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!
Beyond the Gates
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 16
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) today announced the full list of nominees for the upcoming 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, and it was CBS daytime’s The Young and the Restless and broadcast television newest soap opera, Beyond the Gates that racked up the most nominations with 18 and 16, respectively.
The full reveal on Tuesday follows the announcement of several major categories including Lead Actor and Actress on Monday via Extra and Entertainment Tonight and The View today revealing Daytime Drama Series and more.
The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmys ceremony is set to take place on Friday, October 30 at the historic Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood, California.
Photo: CBS
In a statement, Adam Sharp, President and CEO of NATAS expressed, “We’re proud to honor the extraordinary talent and creative teams whose work continues to define and elevate daytime television, As the Daytime landscape evolves and new forms of storytelling emerge, we remain committed to recognizing the innovation happening across the industry.”
“Each year, the Daytime Emmy Awards celebrate the creativity, passion, and dedication that drive this vibrant community of storytellers,” said Rachel Schwartz, Head of the Daytime Emmy Awards. “Congratulations to this year’s nominees, whose work continues to entertain, inspire and connect with audiences every day. We look forward to celebrating their remarkable achievements in Hollywood this October.”
The Daytime Emmy Awards have recognized outstanding achievement in television programming and crafts since 1974, honoring work in a variety of genres, including daytime dramas, talk series, entertainment news, culinary, adventure, instructional and legal/courtroom programming.
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Honoree, Gold & Silver Circle Inductees, and ceremony host will be announced at a later date.
Now below, check out the nominees in the daytime drama, talk show, entertainment news series and creative arts categories and congratulations to all!
Photo: JPI
Outstanding Daytime Drama Series
Beyond the Gates
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Stacy Haiduk (as Kristen DiMera), Days of Our Lives
Karla Mosley (as Dani Dupree), Beyond the Gates
Michelle Stafford (as Phyllis Summers), The Young and the Restless
Heather Tom (as Katie Logan), The Bold and the Beautiful
Tamara Tunie (as Anita Williams Dupree), Beyond the Gates
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Eric Braeden (as Victor Newman), The Young and the Restless
Steve Burton (as Jason Morgan), General Hospital
Scott Clifton (as Liam Spencer), The Bold and the Beautiful
Thorsten Kaye (as Ridge Forrester), The Bold and the Beautiful
Christian Jules Le Blanc (as Michael Baldwin), The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Linsey Godfrey (as Sarah Horton), Days of Our Lives
Camryn Grimes (as Mariah Copeland), The Young and the Restless
Beth Maitland (as Traci Abbott), The Young and the Restless
Trisha Mann-Grant (as Leslie Thomas), Beyond the Gates
Amanda Setton (as Brook Lynn Quartermaine), General Hospital
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Sean Dominic (as Nate Hastings), The Young and the Restless
Timon Kyle Durrett (as Bill Hamilton), Beyond the Gates
Michael Graziadei (as Daniel Romalotti), The Young and the Restless
Roger Howarth (as Matt Clark), The Young and the Restless
Mike Manning (as Bradley “Smitty” Smith), Beyond the Gates
Lawrence Saint-Victor (as Carter Walton), The Bold and the Beautiful
Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series
Braedyn Bruner (as Emma Scorpio-Drake), General Hospital
Al Calderon (as Javier Hernandez), Days of Our Lives
Alice Halsey (as Rachel Black), Days of Our Lives
Giovanni Mazza (as Gio Palmieri), General Hospital
Ambyr Michelle (as Eva Thomas), Beyond the Gates
Arielle Prepetit (as Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne), Beyond the Gates
Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series
Jasmine Burke (as June Hughes), Beyond the Gates
Jeff Kober (as Cyrus Renault), General Hospital
Eva LaRue (as Natalia Rogers-Ramirez), General Hospital
Christopher Sean (as Paul Narita), Days of Our Lives
Ray Wise (as Ian Ward), The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Writing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Beyond the Gates
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
Outstanding Directing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Casting for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Daytime Talk Series
3rd Hour of TODAY
The Drew Barrymore Show
The Kelly Clarkson Show
Live With Kelly and Mark
TODAY With Jenna & Friends
The View
Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host
Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin & Ana Navarro, The View
Kelly Clarkson, The Kelly Clarkson Show
Tamron Hall, Tamron Hall
Jennifer Hudson, The Jennifer Hudson Show
Sherri Shepherd, Sherri
Outstanding Entertainment News Series
Access Hollywood
Entertainment Tonight
Extra
Outstanding Daytime Personality (Daily)
Mona Kosar Abdi, Derek Hough & Terri Seymour, Extra
Cassie DiLaura, Denny Directo, Kevin Frazier, Rachel Smith & Nischelle Turner, Entertainment Tonight
Scott Evans, Zuri Hall, Kit Hoover & Mario Lopez, Access Hollywood
Star Jones & Corey Jovan, Divorce Court
Outstanding Arts and Popular Culture Program
Beyond the Gates: Welcome to the Neighborhood — An Entertainment Tonight Special
Off Script With The Hollywood Reporter
Variety & CNN Actors on Actors
Variety Studio: Actors on Actors
Working In the Theatre
Outstanding Music Direction and Composition for a Daytime
Beyond the Gates, Episode 103
Have Guitar Will Travel World
The Kelly Clarkson Show Episode 5033
Let Frankie Cook,” Getting the Band Back Together
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Outstanding Technical Direction and Video for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates, Episode 104
The Bold and the Beautiful,” Episode 9511
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade”
The Jennifer Hudson Show, ” Episode 4041
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade”
Outstanding Hairstyling and Makeup for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates, Episode 103
General Hospital, Episode 15719
The Kelly Clarkson Show,” Episode 5033
The Young and the Restless,” Episode 13273
So, what do you think of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy nominations? Who are you happy to see receive a nomination and who do you think was snubbed? Weigh-in via the comment section.
