Days Of Our Lives
(INTERVIEW) DAYS Arianne Zucker & Greg Vaughan Talk Baby Switch, Ericole, and the Passing of Tyler Christopher
On Days of our Lives, viewers have been in the middle of one of soap operas enduring tropes, a baby switch. Watching a mother being duped when her baby is alive and being raised by her nemesis is always a lightning rod for fan response that often has many fed up with the entire situation in how cruel it is to the mother. Given that soaps viewership, in large part is female, it can make for emotional story with huge payoff or, leave fans screaming, “enough is enough!”
Ironically, this time the switch was pulled on Nicole Walker DiMera, who pulled off her own baby switch in a despicable and deceitful move against Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney) years ago. Now, it’s come back around and the situation is reversed. Nicole’s baby was taken by Sloan (with a major assist from Melinda Trask) and Sloan is passing it off as her and Eric’s adoptive baby, also knowing full well that Eric is the biological father of Nicole’s baby.
So, how does the long-time Salem star-crossed duo, played by Arianne Zucker (Nicole) and Greg Vaughan (Eric), feel about the baby switch storyline and more? The popular stars appeared together for a video interview on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel to share their thoughts and insights into the story, and what’s next. In addition, Greg pays tribute to his former GH and DAYS co-star, Tyler Christopher (ex-Nikolas, ex-Stefan, respectively) who recently passed away at the end of October.
Photo: JPI
In what seems like definite ‘karma’ for Nicole, Arianne shared how she feels about the 2023 baby switch. “I’m a little biased towards the ‘one and only’ baby story storyline I have been in because it’s the classic one. It played really well,” Zucker said. “It was almost two years long, and it involved so many characters and it was really great. I thought that was such a really wonderful storyline. So, I was very interested to see where this was going to go. Plus, now with my character, it’s the opposite, right? So you can call it ‘karma’ or whatever, for the character. It is hard to write these stories different than the next. As it’s been unfolding, I’m like, ‘OK. I didn’t see the car accident coming, etc.'”
Zucker shared this is a different space and time for her character and how she deals with this devastating situation. Ari expressed, “Nicole has changed a lot since the last baby switch storyline. Nicole getting pregnant at this time is even, pretty amazing. And the fact that she’s carried the baby. There’s so many processes in my head that I’ve gone through, that I know a lot of women that struggle with in real life. I really try to take care of other women’s viewership with what are they watching and how are they feeling about it. When you’re losing a baby, I’m connecting to other women. And with that being said, it’s hard, because having a baby is such a miracle, and it is such a wonderful thing in life.”
Photo: JPI
For Greg, he did not see where the story was heading when he first came back to the show in 2022, “When I re-joined the canvas and the team here at DAYS, Eric was trying to see if he could salvage the relationship with Nicole, but knowing that she had moved on with Rafe (Galen Gering). Then, Eric became some kind of ‘American Gigolo”, if you will, and he started bouncing around from bed to bed, and I was like quite confused.” He added, “The kid story just came out of the blue and I had no idea what they were setting up, obviously. I didn’t see the whole Eric and Nicole and the Quadrangle coming that they eventually created. They were a determined to make Eric a father.”
On this week’s episode of DAYS, Nicole took baby Jude when Sloan (Jessica Serfaty) left the baby stroller alone in Horton Town Square, but after convincing from EJ, she gave the baby back, but not without massive pause.
Photo: JPI
Zucker explains Nicole’s mindset: “She totally knows that it’s her Jude. I think Nicole is just like, ‘I, for once and for all, I got to make sure this baby is mine. This is my kid.’ This is what she believes. She says to herself, ‘This is my child. And this woman (Sloan) just runs off and leaves the baby all alone in Horton Town Square. Who does that?”‘
During the interview, Greg also opened up about the death of his dear friend, Tyler Christopher. Vaughan had recently shared on his Instagram touching photos with Tyler’s children following a memorial gathering in Ohio, where Tyler was laid to rest next to his mother.
Photo: JPI
Vaughan expressed: “It’s been a very difficult journey, as many know. My relationship with Tyler started 25 years ago, when I was on Charmed. Tyler has made a rock and foundation from being on General Hospital and leaving to venture out and do other things. And then our paths just continued to be tied together as we were reunited at General Hospital and then back at Days of our Lives. The friendship that we created was special. We were a brotherhood amongst many other special people in his life and his family. His kids are beautiful. They’re special. Their mother is an incredible woman who’s been on a journey that nobody can see, or that is going on behind closed doors. It was a terrible, terrible tragedy to lose somebody as special, and so young, as Tyler was. You can’t even expand on with words how gifted he was, his commitment to the craft, and what he did on a day-to-day basis. Tyler brought so many people together and in all spaces; from work to his personal life. He was also so close and guarded, so you felt very special to be in his inner circle.”
