Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Poll: What Did You Think Of Stacy Haiduk’s Debut As Kristen And Susan?
Last week on Days of our Lives brought with it the return of Susan Banks and Kristen DiMera, this time played by former The Young and the Restless favorite, Stacy Haiduk (Ex-Patty Williams).
As DAYS viewers know, the roles were made soap-famous by two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Eileen Davidson. With Eileen busy on Y&R in her role of Ashley, Stacy stepped into the wacky and evil roles delivering her take on the characters; while maintaining the inflections, mannerisms, and motivations of these two very different women.
Earlier this week, Davidson posted her congrats to Stacy on Twitter, stating: “Big congratulations to @StaceHaiduk debuting as Kristen/Susan on @nbcdays this week!!! Stacey is a fantastic actress and I’m sure she will SLAY!”
Stacy returned the compliments to Eileen tweeting: “Thank you, Eileen, you’re amazing! This means SO much coming from You!! I am super excited and very grateful for this opportunity to be a part of @nbcdays. LOVE & LIGHT to You and All!! XOXO”
Any actor will tell you; taking over a part from someone who is so identifiable with the character is not an easy thing to do, but Haiduk has been more than up to the task, as viewers went a long for the ride as Kristen revealed herself and her ultimate plan at John and Marlena’s wedding on Friday’s episode, and there is more yet to come!
So, what were your first impressions of Stacy as Susan and Kristen? Take our latest DAYS poll, vote, and let us know below. Then share in the comment section if you enjoyed Stacy’s work as much as we did!
I knew Stacy could play crazy cause she was brilliant as Patty Williams. Introducing her as Susan(although I knew she was Kristian) was perfect because it made it easier to accept her as Kristian when she lost the prop teeth. Great writing and casting, Days!
Yes, Karen, agreed. I knew it had to be Kristin, as well…..Susan is locked up.
As I said on the other site, I suspected neither Kristin nor Susan….I believed it had been Hattie to have sent the doll.
But, when you mentioned Kristin, I saw the light….of course!! LOL.
Yet, I was sure it was not Susan but Kristin when we actually saw her.
So, you were right about Kristin…..makes sense since her body was never found.
I liked her better when she was playing Kristen as Kristen! She was completely convincing as Kristen… but not so much as Susan to me!
Oh Stacy was awesome as Susan and Kristen! The show needs these characters and Stacy is doing her thang! I’m so glad she’s on Days, a much needed shot in the arm for the show.
Loved her as Kristen! Didn’t love her as Susan… but was she Susan? I think she did Kristen justice!
When Stacy Haiduk was still part of Y&R, I never responded positively to her work. In theory, Patty is a character I would like, but Stacy never really convinced me with her acting that I should invest emotionally in her character. I always felt like I needed more nuance, humanity, and subtext from her work to engage with it in a meaningful way.
Characters like Kristen and Susan require an actor who can bridge dark and light, hard and soft, and eccentric and conventional; these characters need an actor who can manipulate and challenge the viewers’ expectations, draw the audience in without revealing too quickly character’s true intentions or making the character too easy to understand. In other words? These characters need Eileen Davidson — desperately. They need her acting talents, her rich history with Days, and her uncanny ability to generate chemistry with her fellow actors. Stacy’s attempts to portray these characters only made me surer than ever that Eileen is the only person who can and should bring these characters to life. I hope there is a plot twist coming where we learn Stacy is playing a different character who is impersonating Susan/Kristen. This show needs more villains anyway; Stacy as someone who has little concern about trifling with Kristen could be interesting.
“I hope there is a plot twist coming where we learn Stacy is playing a different character who is impersonating Susan/Kristen.” That’s what I’m hoping, too. As far as I’m concerned, if they couldn’t get Eileen, they should have not done the storyline. Some characters are iconic & no other actor should play them – Kristen/Susan are on that list, along with Marlena & Sami.
Well since Eileen Davidson is leaving Y&R maybe she would be willing to come back to Days as Kristen.As for Stacy Haiduk, Days could keep her around as Susan because Eileen Davidson may not want to play a dual role again since it might be too tiring for her.
I agree. Stacy just comes off as a crazy Kristen, whereas when Eileen plays her, there is a vulnerability and you feel bad for Kristen, which makes her a more well rounded character. As far as her Susan, she was just annoying. I LOVED LOVED LOVED Eileen as Susan, with Stacy I want to FF.
I found myself reading my email during her scenes today. She’s especially irritating as Susan, who I always really enjoyed. I’d be more than willing to chip in on one-way tickets out of Salem for both of them. LOL
Yes, yes!! You said it, Adam. If truth be told, I ‘ve always loved Susan more than Kristin…..Eileen’s version, though.
