Days Of Our Lives
Huffington Post on DAYS WilSon: "The Presence, Power & Charm Of The Couple Cannot Be Denied!"
Courtesy/NBC
Who says WilSon are not one of soaps power couple these days? For those naysayers, look no further than a fantastic piece today in the Huffington Post from blogger Andrew Benkovic, who is not your avid soap viewer!
In fact, he relates that he never watched DAYS in his life, or more than a minute or two of a soap opera here and there in his life! So how does he know about WilSon played by Chandler Massey (Will) and Freddie Smith (Sonny)? See below!
Huff Post: “However, one day in-between watching random videos, I stumbled upon a clip of Will and Sonny on YouTube. I clicked on it. I didn’t care that they were a gay couple (at the time they were “friends” and weren’t the “Wilson” power couple. Will was going through a few issues). After the clip ended, I wanted to go back and watch the previous clips. Cue the loyal fans who had each clip in order from the very beginning. At the time they were primarily of Will, since Sonny was considered a recurring character and didn’t appear that much.
Watching the clips only took a few hours to go through since the storyline was newer. Since Days will soon be entering into its 48th season (it premiered in November), It would be nearly impossible to catch-up on everything, especially the older storylines. The younger storylines, like Will and Sonny’s help to draw in new and younger viewers. While I find myself confused at times with references and actions of some of the characters (or the fact that there is a random couch in the middle of a square and they drink an excessive amount of coffee), it is this storyline that keeps me grounded and watching.”
Later in the article Benkovic, closes with the following paragraph: “Whether or not the sand runs out on Will and Sonny is up to the writers and others involved. There is word (though not officially confirmed by the actor) that Massey doesn’t plan on returning to Salem after his contract runs out this December. Still, fans can currently enjoy the ups-and-downs of one of (if not the biggest) daytime television power couple. Even if you are not a fan of Days of our Lives or soaps in general, the presence, power, and charm of the couple cannot be denied.”
So soap fans, do you think WilSon are one of soaps power couples these days? Do you think the characters are well-written? Do you love the on-screen chemistry between Chandler and Freddie? What do you think DAYS should do with the couple, if as had been noted, Chandler leaves the series in December? Weigh-in!
The one thing I hope they do NOT do….as I read somewhere a rumor that Camila Banus may also be leaving….is have Will & Gabi exit as a couple with the baby. It would be a huge slap in the face to the Will & Sonny fans as well as to the gay community.
I would rather see Will exit in one of the tried & true soap machinations, a coma or just disappear at the hands of Stefano. This leaves the door open if Chandler should ever want to return or a recast in the future (though Ken Corday has said the role would not be).
Since Days has done such a great job of writing for a gay couple it would be a shame if they also wrote off Sonny. I would rather see him move on after a period of time with someone new (hopefully, in a longer time period then they have had Jennifer jump into Daniel’s arms again).
WilSon? who comes up with these stupid names?!
I AM glad to see that this awesome couple is getting such great recognition. Both actors are awesome and they’re a huge reason why I continue to watch this show.
There were limited choices with this pair…Winny, Sill. I would have gone with Soil.
I would just choose Will & Sonny.
makes me think of that singing group Wilson Phillips…
haha! I hate when magazines and media put two people together in a name. It’s so lame!
Oh, I despise those horrible nicknames people come up with. SOD just had an entire crossword puzzle filled with them. Needless to say, I did a lousy job filling them in..haha.
Amen to that!
Great characters and great actors. I hope they can find a way to keep Chandler.
Oh man, me TOO!!! He’s my favorite on Days!!! Give that kid the world and keep him 🙂
I will be glad when the gay stuff is over and we can get back to normal romance and such.
I’m sorry, but Wilson is a normal couple. More so than any other couple on Days actually.
Troll.
i love the gay storyline on days. j the gay stuff is normal if you dont like it. dont watch days. days made the right decision. in will coming out. days ratings are up.
‘normal’ romance. “?”.
two men kissing…. two men in Love… two men sexual…. two men with the same ideals… two men with the same challenges…. two men doing…. what you know is channeling our own piece of the pie.
Wow! Yikes! Yahoo! shout from the roof tops…
I love my life. on DAYS.
