Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Cady McClain Ends Her Great Run as Jennifer; But Not Before A ‘Wink-Wink’ Nudge-Nudge’ to AMC’s Dixie ‘Poison Pancake’ Debacle
Wednesday’s episode featured another solid performance by two-time Daytime Emmy-winner, Cady McClain as Jennifer Horton Devereux as it was the day of her mother, Laura’s (Jaime Lyn Bauer) funeral.
Last week, longtime viewers were saddened that the character of Dr. Laura Horton was killed-off. The question remains did she fall accidentally and hit her head in a struggle with Gwen (Emily O’Brien), or did Gwen intentionally kill Laura?
Yesterday was also the final episode of McClain in the role of Jennifer – as far as we know for now. In story, following Laura’s funeral, Jennifer was heading to Boston to be with her brother Mike, to settle their mother’s estate and go through her belongings, etc.
Cady had taken over the role of Jennifer from Melissa Reeves, who chose to stay in Nashville during the Covid-19 pandemic. As part of her departure, head writer, Ron Carlivati and the writing team, delivered a little wink-wink nudge-nudge to soap viewers and those of McClain’s time as Dixie Cooney Martin on All My Children.
In one of the most controversial soap death scenes of all-time, and one that was not kind to McClain, Dixie was killed-off the ABC daytime drama series after eating poison peanut butter pancakes. Fast-forward to 2021, and in an attempt to make DAYS Jennifer feel better, Julie (Susan Seaforth Hayes) whips up some banana pancakes with extra peanut butter! When Jennifer declines them, Julie says she thought she liked them, to which Jennifer replied, “I used to. But I had a bad experience with them once. Now I can’t even look at them.” Julie questions, “Bad experience?” Then Jennifer says, “I’d rather not talk about it.”
In our books, McClain got the last laugh here getting to do a nod to the audience, who has followed her soap career for decades including the the 2007 killing of Dixie … by pancakes.
Previously, Cady shared in a 2020 interview with EW.com about the subject: “It was a dig at me by one of the writers that very much wanted to put me in my place. I had stepped out of line and they wanted to put me back in line, and I was going to eat those pancakes and I was going to learn my lesson, and I certainly did.”
So, what did you think of the mention of the ‘pancakes”? Will you miss Cady as Jennifer? Comment below.
Loved the nod to that horrible death. Will miss her. Hopefully she will be back. If not as Jenn then another character.
Ah yes, the poisoned pancakes and Erica’s un-abortion — probably the two storylines that most contributed to the AMC decline in ratings and eventual cancellation.
I think she did a very nice job as Jennifer!
Will miss her, but hoping to see her in Pine Valley!
Hope they bring her back
I want Cady McClain to return to DAYS, she renewed Jennifer Horton and is so committed and a talented actress. She had great chemistry with Jack, Abigail, JJ and everyone else really. I really do hope Jennifer Rose returns in a few months with Cady McClain reclaiming the role which she made Jennifer come to life in a beautiful way…an intriguing portrayal. DAYS bring back Cady! She’s a gem!!!
The wink-wink to the pancakes were brilliant. As much as Ron Carlivati can bother me as a writer, it is those kind of nods that just make me smile. As for her tenure as Jennifer Horton, it was brilliant! Cady McClain took on the role, made it her own and ROCKED it!!! I only wish she would be sticking around, and hope her return is imminent! Daytime continues to ignore her and it is high-time she earns her damn due!
I want Cady to return as Jennifer, not a new character, and Jennifer didn’t eat the pancakes…
She did a nice job as a full in but as a long time day fan , nothing can beat Millisa Reeves and Jack together .
ReRon wastes too much time on little “inside jokes” like that, especially if it’s one of his OLTL pets coming on to Days (or previously on to GH)
Truth is, AMC never aired in Hell, and it usually aired directly opposite Days in most markets when it was on the air, so odds are the majority of Days viewers had no idea what the joke was about. I gave it about 6.66 seconds worth of thought as in “when the HELL did Jennifer get sick from eating pancakes??” and then forgot all about it.
At least if Julie had made donuts, there could have been an actual relevant joke made, given the incident with JJ’s cannabis donuts which inadvertently ended up being served at Jennifer’s book club meeting a few years back.
Donuts have been used a great many times in Salem thru the years…. Alice Horton herself made a tainted batch to bust bust people out of jail, then when the residents of Salem were being sent to the island (after everyone thinking they were killed off by the Salem slasher I believe it was) Alice Horton was even killed by her own donuts…. but yes I agree any DOOL fans would have known at least 1 reference to donuts and been able to catch it.
I never watched AMC so the reference was wastedon me. A comment about donuts would have made more sense. Also Cieras predicament is dragging on too long.
She was fabulous. Hope she comes back. Terrific actresd
Glad she is gone. I hope Melissa Reeves comes back soon.
I don’t think Melissa Reeves will be asked to come back. Not after what she did. In case you have forgotten, Melissa liked several anti-BLM posts from right wing Candace Owens on Instagram. Her co-stars on DOOL were, and probably still are, angry with Melissa. I would bet that one of the reasons Melissa was let go is because co-stars refused to work with her. Unless, others on DOOL agree to work with Melissa again she will not be asked back.
While I find Melissa’s social media activity to be abhorrent, it should be pointed out that she was not let go from DAYS. When filming resumed in September, she elected not to return due to travel considerations driving Covid. She and Scott do not live in Southern California.
I’m not sure if she is technically still under contract, but the decision not to return was hers.
