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.
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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