DiMera, when he takes over the role on-screen in the upcoming April 21, 2026 episode.
When Chad returns the roles of Thomas and Charlotte have also been recast, so we will have a whole new DiMera clan to enjoy as Chad’s story moves forward, while Billy enjoys his current run on The Young and the Restless as Cane Ashby, and Cary Christopher continues to build his motion picture and TV career. He will next be seen in the Jonah Hill movie, Outcome for Apple+ TV which drops on April 10th.
Billy Flynn spoke candidly about his decision to leave DAYS and take on the role of Y&R’s Cane in a livestream chat on the Michael Fairman Channel. In case you missed it, you can check it out below.
So DAYS fans, will you miss Billy Flynn as Chad, Cary Christopher as Thomas, Autumn Gendron as Charlotte? What are your thoughts on Jeremy Horton as played by Michael Roark exiting the canvas in pretty short order as well ? Weigh-in via the comment section.
Can someone explain to me what the point was of having the character of Jeremy (played by Michael Roark) return to the show while giving him next to nothing to do and then having the storyline end after 4 months?!?! The actor is certainly appealing and shows promise in the little he was given to do. I just don’t get some of these “here one moment/gone the next” storyline decisions…
Yeah, it really does seem to be a waste of a recast. Shows up.. is accused of being his old stalkery self, yet in spite of that, he’s able to get a job as an elementary school teacher, of all things.
Still the top supsect for the Stephanie stalking, even though he’s probably not guilty and this is unfortunately leading up to Wes Ramsey’s character. Who I’m sure will be every bit as much of an insufferable airhog and over the top cartoon villain as he was as Whiny Heiny on GH.
And poor old Jeremy goes back to Israel.. or where ever he was hiding since his last appearance as the drug smuggling charter pilot. So much for saving the Horton family tree, I guess?
Also… with him and Chad both saying their good byes to Julie yesterday, why is it going to take until the end of April for his actual departure? I hope it’s not so he can be killed off by Heiny. I mean, it’s Salem and nobody stays dead forever (which creates endless paperwork hassles for me) but it would be a bit much to have him die as a “hero” trying to save Stephanie from Heiny (or whatever his name is going to be)
I’m feeling the exact same way. Right now, I couldn’t care less about Sophia Choi and her mess of a character all she tried to do was make things hard for (everyone in the teen set), what was her actual purpose!!
Give Chanel and Johnny a real chance at falling in love and raising their children in Salem. The show was built around family dynamics and values but lately it has been all over the place where no one falls in love and stays in love
Bring back the good roots and Family values and faith!!
I think Jeremy would have been a much better fit for Jada than Theo is! I wish they would have given him more to do because I’m starting to like him.
So happy to read the thoughtful replies to my post!
@Satan: As always, great, amusing insights: tough being mistakenly presumed to be a stalker.
@Michele Kramer: I’m with you on Sophia. The only thing worse than a nonverbal Sophia is a talking (scheming) Sophia.
@Deb: Jeremy would definitely be a good match for Jada! Try as I might, I just can’t get into the Theo character; he comes across as a bore, although I certainly prefer this actor to the “man-bun” version from a few years ago.
James…I (also) did not see the point of having the character of Jeremy return to the show. Furthermore, after his first month back on the show, I lost total interest in the character…PERIOD!!!!! Yep.
Have a good one, Brother.
It will be sad to see Billy Flynn finally exit the role of Chad; he really was a standout in what I found to be a stale cast of actors. However, I have faith that Conner Floyd will also excel in the role and cannot wait to see his take on Chad.
Michael Roark, as was the case on The Young and the Restless, was wasted on Days of Our Lives. He is a talented actor that was never given a fair chance. As for the two DiMera children actors, I know that Cary Christopher is onto bigger and better things.
I don’t blame Billy for leaving. All those years ago, he took on a role that was a supporting character and over time made him a lead on the show. He was THE Dimera for a while. And when given challenging material, he could rise to the occasion.
However, the last few years, particularly since Dan took on the role of EJ (and I do enjoy his portrayal), EJ has risen to be the main Dimera and Chad has been relegated to supporting character again, essentially a demotion. And not only that, his big stories have been a search for Abigail (again) and dating – first Stephanie and now Cat. That’s it. He had to have been bored out of his mind.
Good luck to Connor Floyd, I hope he has success in the role, but Chad is no longer a character that drives story anymore. Days could have easily rested the character for a year or two.
I don’t blame Billy for leaving. All those years ago, he took on a role that was a supporting character and over time made him a lead on the show. He was THE Dimera for a while. And when given challenging material, he could rise to the occasion.
I know many appreciated Flynn’s predecessor in the role of Chad, but it wasn’t until Flynn’s casting that the character went from supporting to lead. And I don’t think that would not have happened previously; plus, his undeniable chemistry with Marci Miller (ex-Abigail) was also a huge driving force.
However, the last few years, particularly since Dan took on the role of EJ (and I do enjoy his portrayal), EJ has risen to be the main Dimera and Chad has been relegated to supporting character again, essentially a demotion. And not only that, his big stories have been a search for Abigail (again) and dating – first Stephanie and now Cat. That’s it. He had to have been bored out of his mind.
