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‘Days of our Lives’ Co-EP Noel Maxam on the Legacy of Stefano DiMera and How He Can Still Drive Story Today

By Michael Fairman

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Photos: JPI

It’s been a big year of change for Days of our Lives behind the scenes and one of renewal. Back in March, longtime producer, Noel Maxam became the Peacock streaming soap opera’s co-executive producer replacing the retiring Janet Drucker. This was the second time in Maxam’s career he would hold down the Co-EP post having done so previously from 2008-2011.

Then, back in July, DAYS received an additional two-year pick-up which means Salem will be alive and well, at least through its 62nd and 63rd year, which takes it all the way through the 2027-2028 television and streaming season. With Paula Cwikly and Jeanne Marie Ford as head writers, and Maxam as co-executive producer, all under DAYS longtime EP, Ken Corday, the future is looking very bright for the iconic show which will turn 60 this November.

During a discussion on how he views the series and what’s to come, Maxam chatted with  Soaps.com  where he spoke on the importance of “The Phoenix,” Stefano DiMera to the show, which coincides with what viewers are beginning to see play-out on all-new episodes.

Photo: JPI

Marlena (Deidre Hall), who is grieving the loss of her beloved John Black (the late Drake Hogestyn), has found herself having visions of being Stefano’s “Queen of the Night,” and she voiced her concerns to Kayla (Mary Beth Evans). However, Kayla tells Marlena that Stefano is dead, but as we know, “The Phoenix” always rises again. Since Joe Mascolo passed away back in 2016, and we previously had Steve “Patch” Johnson (Stephen Nichols), becoming Stefano through a brain chip … who else could bring Stefano through them? Could it be the returning Tony DiMera (Thaao Penghlis), or EJ DiMera (Daniel Feuerriegel), who has Stefano’s ring on his finger?

Photo: JPI

Maxam weighed-in on this favorite piece of storyline jewelry: “Stefano’s ring is magic, and it is the history of the show and it brings in the legacy of the show, and yet it’s still active and it’s on EJ’s finger now, and we just don’t know where it will go, and there’s something about that ring that embodies that evil is possible, but that family is number one.”

Photo: JPI

In addition, with DAYS streaming on Peacock, Noel offered up if that means the show will push boundaries with the audience that cannot always be done on network television. Maxam says to the loyal and dedicated and even new DAYS viewers, “We want them to be comfortable and yet, challenged. So if I say pushing the boundaries, I’d say it’s more thematically and through emotions and what each character is going through more than I would say subject matter or, experiential through the human condition. That’s what we go for.”

Photo: JPI

Since DAYS tapes nine months ahead of episodes dropping on streaming, it will be a bit before we see shows where Maxam was at the helm in the Co-EP position, but as for what’s to come and what he promises for the Salem die-hards, “We want Days of our Lives to be challenging, surprising, and new and fresh every day, and sort of pushing the boundaries of how people feel bringing you into our version of what you may be experiencing every day, and sort of give you an exciting ride.”

With the “Who Shot EJ?” trial reaching its climax and the reveal of the culprit seemingly next week on Days of our Lives, check out the just released promo from Peacock for episodes streaming the week of August 11-15th.  You can check it out below.

So, are you looking forward to seeing how Stefano is revealed to be in story? Is someone inhabiting him? If so, who do you think it is? What do you think about Noel Maxam’s sentiments on how he sees DAYS pushing any boundaries and how important the evil side of the DiMera clan is to the soap? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

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Love Days been loyal for years! Haters can say what they want under Ron C it was fresh and exciting every day couple of storylines I didn’t love but for the most part it was great to watch everyday . That said I am not excited whatsoever about revisiting a Stefano brain chip storyline!Stefano still looms large just by his picture over the mantle in the mansion. I say leave it alone!

