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
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Kristen Locates an Alive Sophia, How Much Does Rita Know About the Birth of Dominic Marino?
Next week, expected surprises and schemes on Days of our Lives. In official spoilers for episodes streaming on Peacock from October 5-9, it looks like Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) has hunted down a very much alive Sophia Choi (Rachel Boyd), while Marlena (Deidre Hall) admits a deeply concerning confession to her daughter Belle (Martha Madison), and more.
As previously reported, Tajh Bellow (ex-TJ Ashford, General Hospital) is stepping in for one day for Tyler Joseph Andrews in the role of Theo Carver and will share scenes with Gabi (Cherie Jimenez), where Theo finally agrees to go along with Gabi’s plan, after she offered him a job.
Meanwhile, Gabi may have her hands full with Philip (John-Paul Lavoisier) whose big win in Monte Carlo may have sparked his gambling addiction … all over again, but Philip reveals her has a plan.
Photo: Corday Productions
Sydney (Sydney Malekeh) is in for a shock when Dante (Franco LoPresti) arrives in Salem. Why is he in Salem? Is he part of the unraveling of the Dominic Marino mystery, since we know he seemed like he was talking to the man in Monte Carlo?
Will Marlena ever figure out what Rita (Maggie Carney) is hiding about the mystery of Dominic, and if Marlena is truly his birth mother or did something more suspicious go on and how deeply involved is Rita in this whole story?
EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) finally demands answers of his own from Rita after overhearing on today’s Cliffhanger Friday her conversation with Marlena. Will Rita cop to anything?
Then as noted, while everyone thinks Sophia took her own life, after Kristen “murdered” her, Kristen is infuriated to find she is somehow alive working as waitress in a diner in Kentucky. Will Kristen try to kill Sophia yet again?
Take a look at some of the additional spoilers for next week’s action on DAYS below.
Monday, October 5
Joy worries about her future.
Alex surprises Stephanie.
Chanel supports Johnny through a difficult decision.
Tuesday, October 6
Rachel gives Brady cause for concern.
Roman surprises Kate.
Wednesday, October 7
Leo’s good day takes an unexpected turn.
Brady is forced to make a difficult call.
Thursday, October 8
Paulina refuses to give up on Lani.
Chanel asks Johnny for a promise.
Friday, October 9
Stephanie and Alex steal a private moment.
Steve gets troubling news from Johnny.
So, what do you think will happen when Kristen finds that the woman she thought she murdered and framed (making it looking like a suicide) is alive and well and working in a diner far away from Salem? Was Rita more involved with Stefano DiMera than we even know? Who is the birth mother of Dominic? Is it really Marlena or did someone else carrying her child? And what of Dante? Why is he back in Salem? To get at Philip, or something else? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
After an earlier post on Thursday, October 1 about General Hospital alumni Tajh Bellow’s (ex-TJ Ashford) upcoming project from Issa Rae’s HOOPAE Digital, comes word that Bellow is temporarily stepping into the role of Days of our Lives Theo Carver to fill in for Tyler Joseph Andrews on the Peacock streaming soap opera.
According to TV Insider, Bellow will be making a one-day appearance next week on the October 6 episode of DAYS as Andrews was unable to make the tape date that was shot 10 months ago on a day last December. Andrews (pictured below) took over the role of Theo in September of 2025.
In Bellow’s upcoming episode as Theo, he will share scenes with Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez). A DAYS spokesperson tells the outlet that Bellow “stepped seamlessly into the role, and the cast and crew were grateful for his professionalism and commitment, albeit for only one episode.”
Photo: JPI
TAJH WILL BE SEEN IN MULTIPLE PROJECTS IN OCTOBER
As General Hospital fans know, Tajh played the role of TJ Ashford from 2018 to his last appearance in December of 2024. Along the way, he received two Daytime Emmy nominations for his performances as TJ, the last being in 2025 in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.