I think this had to do with Miller’s choice to not want to be a contract player and the stupid notion (by a former head writer/former co-executive producer) that a contract role could not be actively paired with a recurring/supporting one. Realistically, Chad’s pairing with Abigail became a huge part of the character’s DNA and makeup, and I don’t believe any of the regimes knew what to do with him without her actively on the canvas. Abigail Klein easily could have been cast as nüAbigail, as she did have some chemistry with Flynn’s Chad. But instead, kill off a Legacy character with ties to the Horton family, and then introduce a new family/character attempting to pass themselves off as Abigail.
Good luck to Connor Floyd, I hope he has success in the role, but Chad is no longer a character that drives story anymore. Days could have easily rested the character for a year or two.
It is my hope that Floyd can bring some new dynamics to the role of Chad that can hopefully further develop the character, in the same way Flynn’s casting did.
sad to see Billy Flynn go but i get it ! Michael Roark is interesting i had no idea he was leaving . What a waste of a storyline why even bring him back ! lastly while many hated Ron C i did not and honestly i will always be loyal to days but this current writing regime has some off things going on ! jeremy leaving is one thing but shrill Gwen this time out is so annoying and philip and gabby don’t excite and losing Johnny and channel isn’t a great move
Day’s is doing an about face with the romper room cast. Clearly the writers did no research. Every time days attempts this type of crap, it ends in disaster. These writers are about as impressive as an ingrown toenail.
Yes. Chad will be missed.
Yes Chad will be miss. That only reason I watch the show ,since they took Bo out.
I like Chad. Sorry to see him go
If they get rid of Johnny . Channel. Holly and Tate. I’m over it i love the young on there. And why let Chad leave . Give him more money and let him have Cat. Been watching since 1965. With my Mom.
Days Of Our Lives
Sheri Anderson, 3-Time Emmy Winner and Former Co-Head Writer of ‘Days of Our Lives’ to Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
Sheri Anderson, the three-time Emmy-winning soap opera writer is set to be the special guest on Thursday, June 11 beginning at 7pm ET/4pm ET for a livestream chat on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel.
The veteran soap opera writer has previously been the co-head writer at Days of Our Lives along with an impressive list of writing credits and tenures at: General Hospital, Santa Barbara, Guiding Light, Another World and primetime’s Falcon Crest.
Throughout her decades long career, Sheri has been involved in every aspect of the writing process including long-term storyline, daily episode breakdowns, dialogue writing and editing and more. She is widely recognized as one of the creative forces behind the high romance era of soap opera super couples in the 1980s.
Photo: JPI
ARE SOAP MORE RELEVANT IN 2026?
With the daytime soaps being mentioned in the mainstream of late, including a recent New York Times essay, Ryan Gosling’s high praise of Days of Our Lives icon Deidre Hall (Marlena), Late night host, John Oliver asking to be cast on a soap after doing a bit on his show, it seems daytime drama may be culturally relevant again, or is it really?
During the chat not only will we get Sheri’s takes on all the series she wrote for, but also ask, “Why soaps? Why now?” Why are audiences rediscovering/missing emotionally-connected storytelling? What did our genre provide viewers emotionally? And what has current programming gained technically but lost emotionally?
Join us with your comments and questions for Sheri in the live chat, as we talk the pros and cons of today’s daytime soap opera and daytime television landscape and delve into Sheri’s soap writing history and the characters she created or had a penchant for and learn about her new endeavors and outside projects.
Photos: JPI
If you are unable to make it to the live chat, but have a question or comment for Sheri that you would like us to ask on the broadcast, please drop it in the comment section below and we just might pose it on-air.
For upcoming celebrity features, livestreams and special event coverage, make sure to subscribe to the Michael Fairman Channel.
So, did you enjoy Sheri’s writing for Days of Our Lives and the other soaps she’s credited for? What do you think of the current state of the soap opera? Healthier than its been in awhile? Costing along? Relevant or not socially relevant in mainstream culture in 2026? Weigh-in and share your thoughts via the comment section below.
Elia Cantu, who has played Jada Hunter, the daughter of Marcus Hunter, played by the late Richard Biggs from 1987-1992, has confirmed that she wrapped run her run on Peacock’s Days of Our Lives.
Cantu first arrived back in Salem in 2022 and a few months back was moved to recurring status with the long-running soap opera along with Galen Gering (Rafe Hernandez).
Now, Cantu took to her Instagram on Wednesday, June 10 to share the news of her departure and some heartfelt goodbyes. As DAYS fans know, because the series tapes ten months ahead of dropping new episodes, Cantu will be seen well into 2027.
Photo: JPI
A BITTERSWEET GOODBYE
Along with the following heartfelt words, Elia also taped a “final bow” to punctuate her time on the beloved soap opera. She wrote, “As I say goodbye to Days of Our Lives, I’m excited and looking forward to the next chapter. Leaving DAYS is bittersweet, but I step away full of gratitude and joy for what’s ahead.”
