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Deidre Hall and Drake Hogestyn On Alison Sweeney's Decision To Depart DAYS!

By Michael Fairman

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Days of our Lives Deidre Hall (Marlena) and Drake Hogestyn (John) who were just part of a major press tour throughout Canada to promote the Days of our Lives Better Living coffee table book chatted with the Edmonton Journal. 

During their conversation about longevity on the soaps, the upcoming exit of series star Alison Sweeney (Sami) was discussed.   Deidre said the cast is “devastated” that she is leaving.  Sweeney has been with the show for more than two decades!

Deidre, who plays Sweeney’s on-screen mother also expressed:  “When Alison Sweeney joined the show, she was such a wide-eyed kid and has taken over sort of the lead role on the show and works every day, and her scenes are long and complicated and demanding and she has just said, ‘My kids need me now, I can’t keep doing it.”‘

“You can’t get that time back,” added Drake Hogestyn. “All my kids, I watched them grow up in the bed. I’d come home and they’d all be asleep, I’d kiss their foreheads, I’d get three to four hours of sleep, I’d wake up and I’d kiss their foreheads again.”  

The ever popular duo also said that they understand that Alison wants to be there for her kids, and they note she can still return to the show.

So, what do you think Alison Sweeney departing DAYS will be an incredible loss for the NBC soap?  Do you hope she eventually will return? What do you think about Deidre and Drake’s thoughts on Ali’s decision to focus on her family?  Comment below!

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Maybe Sami can take one of those long cruises with Doug and Julie and make one or two guest appearances a year…lol

Doug and Julie would probably ABANDON SHIP! lol

HAHA! I know I would!

Lol I would too, I am actually very happy to see the character of Sami leave and completely support AS in wanting to spend time with her children!! Investing in their lives is far more important that days could ever be. Good decision Ali

Ali has alway been my fav. I will miss Ali I have alway watch to see what she was up to. Days will never be the same.

I’m disappointed to see her go, but the show will survive. And she can always return!

Exactly!

for DAYS fans to know this…. is nothing short of amazing

DOOL clearly deserves : and the Emmy goes to….

“for the 2nd year in a row”

which collectively speaking… for the entire CAST…. to feature…. all that

I love Ali

Still cannot believe this casting news, but glad to hear the door remainsopen for the actor’s return. Still, the character of Sami seems necessary to the Salem stories DAYS spins. Would they consider a recast at all?

No no recast, it will not work. Alison will come back, in the near future.

she’s such a pivotal character… that it seems inevitable.. that they would recast…

i’d definitely, let the re-cast know… that’s its just that… for AS to return… she deserves that

i think it’d be so interesting… to showcase… Sammi in a new direction… and the only actor… who could pull this off…. with more than enough… panache… would be, Kelly Sullivan

Now, Kelly Sullivan playing opposite the actor who plays EJ Dimera would be an incredible pairing!

Days of our Lives will be just fine without AS. There are a lot of talented people staying and coming back! I wish AS all the best!!!

i’m still in awe… of the entire cast… heck… even Jenn and Daniel… still bite… but.. i’m over dissing them so much

with two powerhouse, women… coming aboard and back…. Kassie Depaiva and Eileen Davidson… Eve and Kristen….

DOOL has , it would seem… all their bases covered…..

except for Bo… which I clearly wish… Puhlease… bring Ted King in for that role… this would be through the roof story… for Kristian Alfonso (Hope)… who has been doing amazingly well… with Daniel Cosgrove’ Aiden. Aiden is so “mesmerizing” that they play so well off of each other… not having to rely on either/or to help this new couple… foreplay… and commence onward and upward… it’s good stuff

Talk about boring-Dannifer-ugh! Tired of being “sold” Dannifer. Shawn (Daniel) deserves a more exciting woman to play opposite him.

I’ll miss Allison playing Sami on DOOL but i respect her decision to leave.I’m sure the door will be left open for her to return.Plus since Allison reportedly last tapes in May she can spend the Summer with her kids and then after that she might reconsider been on the show.As for Sami’s exit i think it’s going to be spectacular and create stories for the remaining characters.