I really like Stacy, but it’s not the same…..I can’t feel Susan….Not once did I hear, ” you’re mean, mean, mean”…. oh, how I miss the ‘real’ Susan!!
Totally Agree!’ Stacy doesn’t have the talent to pull off playing Kristen Dimera.. she’s not believable!! Hope days brings Eileen back or kills Stacy hadiuk contract soon!
Agreed! Eileen made Kristen beautiful and believable. There’s no way Brady would be attracted to the skeletal mess that is now “Kristen”!
Eileen who?
I’ve seen her on Y&R and a couple of other things – great actress! I thought she did a great job with the character of Susan, but Eileen Davidson should have been there for the Kristen part. If they could have worked that out, that would have been awesome! Ms. Haiduk did what she could with the Kristen character, but Ms. Eileen left some big shoes to fill. The character had major interactions with so many main characters – should have been Ms. Eileen. I was a little let down.
Great to see the actresses Eileen and Stacy giving each other such love on social media!
I have always loved Stacy as Patti Williams, and I liked her debut as Susan/Kristen. I feel she will make these characters her own, as time goes on, especially if all the spoilers are right, in her relentless goal to get whatever she really wants, this time. I also like the fact that Stacy is doing this role, her own way, which is more acceptable than just doing an imitation of Eileen. She’s just gotten her feet wet, so hope everyone will be supportive as she really gets her teeth into this part.
As Susan, I didn’t think the teeth were bad enough and the accent was a little different, but she did okay. I was happy to have Susan back. I think she was better as Kristen.
Stacy Haiduk is a lovely woman and wonderful talent. She’s a keeper. Just don’t go all creepy weird long term. I think Y&R handled writing the Patty Williams character poorly, doing a disservice to mental illness. Miss Haiduk made it work. Good for DAYS to have her!
Well we know from Y&R that Stacey can do crazy. I really liked her as Kristen, apart from her noise you could hardly tell it was a different actress in the role. My Mother didn’t know. But we have yet to see if she can pull of Kristen’s unbridled sex appeal. Eileen had chemistry with John, Brady Daniel and Eric, time will tell if Stacey will have that.
Second sentance should read I really liked her as Susan.
Always an Eileen Davidson fan
Never liked any of the DUAL ROLES OF CARLIVATI!!!!!!! STAND BY THAT. WISH WE HAD STEPHEN INSTEAD OF THIS CRAP. IM CANCELLING THIS PROGRAM ITS NOT DAYS ANY MORE ITS CARLIVATI’S FOLLIES STARING HIS OLD FRIENDS INSTEAD OF LOVED DAYS CHARACTERS. SHERRY ANDERSON BETRAYED US ALL.
To my surprise Stacy is wonderful as Susan and Kristen, I love her. To be honest I never thought anyone could play the part other then Eileen .Boy was I ever wrong. To be honest I actually like Stacy better. She plays her part to perfection. Great job of casting Days.
Too over the top for me. She was better as Susan but I didn’t care for her Kristen. I thought she was overacting the part.
She was hilarious. I loved it when those teeth flew across the room !
so funny!
STACY HAIDUK KILLED!!! She is so fascinating to watch and her performances are absolutely VISCERAL! She is the ONLY reason I decided to tune back in to DAYS after a several decade hiatus. What a casting coup the creators have with her in this role! Brava, Stacy!!!
NO ONE CAN REPLACE EILEEN IN THAT ROLL. STACY APPEARED TO MATURE FOR BRADY LOVE INTEREST…FOR THT MATTER SO DOES EVE…RATHER SEE HIM WITH TERESA.
I don’t like Stacy’s portrayal as Kristin Dimera . Need Eileen back !
I really didnt like the new Susan at first but it didn’t take to long for me to get to like Stacy ,she is doing a great job of Susan and Kristen. Love her.Susan even made me laugh the other day and I certainly could use a good laugh,thanks Stacy
Sorry, but this Kristen/Susan just doesn’t compare to the original one. No offense intended, but I just can’t tolerate this replacement.
That recast was the biggest mistake ever made in daytime history the role of question can only be played by one person and that is Eileen Davidson
Days is getting worse = so tired of the dead coming alive = Susan and Kristen roles
are beyond stupid. get rid of Ted and Zander – I can’t understand them with their
accents = Sarah is a terrible actress – tired of looking at Eric and his
sad faces –
Really, Miriam? The “our” in ‘Days of our Lives’ represents inclusivity. We all have a right to be included. Care to exclude blacks, gay, the poor, disabled and comedians?
