Days Of Our Lives
Jen Lilley on Days of our Lives’ Theresa Recast Decision: “It’s a Little Befuddling, But I Still Am Really Grateful That I Got to Go Back.”
Now that the word is out that Days of our Lives star, Emily O’Brien, will be taking over the role of Theresa Donovan from Jen Lilley, fans of the Peacock streaming soap opera are wondering just how the show plans to unveil O’Brien as the recast Theresa, and how she will exit her current role as Gwen.
Meanwhile, Jen Lilley, who had appeared on DAYS as Theresa on and off since 2013, has been speaking to media outlets about what went down behind the scenes in the turn of events that led her part to be recast midstream of her most recent story arc.
Speaking with PEOPLE, Lilley shared that she was under the impression that DAYS was going to fit 12 weeks of episodes into the 4 weeks she gave the show for her availability to be back at the soap opera. Jen wanted to return to film scenes relating to the memorial service of Victor Kiriakis, because of her close bond with the late, John Aniston.

Photo: JPI
Jen noted that she went to then co-executive producer, Albert Alarr, and asked why she received less scripts than expected. That is when she learned someone else was going to be taking over the role. She asked, “You told me Theresa’s going to do X, Y, and Z, but I just got the schedule for Monday, and it’s only this one script. Is Theresa still going to do that?”
Lilley says that Alarr responded with, “Theresa’s still going to do all of that. It’s just we’re going to go ahead and do it with another actress.’ That’s how I found out.”
It was at that time, according to Lilley, she asked who would be replacing her and learned it was DAYS cast member, Emily O’Brien. Alarr informed her it would be Emily moving over from her role as Gwen Rizczech. Jen shared she was further confused because they wanted Theresa to be blonde and Emily is a brunette. That was addressed, when she learned O’Brien would be donning a blonde wig for the part.

Photo: JPI
In wrapping up her time on DAYS, Jen said, “I think Emily drew the shortest straw, honestly. I was like, ‘That is the worst thing you could possibly do to a recast is be like, we’re going to wig you and make you just walk through fire for eight weeks.’ I don’t know whether it was a budgetary thing or a scheduling thing where they just couldn’t work the schedule out so everybody could do it. I don’t know their reasoning. It’s a little befuddling, but I still am really grateful that I got to go back.”
Now it remains to be seen, just how long O’Brien will play Gwen. Is it for the short planned arc of Theresa? Will it be longer? Will Lilley be back? All we can say is, play close attention to the Friday, October 6th and Monday, October 9th episodes of Days of our Lives.
What do you think about the sentiments shared by Lilley on recasting Theresa with Emily O’Brien? Comment below.
I loved Jen Lilley when she replaced Kirsten Storms as Maxie for a bit on GH and for the brief time that I’ve been watching Days so this is disappointing.
Probably the wrongdoing of Albert Alaar! This is not right! This character belongs to Jen Lilley. All I can say is you are irreplaceable and thank you for the time you gave us with your return to the show!
This is ridiculous!
She is right: it is not cool they went ahead of the recast, despite telling Jen Lilley & the rest of cast she was filming twelve-weeks of material in four-weeks. That is f**ked! Yet another case of *lb*rt *l*rr showing how crass and fucked up they are in a position of power. I am just happy Lilley came back for the time she was able to, and it also seems like the door is open for her return (I doubt she ever will, though).
Very strange
Why did Days of our Lives go to Peacock and still be on the show on another channel?
It was drawing enough ratings or making profits for NBC.
Huh?
At this long point with Days being on Peacock, why are you asking this question? Google is your friend.
Enough is enough. She contacted the show and asked them to return. She couldn’t committ to the shows schedule so they recast her. It happens a zillion times on a soap. This i been done wrong drama is ridiculous. Its not like Jen Lilley was never a recast on a different soap or that her soap character of Theresa is so iconic it can’t be played by someone else.
It is befuddling. Just use Jen for as long as she could be on Days.
Although I like Emily O’Brien, I’ve never been a fan of Gwen, so her exit is very welcomed. But wow, this whole situation is such a mess. I feel bad for both actresses, but mostly for the fans, who have to accept such a ludicrous recast midway through a front-burner story. Not as bad as the Molly debacle on GH, though…
I like gwen ! Hoping they could of kept her story line going
I thought Albert Alarr was fired. Guess I haven’t been keeping up…
He was. But Days tapes at least 6 months ahead, so the damage done by Alarr will still be reflected on screen through the rest of 2023.
Clearly there was miscommunication between the actress and the producer. But asking Days to change or adjust its notorious tight production schedule to accommodate her shooting demands was was not feasible.
I am very upset about recast foe a strr Theresa.I love Jen Lilley and was happy to hear she would continue her part. I never carried for Gwen’s character I do however like the actress none the less she is definitely Theresa. This is going to be a stretch. Very sad fan.
I can understand why they fired Alarr. I have watched this soap for years and this thing with the part of Theresa is truly one of the most bizarre
Love Emily so much more and it was hilarious when she turned the corner as Gwen and came on as Teresa classic soap opera! Classic DAYS! Love her
Ridiculous
I think making Gwen Theresa was not a good move at all.
Not realistic for me anywat
The recasting of Theresa with Gwen is enough to have me say GOODBYE! I have had enough. I guess it is time to visit Genoa City again. And say goodbye to Salem. Stupid writers!!!
Me too
BRING back Lilley. BRING HER BACK. That was a stupid move. Leave as one a 2 hours later you playing another person on the same show. WHAT. Doing it once is enough. Stop the madness
I hate the recast for Theresa. She looks too much like Gwen because it is Gwen in a blonde wig. Poor decision. She isn’t really a good actress for this part. Need to hire someone new.
Breaking News
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced

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).

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

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.

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

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.

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.”

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.”

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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