Speaking on playing the daughter of legacy character, such as Marcus Hunter, Cantu added, “Its been an honor. She is bold, layered, and I’ll forever cherish bringing her to life. She remains a staple in Salem and I’ll carry everything she taught me as I go. Jada, you will always be my girl.”
As she concluded her message, Elia gave a major shoutout to everyone at Days of Our Lives and most importantly the fans. “To the cast and crew — Thank you for your hard work and long hours,” Cantu shared. “What a journey it has been. To the DAYS fans — Thank you. You are incredibly supportive, caring, and dedicated. I’m so grateful for each and every one of you. There’s more to come, and I hope you’ll come along with me for what’s next.”
Recently in story, DAYS had been building the on-again off-again romance between Jada and Shawn Brady (played by Brandon Beemer). No word yet how the series plans to write-off Jada, which we will not see revealed until next year.
You can check out Elia’s touching post below as she wraps her run at Days of Our Lives.
Now let us know, will you miss seeing Jada Hunter on you screens? Did you enjoy the performances of Elia Cantu? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
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Beyond the Gates
2026 SDSA TV Award Nominations: All Five Daytime Dramas Score in Best Achievement in Set Decoration
The Set Decorators Society of America has revealed its nominations for 2025-26 SDSA Awards for Television, which recognizes the work of the set decoration and production designers in primetime, streaming and daytime series.
This year, all five soap operas: Beyond the Gates, The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of Our Lives, General Hospital and The Young and the Restless all received nominations in the Best Achievement in Decor/Design of a Daytime Series category.
In its official SDSA rule book, to qualify for the category of a Daytime Series, which includes daytime dramas, daytime talk shows, daytime game shows, and daytime children’s programming, all episodes must air before 6:00pm and must have a credited Set Decorator. For daytime dramas, the content must contain multiple plotlines that are carried over from episode to episode.
Photo: JPI
WHICH EPISODES CAN BE INCLUDED IN THE COMPETITION?
The eligibility year for episodes runs June 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026. Founded in 1993, the SDSA is an international nonprofit professional association dedicated to promoting excellence and preserving the legacy of the art of set decoration in motion pictures and television.
Several popular primetime and streaming titles that have wrapped their final seasons also received nods including Euphoria, Stranger Things, Hacks, Outlander, and The Boys. Popular titles such as Bridgerton.
Take a look below at the nominated scenic design teams from your favorite soaps:
Best Achievement in Décor/Design of a Daytime Series
Beyond The Gates: Set Decoration by Cynthia Slagter with Production Design by Bruton Jones
The Bold and the Beautiful: Set Decoration by Prim Rosales, Beth Wooke, Prerna Chawla, Charlotte Garnell, Chelsea Mondelli, Michelle Hall, & Linda Louise Sheets with Production Design by Lou A. Trabbie III
Days of Our Lives: Set Decoration by Adele Caine & Sarah Holmes with Production Design by Tom Early & Dan Olexiewicz
General Hospital: Set Decoration by Jennifer Elliot with Production Design by Andrew Evashchen
The Young and the Restless: Set Decoration by Jennifer Haybach, Justine Mercado, Maria Dirolf, & Monica Lowe with Production Design by David Hoffmann
So, which soap opera from the calendar year of basically June of 2025 to a week ago in 2026, do you think has had the best looking sets? Beyond the Gates, The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of Our Lives, General Hospital, or The Young and the Restless? Make you pick and drop it in the comment section below.
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sidwell is Set Up By Lucas and Company, Cassius is in the Right Place at the Right Time
Sheri Anderson, 3-Time Emmy Winner and Former Co-Head Writer of ‘Days of Our Lives’ to Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
Elia Cantu Announces Her Exit from ‘Days of Our Lives’
‘Property Brothers’ Franchise Star Jonathan Scott to Host New Daytime Talk Show in Development for 2027
‘Beyond the Gates’ Creator Michele Val Jean Reveals Top Three Favorite Storylines She Has Ever Written For, and All From ‘General Hospital’
‘Santa Barbara’ Favorites A Martinez and Marcy Walker, ‘Cruz and Eden’ Reunion Chat, On Demand Replay Available for Half Price (Exclusive)
‘General Hospital’ Casts Dean Geyer in the Role of ‘Tristan Roberts’
Steve Burton and Finola Hughes Back Taping Episodes at ‘General Hospital’
Marc Forget Exits ‘General Hospital’
‘General Hospital’ SORAS’s Scout Cain and Casts Kayden Brenna Tokarski in the Role of Drew and Sam’s Daughter
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sidwell is Set Up By Lucas and Company, Cassius is in the Right Place at the Right Time
Sheri Anderson, 3-Time Emmy Winner and Former Co-Head Writer of ‘Days of Our Lives’ to Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
Ashley Jones Makes Her ‘Beyond the Gates’ Debut in a Shocking Reveal as ‘The Impaler’
GENERAL HOSPITAL Weekly Promo: Lucas Puts His Life on the Line, Cassius is Enraged at Cullum Over His Mutter
BEYOND THE GATES Preview: Victor Newman Touches Down in Fairmont Crest and Martin’s Fundraiser Turns Into Its Own ‘Disaster’ Movie
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