I agree

Terrible news. Hate to be a Debbie Downer but some folks never learn. Days should have moved on from Stefano years ago and introduced a new antagonist family with something different to offer. I hope this doesn’t mean Stefano will rise again. I would love to see more Alamains or Von Lueshners who can bring something new to the table. How many illegitimate children can one man have? How many back from the dead stories? How many times can we watch people talking to that Stefano portrait? People do get bored. And with their months of stories in the can before they can re-pivot Days may have put a stake in its heart.

While I certainly like occasional mentions of deceased characters, keeping their memory alive, all these teases about an “alive” Stefano are infuriating and, frankly, boring. The actor is dead; the character is dead. No need to revisit, reinvent, or reinstitute.

And although the new producer’s aspirations of “new and fresh every day” are admirable, we are certainly not seeing that yet. And here’s a tip: no more visits by the devil, even if he might be sharing warm temps with Stefano.

James…oh I agree…TOTALLY!!!!! To me, whenever a soap opera actor (or actress) passes away in real life…and a soap decides to kill off the deceased’s character, well then the show should keep the dead character DEAD AND BURIED…FOR GOOD!!!!!

Have a good one, Brother.

I hope they let Stefano rest in peace! Having Thaao Penghlis back at the helm of the family business is an expected move, as well as a battle with EJ to get it. But please don’t bring back lame storylines from years ago. Both Joe and Thaao are talented, respected actors and deserve more than mysterious magical powers of Stefano’s ring or Dr. Rollf finding a new serum to bring back the dead.

I LOVED Stefano, he brought so much excitement to the show, drama, fury, compassion!!! If you can’t bring back Joseph Mascolo back, then leave it alone! There’s only one Stefano ❤️ Drop the Queen of the night thing, it’s ridiculous

Exactly

Please don’t bring back that ridiculous possession storyline!!! It was stupid then, and would be even more stupid now

Seriousy? My vacations in Salem were some of my best work!

Don’t worry though, I’m not planning on going back there in the near future.

And neither is Stefano. He’s right here in Hell, where he belongs!

TOTALLY AGREE!!

We do not need another Stephano story let him rest in piece. Find new stories

It’s weird to talk about Stefano being alive because the actor is dead and Stefano in age would be too.

Please don’t bring him back nor Marlene being possessed. This two screwed we be the end for me. Very tired of thos.

Me too!

I’m 75 years old and had been watching Daýs of Our Lives since I was in high school. When it went to Peacock, sadly, I am not able to watch it daily. From time to time, I get summaries on Soap.com, but it not the same as watching it daily. I’ve missed so many episodes and have little interest on the version going forward.

Hello don’t have much time

I am 83 yrs old, watched Days from the beginning until it went to Peacock. I can’t afford the station and really miss it. Get a few updates on my phone but its not like watching everyday. Please come back to NBC you lost a loyal listener.

I have watched Days since I was five with my Mom . I remember the characters from the Alice Horton time.I enjoy that Days mention of them as well as the story lines that involve them .Like the box with Julie’s family’s necklace in it.

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53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced

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Daytime Emmy Presenters

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).

Genie Francis

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.

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Days Of Our Lives

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

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Kyle Pryor

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.

Dominix

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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Days Of Our Lives

Days of our Lives’ Conner Floyd Talks Dominic Marino Mystery, Chad and Belle, and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Exclusive)

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Conner Floyd

Fasten your seat belts Days of our Lives fans, as the mystery of Dominic Marino continues to unravel on all-new episodes of the Peacock streaming soap opera. Last week, Chad DiMera (Conner Floyd) learned that he may have a half-brother, who may be the biological child of his father, the late Stefano DiMera (the late Joseph Mascolo) and Dr. Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall), giving him great pause, because he knows Stefano had kidnapped Marlena for four years back in the late 80s and early 90s.

Chad has already been hunting down clues with his current girlfriend Belle Black (Martha Madison) in Italy and Salem, which revealed a photo of a young boy with Stefano with the date 1992 on the back of it, hidden inside Stefano’s chess set. So, what’s next?

