Days Of Our Lives
More With Melissa Archer Video Interview & Behind The Scenes At Her DAYS Digs!

Photo Credit: MF Soaps, Inc.
Yesterday, we posted at On-Air On-Soaps our brand new feature interview with Days of our Lives newest arrival, former One Life to Live favorite, Melissa Archer.
The fiery redhead is now Salem’s Serena Mason, who comes to town for a multitude of reasons as the story begins to reveal itself. But chief among those reasons is to see if she can rekindle the flame between herself and Eric Brady (Greg Vaughan). Only from the looks of it, she’s got a major roadblock already… Nicole Walker! (Arianne Zucker)
In addition to the chat you read, we also sat down for an on-camera conversation with more of the interview with Melissa where she discusses the difficulties in making a new on-screen love story when there has been no history prior to that played on screen, what it’s like working with Greg Vaughan and Arianne Zucker, how she got the role of Serena on DAYS, and lots of fun moments.
After the video chitchat, Melissa and Michael Fairman went on tour of her new DAYS digs! From Melissa’s dressing room, to an impromptu conversation in the hallway with Arianne Zucker, to chatting about dressing Melissa from DAYS costume designer Richard Bloore, to meeting up with DAYS make-up artist Jeremy in the hair and make-up room, we got our own mini-tour of this former Llanview residents new soap home!
Now after the jump watch our sit-down video interview with Melissa, and then our behind-the-scenes visit at Days of our Lives with her! Then share your thoughts: Are you willing to give Eric and Serena’s romance a try to see if you will come to root for the couple? Do you want Nicole with Eric, no matter what? Are you happy to see Melissa in her new digs? Comment below!
OMG! I LOOOVED THIS! Thank you so much for the interview and tour.
Love having MA in Salem. DOOL is my favorite soap since OLTL’s sad demise. Seeing Melissa and Kassie, along with all of the Day’s vets just makes my day. Looking forward to seeing all the upcoming storylines.
Would love to see AZ’s Nicole and MA’s Serena become besties. Nicole needs a friend. I’ll buy the martinis.
Absolutely…..
I liked Melissa on OLTL, but so far I am loving her on DAYS…I know I am in the minority. I am willing to give her and Eric a chance. I am over Eric and Nicole anyway. Not that I want Nicole and Daniel together…no prefer Nicole with Brady. Also, can we assume that since Serena mentioned her mother that her Mom may be on the way to Salem? If so, please Corday I know that it may be tempting to seek out Erika Slezak, and I adore her, but please go after Marj Dusay instead! Lure her out of retirement. She would be awesome on this show!
I wouldnt mind Robin Strasser as Serena’s mom…Robin should play Lee Dumonde who was involved with Stephano in the early 1980s and is Dougs ex wife…Serena could turn out to be Lee and Stephanos daughter…and with Doug and Julie back in Salem could make for great drama…Erika should be Jens mom Laura and Jerry Ver Dorn should be Jens dad Bill Horton…Marj Dusay could play Linda Anderson, the biological mother of Maggies daughter Melissa…Linda could come to Salem looking for another daughter she gave up for adoption who turns out to be Nicole…Faye Walker whom Nicole thought was her mother couldve worked as a maid for Linda and adopted Nicole after Linda put her up for adoption???
I’m already in the process of giving her a chance and I am not disappointed. Basically, I just like her character. She’s strong, doesn’t take crap, and she’s doing a fantastic job of creating a sense of history with Greg Vaughn’s Eric. I know Greg seemed to give the impression he wasn’t fully on board with this wrapped in a bow relationship, but I hope he knows that he and Melissa have a nice chemistry and if he would just let go a little more in his scenes with her (he’s always so damned reserved), there could be some major sparks. There have been two or three scenes with Serena, where Eric briefly felt really alive – and then he goes back to that bottle-with-a-stopper-in-it control that tends to stifle chemistry.
And no, i don’t want Eric with Nicole. The idea of that story and their history was interesting, but ultimately, there was no chemistry between them.
Even if Eric doesn’t wind up with Serena, I like her and think she would work with just about any man on the show – Brady perhaps (and send Melanie over JJ’s way), or I even see a spark with Daniel (who I think hasn’t worked with any woman outside of Kristen).
Can I be of any assistance of MA/DAYS? I can paint her dressing room door and any other doors at DAYS…free of charge!
No, nothing against her personally. But Eric and Nicole belong together. No natural chemistry between Serena and Eric in my eyes.
And I am not a fan of insta or forced fed pairings, all this “happened of camera’ doesn’t make me as an audience member become invested.
Ericole had real build and amazing chemistry, they made us care by making us a part of their journey. As opposed to the show now just *telling* us we should care and having other characters prop them and say how wonderful she is.
Also I have no interest in investing in another reelationship for Eric atm when he has been shown to be unforgiving and not loving unconditionally.
He needs some growth….
And the writers need to finish what they started with ericole, ans deserved better than them being suddenly dropped.
Perhaps they can screen test M.A with E.M or G.G….because I don’t see any natural click with G.V JMO….
Nicole and Eric all the way no matter what. . . and soon!
