Days Of Our Lives
Martha Madison Returning To Days of our Lives!
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
The announcement that has been percolating all day long on social media was that Martha Madison had something very big that she was going to reveal during Thursday’s episode of her TradioV series with Lilly Melgar, Soap Box!
And for those hoping that the news would be that Madison is returning to Days of our Lives for the show’s big 50th anniversary push, that has proved to be true! Martha IS returning to the NBC soap opera to reprise her role of Belle. The news of a Belle return could not be more perfect in timing, since it has already been confirmed that Jason Cook is back as Shawn-Douglas, and the series has aged and recast Shawn and Belle’s daughter, Claire.
Look for Martha to make her first appearance back in Salem on the Wednesday, November 25th episode. and look for her debut later in August in the new online series Winterthorne!
So, what do you think of the news that Martha Madison is returning to DAYS as Belle? Excited to see her in scenes with Jason Cook and Black family and more? Comment below!
THANK EVERYTHING GOOD IN THIS WORLD!! I knew they would not bring Jason Cook back as Shawn to ignore Martha’s Belle. I’m so happy that she is not only coming back, but that she is coming back on contract. It seems like everyone at DAYS, NBC and Sony are committed to making sure the fiftieth anniversary is about making the show what it once was before the first two reboots (2011 and 2012). I’m excited to see the new regime’s take on the series, and I haven’t a single doubt that both Josh Griffith and Dina Higley are the right people for this job right now.
Who said it was contact?
Martha said it herself; she is back on contract on DAYS.
This article didn’t mention a contract… did that info come from somewhere else?
Yes, Martha herself confirmed she’s back on contract and has been filming the past two weeks.
https://tradiov.com/la/videos/6-24-15-soapbox-wally-kurth/
The link is to Martha’s show…Soapbox. She announces it at the beginning.
I wasn’t sure this was true either until I looked at the highlights from her podcast. She seems to have announced that as well.
She kind of resembles Maura West in that photo—imo…good to see her back for the shows 50th…like to see teen Claire get involved with slightly older Rory and make Hope a great grandma…lol
You’re right at that, I thought she was Maura West in the photo myself.
“i’ve” never been good with recasts… that being said… I think ATWT was the most successful of all the serials ( is it because ATWT was my all time fave… and i could overlook thee “attachment” ? )
LOL
I “loved” Kirsten Storms, ex-Belle
OK
I have been liking… very much… how Martha Madisen has aged…. she’s being lauded for her internet work… plus her talk show
welcome to DAYS’ Belle
I will not watch her, period. And it is safe to say she is second choice. If KS were available, classic Shelle would be back.
I think you’re wrong.
Kirsten Storms still seems like a teenager. Shawn and Belle are parents of a teenage daughter.
A case of differing opinions. Kirsten, as is MM, is an actress and thus would be able to take on the part quite well.
Great news. I hope they are back on contract, or at least recurring like some of the other vets.
Martha is on contract.
I posted a link above. It’s “Soapbox”, hosted by Martha. She talks about it within the first couple minutes.
Unfortunately, this will stop me from watching their scenes but not Jason with others. Was so looking forward to the 50th but the only Shelle for me is Jason Cook and Kirsten Storms. Sadly, Days and GH evidently could not work out a sharing arrangement. Many fans only know Shelle as JC and MM but for me, not so especially for the 50th. Such is life – I can find other things to watch and/or read or just live my life!!!
Do you like the idea of Belle’s daughter looking older than Belle? KS never grew up!
Wally Kurth was hustling back and forth from Days to GH for months but when Days recently put him on contract he tweeted he CANNOT do both. I guess his Days contract won’t allow it.
Interesting side note is that Eileen Davidson also was doing both Y&R and Days, but Y&R won’t let Tristan Rogers return for a few shows at GH as Robert to send Luke Spencer off into the sunset. Y&R has not had him onscreen except 1 time since February! THAT IS RIDICULOUS!!
I must ask though, what’s wrong w/Martha? Wasn’t she the last Belle and for many years? I didn’t see it then so I really don’t know.
Y&R and Days are connected to Sony so thats why its easy for ED to do both but there are only for soaps left….they should all find a way to unite and keep all four on the air!!!
Eileen can do both DAYS and Y&R because it’s in her contract that she’s allowed to do both; she signed her contract through Sony Pictures Television, which produces both Y&R for CBS and DAYS for NBC, that is why she is able to make guest-arcs as Kristen DiMera while performing full-time as Ashley Abbott.