Tyler’s struggle with addiction became very public, but also was very private. Greg shared his emotions on learning the news of Christopher’s death: “I was very angry and I was sad. I was tremendously sad. I felt like there was a lot of effort that we were personally engaged with, and that others contributed with, and that we failed him. But, it is a disease and it takes a lot of strength and courage and continuous effort. I went back and I watched so many of his acting scenes on YouTube, or what posts were being said, whether it was positive, whether it was negative, that was heartfelt. It was a tough one for all of us in so many different ways.”
Photo: JPI
As to where does Eric and Nicole’s story, and the baby switch story go from here? Arianne teased, “Just hang tight. You will always need a tissue when these two characters are involved in any kind of story. For Nicole, this girl’s gotta keep this train rolling to try and get people to believe about this child.” Greg added,”There’s still a lot to be shared in the next few weeks, and that’s what we’re kind of coming to, if you will, a conclusion. It has been an hell of a journey. It’s been a good story and there are a lot of tearjerker moments. I think a lot of people will be excited to embrace what the journey will be and we’ll find out what’s going to happen and where it’s going.”
Watch the full interview with Arianne and Greg below.
Then let us know, what have you thought about this 2023 baby switch storyline on DAYS? Do you want Eric and Nicole back together with baby Jude in tow? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
These two are the reason I started watching Days.
Their chemistry is off the charts.
I like Nicole and EJ as a couple. They have a lot of chemistry and accept each other the way they are. Eric is too judgmental with Nicole. Coparent the baby but don’t become a couple again.
I am I’m total agreement! Those two belong together.
I really loved this interview. Hoping that Nicole and Eric can eventually find their way back to each other. I also very much appreciated Greg’s beautiful words of tribute to the memory of Tyler Christopher, who so many of us greatly admired and will always miss.
I like EJ and Nicole.
I like EJ and Nicole, but I love Eric and Nicole. Eric and Nicole have had a long, bumpy ride. They are soul mates. Isn’t it ironic that the baby she does not miscarry is the one fathered by Eric! To me, that rings destiny!
Days Of Our Lives
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
After languishing on the bubble for months, on Friday, NBC handed down the decision and canceled the medical drama Brilliant Minds after two seasons.
Brilliant Minds stars Zachary Quinto as neurology physician Oliver Wolf, who’s character and the series is inspired by the life and books of neurologist. Oliver Sacks. The series focuses on the medical mysteries of the mind, as Wolf a larger-than-life neurologist and his team of interns explore the last great frontier, the human mind, while grappling with their own relationships and mental health.
The final six episodes of what will now be the end of its second and final season were already set to air beginning on May 27, after being pulled off the network schedule in February as viewership saw a steep decline. Brilliant Minds second season became the lowest-rated drama on linear TV viewing, which didn’t bode well fo a network renewal, although it had its hard core fan base.
Photo: NBC
There are some exceptional notables in the cast along with the talented Quinto that includes Days of Our Lives alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez) who joined the series in its second season as Nurse Nico Silva, and One Life to Live alum, Teddy Sears (ex-Chad Bennett) who plays Wolf’s love interest and fellow physician, Dr. Josh Nichols.
The rest of the talented cast includes: Tamberla Perry, Ashleigh LaThrop, Alex MacNicoll, Aury Krebs, Spence Moore II, Donna Murphy, John Clarence Stewart, and Brian Altemus.
In an ironic twist of fate on Thursday, April 30, Days of Our Lives finally revealed the actor who was Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Javi, when they announced that actor Jacob Martinez had now stepped into the role. Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming new episode, Calderon left in the spring of 2025, but will be seen in the part for the final part this month, and then on June 20, Martinez debuts as Salem’s new Javi.
Taking to his Instagram with a sorrowful and heartfelt post on the Brilliant Minds cancellation was Teddy Sears who wrote, “Thank you, Brilliant Minds. I got the call today and I didn’t want to hear, but I knew that it would come, You have to be a particular vintage to quote Don Henley from memory, but that’s the line that came to mind earlier today after I got off the phone with our inimitable showrunner Michael Grassi who delivered the news that NBC has cancelled the series”.
