Days Of Our Lives
Days of our Lives’ Emily O’Brien Says ‘Goodbye’ to Gwen Rizczech and ‘Hello’ to Theresa Donovan
On the Friday, October 6th episode of Days of our Lives, the much-talked about ‘soap opera role switch’ came to fruition, when Emily O’Brien exited the scene as the character of Gwen Rizczech and then re-entered the same scene as the recast for the character of Theresa Donovan.
Fans who have been following this unusual casting stunt know that Jen Lilley came back to the show to reprise the role of Theresa for Victor Kiriakis’ (the late John Aniston) memorial service, and as Lilley has told the story to press outlets, she informed DAYS she had about 4 weeks of availability to tape. However, the show wrote about 12 weeks of episodes for the character and suddenly the soap recast the role with Emily O’Brien. That choice, was interesting in itself as O’Brien was already playing Gwen.
Fast-forward to today, where in story, Gwen decided to leave Salem after she found out her best friend Leo (Greg Rikaart) and her husband, Dimitri (Peter Porte) were having an affair. Gwen got an assist from Kristen when Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) made a suggestion for her future, and Gwen realized she could come out of this O.K and with some dollars!
Photo: JPI
Kristen shared that since Dimitri’s going off to Statesville prison, “someone” is going to get their hands on his fortune. Therefore, Gwen should go pay her new in-laws a visit and persuade the Von Leuschners that she needs to be one to handle his financial affairs while he is incarcerated. Realizing her time in Salem has been a disaster, Gwen decides to uproot her life.
Later, at the airport, and as she is ready to board her plane, Gwen says her goodbyes: “Well, Salem, it hasn’t always been fun, has it? It’s certainly been interesting. Now, there are things about you that I have loved. There’s also a lot of things I have hated. I suppose you could say the same thing about me, though. But I promise you, it might be goodbye for now, but you haven’t seen the last of this girl!”
Photo: JPI
After Gwen exits for the plane, out comes Brady (Eric Martsolf) entering the terminal calling for Theresa who is trailing behind him. Next, Theresa shows up in the form of O’Brien sporting a blonde wig.
The entire ‘blonde wig’ situation has been a whole story on to itself. Lilley shared she had volunteered to dye her hair before returning to the soap, but was told that wasn’t necessary. However, when O’Brien showed up as Theresa she was wearing a blonde wig. Go figure!
So, after seeing the end of today’s episode, are you intrigued to see O’Brien’s take on Theresa Donovan? Happy or sad to see Gwen exit the canvas? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
I loved it Emily is a fabulous actress and doesn’t act like shes a daytime born again nut/Meryl Streep. Right on Emily!!!!
I loved it
Surprises are always great, I’m just hoping she’ll be back as Gwen
Not a fan of the first 5 min of O’Brian cast as Teresa. I like the other one much better, but this is who we have now. Gwen was kind of running out of story li es so I’m sure she will be back someday. Just like Vivian
On the other horn, it looked as though Gwen & Vivian got on the same plane… which would make sense, as the Alamains & Von Leuschners came from the same fictional place in Europe. But if those two have to sit together on the plane, it will probably crash over the Atlantic… and then I’ll be stuck with both of them in Hell at the same time!
I hate the recast. I have watch since the soap started and this is the worst casing. After 60 years days has finally screwed up royalty.
No one could replace Lilley. She will always be the true Theresa in my books.
No a fan of O’Brians acting
I agree with Cindy and Lorraine this was a stupid move she won’t be able to do this Gwen is gwen and Teresa is Teresa and Jen lilly is the onlyTheresa that can play that part
Agree. Another stupid move by producers. Time to quit watching.
Me either this is disapointing at the least. I thought we were rid of her overacting as Gwen.
I am on board with the recast! Loved the whiplash changeover!
I think that O’Brien is a great, appealing actress. I have thoroughly
enjoyed her as Gwen and hope for the character’s eventual return.
Theresa is a fun character. Let’s see what O’Brien does with her…
Uughh let’s see
Good riddance Gwen!. I never liked the Theresa character so im not looking forward to this switcheroo.
I don’t like this. We will see
I wished that Jen Lilley would of stayed on days as Teresa
Me too. She was the original. Also I heard a hint of O’Brien’s accent when she became Theresa. If this continues then it will be absolutely awful.
That is her real voice. O’Brien is British (in terms of nationality) but speaks with an American-Southern California accent in real life, and has since about 10 years old. You can find clips from interviews at the Emmys on YouTube. She simply reverts to the British accent she had as a child in England to play Jana and Gwen, but like Portia DiRossi (who lost her Aussie accent after several years in the USA) and Mel Gibson (who picked up an Aussie accent at 10 when he moved there and reverted back to his childhood American accent as an adult after moving back to the US permanently) her second accent is her day to day one.
I’m gonna miss Gwen I loved her character ! Gwen an Leo were always entertaining
I’ve always liked the original Thereesa
I hope she’s able to take on the role
Will miss Gwen don’t think she can pull off a Teresa
She won’t fit and tired of her acting
I’m not enjoying the recast. I’m also not enjoying the aged Tate. There’s too much arguing. I don’t like it.
I think its so silly. That blonde wig looks ridiculous.
The way that they did the recast in the episode was one part clever and one part absurd. A credit to Emily, I already don’t see her as Gwen in the role, though like most recasts, it will take a bit before I see her as Teresa.