I want my soap to be all inclusive, accents and all.
I think Stacy is a wonderful actress.She has jumped into these roles so well& is so believable.
I can not stand her playing Kristen. She is a witch. It’s ridiculous! It’s making Days of Our Lives awful!!!
Days Of Our Lives
‘Heated Rivalry’ Star Franco LoPresti Opens Up About ‘Days of our Lives’ Debut as Dante Vitali
Next week on Monday, September 14 will mark the first appearance in Salem of Franco LoPresti in his new Days of our Lives role of Dante Vitali.
Heated Rivalry fans now LoPresti very well from his part as hockey player Cliff Marleau in the series first season. (No word yet if Cliff appears in season 2).
Now in a conversation with TV Insider, DAYS fans will learn that LoPresti is on the soap for a limited run. No timetable was given.
Photo: Corday Productions, Inc
When LoPresti does burst onto the scene come Monday, Dante makes quite the impact as Franco LoPresti explains. It seems that viewers will first see him in scenes in Monte Carlo at a poker table with none other than Gabi Hernandez (Cherie Jimenez) and Philip Kiriakis (John-Paul Lavoisier). However, Dante will come to Salem to talk to the Brady family about his supposed fiancée Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney).
Franco shared, “Dante was born and grew up in Italy and educated at this pretty top-tier English boarding school. He then went on to build his own dynasty in finance, all the while trying to distance himself from the Vitali name (as viewers know Tamara Braun played his cousin Ava Vitali).”
“But at the core of Dante, there’s definitely an old-school quality to him”, continued LoPresti. “He’s super passionate, he’s sincere and incredibly generous, but he’s also someone that you probably shouldn’t underestimate. Loyalty is something that means a lot to him. As Dante enters Salem, I think the audience will get to slowly peel back those layers and discover what’s really driving him. So, I’m excited for Days fans to go on that ride with Dante.”
Photo: Almay
As it turns out, LoPresti taped his episodes of DAYS starting back in November 2025 which happened to be weeks before Heated Rivalry became a smash hit.
Franco recalled, “It’s so funny because I thought my episodes would air in a month (on Days of our Lives). But I found out it was nine to 10 months and I was like, ‘I gotta wait that long?!’ So, I’ve been biting my nails, trying not to think about it, and I think it’s actually kind of helped because now it’s here and it’s all coming at me from all different angles. I’m nervous. I’m excited, and I just can’t wait to see it all come together. It’s one of the best jobs I’ve ever had for sure.”
In his personal life, Franco just had his first child with wife, actress Emily Alatalo, just a weeks ago on August 23rd when they welcomed their daughter, Stella into the world.
So, looking forward to seeing Franco LoPresti’s debut come Monday? What do you think about the fact that it’s being reported as a limited run? Do you think Dante and Sami have a chance on-screen or off-screen to be a happy couple? What do you really think brings Dante to Salem sans Sami? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
In a metaphor for the start of the school year and their upcoming anniversary in November, Days of our Lives revealed its “Class of Season 62,” with a very clever yearbook montage on their social media handles, welcoming new cast members, while paying respect to the veterans and “class”-iying the other characters in Salem.
The official Days of our Lives Instagram account shared on the posting, “The Class of Salem Season 62 has arrived. Familiar faces, new names and plenty of personality. Flip through our yearbook for a peek at this year’s class.”
Let’s take a look at how they broke it all down: The Salem Yearbook starts with saying “another unforgettable season,” with some group pics, and then we dovetail into Salem’s new class which features: Sydney Malakeh (Sydney DiMera), Brandon Butler (Mason Whitfield), Angelica Nero (Victoria Kiriakis), Cole Gersmeyer (Thomas DiMera) and Lorelei Olivia Mote (Rachel Black).
Photo: Days of our Lives
Next up, are the likes of: Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez), John-Paul Lavoisier (Philip Kiriakis), Tyler Joseph Andrews (Theo Carver) and LeeAnn Hopkins (Joy Wesley). Then, in the “Drama Club” section are: Dan Feuerriegel (EJ DiMera) and AnnaLynne Cipriani (Cat Greene).
Following the ‘Recess” section with some group snaps, comes “Homeroom Highlights” with: Abigail Klein (Stephanie Johnson), Eric Martsolf (Brady Black), Rob Scott Wilson (Alex Kiriakis), Lamon Archey (Eli Grant) and Sal Stowers (Lani Price Grant).
