Days Of Our Lives
Deidre Hall and Drake Hogestyn On Alison Sweeney's Decision To Depart DAYS!

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!
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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Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of Our Lives’ Conner Floyd on Chad’s Quest For Abigail’s Resurrection; But Who Should Be Cast as NuAbby?
Former Y&R favorite, Conner Floyd made his debut as the recast Chad DiMera on Days of our Lives last week on the April 21 episode of the Peacock streaming soap opera
Floyd replaced Billy Flynn in the role who is firmly cemented in his old stomping grounds of Genoa City and The Young and the Restless as Chad DiMera. For the last year or two of Chad’s story, he believed his wife, Abigail Devereaux DiMera could be alive, he even thought Cat Greene (AnnaLynne McCord) was Abigail until the story turned.
Now with Floyd taking over the role and Lexie coming back to life after years of being dead, and Chad noting how Dr. Rolf (Richard Wharton) and his brother, EJ (Dan Feuerriegel), could resurrect somehow they all love, he thinks, how about Abigail? The part of Abigail was played by Kate Mansi and then Marci Miller.

Photo: JPI
Speaking with Stephanie Sloane for her new Daytime Dish Newsletter on the matter, Conner shared, “Any kind of idea that she could possibly be coming back, as farfetched as that may seem, he’s stuck on it. The idea gets in his head, and he’s locked in on it.”
CHAD WRESTLES WITH THE FATE OF ABIGAIL
Floyd added that Chad, “He’s asking Theo (Joseph Tyler Andrews) about it. He’s asking EJ about it. It’s one of those things where he loves her so much that the peace in his mind that he’s made with this kind of comes unbroken. So the fact that that she might be able to come back, he’s so bent on it, he thinks it’s going to happen and he kind of spirals away.”
A NEW ABIGAIL ON THE HORIZON?

Photo: ABC
That begs the question, with Days of Our Lives taping ten months in advance, which is already taking them into the beginning of 2027, is it possible that the soap has already recast Abigail and its being kept top secret?
Recently, it was revealed that former General Hospital favorite, Sofia Mattsson (ex-Sasha) has joined Days of our Lives. Back on March 30 it was reported that Mattsson is now taping all-new episodes that will be seen in 2027, but her role was being hush-hush! Could she the new Abby?
If not, the question is, since it seems that Kate Mansi is not coming back as she is firmly entrenched in her role as Kristina Corinthos-Davis on General Hospital and other outside projects, and Marci Miller has also been away from soaps for awhile working on other TV and film roles and indie motion pictures, who should play nuAbby?
Now below, let us know, who do you think would make the perfect leading lady opposite Conner Floyd as a recast Abigail Deveraux DiMera? Be our armchair quarterback casting director and drop your pick in the comment section.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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”