In addition, bellow along with Y&R alum Loren Lott will be seen starting on October 14 in the new Love Island spoof series, The Compatibility Experiment. The show will drop exclusively on TikTok and the PineDrama platform.
The Compatibility Experiment gives a satirical look at reality dating shows, think Love Island! The story centers around Kelvin (Bellow) and Camila (Lott), whose relationship is put to the test when they join a reality show to try to win a the million dollar prize.
So, what do you think of Tajh stepping in for Tyler Joseph Andrews as Theo on DAYS? Perhaps, the soap opera liked his work that he might be considered for another role in the future bringing Bellow back to the soaps? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
Four cast members are officially on contract at Days of our Lives, according to the soap opera’s closing credits on Peacock and longtime Days expert and historian Jason 47.
Lauren Koslow (Kate), Sydney Malakeh (Sydney), Sal Stowers (Lani) and Jacob Martinez (Javi) are the names that appear in the closing credits in the contracted cast members section. Days of our Lives fans also note that the series tapes ten months in advance of streaming episodes.
As Days of our Lives fans know, Lauren Koslow has played Kate Roberts since 1996, and recently filled-in for Jess Walton in the role of Jill Abbott on The Young and the Restless when Walton was unable to travel from Oregon to Los Angeles during the specific tape dates. But now, Koslow has been re-upped to contract status as of the September 8 episode.
Photo: JPI
SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED
Sydney Malakeh is the newest member of the contract players when she debuted on contract status on the September 10th episode. Days fans first met Sami (Alison Sweeney) and EJ’s (Dan Feuerriegel) daughter in scenes in Monte Carlo around a gambling table.
As for Sal Stowers, the actress had been on contract from 2015-2022, then on recurring status with the soap, and would make appearances and limited runs since 2023. Soap fans first saw Sal as Cassandra Foster on Prospect Park’s revival of All My Children in 2013. Sal’s first new contracted episode was noted to be September 16.
Jacob Martinez, debuted on June 30 of this year as the successor to Al Calderon in the role of Javi Hernandez, and has now been bumped up to series regular as of the September 10 episode.
Photo: JPI
CREDITS
According to the referenced posting from Days of our Lives expert and historian Jason 47, he shared, “It took me four weeks to realize, but the same week that Sydney Malakeh (Sydney) debuted (9/7-9/11), “Days” also put Lauren Koslow (Kate), Jacob Richard Martinez (Javi) and Sal Stowers (Lani) on contract.”
Jason47 added, “This confirms the “errors” of Lani being listed in the credits the week of 9/7 but not appearing, and Kate and Javi appearing in the credits the week of 9/14 but not appearing. It also now makes sense why Javi and Sydney are being listed before Rafe and Philip in the credits.”
He also shared, “For the record, Lauren Koslow’s first date back on contract was 9/8, Jacob Richard Martinez was upped to contract on 9/10, Sydney Malakeh debuted on contract 9/10 and Sal Stowers’ first date back on contract was 9/16. The records will be fixed on the website in the coming days.”
So, glad to hear Lauren, Sydney, Sal and Jacob appear to be on contract with Days of our Lives (as of these episode airings)? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: After Carter Blurts Out That ‘Implantation and Fertilization’ Has Begun to Daphne; Will Steffy Put the Brakes on His Scheme?
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Kristen Locates an Alive Sophia, How Much Does Rita Know About the Birth of Dominic Marino?
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
REPORT: ‘Days of our Lives’ Puts Four Actors On Contract
‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
Judith Light Joins Cast of ‘Shrinking’ Season 4 in Recurring Role
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: After Carter Blurts Out That ‘Implantation and Fertilization’ Has Begun to Daphne; Will Steffy Put the Brakes on His Scheme?
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
GH Alum Tajh Bellow and Y&R Alum Loren Lott Star in New Tiktok and Microdrama ‘Love Island’ Spoof
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ava and Drew Revealed to be Behind Framing Sonny for Sidwell’s Prison Beatdown
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