Days Of Our Lives
Raven Bowens is the New Chanel on DAYS
There has been a casting switcheroo at Days of our Lives. Precious Way is out in the role of Chanel Dupree and the part had been recast.
Way debuted on-screen back in March of 2021, but now comes word, first via Jason 47’s Facebook page, that Chanel will be played by actress Raven Bowens.
According to Soap Opera Digest, look for Bowens to first air on-screen on the July 6th episode. Apparently, she has been taping at the DAYS set since April.
Raven has previously appeared on All Rise, Insecure, The New Edition Story and Future Man.
You can follow her on Instagram here.
So, what do you think of the Chantal switch? Comment below.
Welcome Raven! I hope you can dig deep and delve into the core of who Chanel is now, and who she wants to become. I will say this again… I am still not feeling the character of Aunt Paulina played by Jackee Harry (why does she have to chuckle/laugh like after every line? It’s very irritating…) and the character of Chanel (currently played by Precious Way)… and her recent discovery of wanting to build a bakery business… has been somewhat interesting for the character. Though, Precious has good chemistry with the young woman who plays Allie Horton. Allie lights up more around Chanel it seems, and gets that “party girl” to come out and Allie smiles more in her presence. Anyways, the way the DAYS writers work, they do so much damage to old and new characters (Example: Zander remains in great pain thinking that Sarah (Linsey Godfrey), left town with Rex… TO Zander working a deal with Chanel in some scam short-lived marriage with Chanel for $10 million from Momma Paulina. And, then Chanel has eyes for Allie and then has eyes on her brother-in-law, towel-dropping Eli in the kitchen (twice) and makes immature and inappropriate remarks to Lani about how hot and fine her man is. The point that I am trying to make is that since March of this year, Chanel has been darn trouble – all the way… now we are to believe – after a few months in Salem, Chanel really wants to open this bakery with Allie? This new character changed that much??? And so quickly? The development of Chanel is just a fail on the part of the writers and I don’t know why a Recast was in order, nor do I want to speculate to that, but I hope Raven can FIND Chanel, right now… she’s lost, and Momma/Auntie Paulina is a dismal failure. I wish DAYS just kept Jackee on-board as reoccurring, though it seems that recently, that Jackee is now full-time. (Again, why does she have to do that chuckle/laugh like after each line and rolling her eyes all over the place? I’ll never understand why DAYS bumped her to full-time. I’d rather us see more of Valerie who is an established character… return to Salem by the lovely actress, Vanessa Williams (I). I liked the Valerie pairing with Abe so much more… and Eli’s relationship with his Mother was a very special one, too. Why is Valerie not around (except for “visits”)? Anyways, wishing Raven the best. Perhaps, one day, I’ll grow to care about Chanel.
Jeremy, that’s the way Jackee always performs. I mean, she’s not a great actress, more of a one trick pony.
Not upset by this switch; look, Precious Way, for me, was just not someone I enjoyed seeing in the role of Chanel. I am hoping Raven Bowens does well in the role!
Agreed, Scott—-so tired of unnerving Chanel. That constant Cheshire cat smile is so irritating.
I, too, hope the recast has a more grounded outlook on life, in general—-and not such a sardonic, almost contemptuos approach towards everythin and most people with whom she enteracts.
This, out-of-the-blue, irrational brainstorm of opening a bakery is so lame. Is it to con Allie somehow?
She comes off as pushy and as a bully, albeit I think it’s a front to conceal her own insecurities. Perhaps, that should be explored as a storyline. Allow the real Chanel to emerge.
The way she is behaving now tells me something’s afoot—and, it “ain’t ” good news.
Oh, yuk, I have to change channels every time her mouth starts. Her acting is so fake
I hear you, Carol. Chanel leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Her words are too honeyed and her expressions too sweet.
Gee, I was just getting used to this Chanel.
Apparently the current Chanel got a new job. Good luck. She was okay, but I hope the recast is a better actress.
Precious Way had the job prior to Days of Our Lives, however, due to COVID, production on the job was delayed and she was able to take the role of Chanel.
I am curious to know why this switch was made? At first I wasn’t happy with Precious Way in the role but she has won me over recently, her performances definitely improved. Perhaps there were behind the scenes reasons for the casting change? Here’s hoping Raven Bowens is great in the role going forward!
Richard, I share your sentiments. Precious Way won me over pretty quickly. And I am curious about the reason for the casting change. Mr. Fairman doesn’t always volunteer such information (e.g., Lindsey Godfrey’s departure as Sarah Horton). Surely, he is well connected enough to know.
