Days Of Our Lives
EW.com learns "DAYS may have Gay storyline in the works!"
Could it finally be that one of the last soaps you would ever think would incorporate a gay storyline into their story canvas, may be ready to do so? Well according to EW.com tonight it just may be so for NBC’s longest running scripted television program, Days of our Lives. EW reveals, “We have learned exclusively that a gay storyline may be in the works! From what we gather, it may involve a current cast member hooking up with someone new. ”
EW also states a Days of our Lives spokeswoman declined to comment on the situation. But let’s look at this for a second. Many fans have been lobbying for a same-sex relationship between the characters of Will (Chandler Massey) and Chad (Casey Deidrick), but also there is speculation that a gay storyline could involve the newest addition to the Hernandez family, Dario (Francisco San Martin). Or, could it be none of the gents above?
If DAYS was to launch a gay love story, what existing character on the canvas would you like to see involved in this story? Tell us here.
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.
View this post on Instagram
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.
Kelly Sullivan Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’s’ Maura West Recalling When Ava Shot Connie (Exclusive)
Steve Burton Reportedly Signs Three-Year Contract with ‘General Hospital’
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Steffy Tells Carter She’s Pregnant, But He Has a Way ‘Out of This Situation For All of Us’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason and Britt Reach an Impasse; Is This the End of Their Relationship?
Jess Walton Memoir ‘The Young and the Rest of Us’ Set for Release in 2027
‘General Hospital’ to Rebroadcast Special Episode in Tribute to Anthony Geary
‘General Hospital’s’ Tabyana Ali Song ‘Pray’ Now Available on Major Streaming Platforms with Music Video Forthcoming
‘General Hospital’ Icon Genie Francis to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards
Vivica A. Fox Exits ‘The Young and the Restless’ For Now to Film Netflix’s ‘Women Like Us’
Jess Walton Memoir ‘The Young and the Rest of Us’ Set for Release in 2027
Kelly Sullivan Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’s’ Maura West Recalling When Ava Shot Connie (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Steffy Tells Carter She’s Pregnant, But He Has a Way ‘Out of This Situation For All of Us’
‘Beyond the Gates’ vs. ‘The Young and the Restless’ in a Soap Opera Showdown on ‘Flip Side’ Season 3 Premiere
‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Heather Tom Talks Daytime Emmy-Nominated Scenes and What’s Behind Katie’s Deep-Seated Issues with Dylan (Exclusive)
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Did Brook Lynn Deserve Chase Walking Out on Her?
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ to Rebroadcast Special Episode in Tribute to Anthony Geary
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’s’ Tabyana Ali Song ‘Pray’ Now Available on Major Streaming Platforms with Music Video Forthcoming
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ Icon Genie Francis to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards
-
News7 days agoVivica A. Fox Exits ‘The Young and the Restless’ For Now to Film Netflix’s ‘Women Like Us’
-
News1 day agoJess Walton Memoir ‘The Young and the Rest of Us’ Set for Release in 2027
-
General Hospital6 days ago‘General Hospital’s’ Braedyn Bruner Reveals Her Daytime Emmy-Nominated Scenes and How Emma is Getting Her ‘Edge’ Back
-
General Hospital5 days ago‘General Hospital’s’ Bluesy Burke Marks 1 Year as Charlotte Cassadine: ‘It’s The Best Gift I’ve Ever Received’
-
News4 days ago‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ Drops First Look 40th Anniversary Opening Title Sequence
Please Days, let it be Chad and Will! Fans have been wanting those two for so long, not to mention the fact that Casey and Chandler have proven to be adequate in the chemistry department. Not some new guy Days, CHAD AND WILL. I don’t want summer hotness, I want summer CHILL!
I would love for the first gay s/l to be with Chad and Will. Those two guys have so much chemistry together. They are on the same level as EJami to me and that’s saying a lot! Every time they’re in a scene together they light each other up and I don’t even see anyone else in the scene. Another DiMera/Brady “forbidden love” is gold and this time tptb could do the story that EJami were meant for right from the beginning. I hope tptb don’t waste this opportunity. It’s the second time a story like this with actors who have electric chemistry has fallen into their laps.
CHILL FTW!!!!
I agree with maej26 I see the sparks btw CHILL in your montage& I love it. tptb always screw everything up I just wish they fix all the s/l. Ejami always
I hope it’s Chad and Will as well. The actors and characters have such great chemistry!
no no no ,,, not Will Horton…
let it be Carley and Chloe, better yet dont do a gay story at all,no thank you,,,,
homophob
I agree. Please just let it be.
No gay story at all 🙁
No gay storyline. It will ruini t for me.
The actor playing Dario is a non-starter, can’t see him having chemistry with anyone. Hope they don’t use Will & Chad. While these actors work very well together I can only see this storyline tanking and destroying the charcters future with the show.