That is the story we’ve been told, however, we ALL know there could definitely be more to the story, and I do believe there is more. As for Melissa Reeves’ status, I don’t think she is considered a cast member at this point; when Cady McClain assumed the role of Jennifer, she was credited as a regular cast member (not recurring) and Reeves’ name was not mentioned.
Scott-Melissa liking the anti-BLM comments posted by Cameron Owens is online. As for the reaction, just look at all the people who have lost jobs for doing the same thing.
Mary, I am well-aware of the abhorrent behaviour displayed by Melissa Reeves’ social media online, and have since her anti-LGBTQ+ views have been recognized by her peers.
However, this is a tricky case. Reeves did not directly make the comments; had she, that could and would be grounds for immediate termination. As such, it does raise the question: was she actually not asked back, due to being dropped with the rest of the cast, and the publicly-told story is that they are using the pandemic as a coverup. Then, hire Cady McClain as a “temporary” replacement, see the reception and then either bring her back in, or go down other avenues.
Currently, California, Colorado, Louisiana, New York and North Dakota ban employers from firing or retaliating against employees for any off-duty lawful activity, including speech. So, by that regard, Reeves’ abhorrent and disgusting behaviour on social media might just protect her, as well as her peers, from being fired.
We honestly won’t know unless TPTB either announce Reeves’ return, McClain’s return, another recast or the permanent exit of the character for the foreseeable future. That being said, I don’t believe the set of Days of Our Lives will be a warm place for her, based on the reaction of her co-stars, especially Lamon Archey (Eli) and Linsey Godfrey (Sarah), among others.
If (and that’s a broad assumption) the decision was on Corday’s end, all they would have to do is wait for an option period in Reeve’s contract. The production company has the right to end a contract without reason at set points (newbies every 3 months, select vets every 6 months). No official “firing” or termination is involved.
If Melissa doesn’t agree with blm that’s her right! SHE decided to take a leave of absence to protect her family from covid. I’m sure she can come back if she wants to! That lady did ok as Jennifer, but Melissa Reeves IS Jennifer and she has been from the beginning! I, for one, could care less about blm and what her opinion about it happens to be!
Lynn-unfortunately for Melissa, co-stars do care about BLM. All you have to do is read the tweets from Melissa’s co-stars in response to her liking anti-BLM comments.
Ken Corday and NBC also care about the fallout from Melissa liking anti-BLM comments. And some of those people in that NBC head office are not white. In my opinion, Ken Corday was being kind in allowing Jennifer to tell the world that she is freely taking a leave of absence to be with family.
High profile People across the United States have lost jobs for doing what Melissa did. Considering the circumstances surrounding the creation of BLM, Melissa liking anti-BLM comments was and is extremely insensitive and hurtful for many people.
As for Cady, she was very good as Jennifer. Don’t miss Jennifer at all.
That’s just ridicules, this cancel culture must STOP, everyone is entitled to their thoughts and opinions, pisses me off!
Shirley- this cancel culture, as you call it, will not stop any time soon. BLM is and will continue to be a powerful political force in the United States. Melissa Reeves has still NOT publicly apologized for her insensitivity in liking Candace Owens anti-BLM comment. How do you think James Reynolds, Jackee Harry, Sal Stowers and others on DOOL are still reacting to what Melissa has done. Melissa just caused her career to implode big time.
Adam
Don’t hold your breath. Melissa probably cut her own throat by voicing an opinion which is as good as anyone else’s , but these days you you only say what the others want to hear. They are not interested nor do they care about anyone else’s opinions and feelings but their own.
Loved it! Sorry to see Cady depart DOOL. She brought depth and heart to the character of Jennifer. The wink was a nice nod to us longtime fans and gave us some satisfaction after all these years.
Ive always watched Days of Our Lives not
All My Children. I was left thinking when did Jennifer have a pancake encounter? Carlivati is the worst writer in the history of Days. I wonder to myself why I still watch this show and all I can come up with is my longevity
watching since 1973. I vowed a long time ago to watch until the end. It’s difficult.
I want to say how much I appreciate this forum where viewers share their real feelings about the show. I’m glad I found you.
No I did not like her as Jennifer
I’ve enjoyed seeing Cady as Jennifer.Is there an unspoken reason she is leaving?
The best play-on-words ever–“I used to. But I had a bad experience with them once.”—-how refreshing!! Love it!!
I love Cady, always have—amazing actress—nonetheless, I can’t say I will miss as Jen because she had not grown on me as said character yet. Not enough time for Cady to make Jen her own.
You will shine at whatever you do, Cady.
Aside–Roman turned blond?– I actually like it. Color looks ok on him.
I neither liked nor disliked her-it’s just that Melissa Reeves will always be Jennifer, as far as I am concerned.
I could not believe the scenes from above photo. Jennifer is grieving her mother and the insensitive Julie is trying to stuff banana pancakes down her throat.( Why are they always feeding this woman pancakes?) Does Julie ever quit? I know she means well, but sometimes she’s like a bulldozer.
Breaking News
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced

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).

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

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.

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

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.

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.”

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.”

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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