The hard part is that Disney-ABC owns “General Hospital” and produces it themselves. They have full control of contractual status.
GIRL PLEASE.. what a goofy comment lol.. I’ll watch all scenes but the ones she’s in cuz its not KS.. If you’re watching at all.. And I assume you will be.. you can’t avoid her.. I hope she’s in the middle of a huge cliff hanger.. What will you do then.. Keep switching a Dixie cup from your right eye to the left trying to avoid seeing her?!
I do watch the show and was very much looking forward to the 50th Anniversary celebration. I don’t own any Dixie cups so if MM is in a huge cliffhanger, good for her but I won’t be watching. I split my time more towards GH than DOOL and will continue to do so.
The mere idea that one actress can do this for you and your enjoyment of the show is quite telling, Chantal. Martha is fantastic in the role of Belle, and I’m sure will be lovely in her return; they could’ve recast the role, but instead, they’re bringing back actors and actresses audiences know.
Scott, it is indeed good for those whose loyalties lie towards MM – I don’t happen to be one of them and as you know, in soaps (when there were so many on screen), it happened a lot that a recast was good for some and not others and thus that is what is “telling.” I did not mention not watching the show; just certain scenes. Yes, they are bringing back actors and actresses audiences know – I happen to know the part differently than last portrayed and thus my opinion.
My big question who is bankrolling all this? Days has been run on such a tight budget over last few years that their girdle was about to burst if they tightened anymore- and now lo and behold they got cash up the walzoo to afford all these big name returns, plus newbies like grown up Claire. I realize a lot of them with be short term at best, but it is good to see someone stopped being Scrooge and gave Days some cash to invest in some quality storytelling and actors that will breath life into them. As for this latest news, like others I would preferred to see KS return as Belle—but I still waiting WN to come back as Roman, so I guess I am sucker for a lost cause- LOL. Is there any prayer of seeing the characters Eugene and Calliope for the 50th?
I would love to see them come back too…
Were Jason Cook and Martha Madison on DOOL at the same time? I thought that Martha was on with Brandon Beemer as Shawn Douglas.
Yes and yes, Tom.
Jason Cook…………1999-2006
Kirsten Storms…….1999-2004
Martha Madison….2004-2008
Brandon Beemer…2006-2008
Actress Charity Rahmer played Belle Black for 16 episodes between KS and MM.
Some people say DAYS gave to charity when they hired Charity. LOL!
I could not conceive of Shawn Douglas returning to Salem and not Belle returning also, especially if her child is there. So this was expected. Glad it worked out. Will Belle be in Salem at the same time that Sami is there? That would be nice!
I’m in the minority that never really warmed up to Martha’s portrayal of Belle Black.
wish it was Kirsten Storms.
keep shelle on as long as possible!!!! one of my fave days couple!
Great news!! Love Martha Madison as Belle.. She made the role her own and I prefer her over Kristen Storms. Both are great, but Martha is my Belle.
Yeah, love Martha as Belle. Glad she’s back, but for how long?
It’s still odd that they are aging their daughter to 15yrs old, but I digress. They should’ve aged Ciara instead, especially with Theo being aged and Bo coming back. And Joey got aged as well. Weird.
No way, let Ciara age naturally. The girl that plays her is a spitfire.
I loved Martha as Belle and cannot wait to see the couple back on screen. Days is finally getting back to watchable after the Ejami exit. Now they just need to work on the stories! Quit with the couple swapping and give me couples that are committed to one another with external problems keeping them apart. A great Bo & Hope, Steve & Kayla, Jack & Jenn type story.
I’m not familiar with her work but ANYTHING would help this show, where Eric and Nicole are in constant danger like Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen – and constantly drawn to each other and then betrayed and there’s Daniel waiting in the wings, geez it’s been done to death.
So, although I have only been watching DOOL for a little over a year, I hope that some of these new and returned personalities help the show become more
interesting. To me, lately, it’s been a real snooze-fest.
I am sick and tired of the “Dr. Dan Hero” show. Been There. Done That. A million times.
This is great news! Martha Madison is great as Belle, and I much prefer Jason Cook over Brandon Beemer, so this should be great. I knew it was coming though, there was no way they could bring back Shawn-D and Claire and not have Belle there too.
