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‘Days of our Lives’ Head Writers Preview Fall in Salem Including: ‘Tom Horton’ Gala, Major Returns, and EJ’s Nefarious Experiments

By Michael Fairman

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Photos: JPI

Coming off their two-year renewal pick-up by Peacock, the long-running Days of our Lives, which is about to turn 60 this November, has major plans for viewers to enjoy as the summer turns into fall.

To get you ready, head writers, Paula Cwikly and Jeanne Marie Ford, offered up some insight of what stories will be front and center, and what to be on the lookout for including big returns centering around Salem University’s gala in honor of the late Dr. Tom Horton (MacDonald Carey).

Expected to be back and airing in several all-new episodes centering around the big event are: Lamon Archey (Eli Grant), Matthew Ashford (Jack Deveraux), Maree Cheathem (Marie Horton), Roark Crtichlow (Mike Horton), Bryan Datillo (Lucas Horton), Colton Little (Andrew Donovan), Chandler Massey (Will Horton), Melissa Reeves (Jennifer Deveraux), Sal Stowers (Lani Price Grant), Stephen Schnetzer (Steve Olson), Christopher Sean (Paul Narita), Alison Sweeney (Sami Brady) and Greg Vaughan (Eric Brady).

Photo: NBC

Speaking on the gala, Cwikly and Ford told TV Insider: “The 60th anniversary is the event that brings the town together to celebrate. The hospital gala will kick off a new umbrella story that extends into the new year.” In honoring the legacy of the show as it turns six decades young, the scribed shared, “We wanted to honor the first families of Salem with a retrospective that kicked off new stories in its aftermath. There will be a hospital gala in honor of Tom Horton which coincides with some mysterious experiments EJ (DiMera) is conducting in his private lab.”

Photo: JPI

What is EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) going to be doing in his private lab? There is still this mystery as to why Marlena (Deidre) is experiencing deva vu as the “queen of the night,” feeling Stefano’s presence and according to the writers, her “health crisis will worsen.” Could it be possible that at the gala, somehow a “Stefano” reveal might happen (in the form of who is still a mystery, since Joe Mascolo, his portrayer, passed away many yeas ago), or some other shocking twist? Stay tuned.

Photo: JPI

In addition, the head writers preview what lies straight ahead which includes: The “Who Shot EJ?” reveal with Rachel Black (Alice Halsey) said to lash out, “in a way that has life-threatening consequences,” plus Sophia Choi’s (Rachel Boyd) desperation grows as Brady (Eric Martsolf) and Tate (Leo Howard) get closer to the truth of the baby, plus in a major event, there is a Salem black-out where “secrets and desires” come to light.

So, are you looking forward to the fall in Salem, the big returns for the gala and whatever EJ is concocting in his lab? Share your thoughts on what the DAYS head scribes have planned for viewers in the coming months via the comment section.

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Excited about [most] of the names listed as returnees.

I really hope these new writers can pull it together because I’m still feeling like the show is so unhappy these days so hopefully the Tom Horton’s story at least for a short time will give the canvas some happiness.

This all sounds great, except for the possibility of Stefano’s return. Why can’t they let the character rest, especially considering Joe Mascolo died nearly a decade ago? Bring back villains that are already established, or create new ones – there’s no need to keep rehashing this story.

Take a Devil’s word for it. Stefano is not returning to Salem. That two way portal between Hell & the DiMera crypt only works when I’m residing in Salem. It’s completely locked down when that’s not the case.

Most of the Horton family returns will only be short visits probably, but I do believe there will be some new ornaments on the family Xmas tree, this Helliday season.

Now that it’s confirmed that Stephen Schnetzer will be returning as Stephen Olson (Julie’s brother) I suspect they’re going to answer the question of why the new-ish characters Mark & Aaron Greene look so much like him. I’m guessing he’s their grandfatther, since their father was supposedly killed in an automobile accident.

And of course there’s also the fact that Julie is holding a grudge against their sister Cat, due to her previous scam impersonation of the supposedly dead Abigail Deveraux DiMera. Typical soap cliche writing to have irrational hatred between two characters, only to find out later they’re related.

And we all know that the character of Jeremy Horton is getting a reboot/recast. Because he’s been mentioned a lot, recently. And is almost certainly the reason Stephanie wanted a certain portion of that “romance novel” removed before it was printed. Last time he was around, he was running some sort of smuggling operation, using a charter airline as a front. So it wouldn’t be surprised if he was still up to no good.

So in other words, Salem will get some Hortons back. But they won’t all be saints.

But I’m the Devil, so – to paraphrase Billy Joel – “I’d rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints. The sinners are much more fun”

I’m excited to see some beloved faces returning to recognize the 60th anniversary and celebrate the core families s of Salem’s history. No thanks to Marlena potentially being hurt by something EJ may cook up and no more Stefano please. That story was told. It’s time for something original and exciting for all the folks of Salem.

SO AGREE.

Sounds good.

Brady needs a love life. Xander and Sarah needs to be back together. At least let a few people be happy. John and Marlena are gone.

I would love to see Sarah and Xander get back together.. They seem to still love each other so much, I just hope that Xander keepy getting his sessions and get his anger controlled.

I don’t know why they brought Gwen back. She adds nothing to the show. She didn’t before and she doesn’t now. A horrible fake accent that should make the Brits cringe. Send her packing…please.

I’m disappointed Days has brought Gwen back too. She’s not going to add anything to the show, in fact she takes away the show.

I thought the new head writers would bring something interesting to Days of our lives but it’s getting worse it is getting so boring and they drag it out too long now if they start getting something better right about

I also hate the fact that Marlena’s getting all this devil stuff again or whatever it is it’s getting very old she needs to stay as being a doctor and quit the dumb stuff

Is Nicole ever coming back on Day’s

Doubt it, unless they recast.

Sadly, it’s not likely after all the lawsuits. They protected that idiot Alarr for way too long. Nicole wasn’t the only long term cast member thrown under the bus for him. But she is the one who legally fought back. Can’t fault her for that at all, but I’m sure Ken Corday does.

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53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced

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Daytime Emmy Presenters

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).

Genie Francis

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.

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Days Of Our Lives

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

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Kyle Pryor

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.

Dominix

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.

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Days Of Our Lives

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

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Conner Floyd

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.

EJ and Chad

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.”

Belle and Chad

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.”

Susan Seaforth Hayes

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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