The “Salem Spectator” section features: Conner Floyd (Chad DiMera), Greg Rikaart (Leo Stark), Stowers again, and Ashely Puzemis (Holly Jonas). In the “Afternoon Sweets” section look for: Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis) and Linsey Godfey (Sarah Horton), Emily O’ Brien (Gwen Rizchech), Stacy Haiduk (Kristen DiMera/Susan Banks), Brandon Beemer (Shawn Brady), plus Jackée Harry (Paulina Price).
Towards the end of the yearbook, veteran performers such as: Mary Beth Evans (Kayla Johnson), Stephen Nichols (Steve Johnson), Lauren Koslow (Kate Roberts) and Josh Taylor (Roman Brady) are featured, plus Deidre Hall (Marlena Evans), James Reynolds (Abe Carver) and Matthew Ashford (Jack Deveraux), Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie Williams) and Suzanne Rogers (Maggie Kiraikis) with her on-screen daughter, Linsey Godfrey.
The Salem Yearbook comes to a conclusion noting “Big things happening in Salem” and to tune-in on Peacock, where we also find Jacob Martinez (Javi Hernandez), Maggie Carney (Rita Lesley), and a host of other favorites previewing what’s to come this fall.
So, what do you think of the Days of our Lives Class of Season 62? Looking forward to seeing what happens in Salem? Did you like the yearbook concept for promotional tune-in? Let us know via the comment section below.
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Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of our Lives’ Head Writers Give Fall 2026 Preview: Marlena and Stefano’s Chess Mystery, The Arrivals of Dante and Sydney, Romance Drama for Sarah and Others
As summer comes to a close with Labor Day weekend, the former Days of our Lives co-head writing duo of Paula Cwikly and Jeanne Marie Ford have given their annual fall season preview in episodes taped some 10-11 months ago.
As previously reported this past July, Ryan Quan returned to Days of our Lives and is now co-head writing the show with Ford, while Cwikly is now a consultant. The new co-head writing teams stories will not be seen till late spring/early summer 2027.
So for now, the stories pick up from where we left off with Cwikly and Ford promising via TV Insider, “Fall in Salem is full of twists and turns and secrets and surprises. Dots connect in unexpected ways as seemingly unrelated threads converge.”
Photo: JPI
CHECKMATE?
In one of the top mystery’s, Marlena is still having troubling memories and she will have another one on the Monday, September 7 episode. Meanwhile, her daughter Belle (Martha Madison) has gotten very close to Chad DiMera (Conner Floyd) and as pictured here, the two smooch while in Italy searching for answers to the chess set that Stefano DiMera gifted th the late John Black and Marlena (Deidre Hall) that has some significance.
The head scribes share, “The (chess board) mystery and its fallout are central to the fall stories. Chad and Belle follow the clues to a discovery that changes both of their families, and Salem, forever. Marlena worries that their investigation/the chess set may be a Pandora’s box that has been opened. And she is right…”
Newcomers are also the order of the day for Cwikly and Ford, this fall. We have already seen the debut as Brandon Butler as Mason Whitfield, and next week you can add as previously reported Sydney Malakeh on the Thursday September 1o episode as Sydney DiMera, followed by the the Monday, September 14 arrival of Franco LoPresti as Dante Vitali.
Photo: Corday Productions
Paula and Jeanne Marie expressed on the incoming Dante, “The arrival of a stranger who will set the whole town on its ear. The character has several strong ties to the current canvas and impacts many storylines.” What will Dante be up to? We know Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney) had mentioned in 2025 she got engaged to the man, but that was off-screen.
LOVE THE ONE YOU’RE WITH OR THE ONE YOU WANT?
In the romance department, the triangle between Brady/Sarah/Xander heats up with a very conflicted Sarah (Linsey Godfrey). The head writers reveal, “When Sarah faces attacks personally and professionally, Xander (Paul Telfer) and Brady (Eric Martsolf) work together to help and protect her. Sarah’s new love for Brady is challenged by her lingering love for Xander. Xander risks everything for Sarah.”
In addition look for, “Gabi (Cherie Jimenez) and Philip (John-Paul Lavoiser) to draw closer as he tries to save the family company and home.”
Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) will also be returning at some point this fall and she won’t be alone. Who might she bring with her? And from the looks of the Peacock promo for next week’s DAYS, someone is wearing Stefano’s ring around their finger, but who … and how does it all tie in this fall?
So, what do you think about some of the highlights coming up this fall on Days of our Lives per the series head writers? Does anything float your boat or pique your interest? If so, what? Let us know via the comment section. But first, check out the action next week on DAYS in the promo entitled “Bag of Tricks” below.
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