I sincerely hope that there will NOT be a gay storyline on DOOL or any other American soap. I say this definitely not out of homophobia but beacuse it is a well known fact that gay characters are never ever given a happy ending on any American soap or show. QAF separated Brian and Justin in the end. ATWT killed of Reid, left Luke to a life of pain, suffering, and misery; and reduced Noah to a no show, while giving every straight charcater and couple a happy ending. OLTL made Kyle and Oliver disappear unceremonoiusly. In the end die hard and loyal fans and viewers are shown no respect or consideration by the TPTB of these shows; the fans are left devastated. I was completely shattered by the horrendous LURE ending that was written by JP and her sadistic team, and auhtorized to air by CG of ATWT. It was like fattening a calf before leading it to its merciless slaughter. I am sure millions of soap viewers and fans feel that homophobia is very much prevalent amongst the writers, producers, and TPTB of American shows and soaps. So, it is better not to have something or someone, rather have it, and then snatched away ruthlessly. After the horrible ending of the beautiful LURE story on ATWT, I have vowed never to watch any American soap. But, if DOOL has the guts to show a nice gay storyline culminating in a happy ending, good luck to the viewers and fans of DOOL.
I agree with most of what you said.The last straw for me was the way they ended ATWT and destroyed Luke and Reid.That was truly my favorite story of all time .I loved the characters of Luke and Reid and adored Van Hansis and Eric Sheffer Stevens.If they were cruelly destroyed,Reid being killed and Luke grieving for the love of his life, i don’t have much hope for any gay storylines.Because to me this was the best of the best.Some people want to be like an Ostrich and bury their head in the sand! So sad !!!!
The Olivia and Natalia story line ended happily on GL. Except for having to accomodate Jessica Leccia’s maternity leave, the storyline was very well put together and very moving. They wound up together with a supportive blended family and supportive community. However, I think the biggest problem with having gay/lesbian story lines on American soaps is that they’re not allowed to show much affection. They get just a couple of kisses and a ton of longing looks, hand holding and hugs. Meanwhile the straight couples are humping like rabbits in scenes that are one bed sheet away from soft core porn. If they’re gonna try a gay/lesbian storyline, then have the courage to get out of medieval courtly love simpering and don’t fall into the Well of Lonliness. It’s 2011!
Days already has a same sex pairing with sexual chemistry in Chad and Will. Those two would be the best choice for a romance as the foundation has already been set. They are frenemies who sparkle in scenes together.
The fact that a Chill pairing would instigate another Horton/Dimera drama would be icing on the cake. There is a lot of story that could be had from this pairing. Much more story than pairing them up with anyone else currently on the canvas.
At this point Days is creatively dead. A Chill pairing would get them press and possibly reinvigorate the show.
I feel like a same-sex coupling on DAYS could be a real head-turner.
I feel like what went wrong with ATWT’s Luke is that they wrote themselves into a big storm of publicity and then wrote themselves into a corner to which they couldn’t back out of. And OLTL had the perfect opportunity to succeed but didn’t roll with it as they probably felt they didn’t wish to ruin KISH.
As for Y&R, they let me down. I felt like out of all the soap operas, they could’ve handled it well but just insulted it. Phillip is a gay male yet has no partner, and that Adam/Rafe storyline was just plain insulting.
AMC has ruined Bianca and her pairing with Reese, though they are making it in true soap opera fashion so I have to give them thumbs up for not treating it as a “special” situation, they’re making it a true soap romance type of thing.
DAYS has the power to make a completly successful, long lasting soap romance between Will and Chad, and maybe even Dario. I hope they go with it.
And PS: DAYS needs to move to like 2PM EST so I can DVR it in HD. I’m tired of watching soapnet for it, and soon won’t even have that. :-/
Carday says NO gay sl at all for Days LOL but we know how he lies,,,,,
no one said it was going to be two men,I heard two gals @@
Please DOOL don’t do it.
Would LOVE to see Carly and Chloe in a good storyline….
Carly & Jennifer. Second choice would be Chad & Will.
Rafe2 & Daniel!
Daniel & Bo!!!
BRADY BLACK and PHILLIP KIRIAKAS- please, please, please. (Alas, it would be short lived since Jay is leaving the show. But, after falling into a lustfilled night in Brady’s arms, and a subsequnt short lived romance, Phillip could leave town in a panic, leaving BRADY BLACK to find romance with EJ!!)
Rafe 1 and EJ!
Of course, Will (but I wish he could be played by the previous actor who played the role) and Chad. All kidding aside, this could be a wonderful story oppotunity- OF COURSE, Stefano, and probably EJ would be homophobic, and cause lots of pain and consternation for the new homo DiMera. The tension could split the guys up, and of course in true soap opera fashion, during a night of drunken heartbreak- Chad could end up with Darius- and begin soap’s first GAY Triangle love story.