If they write out Sonny when Will leaves that means only a small step was achieved in soaps regarding the gay community. Having the ” gay couple” shouldn’t be the story line, the story line is the romance between two characters who happen to be gay. If Sonny stays and has to to through a broken heart, his mother’s I told you so and then finds love again, I will be relieved. It would mean they are treating Sonny like any straight couple on the show that suffers a similar fate when one half of the couple leaves– then we will know Days has integrated the gay community into the fabric of humanity. If Sonny leaves with Will and there is no longer any characters who are also homosexual then Days has only use homosexuality as a plot point, which is only appearing progressive–which is better than nothing, but not the step forward some were hoping for.
I totally agree. Freddie should be given the chance to shine once CM leaves.
ditto… @both… with.
I hope they don’t squander Freddie Smith’ acting talent.
I’m in a quandry about what is to become.
I agree with you MarySF… that they continue on with Freddie Smith. I posted, perhaps this will enliven Sonny & Brian? course i’d love it if T would come back full time as well.
I’m more championing that DAYS has the cast to cull from… and not look at this as such a big void…. AND IT WILL BE. especially, when you look at it from the standpoint… ie: Marlena – Sammi – Will – Arianna grace… all the history that belong in Salem.
I was remiss in my boistrous “claim” that I can let go of Will… ie: because of the supreme court rulings with Prop. 8 and DOMA… NBC/Sony/Days… deserve all the accolades… in bringing to ALL of us… hey… that’s a headline… major coupe… “one of (if not the biggest) daytime television power couple…”
I will echo how good this has all turned out.
I love this couple.
How awesome that this is on the Huffington Post site? Wilson are bringing wonderful attention to the show as well as accolades from fans and critics alike. They are just another bright spot in a really well written and produced show right now, and I hope the writer gets to experience how fantastic the whole show is. Keep this great stuff coming!! Write it, and they will come!!
right now… i’m looking at it… that Will is working till december… 6 more months… and knowing that DAYS films 4 months in advance… that we’ll have Will on air for close to 10 months to a year left…
so… KUDOS DAYS… GIVE US more GAY story….
an in love couple.
Great to see this great couple getting some outside soap world media attention!
lol…hey, i mentioned that couch in the square first. And for being outdoors, its in better shape than the one in my living room.
if chandler leaves days of our lives. they should recast him with drew garret ex michael corinthos gh. he would make a great will horton.
Inspired choice! Chandler will be tough to replace, but Drew was really strong in his role. While I’m on the fence about a recast (just because I’m still in denial that Chandler would leave 🙁 !!!) I think that could definitely work.
according to the Corday interview… he is saying… right now… currently… that they will not re-cast Will.
for Freddie Smith sake….unless they bring back Brian…..
A gaping hole in the history of family drama will be unfilled. Such a beloved character…regardless of whether he is gay or not… is voided… out… so? I can see how they should recast…
capturing the magic… DANG! how blessed I am that this soap scored a coupe and ratings gold…. to contribute solid story for the whole production.
I have not watched much of Will and Sonny. I only hope that the HW and EP of DOOL are not stupid like CG and JP of ATWT; and write an ending for Will and Sonny like the horrendous endings of Luke and Reid, and Luke and Noah.
As a fan of the late ATWT, I can promise you Wilson are going infinitely better than either of Luke’s romantic partners. Both had tension and build up, with very little work within the relationships themselves. Wilson are in a full fledged relationship, with story, airtime and a portrayal like any other romantic relationship on the show. Try it, and see what you think. Watch clips from 2012 and move forward to present day. You might like what you see :).
My gut has been telling to watch Wilson for a long time but my heart and mind are holding me back. I invested my time faithfully with NUKE and LURE SLs on ATWT like many viewers; only to be slapped in the face with atrocious endings for both. At that time I decided not to watch any more gay SLs because they always end on sad notes. I have not seen a single North American show were gay and lesbian SLs are given equal footage and treatment. Even QAF mucked up the BRITIN ending; however, it was much better than the NUKE and LURE endings. But if DOOL is giving WILSON equal treatment, then that’s wonderful.
I can’t promise Wilson will end “well”, but I can say with pretty much certainty that Chandler Massey’s Will will not be killed off when the actor vacates the role in December (which we won’t see on air until March/April 2014). I don’t know if knowing this information now, if you didn’t already, will make you any more inclined to watch the show or follow the couple or help you decide once and for all that you won’t invest. But I can also (almost) promise that if you watch what they have done with and for this couple, and the character of Will in general (for Will himself probably since the fall of 2011 actually since that’s when problems with his girlfriend Gabi first arose and the wheels started turning in another direction), you won’t be disappointed. I can only hope for all us fans that they continue to take us on this beautiful journey they’ve had us on and that however it ends, they keep the couple’s history in mind and do their goodbye justice.