The next few returns I would love to see are:
– Billy Warlock (Frankie), who I was sure would have been brought back when Eve returned;
– Matthew Ashford (Jack), who was killed off for some inexplicable reason, that nearly every fan hated. This needs to be fixed by whatever means necessary because it was a very bad choice;
– Rachel Melvin (Chelsea), who I think could have returned countless times (like when Billie was back), but am still waiting for, and;
– James Scott (E.J.), who we all know isn’t really dead after receiving that syringe of miracle juice Kristen injected him with.
It would also be great to see Crystal Chappell (Carly) and Louise Sorel (Vivian) again!
Will Shawn follow Belle back to Salem?
I love the fact that Jason and Martha are returning to Days, they made the perfect Shawn and Belle. I t was not the same with the repacements. Hope they stick around for a while.
I couldn’t be more excited to see Shawn, belle and Claire back on days. I hope they have an exciting storyline without being pulled apart for ratings. They are the next Bo and Hope!
Please…considering the actress playing claire is dead ringer for young forms, belle should have been left out of town if only choice was Martha Madison. Never liked her portroyal of belle then ., don’t like it now.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
After languishing on the bubble for months, on Friday, NBC handed down the decision and canceled the medical drama Brilliant Minds after two seasons.
Brilliant Minds stars Zachary Quinto as neurology physician Oliver Wolf, who’s character and the series is inspired by the life and books of neurologist. Oliver Sacks. The series focuses on the medical mysteries of the mind, as Wolf a larger-than-life neurologist and his team of interns explore the last great frontier, the human mind, while grappling with their own relationships and mental health.
The final six episodes of what will now be the end of its second and final season were already set to air beginning on May 27, after being pulled off the network schedule in February as viewership saw a steep decline. Brilliant Minds second season became the lowest-rated drama on linear TV viewing, which didn’t bode well fo a network renewal, although it had its hard core fan base.
Photo: NBC
There are some exceptional notables in the cast along with the talented Quinto that includes Days of Our Lives alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez) who joined the series in its second season as Nurse Nico Silva, and One Life to Live alum, Teddy Sears (ex-Chad Bennett) who plays Wolf’s love interest and fellow physician, Dr. Josh Nichols.
The rest of the talented cast includes: Tamberla Perry, Ashleigh LaThrop, Alex MacNicoll, Aury Krebs, Spence Moore II, Donna Murphy, John Clarence Stewart, and Brian Altemus.
In an ironic twist of fate on Thursday, April 30, Days of Our Lives finally revealed the actor who was Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Javi, when they announced that actor Jacob Martinez had now stepped into the role. Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming new episode, Calderon left in the spring of 2025, but will be seen in the part for the final part this month, and then on June 20, Martinez debuts as Salem’s new Javi.
Taking to his Instagram with a sorrowful and heartfelt post on the Brilliant Minds cancellation was Teddy Sears who wrote, “Thank you, Brilliant Minds. I got the call today and I didn’t want to hear, but I knew that it would come, You have to be a particular vintage to quote Don Henley from memory, but that’s the line that came to mind earlier today after I got off the phone with our inimitable showrunner Michael Grassi who delivered the news that NBC has cancelled the series”.
Photo: NBC
Sears continued, “To say that I feel sad to be moving on from these stories, this character, and this cast and crew just doesn’t paint the entire picture. I’m sad, sure. But I’m also deeply grateful that I got hired to play this part, so proud of the stories we told, and the other actors I got to play alongside. I’m excited to see what comes next, what adventures await, and terrified to be without a professional home. A quick and heartfelt thank you to everyone, all over the globe, who found us and found themselves in us, in our characters and in our stories. We wouldn’t have been able to tell them without you. And we still have 6 fresh episodes yet to air, and I do hope you tune in enjoy the remainder of the series. They’re the best we’ve done.”
As he wrapped up his sentiments, Sears signed off with, “The more I know, the less I understand. All the things I figured out I have to learn again. I’ve been trying to get down to the heart of the matter. But everything changes…Thank you, Brilliant Minds.”
The medical drama was created and executive produced by Michael Grassi alongside Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman, Lee Toland Krieger, DeMane Davis, Jasmine Russ, Henrik Bastin, Jonathan Cavendish, Andy Serkis and Shefali Malhoutra.
So, what do you think of NBC’s decision to cancel Brilliant Minds after two seasons? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Sophia Seemingly Plans to End Her Life, But Not Before Setting Fire to Johnny’s Apartment With Him Trapped Inside
The final few moments of the Thursday, April 30 episode of Days of our Lives, will pave the way, to what just may be the end of Sophia Choi’s (Rachel Boyd) life, but not as you may think!
