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 Preview: Kristen Locates an Alive Sophia, How Much Does Rita Know About the Birth of Dominic Marino?
Next week, expected surprises and schemes on Days of our Lives. In official spoilers for episodes streaming on Peacock from October 5-9, it looks like Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) has hunted down a very much alive Sophia Choi (Rachel Boyd), while Marlena (Deidre Hall) admits a deeply concerning confession to her daughter Belle (Martha Madison), and more.
As previously reported, Tajh Bellow (ex-TJ Ashford, General Hospital) is stepping in for one day for Tyler Joseph Andrews in the role of Theo Carver and will share scenes with Gabi (Cherie Jimenez), where Theo finally agrees to go along with Gabi’s plan, after she offered him a job.
Meanwhile, Gabi may have her hands full with Philip (John-Paul Lavoisier) whose big win in Monte Carlo may have sparked his gambling addiction … all over again, but Philip reveals her has a plan.
Photo: Corday Productions
Sydney (Sydney Malekeh) is in for a shock when Dante (Franco LoPresti) arrives in Salem. Why is he in Salem? Is he part of the unraveling of the Dominic Marino mystery, since we know he seemed like he was talking to the man in Monte Carlo?
Will Marlena ever figure out what Rita (Maggie Carney) is hiding about the mystery of Dominic, and if Marlena is truly his birth mother or did something more suspicious go on and how deeply involved is Rita in this whole story?
EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) finally demands answers of his own from Rita after overhearing on today’s Cliffhanger Friday her conversation with Marlena. Will Rita cop to anything?
Then as noted, while everyone thinks Sophia took her own life, after Kristen “murdered” her, Kristen is infuriated to find she is somehow alive working as waitress in a diner in Kentucky. Will Kristen try to kill Sophia yet again?
Take a look at some of the additional spoilers for next week’s action on DAYS below.
Monday, October 5
Joy worries about her future.
Alex surprises Stephanie.
Chanel supports Johnny through a difficult decision.
Tuesday, October 6
Rachel gives Brady cause for concern.
Roman surprises Kate.
Wednesday, October 7
Leo’s good day takes an unexpected turn.
Brady is forced to make a difficult call.
Thursday, October 8
Paulina refuses to give up on Lani.
Chanel asks Johnny for a promise.
Friday, October 9
Stephanie and Alex steal a private moment.
Steve gets troubling news from Johnny.
So, what do you think will happen when Kristen finds that the woman she thought she murdered and framed (making it looking like a suicide) is alive and well and working in a diner far away from Salem? Was Rita more involved with Stefano DiMera than we even know? Who is the birth mother of Dominic? Is it really Marlena or did someone else carrying her child? And what of Dante? Why is he back in Salem? To get at Philip, or something else? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
After an earlier post on Thursday, October 1 about General Hospital alumni Tajh Bellow’s (ex-TJ Ashford) upcoming project from Issa Rae’s HOOPAE Digital, comes word that Bellow is temporarily stepping into the role of Days of our Lives Theo Carver to fill in for Tyler Joseph Andrews on the Peacock streaming soap opera.
According to TV Insider, Bellow will be making a one-day appearance next week on the October 6 episode of DAYS as Andrews was unable to make the tape date that was shot 10 months ago on a day last December. Andrews (pictured below) took over the role of Theo in September of 2025.
In Bellow’s upcoming episode as Theo, he will share scenes with Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez). A DAYS spokesperson tells the outlet that Bellow “stepped seamlessly into the role, and the cast and crew were grateful for his professionalism and commitment, albeit for only one episode.”
Photo: JPI
TAJH WILL BE SEEN IN MULTIPLE PROJECTS IN OCTOBER
As General Hospital fans know, Tajh played the role of TJ Ashford from 2018 to his last appearance in December of 2024. Along the way, he received two Daytime Emmy nominations for his performances as TJ, the last being in 2025 in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.