I understand where you’re coming from though. I don’t usually get attached to too many couples on any show, but your explanation is exactly why I seldom if ever watch primetime dramas anymore because they get cancelled so easily and then you’re left with a crappy ending the show was never meant to have. I can relate to your sentiments in that sense.
On a side note though, if you haven’t already try Six Feet Under. One of the main characters is gay and has a relationship with another man in particular that’s his “it” guy we root for. I mean, their story goes to pretty….uh….interesting places but no more whacked than the other couples/relationships on the show. I never watched QAF but I think I can say this may be what you’re looking for…?
Chandler and Freddie are excellent actors. I am happy for Chandler receiving two Emmys for his work on the show. But I am not a fan of the gay storyline. I never wanted any character on the show to be gay, especially Will Horton.
I don’t enjoy the gay love scenes. I either look away from the tv screen or close my eyes so I don’t see it. It is pretty annoying to have to do that.
I introduced my Mom to Days. She has never watched any soap before. Days is growing on her, but the other day there was a Wilson love scene and Mom said, “This has got to go!”
Chandler will be missed when he leaves Days in December. But his departure may be a gift for those of us who are not fans of gay love scenes. I don’t want Chandler to go. But if it means I don’t have to put up with that gay crap…at least for a while (I am sure NBC will want it back in again), HALLELUJAH!
SEX.
Intimacy.
pull off your blinders.
embrace LOVE.
—————–
I celebrate, stand with, and voice… Homosexuality… which, is normal…. and more than ‘gay crap’.
open your eyes and know you see the same things that we are all created like.
I said “crap”. I meant “crap”. And I will NOT take it back!
Your words are unkind, thoughtless and offensive – you could at least say “that particular storyline doesn’t interest me” and not refer to it as “gay crap” – after all, EVERY storyline isn’t going to appeal to EVERY viewer ~ if you don’t care for it, don’t watch it.
Chandler first of all certainly earned his two Emmys. He is just fantastic and I love his heart. Freddie is good too but needs more exposure to acting to sell some of the scenes which is hard when you are working with Chandler. I wish Will wasn’t leaving but I hope Sonny gets a good storyline with a new acquaintance. Good luck to both of you.
huffington post seems to only report on day soaps if it’s abt gay issues like w/ missy reeves’ opinion on chik fil a. Stupid huffington post has no credibility. It has sections called lgbt voices and African american voices and Latino american voices. But of course it has no section called Asian american voices yet lgbt population is much smaller than Asian american population. Typical bec media never prioritizes Asian american issues. huffington post reports on a fictional days couple but won’t write any article on the blatant racism directed at chris noth bec his wife’s part African american and part Asian american. Yet chris noth is more well known than days actors bec noth was on night soap opera satc. huffington post writes abt a gay couple yet won’t write abt the complete lack of Asian american chars on every day soap opera!
There have been, through the years, a representation of Asian Americans on various soaps, but certainly not in abundance. I can understand your comments and perhaps, as more shows migrate to an On-line presentation, more characters will be introduced featuring varying backgrounds of ethnicity. Soaps have an uncanny way of showing us primarily thin, attractive people – it is rare that a soap character seems to have a weight problem or is hopelessly considered unattractive. So, I don’t think we should really expect the soaps to honestly reflect actual every day life, but I do think that they could expand on showing cultural differences and offer a broader range of ethnic groups.
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’ 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
‘General Hospital’s’ Braedyn Bruner Reveals Her Daytime Emmy-Nominated Scenes and How Emma is Getting Her ‘Edge’ Back
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’ Icon Genie Francis to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards
-
News1 week agoVivica A. Fox Exits ‘The Young and the Restless’ For Now to Film Netflix’s ‘Women Like Us’
-
News2 days agoJess Walton Memoir ‘The Young and the Rest of Us’ Set for Release in 2027
-
General Hospital7 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’
-
News5 days ago‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ Drops First Look 40th Anniversary Opening Title Sequence
-
Interviews6 days ago‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Kelly Sullivan Talks Becoming Darcy Dylan, Who’s Melissa’s Dad, and Future Love Interest (Exclusive)