“…My kids need me now”

Tears : I applaud Women – I cherish your commanding presence : You Rule

First and Foremost: I’ll never… never…. ever… stop thanking Alison Sweeney… for all her devotion…to Days of OUR Lives… for keeping that show… abreast and afloat.

Alison Sweeney – who turned her star with all points bulletin… stratosphered her Talent.

———–

I absolutely LOVE that picture, above: with Dr. Marlena and John Black

she is that classic beauty… very reminiscent of old Hollywood.
and John… SO handsome

I have been a huge fan of the show since 1982. Since then, DOOL has lost Deidre, Drake, Kristian Alfonso, Peter Reckell and Eileen Davidson, just to name a few. Although most have returned, the show survived their departures. I HATE to see Alison leave more as much as everyone else, but I think she is making the right decision. Family should always come first. I hope the writers realize quickly the storylines that are working with the current cast and the ones that aren’t. After AS’s departure, the show needs to have a new lead character firmly in place to make us not miss Sami so much.

Suggestions: I love Nicole and think she needs to have more family members to make her a core character (bring back Brandon). I hope Eve Donavan makes an immediate impact. I am thrilled Eileen is coming back. Some of the stories that I do not feel are working are the Rafe/Jordan pairing and Theresa showing no redeeming qualities. Jen Lilly is a powerhouse actress, but needs to show more than being so one-dimensional. I am looking forward to Liam’s impact on Salem, Hope/Aidan’s new romance, Brady/Kristen and would love to see Kate find true happiness. DOOL needs to introduce more African-American characters. I still miss Lexie. Lastly, I would love to see a more mature Chad and and Melanie come back.

If Sami is leaving, can we at least have Carrie or Belle back?

They do need to show a more mature and softer side of Theressa…and i think she’ll become more sympathetic…at least briefly after Liam uses her and makes a fool out of her in his attempt to break up Jen and Danial…Days is currently casting a black actress…but for once id like to see other minorities used more too such as Asians, American Indian ect. More diversity could bring in more viewers…time to bring Kate and Roman back together…Stephano needs to be all alone!!!

I’m glad… whew! that the writers’ are going this route… with Liam… doing the evil deads… and in the long run… makes Theresa machinations.. seem tame.. and shed more light and layers with empathy… from the characters in Salem… and , Oye! the audience….

I find Jenn Lilly… portrayal.. nothing short of epic and ranks right up their… with knocks it out of the park… each and every time…. i’ll use the word for her again…. uninhibited…. she has a natural ease about her… that is ever present.

——–

a little tidbit about JJ…. and, ahem… Paige

I don’t like this pairing so much… it seems like a step down… for JJ, the actor… to go this route… he’s been staggeringly good… from his debut…. and this kiddy, puppy love… route… and maybe they’re gearing up for spring break and summer… but.. it’s, childish… for Casey Moss.

JJ was doing so good with Bev… sterling with Theresa… and wonderful with Abs… so … this puppy lost in love… seems lame.. but… Casey Moss, nevertheless is a treat

———–

P.S… i’m still loving Theresa “and” Brady… however, this unfolds…. hopefully…. long enough… for her big sister, Eve… and Kristen…to… come hither

WOW! Brady… and… Theresa, Eve, and Kristen… isn’t that a whopper and a doozy of a good time… with the women

“…If Sami is leaving, can we at least have Carrie or Belle back?”

I couldn’t agree more….

It still smarts… that Carrie was let go…. she could be the New lady love… and, the pinnacle… and forefront… for the Brady Women…. ie: Marlena… passing the torch to Sammi… and with her exit… bring back Carrie…. she was on fire with Rafe… and this would steam up Rafe character… big time! for all the puzzle pieces Jordan has stirred so far… they need to jump start Jordan story pronto.

I still haven’t lost interest in the Jordan/Rafe pairing

Ugh. No. Please no more Carrie. The character is wretched. Impossible to watch. Exceedingly boring. Incredibly irritating. Please. No More Carrie! She’s even worse than Abigail and that’s saying alot!

Carrie? Absolutely Not! No Way! She’s an absolute change-the-channel character.

Sami and Alison will be missed. She played Sami to the hilt! I hope they pair EJ with a new love interest. Nothing against the young woman who plays Abby, but I just don’t see the chemistry.

