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
Sydney Malekeh Joins the Cast of ‘Days of Our Lives’ in Mystery Role: Who Do You Think She’s Playing?
There’s a new gal coming to Salem, or is she new and a recast? That’s what inquiring minds from Days of Our Lives fans have been trying to figure out since the Peacock soap opera dropped an Instagram video heralding actress‘ Sydney Malekeh’s arrival in Salem.
The soap did confirm that viewers will first see Malekeh on the September 9 episode. In the video, Malekeh is seen going set to set from her dressing room and in to the halls of Days of Our Lives studios.
What we do know id that Sydney has been acting professionally for 6 years and had appeared on Grey’s Anatomy, Apple TV’s Shrinking and the HBO Max’s The Sex Lives of College Girls.
Plenty of Malekeh’s DAYS castmates jumped into the comment thread with positive emojis symbols or written excitement including: Paul Telfer (Xander), Linsey Godfrey (Sarah), Sal Stowers (Lani), Conner Floyd (Chad), Eric Martsolf (Brady) and Christie Clark (Carrie) and more now that fans will finally see her on-air. Since Days of Our Lives tapes 10-11 months in advance, Sydney would have started taping the show sometime back in 2025.
DAYS fans think perhaps because the actress’ name is Sydney that she might be playing the grown-up daughter of Sami and EJ. That character hasn’t bee on the canvas since 2021.
So, who do you think Sydney Malekeh might be playing on Days of Our Lives? Drop your casting director thoughts via the comment section below.
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Days Of Our Lives
Peacock Hikes Subscription Rates for Fourth Time in Four Years; ‘Days of Our Lives’ Fans Sound Off
While recently the streaming service Peacock reported turning a profit for its first time since its infancy, now comes word that the company is raising their prices for all customers, and in some cases it stared today on August 18.
The news of the subscription rate increases marks the fourth time the NBCUniversal streaming platform has done so in four years. So, on August 18, Peacock is increasing the prices for new or returning subscribers and customers, while current subscribers will see the rate increase on or after September 17 depending on their billing cycle when they initially signed up.
Here is the new pricing to follow along: Peacock Premium (which includes ads) will be $12.99/month, up two dollars from $10.99; Peacock Premium Plus will be $19.99/month, up three dollars increase from $16.99; and the Peacock Select tier (which includes current and past seasons of NBC and Bravo shows but excludes movies, live sports and Peacock originals) will increase a dollar from $7.99 to $8.99/month.
Photo: JPI
SUBSCRIBERS CONTINUE TO PAY MORE ACROSS THE STREAMER LANDSCAPE
It was back in June that the streamer reported that aid subscribers were up to 48 million adding a 2 million net gain during Q2 in of 2026. The subscription price hikes are rampant now in the entertainment streaming industry where over the last two years for example, Netflix, HBO Max, Apple TV, Paramount+ have all raised their fees to consumers.
Peacock’s tier-levels feature not only Days of Our Lives, but reality hits such as The Traitors and Love Island USA, Bravo series, and a vault of Saturday Night Live, Law & Order, The Real Housewives franchise, and Below Deck episodes as well. Pecock Premium and Premium Plus subscribers have access to sports and live events, as well.
DAYS OF OUR LIVES SUBSCRIBERS HAD A FEW CHOICE WORDS FOR PEACOCK
As Days of Our Lives fans know, the soap opera moved from NBC to the streamer back in September of 2022 after 57 years on broadcast television. When the news hit X on the price increase, DAYS fans had a lot to say about it. Here are just a few of the comments below:
“I can’t believe Peacock and can’t come to a deal with Cordya to air old episodes of #Days. That alone would bring a ton of subscribers,” to If Peacock actually cared about #Days of Our Lives, gave the show the budget it needs for better sets, cameras, background actors and enough time to tell proper stories, I wouldn’t mind paying more. If the money actually showed on screen, the higher price would be worth it,” to “I will continue to pay for a Peacock subscription as long as #Days is on it, but did we know there was another price increase coming?” and more.
So, what do you think of the new price hike increase to watch Days of Our Lives and your other favorite shows and events on Peacock? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Veronica & Julian’ Feature Starring ‘Days of Our Lives’ Alums Nadia Bjorlin and Kyler Pettis Releases Key Art and More (Exclusive)
In the upcoming indie feature Veronica & Julian from director Otoja Abit, two former Days of Our Lives stars, Nadia Bjorlin (ex-Chloe Lane) and Kyler Pettis (ex-Theo Carver), headline the drama feature in this story of a May-December romance that faces challenges along the way.
Veronica & Julian centers on a confident and successful marketing executive (Bjorlin) who winds up falling for a younger aspiring architect (Pettis). From there, a journey of desire and self-discovery is set against the backdrop of present-day New York City.
The cast also includes: Blake Jenner (ex-Glee), Erin Cummings, Chrystee Pharris (ex-Simone Russell, Passions and Queens of Drama), Robert Lee Leng, Mark Famiglietti and Jennafer Newberry.
Photo:
LIVE CHAT WITH NADIA AND KYLER PLANNED
Now, Michael Fairman TV can share exclusively: the key poster art below, and that current plans that call for Veronica & Julian to be released and made available late this holiday season.
In addition, Nadia and Kyler will join us for a very special livestream conversation on the Michael Fairman Channel (Monday, Aug 24 – 3PM ET/Noon PT) to chat about their roles in the film, their time on Days of Our Lives, life post-soap opera, and much more. Fans can join the live chat and pose their questions to the actors as well.
Courtesy/Bright Leicht Content LLC
THE THEMES BEHIND VERONICA & JULIAN
Director Otoja Abit shared this statement on the feature film, “Veronica & Julian is about the right people who have a chance meeting at the wrong time. It’s a look at two people who don’t grow apart—they just grow up. This film is an authentic exploration of an imminent ending and how two people deeply in love got there. It aims to be quiet while telling a relatable story about modern-day relationships.”
Abit continued, “As a society, mainstream romantic films are often delivered through fantastical aspirations. I created this film believing that viewers who have experienced a breakup can relate to Veronica and Julian, depending on their perspective. They’re a couple navigating some of the most familiar obstacles in love: miscommunication, timing and pride.”
He concluded, “It’s a story about endings told through the small moments we often don’t recognize until they’re gone. With the support of the Panavision New Filmmaker Program, I approached the story with a deeper sense of visual control while maintaining the naturalism that defines each character.”
Photo: Bright Leicht Content LLC
NADIA AND KYLER GOT THEIR FIRST BIG BREAK IN SOAPS
As Days of Our Lives fans know, Bjorlin is best known for her long-running role as Chloe Lane. Nadia played the part from 1999-2023 with various runs in Salem. She is also known for her role as Lara in the Venice the Series since 2009. Nadia’s other TV and film credits include: A Murder Between Friends, NCIS, Two Broke Girls and more.
Pettis played Theo Carver on Days of Our Lives from 2015-2018 and earned himself a Daytime Emmy for his work in the now defunct Outstanding Younger Actor in a Daytime Drama Series back in 2019. His other TV credits include roles on: The Rookie, All American: Homecoming and Ray Donovan.
Veronica and Julian is written, produced and directed by Abit and produced through his Willful Productions alongside Kory Apton and Ian Phillips. Executive producers include: Nick Leicht, Gregory Sinche, Shelly Sinche, Torsten Sippel, Tim Freydberg, Ryan Schulke and Matthew Conlin.
So, intrigued to see Nadia and Kyler as a romantic couple in the film Veronica & Julian? Miss them on Days of Our Lives? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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