Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Drake Hogestyn Acts His Heart Out As John Keeps Vigil By Marlena’s Bedside; Belle Learns Shocking Intel
On a dramatic Friday cliffhanger episode of Days of our Lives, several bombshells were in store for the characters of Salem.
Marlena (Deidre Hall), who is now on a ventilator following surgery and in critical condition, has her family struggling to hold it together and trying to will her to return to them, and it is not a good day for the man she loves, John Black (Drake Hogestyn). He is dealing with the double-whammy of having the love of his life unable to breathe on her own, and the news that his son, Paul (Christopher Sean) crashed through a window saving Sami (Alison Sweeney) and trying to capture Kristen DiMera (Stacy Haiduk). Paul was taken to surgery too, and John is just overcome with grief.
In several heartbreaking scenes, John is gut-punched sitting vigil at Marlena’s bedside. He tells the unconscious Marlena, that Paul was taken into surgery too, but he knows he is going to make it, and breaks down. John begs Marlena to come back to him and open her eyes. Eric (Greg Vaughan) comes in to lend support, but at first gets his head bitten off by John, who is beyond worried for his bride, and his son.

Photo Credit: NBC
Brady (Eric Martsolf) and Belle (Martha Madison) are in Paul’s hospital room talking about what a beautiful day this was supposed to be with the long-awaited marriage of John and Marlena, and how it all went south, and how their dad is going through so much anguish right now. As Brady exits, Belle stays in Paul’s room and goes through some insurance paperwork. She is for the shock of her life when she finds a DNR – ‘do not resuscitate’ order that Marlena must have filed as her wishes if something were to happen to her.
At the hospital, Will (Chandler Massey) is met by Lucas (Bryan Dattiilo) and Chloe (Nadia Bjorlin). When alone with his dad, Will reveals he has regained his memory and remembers loving his father. Lucas is overcome and says to him that he does not care if he is the new Will, or the old Will, he’s his Will. It was a touching moment nicely played by Bryan Dattilo and Chandler Massey. Later, when Will tells Lucas he remembers loving Sonny, he asks his dad for advice on how to handle things with Paul when he gets out of surgery. Having gone through something similar with Adrienne and Justin where he ended up the odd man out, Lucas tells Will it’s better that Paul knows.
Maggie (Suzanne Rogers) has also come to the hospital and tells Lucas that Bonnie Lockhart (Judi Evans) is back in town and at the Salem PD. He decides to go see her. Once face-to-face with the woman who derailed him back to his addiction to booze, Bonnie informs him that he is the father of her child!

Courtesy/NBC
Will is now at Paul’s hospital bedside. When he wakes up, Will thanks him for all his heroic actions and for saving his mom. He then breaks the news to Paul that he has regained his memory. You can see Paul is not necessarily happy about the news and knows it could be the end of the line for their relationship. Will admits he remembers loving Sonny. Paul asks what it means for them.
Finally, an emotional Belle sits by Marlena’s bedside in tears. Eric comes in and says that the specialists will do everything they can do keep their mom alive. Belle says they can’t do that and hands Eric that DNR document.
This episode featured a heartbreaking performance by Drake Hogesytn, who has given his all throughout the recent episodes, and showed why so many fans have loved the character of John Black for so many years, and his enduring love for Marlena. Kudos also to Martha Madison, Greg Vaughan, and the aforementioned Bryan Dattilo and Chandler Massey for their work in key scenes.
So, what did you think about the story bombshells on Friday’s episode? What did you think of the performances? What do you think will happen next? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
Drake is doing a great job. I have been a fan since he started on DOOL in 1986.
Bonnie pregnant. Did the rabbit die laughing??? Her oldest son Patrick is well over 40 which would make Bonnie generously 60. Soaps are altogether too hung up on pregnancy and “Who’s the daddy” stories. When you know who the two potential fathers are…all you have to do is look at the child and see who it resembles. It doesnt take endless rounds of DNA tests. These stories just make the characters look stupid and they are not enteraining either. Maybe 45 years ago when it was a new type of storyline….but it has definitrly ceased being a viable plot device. And any Joe Blow csn just waltz in and have the know how to change the results? They are not written in pencil and you just erase one potential dad’s name and write the other one in. I can go along with the soaps on an awrul lot, but it would be nice to be surprised once in a while too!
I didn’t know Bonnie had a son, especially one that’s around 40. I only really got to see Bonnie when she was on last year. I just recently found out that she’s Mimi’s mother. I guess she always has been on the show?