Other possibilites- Stefano & Victor! BRADY BLACK and any other hot guy that’s ever been in Salem- past, present, and future! Abe & Stefano! Gus & Lucas (back from Europe)! Did I mention BRADY BLACK & EJ? BRADY BLACK & Rafe 1 & Rafe 2- another Salem Gay Traingle!- And the most scandalas possibity- certain to cause dissention and protests from clone advocates worldwide- RAFE 1 and RAFE 2!!!!! OMG- think of the possiblities! Could give new meaning to the phrase ‘go #!##!.yourself!”
Seriously- I LOVE Days- inspite of the fact that it’s producers (Corday, etc) are notoriously homophobic, and have been for decades. I will never forget- years ago, I was a very young boy, watching Days with my mom, when Julie (now known as Hope’s sister , Doug’s wife) had a female “friend”. I remember I watched with silent intrigue as this “female friend” made clear overtures towards a married Julie Williams. For a few episodes, Julie seemed to take this flirtation in stride, and young as I was, I remember being in awe and very intrigued. Of course, I couldn’t identify why I felt so mesmerized by this storyline- but I was less than ten years old, and very, very interested in the turnout of this plot line. Unbeknowest to my young self, the network and/or the Corday production team got cold feet midstream. I will never, ever forget how I my young, unvoiced gay self felt when I tuned in the following week, to find Julie’s “lesbian” friend turned into a psycotic, unstable mess who spent an episode STALKING a quickly appalled and unsympathetic Julie Williams. It was so long ago, and I may have gotten some details incorrect. However, i will never forget the implicit message that Corday and company offered my young, impressionale, very gay self- that being gay and expressing your true feelings was wrong, undesireable, and even criminal. (If memory serves correctly, Julie’s paramour was carted off, albeit hysterically, by Salem’s police force.) I wonder if the producers during that time ever reallized the harm and pain they contributed by perpetuating such a negative image of gay people. Of course, I understand that times have changed since the 1970’s- and perhaps Days was daring to even attempt such a controversial storyline. (Not long after the Julie/lesbian storyline, they had the first interracial storyline, with Scott Banning ( I think his name was Scot) and Val). However, at least they lasted 3 years before NBC caved in to the objections of ignorant, update, and prejudiced viewers, and abruptly wrote the couple off. So, now Days and Corday- it’s time to make ammeds to your gay fans- give us Will and Chad! or Chad and Darius! Or (please, please, please) BRADY BLACK and ANY/EVERY man in Salem!
Unfotunately Michael, times haven’t changed and homphobia is very much prevalent in society and even more so on American soaps and shows. Did you see how QAF, ATWT, and OLTL treated the gay characters. I have never seen a happy ending for a gay character. And, this trend will most likely continue.
NOOOOO gay storyline needed. REALLY. Enhance tradition and develop a strong consistent family, marital and single heterosexual relationships. Remember the Soaps are fantasy with a touch of reality.
I am a believer in tradition and traditional families, but having said that this is not the world we live in today.Love comes in all kinds of packages .I think it would be a mistake for people to pretend that gay love does not exist.Any relationship that has respect and love for one another has to be acknowleged! The families of today are not the traditional families of years ago.And what is a family anymore?There are so many divorces, babies without Fathers supporting them,neglect, abuse, etc.A loving , committed, monagamous,relationship makes a REALfamily.That’s just the way it is.And no , I’m not gay.I’m straight, married, with three children,, none who are gay!
none thank you… being a heterosexual older women, just would not add to my enjoyment of the show…sorry that is how it is..
Being a gay older woman, the straight storylines do not add to my enjoyment of the show…sorry, that’s how it is !
So why do you watch in the first place? The intellectually stimulating storylines? What is really needed is more soap operas for gays and lesbians on network TV not through web subscriptions. That way you can tune in to something that turns you on and not be turned off by the straight people leaping into bed. Now if we are talking prime time shows that have nothing to do with leaping in bed, well bring on all the gay characters you want. I’m perfectly fine with homosexuality. I have relatives and friends who are gay, I just don’t want to watch them have sex and I should think they feel the same about heterosexuals, unless . . . they are bi : )
I hope Days does NOT do a gay storyline.
Please DO NOT ADD a homosexual relationship…Will and Chad??? THIS IS CRAZY!!! DON’T RUIN THEIR CHARACTERS LIKE THAT!
for thoes who have been faithful to DAYS SINCE DAY ONE WHY HAVE A AWFUL STORY LINE ABOUT GAYS WHY END WILL’ S STORY LINES WITH GABBYOR SOME OTHER SEXY LADY. STOP BEFORE YOU LOSE LOTS OF FANS . ITS JUST DUMB TO DO . GET NEW WRITERS GO BACK TO OLD DAYS WHEN DAYS WAS GREAT. DOUG AND JULIE WERE SUPER COUPLES AND NOW ALL YOU DO NIS HAVE THEM RING THEIR HANDS .GET WRITER WITH A BRAIN AND WRITE GOOD STORY LINES AND NONATE THEN FOR THE EMMYS THEY SHOULD RECIEVE .AGAIN DO DO THE GAY STORY LINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DONT DO THE GAY STORY LINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WTF is up with a gay storyline? ughhh…