I will say this: although I was unhappy upon learning years ago that a new actor would be playing the role of Chad DiMera, Billy Flynn has been exceptional and won me over almost instantly.
Precious Way booked a job prior to Days of Our Lives and chose that job, however, due to COVID, production on the job was delayed and she was able to take the role of Chanel.
She landed another role in a TV sitcom. Good luck in your new role.
Who knows? She looks a little old for the role compared to Allie. But, I’m being more patient with Days these days.
Funny you should bring up age. Moto—-at least Precious is in that range of age group.
Look at Kate!! What are these writers thinking? It’s one thing for a virile younger man getting involved with an older woman ( in this case much, much older), but there is a young, sexy, vibrant female in the mix.
It boggles the mind for TPTB to assume the viewer accepts the fact that Kate has a chance with Jake. Not this viewer!! It’s not for money; he’s no gigolo—-furthermore, this pity party thing going on is so off key!! Feeling sorry be damned—not realistic. Even for a soap.
On one hand there’s a 70-year old woman ( no disrespect—my grandmother is as spirited and sprite as can be, but, she is not delusional), and on the other hand there’s Gabi. In plain English ( LOL), Jake is a wuss and a loser.
Now, Kate is making so many blunders —-she must have such a keen sense of smell—Grrrr—everyone serms to accept that excuse. She can smell not only flowers but also people, it seems.
I have a feeling Kate is not pulling the wool over Anna’s eyes!!
And, Chad? Who died and made him the model of honesty and righteousness?
The same can be applied to Tara Locke on Y&R ( albeit she’s not decades older than Kyle), where Nikki referred to her as a girl. A girl? The woman looks in her forties—could pass as Kyle’s mother.
Pardon my rant. LOL
I’m thinking that maybe Brandon Barash asked for the Kate & Jake pairing. If you saw him when he was on GH, most of his pairings were with women old enough to be his mother. So either he has a “type”… or ReRon (who also wrote most of those pairings on GH) just thinks he does!
Really? Never crossed my mind—I guess, I didn’t realize that actors were able to make such requests. Lauren is just not an older woman, she’s an oooolder woman. She’s like 70. That’s not old by today’s standard—-so, I will grant you that there may be men who go for ultra-experienced/much older women……must have a lot of energy to keep up with a muuuch younger man.
I always thought that Nancy Grahn (GH) was too old for William deVry—-but Lauren and Brandon surpass even them!!
Oh Celia, THANKS for mentioning the exquisite
Mr. DeVry. How I miss Julian, before they made him lower than low. He’s too young for me, too, but one can certainly imagine. And I do imagine. By the way, I never cared for the Kate and Jake pairing. Just seems seedy.
PS—–Kate can’t feel any peace in her future—just think, Satan—she will worry about every young woman who happens to cross Jake’s path. Oy vey and mamma mia!!
Celia, my Friend, please allow me to politely challenge you on these points. I totally understand what you’re saying here, but it could be construed as ageist — and I highly doubt that is your intent. Perhaps you simply don’t like the character of Kate and see these storylines as ludicrous. Frankly, a man of Jake’s age dating a woman of Kate’s age is unusual in real life, no doubt. But what is the expression? Love is love? Or is it, Lust is lust?
The writers are quite cognizant of Kate’s age relative to Jake’s and are giving the character plenty of angst, insecurity, and self-doubt over that age difference. What gets me is that Kate is supposed to be the mother of Billie Reed, though she is about 10 years older in real life.
I am a big fan of Kate’s. She’s one of my favorite characters. A case can be made that Kate is less devious and destructive than Gabi and, thus, preferable. Both women are attractive. I think it’s no accident the way younger woman Gabi dresses in these tight-fitting, revealing outfits. And I admittedly have found Gabi to be increasingly amusing.
Anyway, thanks for letting me go on about this. Take care, Celia!
LOL, James,
Here I am —-no more replying between classes—-School’s OUT!! Yeay!!
Go ahead, my friend—throw the gauntlet, LOL—I will always accept your comments, whether we agree or not. You are the best—-and a gentleman.
I don’t think I’m ageist—-I can’t see how such relationships could work. —for me, ageism is a senseless concept because aging is part of life—-it is avprocess—it touches each and every one of us, if we are so lucky to live so long. No escaping it.