Yes, blake. Bonnie’s not new.
Well, in real life the actress is 54. And yes, she could still get pregnant (the oldest woman who gave birth with no help is 59 I believe) although, of course, it’d be rather a miracle rather than the norm; most in that age use in vitro fertilization. What I liked about this was the humor attached to it. I’m not caught up so maybe it’s already been established that it’s not really hers but there were obviously jokes about whether that baby could really be hers due to the implausibility. Even the name, “Baby Bonnie” just cracks me up. And, since, unfortunately “Lucas” is leaving the show I guess this is the way he’s goin’ out.
Drake is doing a great job with the material, and I’m glad that Belle is involved with this storyline. I would say that it’s to see John and Marlena’s family actually being a family, but I can’t when this arc lacks proper build up, a Kristen who actually acts like Kristen, and Eileen Davidson. Also, I hate that Lucas has a child with his rapist and that this comes so soon after Abby believes she is pregnant with her rapist’s child. I don’t believe Ron has demonstrated that he can write sexual assault and its aftermath in a sensitive, complex, or fresh manner, so I really have less-than-zero interest in seeing what happens next.
It is messed up that this is the second rapist story Ron has done in a year. And sexist that the characters aren’t looking at it like Lucas was raped. Warped!
John is pitiful. You would think the entire show is about his pain. Nevermind that Marlena and Paul are in critical condition, as John stumbles around, muttering, crying, playing the poor John act. Get some balls, man! They don’t need a slobbering, snotty, John when they regain consciousness. He is over acting and it is to the point of being silly. Certainly unbelievable!!! I am not planning to watch it next week as I am so sick of his tantrums and throes of emotion. My God, man, get some balls. Even women aren’t that weepy!
You MUST be joking!? You actually think that a man with the woman he loves on a ventilator with a small chance of survival AND a son who is lying in the same hospital paralyzed s “muttering, crying, playing the poor John act?” How should a normal human being with the capacity to love amd feel fear, grief, shock behave?
His reactions are “silly?” Perhaps. To a robot structured for logic and not emotion. Your comment makes zero sense.
thats not his fault he has to play the part written by the writer or get fired its the way the ball rolls or lose the job thats silly
I have such an antipathy for “John”, I cannot find any kind of emotion within me–It is what it is…..he draws nothing from me….neither does “Marlena”.
I am aware of the fact my comment is not well-received, but the Marlena-damsel-in-distress is soooo passe’ ( decades of it), it bores and annoys me to no end.
Now, these writers are putting this character in “the-matron-in-distress” mode. It is the age-old ploy of making her relevant. That’s all it is!!
Just as the matronly Bonnie having a baby out of nowhere. When will this stop? It is so ridiculous, not only age-wise, but that the baby factor is still alive and well??????
I hope Lucas has the sense to get a DNA ( paternity) test. So much nonsense—-whimsical, really……only in an alternate world; which soaps are, of course. But, change it up, people!!.
Lucas getting a DNA test will be pointless. I see Bonnie getting Sheila to change the test results. Cause, ya know, anyone can get into hospital computers with no problem. Hell, Gabi found a way to change Abby’s results that were in an envelope within a short amount of time lol.
You’re right, blake, as usual. It is an age-old ‘method’ on soaps. No DNA test is ever full-proof.
Soaps are one of the, if not THE, last remaining genres where fifty percent or more doesn’t make sense. That’s half the fun of it. The whole Marlena/Hattie is hilarious to me. It’s just so silly but it’s fun. Some of the story lines (like Mike on GH) are heartbreakingly real…and then we have these crazy stories that are so out there…I’ll miss them when they’re gone. And I really feel they’re all going to be gone all too soon. With each new talk show or expanded Good Morning America/Good Aftenoon, blah, blah, with Kelly Clarkson and now Tamara Hall; I think they’re testing to see how much of an audience they draw. If it’s profitable our soaps are done.
Enjoy while we can…
The hardest storyline for me to accept right now is Abby gabby and chad. Getting
A little weary of this triangle whether it’s for revenge or love. Then a Ben Weston
“Cured”. We saw what happened when he was off his meds- I sure wouldn’t want
To be in bed with someone who forgot to take his meds the night before, lol
The only thing that would work for me is Ben trying to kill ciera and Tripp’s saving
The day. In my defense I come from a generation that believes in happy endings.
Gikda
Drake Hogestyn deserves the Best Leading Actor at next year’s Daytime Emmy Awards.
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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