Photo: NBC
Sears continued, “To say that I feel sad to be moving on from these stories, this character, and this cast and crew just doesn’t paint the entire picture. I’m sad, sure. But I’m also deeply grateful that I got hired to play this part, so proud of the stories we told, and the other actors I got to play alongside. I’m excited to see what comes next, what adventures await, and terrified to be without a professional home. A quick and heartfelt thank you to everyone, all over the globe, who found us and found themselves in us, in our characters and in our stories. We wouldn’t have been able to tell them without you. And we still have 6 fresh episodes yet to air, and I do hope you tune in enjoy the remainder of the series. They’re the best we’ve done.”
As he wrapped up his sentiments, Sears signed off with, “The more I know, the less I understand. All the things I figured out I have to learn again. I’ve been trying to get down to the heart of the matter. But everything changes…Thank you, Brilliant Minds.”
The medical drama was created and executive produced by Michael Grassi alongside Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman, Lee Toland Krieger, DeMane Davis, Jasmine Russ, Henrik Bastin, Jonathan Cavendish, Andy Serkis and Shefali Malhoutra.
So, what do you think of NBC’s decision to cancel Brilliant Minds after two seasons? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Sophia Seemingly Plans to End Her Life, But Not Before Setting Fire to Johnny’s Apartment With Him Trapped Inside
The final few moments of the Thursday, April 30 episode of Days of our Lives, will pave the way, to what just may be the end of Sophia Choi’s (Rachel Boyd) life, but not as you may think!
After an unhinged Sophia paid a visit to Johnny DiMera (Carson Boatman), maced him in the eyes, knocked him out and then tied up to a chair, now conscious, she lets him know that she holds him responsible for all the trouble and trauma she has gone through from adopting her child, and her being sent to a mental institution.
So instead of the unregistered gun Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) gave her to finish off Johnny, Sophia sets up a plan to light candle, use nail polish remover and turn on the gas on the stove to ultimately create a mass explosion, which although Johnny pleaded to her not to that to all the innocent people inside his apartment building, she doesn’t seem to care.
Photo: JPI
FIERY FACE OFF
The plan was supposed to be, after she takes care of Johnny she will toss the gun in the Salem River, then focus on payback to Holly Jonas before leaving town to start a new life.
Now, Sophia makes her exit, leaving Johnny to be a few moments away from an explosion or gas inhalation, when Chanel (Raven Bowens) comes home after awaiting the results of her mammogram. She sees Johnny tied up, as he panics and tells her to put out the flame on the candle, things go awry, and a fire has begun and everything may go up in flames with Johnny and Chanel inside.
Photo: JPI
A BROKEN SOPHIA
Back in her room, Sophia breaks down after reading the social media comments about her, she planted, and then starts writing a suicide or farewell note which says. “I’m tired of begging for forgiveness for my mistakes. All I wanted was to move forward, to be loved and understood. But it’s clear that I was never going to get that. Holly Jonas said that I was dead to her. So, as her former BFF, I’m going to make her dream a reality.”
Photo: JPI
A DEADLY TRAP
Now, the fate of Johnny, Chanel and Sophia will be revealed on tomorrow’s May 1st cliffhanger, which may be the end of Sophia when she crosses paths with Kirsten at the bridge near the river. We do know Rachel Boyd is no longer appearing in the show credits section and is now off contract with the soap.
So, what did you think of the climatic final moments of DAYS? What did you think of the performance of Rachel Boyd as Sophia Choi? Let us know via the comment section.
Breaking News
Jacob Martinez is ‘Days of Our Lives’ New Javi Hernandez Replacing Al Calderon in the Role
Finally! The casting has been revealed as to just who would be Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Days of our Lives, Javi Hernandez. On Friday, April 30, the long-running soap opera revealed Jacob Martinez is taking on the part and he will first be seen this coming June 30th and then on all-new episodes streaming on Peacock.
As previously reported, the popular Calderon exited the soap opera last year to join the cast of the NBC primetime medical drama, Brilliant Minds as nurse Nico Silva, who in May will air the remainder of their second season. The series has been on the bubble for renewal by the network. His last episodes as Javi will also air this May on DAYS.
Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming, Martinez has been secretly ensconced in all the drama in Salem for quite some time. When viewers see the new Javi in story, we should learn what will happen in Javi’s relationship with Leo Stark played by Emmy winner, Greg Rikaart, plus his continued relationship with his relatives in the Hernandez clan. Currently, when Javi returned to Salem after taking care of his ailing father, and after the bust-up of his marriage to Leo thanks to Dimitri (Peter Porte), he claimed he had moved on with someone else while he was away from Salem.