I, too, love Kate—-always have—love her mode of dress, her sassiness and eccentricity—her persona, in general.
It’s puzzling —-she has been so good lately, staying out of trouble, when suddenly she’s fallen back into her old ( pardon the pun, LOL) devious machinations.
I was really targeting the writers more than the character. She plays a part—-
She’s almost thirty years older than her counterpart—-it strikes a discordant note with me.
Perhaps I am trapped under the influence of my in-you-face grandmother. She’s a character, let me tell you!! She’s very similar to Kate—-in her way of dress etc.—- she’s a 60’s babe—-still married to my grandfather.
We occasionally watch our soaps together—-when I’m with her, I can’t help but laugh so hard with tears streaming down my face, as she throws outrageous words around in her Highlander Scottish brogue. She doesn’t even try to be funny. She just is.
Just yesterday, as we were watching, she was loudly scolding Kate’s panting after a “boy” -“Thu bawface. Ach, yer off yer heid””—and so much more, James—–I cannot repeat it in public.
Friendly and polite debates are good for the soul, my friend. Truly liberating!!
Celia, thanks for your kind reply! Fun reading! Nice to see that you enjoy Kate, too. What hampers me with DOOL is that I am not a long-time viewer (maybe 8 or 9 years), so I don’t know all the history. Funny, how I can give Kate a pass over all her misdeeds but won’t even consider it for GH’s Sonny — I know, don’t get me started on that one… Maybe even I am mesmerized by Kate’s beauty… (Insert joke here.)
It’s also nice to hear about your grandmother. She sounds a lot like my grandmother, who always acted younger than her age and had a mischievous sense of humor.
Great chatting with you, Friend!
Take 2! If you don’t like what you see onscreen, change the Chanel!
Good one, James!
4ever DAYS, I just saw this. Thank you, Friend!
that’s to bad,what is wrong with the one we have now?
I like the old Chanel but welcome the new one and hopefully she will stir things up because this show is becoming so boring and nambly pambly and everyone whining about their feelings and how politcally correct they need to be. Where is the action and adventure and romance? This is so boring I am ready to watch General Hospital instead.
Mark C.
Don’t watch G.H instead, just watch it, it’s the best and most exciting of the four.
Replacements are sometimes good, sometimes bad, especially the anticipation. I remember when they replaced Ciara, we were so lucky to be rid of “stick girl”. Hopefully, this time will be good too.
Poor girl’s head is out of proportion: huge forehead, all features squashed together at the bottom of her face above her tiny chin. Hope I can get used to her. I will miss Precious!
I agree. Days could have done better.
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Lexie Emerges and Shocks Abe as the DiMera Family Gathers for The Reading of Stefano’s Will
Next week on all-new episodes of Days of Our Lives, finally it looks like Lexie Carver is fully resurrected when the character now played by Nikki Crawford stumbles into a DiMera family gathering, which is supposed to be for the reading of Stefano DiMera’s will.
In the Peacock video teaser, as EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) and company toast the Phoenix, the secret tunnel door swings open, and out stumbles out Lexie! Meanwhile, Dr, Rolf (Richard Wharton) realizes Lexie is gone and no longer in her bed. When Abe (James Reynolds) sees his beloved Lexie, he is absolutely stunned. But the question is, when Lexie speaks, is she the Lexie of old, or will her memory and brain be all scrambled eggs?
As longtime DAYS viewers know, the part of Lexie was portrayed for years by Renee Jones, who retired from acting after her run which lasted from 1993-2012. At the time of her departure, Lexie was killed-off with an inoperable brain tumor.
Courtesy/Peacock
Elsewhere, Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) is up to no good and now makes a play for Xander (Paul Telfer). but then tells him, “What I want now, is for you to kill him!” Who does she want killed? EJ? Johnny (Carson Boatman)? Or someone else?
Take a look at the official Days of Our Lives spoilers for the week of May 11-15 below.
Monday, May 11
Lexie crashes the reading of Stefano’s will.
Tony makes Gabi an unexpected offer.
Kristen sees Sophia.
EJ questions Cat.
Chad defends Leo.
Tuesday, May 12
Belle asks Marlena for advice.
Holly lashes out at Tate.
Brady and Sarah comfort each other.
Philip comes through for Gabi.
Ari opens up to Liam.
Wednesday, May 13
Steve pays Alex a visit.
EJ pulls a fast one on Gwen.
Marlena offers Paulina support.
Thursday, May 14
Johnny and Chanel lean on each other.