Conner Floyd chatted on the Michael Fairman Channel in a new virtual interview released on Sunday, October 18, where he spoke on what the new addition to the DiMera family could do to the already dangerous sibling rivalries, the state of Chad’s relationship with Belle and much more.

EJ and Chad

Photo: JPI

DIMERA RIVALRY

After finding out from EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) that Dominic Marino could be the never-before-heard-of child of Stefano and Marlena, Conner Floyd explained, “I think it blows Chad’s mind a little bit. I think there’s a lot of things working there with old Chad. Obviously, bringing in another DiMera could cause some noise and the whole situation with Marlena’s a little awkward as well because he’s dating Belle, so this could cause a little tiff there. I think his head’s spinning and he does not know what to expect, but I also think he kind of expects that from Stefano, for sure.”

As to how this will change and color Chad’s relationship with EJ, Floyd responded, “Chad knows EJ’s not happy about it and I think he’s going to be real upset if this gets in his way of doing what he wants to do with the DiMera legacy and all that. However, for Chad, I think he’s just going to keep a sharp eye, see what this guy’s about, see if he’s here to cause some trouble or here to be a friend and kinda play it by ear.”

Belle and Chad

Photo: JPI

BELLE OF MY HEART

With Chad and Belle already being sleuths, Floyd says, you can look for the duo to continue getting to the truth. “I think Chad and Belle are committed to this. They’re going full National Treasure, Nicolas Cage,” says Conner. “They’re going to follow the clues. They’re going to get some answers.”

Since beginning in the role of Chad in June of 2025 and debuting on-screen back in April of 2026, the former Y&R star (where he played Chance Chancellor), says it was Madison who helped him get comfortable in his new surroundings.

“Martha is phenomenal. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to get tagged up with when I started here, just because she knows everybody,” shares Floyd. “She knows where to go, who to talk to. She’ll get the tea if you want, and so it was kind of cool. Martha took me under her wing, showed me the ropes. She’s a sweetheart.  I love working with her too. She’s a great actress.”

But, is Chad in love with Belle after such a tortured past with his beloved Abigail Deveraux DiMera? Floyd thinks so! “I think he’s into it. They’re such good friends and they have such a rich history. I think he’s in for the ride. You know, it’s one of those things you probably overlook at first and then they reconnected, and it feels easy and they’re going on these fun adventures.”

MAKING CHAD HIS OWN

Conner had the arduous task of being the successor to Billy Flynn in the role of Chad.. Flynn had played the part for 12 years before deciding to exit and head to Y&R. So, how did Conner approach learning the ins and out of Chad? Floyd shared, “I really dove into Chad when I first got this job. I liked that he kind of walks this tightrope of DiMera and not DiMera, you know. He want to so honor his family roots and really do something for the DiMera family, but he doesn’t want to fall into that trap that all the other DiMera have found themselves in. Chad is a DiMera at heart. He’s got those demons, but he’s just trying to keep them contained.”

Susan Seaforth Hayes

Photo: JPI

ICONIC

When Floyd got to DAYS, it was none other than Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie Williams) who most surprised him in the most delightful way, given that he knew Hayes was a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award winner and the current longest-running cast member on the canvas.

“I love working with Susan Hayes! I love her. She’s a sweetheart. Susan is one of the nicest people there. I just thought she was cool and it’s Susan Hayes, you know?  We’ve had a lot of scenes together, which is nice,” explained Conner.

“We’ll go to her dressing room, we’ll run our scenes, and then we’ll spend about an hour just talking about life and she’ll tell me about a book she’s reading. She’s such a history buff, which blows my mind. She’ll start dropping all these historical facts on me. I learn something new by the time I walk out of her dressing room every time!”

Now below, check out the full conversation with Conner Floyd via the Michael Fairman Channel.

Weigh-in: Do you like Chad and Belle as couple? Do you think Chad will get to the bottom of the Dominic Marino mystery? If so, do you think Dominic is truly Stefano and Marlena’s son … and what about Rita (Maggie Carney) in all this? Let us know your theories in the comment section.

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