Photo: JPI
Like Calderon before him, Martinez is a multi-talented actor and singer. Jacob’s resume is impressive having appeared in the musical In Pieces: The Musical at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater and he was hand-picked by Joey Contreras to play the role of Grey. Other credits include: the short film, Memory Swim and the play Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage.
Martinez hails from Norfolk, Nebraska and appeared when he was very young at the Johnny Carson Theatre, and as DAYS fans know, Jacob is now working at the Days of our Lives studios, right where the “Tonight Show” is filled. In addition, Jacob Martinez is a graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA).
Taking to his Instagram on Thursday, April 30 once the news of his casting was revealed, Martinez, expressed, “Way too many people to thank in one post, so I’ll just say THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART to each and every person who continues to pour into me and encourage me to chase my dreams. I cannot even begin to express how grateful I am. I already feel beyond blessed, supported, and loved. See you all in Salem ⏳”
Jacob Martinez appeared on Friday on the Days of our Lives Instagram account announcing his casting. You can check it out below. Deadline was the first to report the casting switch.
So, excited to learn who is the new Javi Hernandez? Please welcome Jacob Martinez to the role and be on the lookout for his debut on June 30. Comment below.
View this post on Instagram
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Has Dylan’s Mystery Caller/Stalker Been Revealed to Be an Alive Luna Nozawa?
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Nick Confesses His Drug Problem to Victor; Joshua Morrow, Mark Grossman, Eric Braeden Bring the Newman Bond
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Sophia Seemingly Plans to End Her Life, But Not Before Setting Fire to Johnny’s Apartment With Him Trapped Inside
DAYS Stephen Nichols Remembers Drake Hogestyn as the ‘Most Vital, Enthusiastic, Committed Man I Ever Knew’ Ahead of the PanCan PurpleStride Walk
DAYS Stephen Nichols and Co-Stars Walk in Honor of Drake Hogestyn at PanCan PurpleStride LA, ‘I Felt Him With Us’
Brandon Barash Granted Restraining Order Against ‘General Hospital’s’ Kirsten Storms
‘Days of Our Lives’ Rob Scott Wilson Talks ‘Turning Heel’ as Necktie Killer, Ben Weston
Paige Herschell Marks One-Year as ‘General Hospital’s’ Jacinda Bracken
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Has Dylan’s Mystery Caller/Stalker Been Revealed to Be an Alive Luna Nozawa?
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Nick Confesses His Drug Problem to Victor; Joshua Morrow, Mark Grossman, Eric Braeden Bring the Newman Bond
WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus Talks Humble Beginnings, Test and Albert, WrestleMania 22 with Mickie James, Current Women’s Roster (Exclusive)
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Michael Reveals His Plan to Set Up Chase and Willow to Have an Affair
Judith Light Talks Her Role in ‘The Terror: The Devil In Silver’ Dropping on AMC+ with Co-Star ‘Downton Abbey’ Alum, Dan Stevens
-
Days Of Our Lives1 week agoDAYS Stephen Nichols Remembers Drake Hogestyn as the ‘Most Vital, Enthusiastic, Committed Man I Ever Knew’ Ahead of the PanCan PurpleStride Walk
-
Days Of Our Lives5 days agoDAYS Stephen Nichols and Co-Stars Walk in Honor of Drake Hogestyn at PanCan PurpleStride LA, ‘I Felt Him With Us’
-
General Hospital4 days agoBrandon Barash Granted Restraining Order Against ‘General Hospital’s’ Kirsten Storms
-
Days Of Our Lives4 days ago‘Days of Our Lives’ Rob Scott Wilson Talks ‘Turning Heel’ as Necktie Killer, Ben Weston
-
General Hospital1 week agoPaige Herschell Marks One-Year as ‘General Hospital’s’ Jacinda Bracken
-
General Hospital6 days agoGH’s Giovanni Mazza Performs Violin Version of Michael Jackson’s ‘Smooth Criminal’ at LA Lakers Playoff Game; Co-Stars Heap High Praise
-
General Hospital1 week agoSteve Burton’s Wife, Michelle Lundstrom, Raises Alarm on AI Scammers and Hoaxes, Pretending to be the ‘General Hospital’ Star
-
Days Of Our Lives2 days ago‘Days of Our Lives’ Conner Floyd on Chad’s Quest For Abigail’s Resurrection; But Who Should Be Cast as NuAbby?