Jada moves Shawn into her place and opens the door for renewed romance.
Gabi presses Ari about her relationship with Liam.
Amy confronts Holly.
Friday, May 15
EJ wants to explore his past with Cat.
Kristen and Chad discuss life and death.
Javi opens up to Rafe.
Gwen plays hardball with Xander.
Check out the latest DAYS promo entitled, “Heartbreak Hotel” below.
Then, let us know, does this Lexie come back from the dead intrigue you, even though Nikki Crawford is taking on the role and not Renee Jones? Do you think she will be anywhere near the same personality she had before she “died’? Who does Kristen want killed now? Weigh-in via the comment section.
Breaking News
DAYS Lauren Koslow Temporarily Fills-In for Jess Walton as ‘The Young and the Restless’ Jill Abbott
In a ironic twist, Lauren Koslow, who currently plays Kate Roberts on Days of Our Lives is returning to The Young and the Restless to play Jill Abbott while temporarily filling in for Jess Walton. Koslow will appear for five episodes beginning on Thursday, June 25.
Koslow first appeared on The Young and the Restless back in 1984 in what was her first soap opera role when she was cast as Lindsey Wells. Now, she returns decades later subbing for Walton, who due to a scheduling conflict, was was unable to travel to Los Angeles when the storyline called for Jill. The Emmy-winning Walton has played the Jill since 1987 and went on recurring status with the show in 2012. Jess also left Los Angeles to reside in Oregon in 2011.
Making this all the richer was the original Jill played by Brenda Dickson, often shared scenes with Koslow’s Y&R character. Lauren played Lindsey Wells until 1986, before moving over to The Bold and the Beautiful as Margo Lynley. Koslow was B&B’s Margo from 1987–1992, and again in 2002. Then, in 1996, she was cast on Days of Our Lives as Kate Roberts, replacing Deborah Adair, and she has been in Salem ever since. But there’s still another another twist to this casting history. Y&R viewers recall Deborah Adair also played Jill, after Brenda Dickson left in 1980, and following a brief stint by Bond Gideon, before heading to DAYS to originate the role of Kate.
Photo: CBS
THE DAYS AND Y&R CONNECTION
As soap fans know, Days of Our Lives and The Young and the Restless are both part of Sony. Y&R is produced by Bell Dramatic Serial Company in association with Sony Pictures Television, while DAYS is owned by Corday Productions and distributed by Sony.
So, having Koslow visit The Young and the Restless to fill in for Jess Walton has nothing to do with her continued role of Kate on DAYS. In fact, a rep for the show shared that her upcoming appearance on Y&R, “does not affect her status with the show in any way.” Recently, Stacy Haiduk reprised her role of Patty Williams on Y&R, even though she is still being seen as Kristen DiMera on DAYS.
In a joint statement offered up to TV Insider, executive producer, Sally McDonald and head writer, Josh Griffith expressed, “We’re extremely grateful to Lauren Koslow for returning to her Y&R roots and temporarily stepping into the role of Jill. We want to extend our sincere thanks to Ken Corday (executive producer) and Noel Maxam (co-executive producer) at Days of Our Lives and Peacock. Their support embodies the collaborative spirit of the daytime television community.”
McDonald and Griffith clarified that Jess Walton is forever their Jill and shared, “Jess Walton is an enduring cornerstone of Y&R. We look forward to welcoming her back to Genoa City as her schedule permits and celebrating her extraordinary 40th anniversary as the iconic Jill Abbott.”
So, what do you think of Days of Our Lives Lauren Koslow stepping in for Jess Walton as Jill Abbott? Excited to see what she does in the role while filling in for the Jess? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of Our Lives’ Alum Al Calderon Shares Parting Thoughts on ‘Brilliant Minds’ Following its Cancellation
Last week, NBC pulled the plug on the medical drama, Brilliant Minds, as the last 6 episodes of its second and final season will begin to air later this month. The series which saw its ratings plummet was taken off the schedule in February, with reports of it being on the bubble until finally the decision was handed down.
Al Calderon, who departed Days of our Lives in the role of Javi Hernandez in 2025 to join the primetime series as Nurse Nico Silva, was a part of the stellar cast that also featured One Life to Live alum, Teddy Sears (ex-Chad Bennett) and series star, Zachary Quinto.
On Brilliant Minds, Quinto plays 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.
