Days Of Our Lives
Rob Scott Wilson to DAYS Fans on Playing Alex Kiriakis: “I Hope They See the Light at the End of the Tunnel. After a Few Episodes You’re Not Going to See Ben Weston at All”
After last week’s final episode of the Peacock limited-series, Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem Chapter 2, viewers got their last glimpses of Rob Scott Wilson in his signature soap role of Ben Weston.
In story, Ben and Ciara (Victoria Konefal) and baby Bo headed back out to sea after saying goodbye to Hope (Kristian Alfonso) in Montreal to continue sailing around the world, thus marking the exits of the characters. The previous week, Ben and Ciara said goodbye to Salem.
Photo: JPI
However, as DAYS fans were aware, Rob Scott Wilson is returning to the mothership and Days of our Lives in his new role of Alex Kiriakis. Wilson is set to make his new character debut next week on-air.
As a prelude to his return to the show, Rob spoke with TV Insider to offer up what to expect when a shirtless Alex hits Salem and the Kiriakis living room. Alex is the son of Justin (Wally Kurth) Kiriakis, and his ex-lover, Angelica Deveraux, played by a bevy of actresses including: Jane Elliot, Shelley Taylor Morgan, Judith Chapman, and Morgan Fairchild.
When talking on if he is concerned about viewer backlash, or the sudden appearance of Alex just a few weeks after Ben left the canvas, Wilson shared to the fans: “Whether or not you hate the new character, or love the new character, if you can roll with me through this … I know, I hope my fans, personally, will stick it out.”
Rob added: “We can change my hair, and I can put on some glasses and change my vibe a little bit, but they ultimately know there hasn’t been much time that has passed. But I’m hoping they can see the light at the end of the tunnel and see that after the first few episodes you’re not going to see Ben Weston at all. We’re telling a different story with a different person and if you can give it just that moment, I’m hoping they will see that.”
You can check out the interview with Wilson below.
Now weigh-in: Are you willing to give Rob a chance in his new role of move past the sudden change from Ben to Alex? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
He doesn’t have to change a thing for me. I like him just the way he is as long as his character isn’t changed to some disgusting jerk.
This is sort of a P.S. wonder who his love interest will be. Please don’t let it be Gaby.
Or Qwen
Just read he and Alley may be a couple. OMG, our used to be Ben with that worthwhile twit.Another good excuse to stop watching this mess they’ve turned a good show into.
I quit watching 2 years ago and I believe it was the right thing from what I’m reading.
I think it was to soon for him to be a playboy to in love let him enjoy fun times a little longer my opinion
I’m glad he’s staying.
At least on GH, they give Roger Howarth or Michael Easton months off screen before the new character is introduced.
DOOL obviously likes Ben Weston and wants him to stay. The writers see no problem putting back on the canvas right away. No big deal!
And look how that worked out…both times! There 3rd character on the show is even worse than the 2nd. And having Austin’s story go on at the same time as Franco’s ghost didn’t help. At least Ben is off canvas. Regardless they are keeping Rob on and he hopefully makes it work better than GH.
There never was such a thing as Frodd’s ghost. That was just Elizabeth in an Ambien coma, “haunting” herself.
Steve
But why should that be necessary? If we already like an actor, to me he’s acceptable ,and doesn’t need to be changed in to another completely different person. To each his own I guess, but if next week Roger Howarth was Franco, it would be fine with me but someone else, let’s say Satan for example would be a whirling dervish down there.
Because he isn’t playing Ben; he’s going to be a new character. Ben and Ciara left the show together, and the actor was hired to play someone completely new. But some viewers get confused and they can’t understand why the characters in the story don’t see that the new character looks exactly like the character the actor previously played. Even when the show waits months to bring an actor back to play a different role, there are viewers who are still asking why no one in the story mentions that Austin looks like Franco, for example, lol.
Rebecca 1
I don’t know who you aimed this comment to but I knew what they were doing from the beginning and loved the idea. So thanks but no explanation needed here.
Hi, Violet; I replied to you because you wrote, “But why should that be necessary? If we already like an actor, to me he’s acceptable and doesn’t need to be changed into another completely different person.” So, I was saying that the reason they sometimes give a bit of a different look to an actor coming back to play a different role is because many viewers don’t understand why the actor looks exactly the same as he or she did in their last role,and want to know why no one in the story notices it. You ma not need the actor to look different than he did when he played Ben, but other viewers (not me, lol) can’t easily make the switch in their minds.
Rebecca1
Thanks, it really mystifies me how some people have a problem with this.