In addition, bellow along with Y&R alum Loren Lott will be seen starting on October 14 in the new Love Island spoof series, The Compatibility Experiment. The show will drop exclusively on TikTok and the PineDrama platform.
The Compatibility Experiment gives a satirical look at reality dating shows, think Love Island! The story centers around Kelvin (Bellow) and Camila (Lott), whose relationship is put to the test when they join a reality show to try to win a the million dollar prize.
So, what do you think of Tajh stepping in for Tyler Joseph Andrews as Theo on DAYS? Perhaps, the soap opera liked his work that he might be considered for another role in the future bringing Bellow back to the soaps? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
Four cast members are officially on contract at Days of our Lives, according to the soap opera’s closing credits on Peacock and longtime Days expert and historian Jason 47.
Lauren Koslow (Kate), Sydney Malakeh (Sydney), Sal Stowers (Lani) and Jacob Martinez (Javi) are the names that appear in the closing credits in the contracted cast members section. Days of our Lives fans also note that the series tapes ten months in advance of streaming episodes.
As Days of our Lives fans know, Lauren Koslow has played Kate Roberts since 1996, and recently filled-in for Jess Walton in the role of Jill Abbott on The Young and the Restless when Walton was unable to travel from Oregon to Los Angeles during the specific tape dates. But now, Koslow has been re-upped to contract status as of the September 8 episode.
Photo: JPI
SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED
Sydney Malakeh is the newest member of the contract players when she debuted on contract status on the September 10th episode. Days fans first met Sami (Alison Sweeney) and EJ’s (Dan Feuerriegel) daughter in scenes in Monte Carlo around a gambling table.
As for Sal Stowers, the actress had been on contract from 2015-2022, then on recurring status with the soap, and would make appearances and limited runs since 2023. Soap fans first saw Sal as Cassandra Foster on Prospect Park’s revival of All My Children in 2013. Sal’s first new contracted episode was noted to be September 16.
Jacob Martinez, debuted on June 30 of this year as the successor to Al Calderon in the role of Javi Hernandez, and has now been bumped up to series regular as of the September 10 episode.
Photo: JPI
CREDITS
According to the referenced posting from Days of our Lives expert and historian Jason 47, he shared, “It took me four weeks to realize, but the same week that Sydney Malakeh (Sydney) debuted (9/7-9/11), “Days” also put Lauren Koslow (Kate), Jacob Richard Martinez (Javi) and Sal Stowers (Lani) on contract.”
Jason47 added, “This confirms the “errors” of Lani being listed in the credits the week of 9/7 but not appearing, and Kate and Javi appearing in the credits the week of 9/14 but not appearing. It also now makes sense why Javi and Sydney are being listed before Rafe and Philip in the credits.”
He also shared, “For the record, Lauren Koslow’s first date back on contract was 9/8, Jacob Richard Martinez was upped to contract on 9/10, Sydney Malakeh debuted on contract 9/10 and Sal Stowers’ first date back on contract was 9/16. The records will be fixed on the website in the coming days.”
So, glad to hear Lauren, Sydney, Sal and Jacob appear to be on contract with Days of our Lives (as of these episode airings)? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Kristen Locates an Alive Sophia, How Much Does Rita Know About the Birth of Dominic Marino?
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
REPORT: ‘Days of our Lives’ Puts Four Actors On Contract
‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
Alley Mills Returns to ‘General Hospital’ as Heather Webber
Judith Light Joins Cast of ‘Shrinking’ Season 4 in Recurring Role
‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
GH Alum Tajh Bellow and Y&R Alum Loren Lott Star in New Tiktok and Microdrama ‘Love Island’ Spoof
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ava and Drew Revealed to be Behind Framing Sonny for Sidwell’s Prison Beatdown
DANCING WITH THE STARS: Britt Stewart Visibly Upset After Shocking Elimination with Taylor Hanson
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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
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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”