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Huffington Post on DAYS WilSon: "The Presence, Power & Charm Of The Couple Cannot Be Denied!"

By Michael Fairman

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Courtesy/NBC

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!

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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.

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53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced

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Daytime Emmy Presenters

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.

The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.

Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).

Genie Francis

Photo: NATAS

In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year,  A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.

The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).

The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”

Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.

So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.

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Days Of Our Lives

‘Days of our Lives’ Reveals Kyle Pryor Cast as Dominic Marino

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Kyle Pryor

For months now, Days of our Lives has teased the character of Dominic Marino. In recent weeks, viewers learned that Marino is on the down low working with Sami Brady’s (Alison Sweeney) apparent fiancé ‘Dante Vitali (Franco LoPresti), and that he is the never-before-heard-of child of Stefano DiMera (the late Joseph Mascolo) and Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall)!

Up until now, the Peacock streaming soap opera has never revealed his face, but that all seemed to change on the Tuesday, October 2o episode of DAYS. In story, Dante met Sami’s parents for the first time, Roman (Josh Taylor) and Marlena.

He shows them a photo of Dominic, which he happened to have on his own phone and even commented he kind of looked like he could be Marlena’s son. The photo, which has quickly made it around Soap Twitter/X, revealed that British-born actor Kyle Pryor is the man in the photo and eagle-eyed viewers actually located said photo on Pryor’s Instagram.

Dominix

Photo: Peacock

Deadline revealed Pryor started taping at the end of 2025 and will first be seen in the role, on air Monday, November 2.  In addition, Days will celebrate its 61st Anniversary with two special episodes featuring Dominic’s arrival, as well the returns of Tony and Anna DiMera, played respectively by Thaao Penghlis and Leann Hunley, on Friday, November 6 and Monday, November 9.

Those in the know, are are that Pryor previously held series regular roles on Australia’s Home and Away, and the UK’s Hollyoaks and guest starred on Emmerdale. In an ironic twist, Pryor appeared in the series Spartacus: Blood and Sand which is the same action series his apparent TV brother, Dan Feuerriegel (EJ DiMera), once appeared in before coming to DAYS.

So excited to see Kyle Pryor take on the role of Dominic Marino as Days of our Lives sets its anniversary story to kick-off with is arrival in Salem? Share your thoughts in the comment section. And in case you missed our latest conversation with Conner Floyd (Chad DiMera) he weighs-in on how Dominic’s appearance will shake things up in Salem. You can check that out below.

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Days Of Our Lives

Days of our Lives’ Conner Floyd Talks Dominic Marino Mystery, Chad and Belle, and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Exclusive)

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Conner Floyd

Fasten your seat belts Days of our Lives fans, as the mystery of Dominic Marino continues to unravel on all-new episodes of the Peacock streaming soap opera. Last week, Chad DiMera (Conner Floyd) learned that he may have a half-brother, who may be the biological child of his father, the late Stefano DiMera (the late Joseph Mascolo) and Dr. Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall), giving him great pause, because he knows Stefano had kidnapped Marlena for four years back in the late 80s and early 90s.

Chad has already been hunting down clues with his current girlfriend Belle Black (Martha Madison) in Italy and Salem, which revealed a photo of a young boy with Stefano with the date 1992 on the back of it, hidden inside Stefano’s chess set. So, what’s next?

Conner Floyd chatted on the Michael Fairman Channel in a new virtual interview released on Sunday, October 18, where he spoke on what the new addition to the DiMera family could do to the already dangerous sibling rivalries, the state of Chad’s relationship with Belle and much more.

EJ and Chad

Photo: JPI

DIMERA RIVALRY

After finding out from EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) that Dominic Marino could be the never-before-heard-of child of Stefano and Marlena, Conner Floyd explained, “I think it blows Chad’s mind a little bit. I think there’s a lot of things working there with old Chad. Obviously, bringing in another DiMera could cause some noise and the whole situation with Marlena’s a little awkward as well because he’s dating Belle, so this could cause a little tiff there. I think his head’s spinning and he does not know what to expect, but I also think he kind of expects that from Stefano, for sure.”

As to how this will change and color Chad’s relationship with EJ, Floyd responded, “Chad knows EJ’s not happy about it and I think he’s going to be real upset if this gets in his way of doing what he wants to do with the DiMera legacy and all that. However, for Chad, I think he’s just going to keep a sharp eye, see what this guy’s about, see if he’s here to cause some trouble or here to be a friend and kinda play it by ear.”

Belle and Chad

Photo: JPI

BELLE OF MY HEART

With Chad and Belle already being sleuths, Floyd says, you can look for the duo to continue getting to the truth. “I think Chad and Belle are committed to this. They’re going full National Treasure, Nicolas Cage,” says Conner. “They’re going to follow the clues. They’re going to get some answers.”

Since beginning in the role of Chad in June of 2025 and debuting on-screen back in April of 2026, the former Y&R star (where he played Chance Chancellor), says it was Madison who helped him get comfortable in his new surroundings.

“Martha is phenomenal. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to get tagged up with when I started here, just because she knows everybody,” shares Floyd. “She knows where to go, who to talk to. She’ll get the tea if you want, and so it was kind of cool. Martha took me under her wing, showed me the ropes. She’s a sweetheart.  I love working with her too. She’s a great actress.”

But, is Chad in love with Belle after such a tortured past with his beloved Abigail Deveraux DiMera? Floyd thinks so! “I think he’s into it. They’re such good friends and they have such a rich history. I think he’s in for the ride. You know, it’s one of those things you probably overlook at first and then they reconnected, and it feels easy and they’re going on these fun adventures.”

MAKING CHAD HIS OWN

Conner had the arduous task of being the successor to Billy Flynn in the role of Chad.. Flynn had played the part for 12 years before deciding to exit and head to Y&R. So, how did Conner approach learning the ins and out of Chad? Floyd shared, “I really dove into Chad when I first got this job. I liked that he kind of walks this tightrope of DiMera and not DiMera, you know. He want to so honor his family roots and really do something for the DiMera family, but he doesn’t want to fall into that trap that all the other DiMera have found themselves in. Chad is a DiMera at heart. He’s got those demons, but he’s just trying to keep them contained.”

Susan Seaforth Hayes

Photo: JPI

ICONIC

When Floyd got to DAYS, it was none other than Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie Williams) who most surprised him in the most delightful way, given that he knew Hayes was a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award winner and the current longest-running cast member on the canvas.

“I love working with Susan Hayes! I love her. She’s a sweetheart. Susan is one of the nicest people there. I just thought she was cool and it’s Susan Hayes, you know?  We’ve had a lot of scenes together, which is nice,” explained Conner.

“We’ll go to her dressing room, we’ll run our scenes, and then we’ll spend about an hour just talking about life and she’ll tell me about a book she’s reading. She’s such a history buff, which blows my mind. She’ll start dropping all these historical facts on me. I learn something new by the time I walk out of her dressing room every time!”

Now below, check out the full conversation with Conner Floyd via the Michael Fairman Channel.

Weigh-in: Do you like Chad and Belle as couple? Do you think Chad will get to the bottom of the Dominic Marino mystery? If so, do you think Dominic is truly Stefano and Marlena’s son … and what about Rita (Maggie Carney) in all this? Let us know your theories in the comment section.

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