After an unhinged Sophia paid a visit to Johnny DiMera (Carson Boatman), maced him in the eyes, knocked him out and then tied up to a chair, now conscious, she lets him know that she holds him responsible for all the trouble and trauma she has gone through from adopting her child, and her being sent to a mental institution.
So instead of the unregistered gun Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) gave her to finish off Johnny, Sophia sets up a plan to light candle, use nail polish remover and turn on the gas on the stove to ultimately create a mass explosion, which although Johnny pleaded to her not to that to all the innocent people inside his apartment building, she doesn’t seem to care.
Photo: JPI
FIERY FACE OFF
The plan was supposed to be, after she takes care of Johnny she will toss the gun in the Salem River, then focus on payback to Holly Jonas before leaving town to start a new life.
Now, Sophia makes her exit, leaving Johnny to be a few moments away from an explosion or gas inhalation, when Chanel (Raven Bowens) comes home after awaiting the results of her mammogram. She sees Johnny tied up, as he panics and tells her to put out the flame on the candle, things go awry, and a fire has begun and everything may go up in flames with Johnny and Chanel inside.
Photo: JPI
A BROKEN SOPHIA
Back in her room, Sophia breaks down after reading the social media comments about her, she planted, and then starts writing a suicide or farewell note which says. “I’m tired of begging for forgiveness for my mistakes. All I wanted was to move forward, to be loved and understood. But it’s clear that I was never going to get that. Holly Jonas said that I was dead to her. So, as her former BFF, I’m going to make her dream a reality.”
Photo: JPI
A DEADLY TRAP
Now, the fate of Johnny, Chanel and Sophia will be revealed on tomorrow’s May 1st cliffhanger, which may be the end of Sophia when she crosses paths with Kirsten at the bridge near the river. We do know Rachel Boyd is no longer appearing in the show credits section and is now off contract with the soap.
So, what did you think of the climatic final moments of DAYS? What did you think of the performance of Rachel Boyd as Sophia Choi? Let us know via the comment section.
Breaking News
Jacob Martinez is ‘Days of Our Lives’ New Javi Hernandez Replacing Al Calderon in the Role
Finally! The casting has been revealed as to just who would be Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Days of our Lives, Javi Hernandez. On Friday, April 30, the long-running soap opera revealed Jacob Martinez is taking on the part and he will first be seen this coming June 30th and then on all-new episodes streaming on Peacock.
As previously reported, the popular Calderon exited the soap opera last year to join the cast of the NBC primetime medical drama, Brilliant Minds as nurse Nico Silva, who in May will air the remainder of their second season. The series has been on the bubble for renewal by the network. His last episodes as Javi will also air this May on DAYS.
Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming, Martinez has been secretly ensconced in all the drama in Salem for quite some time. When viewers see the new Javi in story, we should learn what will happen in Javi’s relationship with Leo Stark played by Emmy winner, Greg Rikaart, plus his continued relationship with his relatives in the Hernandez clan. Currently, when Javi returned to Salem after taking care of his ailing father, and after the bust-up of his marriage to Leo thanks to Dimitri (Peter Porte), he claimed he had moved on with someone else while he was away from Salem.
Photo: JPI
Like Calderon before him, Martinez is a multi-talented actor and singer. Jacob’s resume is impressive having appeared in the musical In Pieces: The Musical at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater and he was hand-picked by Joey Contreras to play the role of Grey. Other credits include: the short film, Memory Swim and the play Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage.
Martinez hails from Norfolk, Nebraska and appeared when he was very young at the Johnny Carson Theatre, and as DAYS fans know, Jacob is now working at the Days of our Lives studios, right where the “Tonight Show” is filled. In addition, Jacob Martinez is a graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA).
Taking to his Instagram on Thursday, April 30 once the news of his casting was revealed, Martinez, expressed, “Way too many people to thank in one post, so I’ll just say THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART to each and every person who continues to pour into me and encourage me to chase my dreams. I cannot even begin to express how grateful I am. I already feel beyond blessed, supported, and loved. See you all in Salem ⏳”
Jacob Martinez appeared on Friday on the Days of our Lives Instagram account announcing his casting. You can check it out below. Deadline was the first to report the casting switch.
So, excited to learn who is the new Javi Hernandez? Please welcome Jacob Martinez to the role and be on the lookout for his debut on June 30. Comment below.
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‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
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