Photo: NBC
In a real-life twist, Days of our Lives announced Calderon’s successor, Jacob Martinez as the new Javi debuting this June on April 30. Come May 1, NBC canceled Brilliant Minds. Now, on Wednesday, May 6, Al Calderon took a moment to reflect on his experience at Bronx General Hospital, the backdrop of Brilliant Minds, via a post on his Instagram.
“Thank you Brilliant Minds” Calderon began. “What a life changing experience. Met forever friends. Learned from the absolute best. Was reminded that my voice mattered. Learned that it’s okay to believe in yourself. Felt like I was part of something. While our beautiful show has gone onto glory we’ve got 6 more incredible episodes to share with you starting May 27th.”
Al also added, “NBC and Warner Brothers TV, thank you for allowing me to be silly and quippy, Demane Davis, Michael Grassi, David Rapaport, Zachary Quinto, thank you for all of your encouragement and support.”
As his heartfelt post came to a close, Calderon explained why the experience on Brilliant Minds was life-changing: “I’ve been at this a long time and this show gave me hope for the future of my career. I owe it to these incredible individuals. Our crew. Our writers. Our editors. The whole shebang. I love you all endlessly.”
Taking to the comment threads were several of Al’s Brilliant Minds and DAYS former co-stars, and even his successor, Jacob Martinez jumped in and shared, “YOU are brilliant 💕”
What did you think of Al’s heartfelt message about his time on Brilliant Minds? Will you miss seeing him on DAYS and on the primetime series? Looking forward to seeing what he will do next? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
View this post on Instagram
Days o
ABC/Disney Upfronts: ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Season 35 Adds ‘Savannah Bananas’ Jackson Olson, ‘The Bachelor’ Franchise Spin-Offs Not on Fall Schedule
Y&R’s Mark Grossman and Joshua Morrow to Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
‘Santa Barbara’ Alums A Martinez and Marcy Walker: In Conversation; Two-Hour Livestream Event with the Iconic Cruz and Eden Announced
AMERICAN IDOL: Who Won Season 24? Did Your Favorite Take Home the Title?
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Nina is Frantic, Sonny is Mistrustful, Chase and Willow are Being Framed
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ethan is Rocked at News of Delilah; Is Baby Phoebe His Child?
Y&R’s Joshua Morrow Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’: His Co-Stars Couldn’t Agree More (Exclusive)
‘Santa Barbara’ Alums A Martinez and Marcy Walker: In Conversation; Two-Hour Livestream Event with the Iconic Cruz and Eden Announced
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Brennan, Cassius and Dante Discover Bombshell Revelations
How ‘General Hospital’s’ Ned and Lois Love Story Moved Rosabel Kurth, Daughter of Wally Kurth and Rena Sofer, to Tears and Served as Inspiration
Y&R’s Mark Grossman and Joshua Morrow to Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
‘Santa Barbara’ Alums A Martinez and Marcy Walker: In Conversation; Two-Hour Livestream Event with the Iconic Cruz and Eden Announced
AMERICAN IDOL: Who Won Season 24? Did Your Favorite Take Home the Title?
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Nina is Frantic, Sonny is Mistrustful, Chase and Willow are Being Framed
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Mistakes and Cover-Ups Impact the Lives of Drew, Nina, Dante and Brennan
-
General Hospital7 days agoGENERAL HOSPITAL: Ethan is Rocked at News of Delilah; Is Baby Phoebe His Child?
-
Recaps1 week agoY&R’s Joshua Morrow Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’: His Co-Stars Couldn’t Agree More (Exclusive)
-
Breaking News15 hours ago‘Santa Barbara’ Alums A Martinez and Marcy Walker: In Conversation; Two-Hour Livestream Event with the Iconic Cruz and Eden Announced
-
General Hospital1 week agoGENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Brennan, Cassius and Dante Discover Bombshell Revelations
-
General Hospital1 week agoHow ‘General Hospital’s’ Ned and Lois Love Story Moved Rosabel Kurth, Daughter of Wally Kurth and Rena Sofer, to Tears and Served as Inspiration
-
Beyond the Gates1 week ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Nicole Plays the Field: Who Is Her Ultimate Love Match?
-
Days Of Our Lives1 week ago‘Days of Our Lives’ Jacob Martinez on LGBTQ Representation, ‘Javi is the Kind of Character I Wish I Could Have Looked Up to On Television as a Kid’
-
News1 week agoEileen Davidson Talks Auditioning for ‘General Hospital,’ Love of ‘Ryan’s Hope’ and High Praise for B&B’s Katherine Kelly Lang