Days Of Our Lives
Martha Madison and Brandon Beemer Preview Their Returns to Days of our Lives and Pay Tribute to Drake Hogestyn
Today, on November 8th marks the 59th anniversary of Days of our Lives. The soap opera originally premiered on NBC back on November 8th, 1965. For 57 years it remained on the network, but then back in 2022, the series transitioned to its new home streaming on Peacock. Last week, the series was renewed for its 61st season which will take it through the 2025-2026 television and streaming season.
On today’s anniversary episode, Martha Madison returned to her role as Belle Black, the daughter of Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall) and John Black (Drake Hogestyn). In story she returns for Jarlena’s wedding anniversary along with her half-brother Paul Narita (Christopher Sean), although no Shawn is present, nor John for that matter.
However, Madison will soon be in story full force, as she previewed to Michael Fairman TV at last week’s 2024 Day of Days event; along with her longtime on-again off-again on-screen husband Shawn played by Brandon Beemer. As DAYS fans have been privy to via the 2024 extended fall preview for the soap, Belle and EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) will soon hit the sheets, with EJ getting shot by someone, and the imminent return of Belle’s half-sister, Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney).

Photo: JPI
Martha teased that there is big story ahead, “I can tell you it has changed with the new writers (Paula Cwikly and Jeanne Marie Ford). We are back full-time and have been since April. It is the best stuff I’ve ever done in 20 years on this show. So if you are a fan of Shawn and Bell start watching.” From the sounds of it, the upcoming story which fans will see down the line, puts Madison back as a leading lady on the show, to which she confirmed for all those who have w, “It’s coming.”
Brandon shared that when viewers see Shawn again, he won’t be in the same shape he was battling the bottle when we last saw him. “Nope. I’m not gonna be a drunk. I’m not at all,” revealed Beemer. “It’s a lot of good story to tell. They are writing Shawn as Bo (Peter Reckell) and Hope’s (Kristian Alfonso) son. He’s more like the son of Bo vs. the ‘woe is me’ whiny Shawn anymore.”

Photo: JPI
In addition, the actors are back at the show without the presence of the beloved Drake Hogestyn, who for decades played Martha’s on-screen dad, John Black. “It feels like losing a member of your family,” Madison shared as her emotions ran high. “We’ve worked together and known each other for two decades. I called him dad for 20 years. There’s something to that. It’s deep and it’s meaningful. It’s not the same without him.”

Photo: JPI
Madison also expressed how it was for her to tape John’s memorial episodes which we will see in 2025. “I thought it was beautifully done. I think everybody hoped he would come back. I think the combination of shooting so far in advance and really expecting that he would make a recovery, and come back to work really delayed us addressing it in a formal way. But, we have now. I think it was an important way for us all to come together to honor him.”

Photo: JPI
In remembering his co-star, Brandon shared on Drake, “I think that sometimes after a scene where you’re maybe a little bit insecure, he would come up to you and go, ‘Good job, kid. Good job. Yeah. Good job.” He just gave so much love. I think that he could see it in people’s eyes, but he was sort of one of those buoys to hold onto.”
As viewers soon will see more of Belle and Shawn, Martha revealed why her and Brandon still click on-screen. “The reason we work well together is I think we love each other in real life,” admitted Madison. “I heard Jessica Chastain once say, that to have a really good connection on-screen, you have to let yourself fall a little bit in love with them (co-star) in real life. I think that’s true for us.”
Make sure to catch all the Michael Fairman Channel interviews with the cast from Day of Days 2024.
Now let us know, are you looking forward to seeing Belle and Shawn back in action? What did you think of Martha and Brandon’s sentiments on the late Drake Hogestyn? Comment below.
My grandmother finds it interesting that there seems to be no comments on Drake’s death made by Wayne Northrop.
I am more than happy the Shawn and Belle are back on days . I love them both and their characters on the show . I am so sorry for how they will return as far as John Blake death . I am so happy that they will be having around for the log haul
It is about time. No disrespect to the vets, but Belle/Shawn really should be front and center on this show as they are the next generation. Philip and Chloe need to return as well. They should also bring back Carrie and Austin, Mike Horton, Greta, and Eric Brady as well.
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Xander Fights for His Life, Halloween in Salem, Lani Returns to the Salem PD

This week on all-new episodes of Days of our Lives streaming October 26-30 on Peacock; after Xander (Paul Telfer) has been shot by George (Michael Rose), and retaliates by firing a bullet his way, Sarah (Linsey Godfrey) is on the scene!
In a key moment, Dr. Horton does everything she can to stabilize Xander in order to rush him to the hospital, which finds the two former loves rekindling many of the feels that brought them together in the first place.
The official Days of our Lives promo for the week also teases how Mason (Brandon Butler) and Holly (Ashley Puzemis) get a very unexpected caller which is Sophia (Rachel Boyd)!

Photo: Corday Productions
Meanwhile, Steve (Stephen Nichols) is heard saying, “Never give EJ DiMera the benefit of the doubt. You might learn to regret it!” Next, we see Cat (AnnaLynne McCord) appear to be hanging onto Steve’s every word.
Meanwhile, Lani (Sal Stowers) celebrates her return to the Salem PD, while many Salem residents get ready for Halloween.
Chad (Conner Floyd) and his son Thomas (Cole Gersmeyer) are ready for Fright Night, as is Kirsten (Stacy Haiduk)! But as things go in Salem, masks, hidden identities, and more make for mystery and mayhem! The conclusion of the promo shows an upset EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) throwing a book at the portrait of his father, Stefano DiMera. What has him so unglued?

Photo: Corday Productions
SPOILERS
Here’s a look at additional Days of our Lives spoilers for this week.
Monday, October 26
Brady gets devastating news.
Leo and Javi share an emotional moment.
Tuesday, October 27
Marlena hesitates to reach out to Dominic.
Kristen makes a confession to Lani.
Wednesday, October 28
Johnny faces down his father – and his future.
Stephanie gets surprising news from Alex.
Thursday, October 29
Johnny and Chanel receive wonderful news.
Brady and Sarah have a heart-to-heart conversation.
Friday, October 30
Sarah and Xander share an emotional reunion.
Julie breaks up with Foster.
Kristen ties up some loose ends.
Chad refuses to be intimidated by EJ.
Now below, check out this week’s DAYS promo entitled, “Spooky Salem.”
Then weigh-in: are you rooting for Sarah and Xander to get back together? What is EJ so upset about? Is it about his half-brother, Dominic Marino? What skullduggery might go down on Halloween night in Salem? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.
Breaking News
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced

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).

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

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.

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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