I think you’re outnumbered.

Please fire Josh Taylor as Roman Brady, He is a horrible actor. Please bring back Wayne Northrop, HE is a better actor. I cannot believe Josh Taylor, has been on Days of our Lives since 1997, Why havent they fired him. his acting sucks, all he does is yell yell. lmao.

You do know Josh first started on the show in the late 1970s as Chris and played that role for many years even when Wayne was playing Roman…Josh did leave to join primetimes Hogan Family…i thought it odd they have him return and play Roman after many of well remembered him as Chris…Wayne might be retired and not want to return…he did return as a different character and i thought that was a stupid move!!!

I always see Josh as CK, which makes me miss Pete and Melissa. Did ML (Pete) fall off the face of the earth? Whatever happened to Michael Leon?

I think DAYS should drop Josh/Roman and bring Josh back as CK for their 50th anniversary. They should also convince WN to return as Roman!

I WILL MISS ALISON SWEENEY SO MUCH. PLEASE PLEASE BRING BACK VIVIAN ALAMAIN, DAYS MADE A HUGE MISTAKE IN FIRING LOUISE SOREL.

Love her too but they have enough villain characters on Days to the point that there are days when Days isn’t enjoyable. Shhhh . . . sometimes I skip some shows because the villains are overdone. Yeah, I know all soaps have villains. But it’s too much on days. Soaps are supposed to be a guilty pleasure – Days doesn’t always provide that pleasure!

They understand. Its a trade off, the money for a certain level ofliving but limited time with ur kids.

Sweeney hasn’ t stopped working. As soon as she said she was leaving Days, General Hospital honchos got in touch with her – she’s working for them – behind the scenes. Personally, I think that’s a slap in the face to Days and her fans. If she wanted to merely cut back on hours but was interested in working behind the scenes – why didn’t she ask them at Days? She’s also going to be making a Hallmark movie(s).

I’m not a big Ali or Sami fan. No disrespect to Ali or her fans; but, I don’t see the hype. Maybe it’s the character, but she’s too cartonnish and over-the-top. Ari (Nicole) and Eileen (Kristen), in my opinion, have lead actress material. Especially Eileen Davidson. Many layers.

I’ll miss Alison but the show will go on – they have the most talented cast in DTTV. What the DAYS actors have to go through in order to be under budget…you have to be a strong actor to survive on DAYS!

I’m STILL tickled pink to have Drake back on DAYS as John, Salem feels like home again!

Love that Drake is back too. Current story line has me nervous – hope they don’t let him go again. He’s a mainstay on Days. Days also has too many vile characters to the point that I’ll skip a day here or there – it’s just too much. I know it’s a soap but Days is overdoing the hate/revenge theme. Now they’re bringing “Kristen” back – another reason to skip even more days.

Nice talking to you!

I am sorry to see Ali go. She will always be Sami to me! But she has her priorities straight! Her kids come first. She will never be given this time with them again unless she takes it! Thank You Ali for entertaining us as Sami and my best wishes for you and your family!

I, too will miss Ali as Sami! I do understand her wanting to spend time with her kids because as you all know, “Just Blink” by Kenny Chesney says it all! They will be grown up and she will miss so much. I do hope she and Days keep the door open for her to return from time to time; when her Countess W job permits it! What makes me so sad is that she and James Scott have such an on screen chemistry and EJami has finally gotten together after almost 8 years, what will the Days writers do with that? I hope they don’t break them up! There are so many of us EJamis out in tvland that we will be so disappointed that the couple that we have waited so long to be together will be no more. I have a feeling, tho, that Ali will be back after she’s had her summer being home with her children. They could recast her with the stipulation that the role would be temporary until Ali decides to come back.

love dool

will miss SAMMI

I think Sweeney’s a fraud. She said she was leaving Days to spend time with her kids. Then what do I read? She took a behind-the-scenes job with General Hospital. She’s also doing a movie(s) for Hallmark. Why didn’t she just say she wanted to do something different? It’s really a slap in the face to Days and to her fans. If she wanted a behind-the-scenes job, why didn’t she ask the folks at Days of Our Lives? Am very disappointed in her.

Can you say “and the daytime Emmy goes to Allison Sweeney”

Breaking News

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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