Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Leo Revealed to be Craig’s Boyfriend
Monday’s Days of our Lives officially confirmed, what many suspected, that Craig Wesley’s (Kevin Spirtas) new boyfriend is someone we all knew. And voila! It was in the form of Leo Stark (Greg Rikaart).
It all goes down when Chloe (Nadia Bjorlin), with Brady (Eric Martsolf) in tow, are waiting to meet the new man in Craig’s life while trying to calm her nerves over it. Chloe has been upset what this has done to her parents, Craig and Nancy (Patrika Darbo), and their marriage falling apart.
While the three of them are sitting at a table waiting for the man to join them, Craig is antsy cause the guy is a little late, but he keeps singing the guy’s praises especially his humor! Chloe says humor is a good trait to have in a relationship.
Then, when Chloe points out she doesn’t even know Craig’s new man’s name, Brady turns and is shocked to see Leo Stark enter the room and heading straight to their table.
It is then Leo goes to hug Craig and tells him “Happy Valentine’s Day”. Thus, Chloe and Brady come to the stunning realization that Craig’s boyfriend is trouble-personified in Leo Stark.
On his return to DAYS, Greg Rikaart spoke to Soap Opera Digest (in their latest issue on newsstands now) and shared: “I found out that I was coming back to be the love interest of a character who had been there. That relationship would, of course, have ramifications for other characters on the show, who are not at all pleased about Leo’s return and also his involvement with that character. There become multiple efforts from many different people to try and sabotage that relationship, much to Leo’s chagrin.”
So, what are your thoughts on Leo and Craig together in Salem? Comment below.
This is a very distasteful storyline on all levels. It completely trashes Nancy’s character. Making Leo Craig’s love just cheapens whatever they were attempting with telling this story.
Total disrespect to history and throwing the overweight, confident woman under the bus.
Total fast forward material!!
Wait until Nancy meets/sees Leo!
i like Sonny and Will’s relationship. not Allies and Chanels. with regards to Greg and Leo. not so much. I think Leo is conning Craig and he is too blind to realize it, don’t think it will work out. I think Craig is going to be really hurt and used by LEO.
So they had a potential here to tell a serious story about a man coming out later in life (as opposed to Will or Allie in their late teens) and instead they use it to prop the idiotic Leo Stark.
Leo’s actually good for comic relief now and then, like in the Peacock “special episodes”, but who’s going to believe he’s in a “serious relationship” with Craig??
100% it could have been an awesome serious storyline of real life problems and now it’s just a cartoon just like almost everything else with days these days…. I wish I liked the other soaps but days is my only one and it’s getting so bad.. the only reason I watch is because I love all the actors.
Maybe Craig has some kind of brain tumor, I’ve read of stuff like that being the reason for people doing the unthinkable. He’s supposed to be a smart, knowledgeable physician , but he isn’t thinking with his brain.
ReRon hasn’t used the brain tumor excuse on Days yet, so that’s always possible. I expected him to give that excuse to Ben… since he’s copied the Frodd redemption formula otherwise.
Never heard of brain tumors changing sexual orientation…. or did you mean the severely impaired judgment in choosing a boyfriend??
Satan
I meant the latter. How could someone of Craig’s caliber even look at this P.O.S with any seriousness?
I don’t believe that Craig would really fall for someone like Leo. I do think Leo is funny and am glad to see him back. It’s just odd that Craig would want to be with a guy like Leo. I could see maybe an affair, but not leave his family.
Momo
I feel the same. I can see maybe a fling to see what it’s like with this bafoon, but anything serious is unbelievable. I did not see Craig years ago so I know very little about him. I can sure see why he’d want to step out on that harpy of a wife but to hook up with Leo is just crazy!
Craig and Nancy were in-step when they were first on. They were both in on him trying to get Chief of Medicine or whatever post it was and were not against playing dirty. They were high school sweethearts or college sweethearts. So they have a long history of being in love and being together and being in sync.
Nancy wasn’t like she is now. I guess thinking (and then finding out) your husband is cheating does that to you.
Momo
I did not watch Days at the time you mention. I only know what I’ve read and seen in flashbacks, Ghoul Girl, etc.
Iam very old and old-fashioned, so it’s very hard watching scenes with Leo and Craig. At first sight , Nancy seemed much older than Craig and when I checked their ages, was not surprised that she is 74 and he is 62. Maybe back in the day they looked equal in age but to me this makeover Bonnie has done, doesn’t help the age thing. Craig’s little boy toy is still young and whatever, that doesn’t help Nancy either.
Craig looks better with Leo than his ridiculous wife nancy!
Heidi
I think you’re right!
Big fan of Greg Rikaart on both Y&R and Days. Sadly, Y&R under utilizes him and has basically reduced Kevin to almost and under 5. Yes, Leo is over the top which is a lot of fun to watch as Greg stretches his acting abilities. I’m hoping that they keep the humor in Leo but tone it down so he can become a viable character for additional appearances. And, I hope they take the grifter out of him and allow a real relationship with Craig even if it doesn’t last. I get the people who are upset and feel that they are tarnishing Nancy. But, a late in life coming out is not uncommon and I believe that Craig can still love and want to be there for Nancy even if no longer in a romantic capacity.
THANK YOU, CHAZ. I’ve adored Greg since the early YR days. To me, he’s got it all– terrific, versatile actor with a sense of humor, great smile, gorgeous hair, and never afraid to speak out on his beliefs. Leo is the ideal bad boy and let’s face it, Craig’s “love” life won’t be boring with Leo in the boudoir.
Soaphound and Chaz
While I agree with you both I love Greg too from all the years on Y&R. He started out bad with the terrible things he did to Lily and Collen, wasn’t she the one he tried to burn up?,but after Michael came he calmed down and turned good. I loved his first wife but detest her as Gwen on Days. I think most of us love Gloria but personally, I can’t stand Chloe, I had always hoped he and Mariah would get together.
Craig is too good for Leo. I want the Wesley family to become a new addition to the show and for Craig and Nancy to become friends again eventually. I hope Craig finds love and peace with a different and decent guy after Leo breaks his heart.
I don’t want to offend anyone but I also do not think that my being able to turn off the show makes it OK. I do n’t think it is the right time of day to be showing this adult material. It is not appropriate for young children who are watching with parents or other adults.
Also, I bet the Cordays, Irna Phillips, et all are turning over in their graves.I myself was appalled , especially at Greg Ricartt/Leo Starks disgusting performance on Mondays show. Maybe it was meant to be funny or cute, but not to these old eyes.Yes, I clutched my pearls so tight, I almost strangled myself, but still could not stop watching this train-wreck. Where is Devil Johnny when he’s really needed with his pitchfork?
I can’t stand the Devil days but the normal ones are pretty good, case in point , the double weddings . Leo was sure thrown for a loop when he received pre-nup papers from Craig, which I thought was an odd choice of serving them. Wouldn’t this be something that would be discussed face to face? I don’t care if they get married or not, in fact for someone as intelligent as Craig to not be able to see through this Shmuck, deserves him!
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.
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‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
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