GV and MA have good chemistry. But this whole romance-off-camera as their backstory is not working for me. I need to see the romance unfold for myself, not be told by two characters, one of whom I’ve never seen before, how wonderful they were as a couple. I’m not a big Ericole fan. That’s not what’s motivating me here. I would like to see two characters meet, fall in love and develop a relationship slowly, and not be thrown together this quickly with so many characters on the show singing the praises of Serena instead of me making my own mind up about her. It’s a hard-sell and I resent it. I wish DOOL had written a different story for Serena, or better yet, had made her a legacy character. Fans actually do value history on this show and creating Serena Mason, who apparently has a strained relationship with her mom, is making me yawn. I’d rather see more Hortons, more Bradys and more Kirikias than a newbie and probably down the line, her mom.
Eric and Nicole are always the best!
Although I agree if the ladies want to be friends.
I love Eric and Nicole together. They are my favorite couple on the show, and the main reason I watch.
Sorry but I wont have it any other way.
Eric and Nicole are unfinished and I won’t like Eric in another relationship till he lets go of his hate for nicole.
I ove Melissa Archer on DAYS. She brings a great energy and is so refreshing. Serena and Eric have great chemistry. Eric and Nicole were so dull. I can’t wait to see what her REAL reason for being in Salem is.
I love the interview with Melissa, and seeing her interact with AZ was nice as well.
Eric and Serena are gorgeous together, and I’m enjoying their interactions so far.
Melissa Archer has never been better. Frankly, I got tired of her Natalie on OLTL – though I NEVER got tired of OLTL. I’m really enjoying her mature, sexy, older character on Days, and she’s the best thing that’s happened to Eric in forever.
I love Nicole and wish Show would realize what gold they have in this actress.
But she and the actor playing Eric have no fire at all IMO. Find Nicole somebody better ASAP.
Such a joy to see her back on screen. She is lovely and I’ve missed her!! Yay!
Love the behind the scenes interview! Give us more of these Michael. So happy to see Melissa on Days. It is as close to OLTL as we can get at this point.
Good interview, Melissa seems sweet and lovely. I like her character so much, excited to see more from her. She looks like the type that would rock any of Salem’s eligible bachelors’ world, sexy, gorgeous and feisty and sure she would work with any of them, like Brady. I’m for Eric and Serena and don’t care that I didn’t see the backstory romance develop onscreen. It’s more than happening for me now, Eric and Serena gel together and are great. They are a beautiful pair. So over Nicole and Eric, they did nothing for me and were depressing. This thing with Serena and Eric is light and refreshing and Serena makes Eric sparkle and I’ve never seen him smile so much. Nicole needs to find somebody new who gets her. Would like to see her and Nicole become friends eventually one day.
I am not interested in seeing Eric with anyone, but Nicole. I hope they take Serena in another direction, but until they do I will not be watching her character with Eric. Nicole and Eric have great chemistry and I hope they fix them VERY soon!
I love Melissa Archer as Serena! I did not know if I would, but she’s great. She has great chemistry with Greg Vaughan! I think she would have great chemistry with other men, too. I agree with the posters above. Nicole and Eric were sooo blah together.
Michael! I love this interview and so glad you got to take us BTS at days. We rarely get to see the secret happenings only you can bring us. So fun that Ari stopped by and also a peek into wardrobe! You rock Michael…now try to sneak in on some Jarlena action while you are there 😉
xo
I love Melissa but is it just me or would she not be better paired with Eric Martsof??? I know they are friends in real life and to me Brady and Serena would be so exciting, electric and passionate together
That would be a great way to go too. She’s sexy, he’s sexy and I think their characters would work together. Better than him and Melanie for sure.
Enjoyed the interview, it was cool seeing her and AZ. Bring on Nicole vs Serena! Melissa Archer has been a great addition and I love Serena so far. Can’t wait to see all parts of Serena! She and Eric are so different from him and Nicole and I am loving the difference! I can’t stop smiling when they’re together in scenes. She’s dynamite and he’s smitten and it shows.
She is a nice addition to the show, but sorry I don’t see or feel the chemistry between Eric and Serena. They need to put Nicole and Eric back.
I believe Eric’s happiness in love is ultimately with Nicole. They are good for each other. Right now, don’t want to get into all the reasons why I believe that.
However, I am also enjoying Eric with Serena right now. It brings a breath of fresh air into the Eric-Nicole story. I think the writers wrote themselves into a corner with the “Nicole hides evidence from Eric” plot. Bringing in Serena is a nice way to create time to rethink the Eric-Nicole relationship – if there is to be one.
The “I can’t forgive Nicole” thing is not working for me because it is not being properly dealt with. Eric must come to the realization that Nicole is the reason he can no longer be celibate. Celibacy is at the root of Eric’s frustration! In time, the writers need to address this issue head on and do it justice.
In the meantime, I am enjoying the journey to wherever the Eric-Nicole-Serena story ends up. I hope the writers get this one right.
I like Melissa as Serena. Happy for her getting a job in Salem and wish her the best.
Hey Michael! Thanks for such a great interview & tour! I absolutely am a huge fan of Melissa’s! She is doing an awesome job. I haven’t watched Days since the 70s, and started watching since Melissa came on to the show! She is doing a great job as usual, and love that her character is so strong & gorgeous! Love her & GV together. Hope they continue on with this couple, as the mysteries unfold.
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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