I love days but do not understand all the recasting of existing actors and actress in different rolls in the show its way to confusing its hard enough to get used to new actors but to try to dissociate the old player and put them in a new roll like Ben to Alex and Gwinn to Theresa
Sad the writers have got to stop this !hasn’t been this bad since the devil was on the show that was the worst !
Hey, at least when I was on the show, I didn’t disappear suddenly and then reappear as an angel 30 seconds later!
Hate the change. Sometimes the accent showed up. I was so excited with Jen Lilley showed up. Really missed her even watched hallmark movies to see her. This change is terrible
She is terrible at being teresa
Hate Hate Hate the whole role switch never cared for Gwen as an actress! They did Jenn Lilly wrong.
I think it is stupid that Emily switched from Gwen to Teresa. I have been a days fan for 50 years and some of the things they do never surprises me.
Don’t care for it at all is stupid.
I think it is ” STUPID” that Emily switched from Gwen to Teresa. I have been a days fan for years and some of the things they do never surprises me. SMH as if there is no others actress????
JUST PLAIN DUMB!!!!
Probably not the best move. Gwen should have gone in search of Dr Rolf and Dimitri’s mother…returned with Dr Rolf and Rolf’s secrets to create a competitive company for Titan and DiMera… Tait should have come in on his own and just left Theresa back where she came from
Worst move to date for Days. Ben to Alex was bad enough but this is a terrible idea.
I think it’s bizarre to cast the same actress as a different character in the same show. But even more bizarre that it was immediately! Very strange…
I think it is a terrible idea a terrible look
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Xander Fights for His Life, Halloween in Salem, Lani Returns to the Salem PD
This week on all-new episodes of Days of our Lives streaming October 26-30 on Peacock; after Xander (Paul Telfer) has been shot by George (Michael Rose), and retaliates by firing a bullet his way, Sarah (Linsey Godfrey) is on the scene!
In a key moment, Dr. Horton does everything she can to stabilize Xander in order to rush him to the hospital, which finds the two former loves rekindling many of the feels that brought them together in the first place.
The official Days of our Lives promo for the week also teases how Mason (Brandon Butler) and Holly (Ashley Puzemis) get a very unexpected caller which is Sophia (Rachel Boyd)!
Photo: Corday Productions
Meanwhile, Steve (Stephen Nichols) is heard saying, “Never give EJ DiMera the benefit of the doubt. You might learn to regret it!” Next, we see Cat (AnnaLynne McCord) appear to be hanging onto Steve’s every word.
Meanwhile, Lani (Sal Stowers) celebrates her return to the Salem PD, while many Salem residents get ready for Halloween.
Chad (Conner Floyd) and his son Thomas (Cole Gersmeyer) are ready for Fright Night, as is Kirsten (Stacy Haiduk)! But as things go in Salem, masks, hidden identities, and more make for mystery and mayhem! The conclusion of the promo shows an upset EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) throwing a book at the portrait of his father, Stefano DiMera. What has him so unglued?
Photo: Corday Productions
SPOILERS
Here’s a look at additional Days of our Lives spoilers for this week.
Monday, October 26
Brady gets devastating news.
Leo and Javi share an emotional moment.
Tuesday, October 27
Marlena hesitates to reach out to Dominic.
Kristen makes a confession to Lani.
Wednesday, October 28
Johnny faces down his father – and his future.
Stephanie gets surprising news from Alex.
Thursday, October 29
Johnny and Chanel receive wonderful news.
Brady and Sarah have a heart-to-heart conversation.
Friday, October 30
Sarah and Xander share an emotional reunion.
Julie breaks up with Foster.
Kristen ties up some loose ends.
Chad refuses to be intimidated by EJ.
Now below, check out this week’s DAYS promo entitled, “Spooky Salem.”
Then weigh-in: are you rooting for Sarah and Xander to get back together? What is EJ so upset about? Is it about his half-brother, Dominic Marino? What skullduggery might go down on Halloween night in Salem? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.
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.
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.
Y&R’s Christel Khalil and Bryton James to Crossover to ‘Beyond the Gates’
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Bests ‘General Hospital’ in Key Demos
‘All My Children’ Alum Alan Dysert, Ex-Sean Cudahy, Passes Away at 75
Y&R’s Beth Maitland Talks How Traci Gives ‘A Lot of Viewers a Voice,’ and Daytime Emmy Nomination 41 Years After Her Emmy Win
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Brook Lynn Gets a Shock from Jude, Nina Gets a Reprieve, and Ava’s in the Hot Seat
Tabitha Brown and Kandi Burruss Guest Star on ‘Beyond the Gates’ for Dani’s ‘Welcome to Your Life’ TV Special; What Could Go Wrong?
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced
‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ Cast Dish on Steffy, Finn & Carter, Daphne Baby Drama! (Exclusive)
Days of our Lives’ Conner Floyd Talks Dominic Marino Mystery, Chad and Belle, and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Exclusive)
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: What Has Happened to Jill?
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Brook Lynn Gets a Shock from Jude, Nina Gets a Reprieve, and Ava’s in the Hot Seat
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Xander Fights for His Life, Halloween in Salem, Lani Returns to the Salem PD
Y&R’s Jason Thompson and Mark Grossman Deliver the ‘Power Performances of the Week’
‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings on Hayley’s Pregnancy, ‘Friendship’ with Leslie, and Working with Timon Kyle Durrett (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: One Woman Lies to Another, While Two Sisters Tear Each Other Apart!
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