Monday on Entertainment Tonight, the second set of nominations for the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards were announced which included the highly-coveted Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actress and Outstanding Daytime Talk Series.
ET followed suit after Extra announced the nominees, as previously reported, in the Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actor and Outstanding Daytime Talk Host.
Now, five leading ladies of the soaps are vying for the gold for Lead Actress and the category marked the first-ever nominations for CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates when two actresses made the final cut. Only General Hospital is not represented among the actresses this year after Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis) took home the trophy last year.
Photo: NATAS
THE FIVE LEADING LADIES OF THE SOAPS ARE …
The 2026 Lead Actress nominees are: Stacy Haiduk (Kristen DiMera), Days of Our Lives, Karla Mosley (Dani Dupree), Beyond the Gates, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers), The Young and the Restless, Heather Tom (Katie Logan), The Bold and the Beautiful, and Tamara Tunie (Anita Dupree), Beyond the Gates.
This marks the first Daytime Emmy nominations for Karla Mosley and Tamara Tunie. In addition, this marks the first-time in her career that Stacy Haiduk had received a Lead Actress nod after two Supporting Actress nominations.
Meanwhile, Michelle Stafford had previously won 3 Emmys – 2 for Lead Actress and 1 for Supporting, but this recognition makes it her 11th overall nomination.
Heather Tom currently is tied for the most all-time Daytime Emmy wins with One Life to Live alum and General Hospital guest star, Erika Slezak. The B&B star has 19 nominations throughout her career.
Photo: ABC
DAYTIME TALK SERIES
In the Outstanding Daytime Talk Series category, the nominees are: 3rd Hour of Today, The Drew Barrymore Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Live with Kelly and Mark, Today with Jenna and Friends and The View.
“We’re proud to honor the extraordinary talent and creative teams whose work continues to define and elevate daytime television,” NATAS president and CEO Adam Sharp said in a statement on the nominations. “As the Daytime landscape evolves and new forms of storytelling emerge, we remain committed to recognizing the innovation happening across the industry.”
The rest of the nominations will be revealed tomorrow on Tuesday July 14 starting on The View and then the full list of nominees in both the main and creative arts will be released by NATAS. The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards are slated for October 30th in Hollywood, California.
So, what do you think about the women who are vying for the Lead Actress Daytime Emmy? Happy with who got in? Who do you feel got snubbed? What do you think of the nominees for Daytime Talk Series? Weigh-in via the comment section.
It’s Daytime Emmy nomination week, and as previously reported things kick-off on Monday, July 13 when Entertainment Tonight (7pm ET) will announce the nominees for Lead Actress category and Daytime Talk Series for the upcoming 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards. In addition on Monday, Extra (7pm ET) will reveal the nominees for Lead Actor and Daytime Talk Host.
On Tuesday, The View (11am ET) starts things off with their announcement of Daytime Drama, Entertainment News program and Outstanding Daytime Personality-Daily. That is followed by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) full reveal of all the categories beginning at 12noon ET/9am PT on their website and their official social handles on X and Instagram.
Then, Tuesday night at 8pm ET/5pm PT join Michael Fairman as he hosts his 12th annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026 live on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel where he will chat with some of the just announced nominees as we celebrate the hard work of the men and women in front of the camera who will be going for gold.
WHEN ARE THE DAYTIME EMMYS?
This year, the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be handed out on October 30 in ceremonies in Hollywood, California (Venue yet to be revealed). At that time, as like last year, both the major categories and creative arts will be presented. There is no word yet on a broadcast partner for the annual celebration of daytime programming, or if it will soley be streamed on NATAS’ watch.theemmys.tv and various apps and platforms.
WHO WILL BE APPEARING ON THE DAYTIME EMMY NOMINATIONS SPECIAL 2026?
Throughout Tuesday, keep an eye on Michael Fairman TV’s social media handles on X, Facebook and Instagram, for updates of who will be expected to appear on our live show.
If you have a question or comment for one of the nominees, or on the nominations, we can encourage you to join us in the live chat on Tuesday night.
So, who are you hoping lands a nomination from Beyond the Gates, General Hospital, Days of Our Lives, The Bay, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless? Let us know via the comment section. More Tuesday!
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