I know. And even after months they still ask why the characters in the story don’t mention anything to each other or the new character about the fact they look exactly like so ‘n’ so. As mentioned there are some who still don’t get how “Liz’ doesn’t notice that “Austin” looks exactly like Franco…
Absolutely!! He’s a great actor. He’ll make us believe he’s Alex Kiriakas in a matter of lines!!!
So glad he is staying.I am sure that he will be just fine as a new character.
I dont care who he plays he is a good actor and it shouldnt matter.
I like Rob, he was even good as Petey Cortlandt on the brief on line version of ALL MY CHILDREN – SO, he has proven that he is a proficient actor. It always disturbed me that Ben was a serial killer, but the whole town forgave him – it was a bit unbelievable – so, if he’s in a new role I’m sure he’ll do fine. Honestly the show is so stupid anyway LoL what’s the difference – I watch it most of the time and laugh but I DO watch it ~
Glad you’re staying Robert and I will watch you as a new character. Just be great.
So glad!! Love Rob in any role—from Worcester ( locals pronounce it, “Woostah), Mass–Anyone from Massachusetts is fine with me.
I wish he would have played a cop–this way he could look at videos from the surveillance cameras —who’s coming and going?—I mean, such a mansion as the DiMera’s must have such a system, right? Right?
I hope he takes acting lessons, his range is limited and his accent comes out routinely.
Nick
His accent and “range” is great so you go take some lessons!
Hi, Nick—Rob does not need acting lessons as he is so very well skilled. Perhaps, you mean speech lessons? However, what I hear is not discordant. It’s better than hearing “axed” instead of “asked”, or “towed” instead of “told”. plus, I’d rather withstand any accent than bad grammar–such as, “between you and I” instead of between you and me–“none of them are here” instead of none of them is here…. and so on and so forth.
Celia, you’re right. Rob doesn’t need ANYTHING, he’s perfectly fine as is. “Axed” is also one of my favorite peeves! Can you believe the great Billy Joel even says it once in his song “Don’t Ask Me Why”? And another pair of my favorites: “realator” instead of realtor and the Biblical Revelation given incorrect plural status as “Revelations”. Lazy or just unaware?
Just stupid, Soaphound. Let’s call it what it is. It goes all the way back to grade school. Subject and verb agreement. Most people mistake the object for the subject. They should know better. A preposition is always followed by the object–always, without fail!!’ Unfortunately, most of these actors/actresses have no clue what a preposition is–or a conjunction-or a verb-or a subject-ot an object-or avgerund etc.
One, none, neither, either etc. are all singular pronouns. ( Oops–pronouns have become a dirty, no-no parts of speech)– who would have “thunk”–duh!!
Also, words such as group, audience, public etc. are singular, collective nouns.
Thank you for your reply—I truly appreciate it. I don’t want to sound like a know-it-all, but as yourself, bad grammar is up there among my “irritants”. I make a lot of typos , but as spelling, they are not considered grammar mistakes.
And, yes—Rob is perfetto!! Yum❤️
Saw his entrance today as Alex. I would have liked it a lot better without all the references to his previous role of necktie killer, etc. Hope he settles down some, I don’t like to see him play the clown.
Iam just adding to my comment above. I just ran my big mouth saying I’d like any way Rob played his new part. WRONG! He’s being a total jerk and Sonny said all the right things to him confirming this. I hope things change as time goes on, and for God’s sake, put some clothes on.
I know I will like him as Alex.He is a good actor so it shouldn’t matter who or what he plays.
they just should have replaced them with other actors! Rather than having them killed or in an accident!!
I love what Ben says about not seeing Ben at all. Well, lately I’ve been seeing too damn much of him.He needs to put it where it belongs and not front and center. I know Iam being contradictory but I didn’t think he’d lose his dignity with this new character.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Heated Rivalry’ Star Franco LoPresti Opens Up About ‘Days of our Lives’ Debut as Dante Vitali
Next week on Monday, September 14 will mark the first appearance in Salem of Franco LoPresti in his new Days of our Lives role of Dante Vitali.
Heated Rivalry fans now LoPresti very well from his part as hockey player Cliff Marleau in the series first season. (No word yet if Cliff appears in season 2).
Now in a conversation with TV Insider, DAYS fans will learn that LoPresti is on the soap for a limited run. No timetable was given.
Photo: Corday Productions, Inc
When LoPresti does burst onto the scene come Monday, Dante makes quite the impact as Franco LoPresti explains. It seems that viewers will first see him in scenes in Monte Carlo at a poker table with none other than Gabi Hernandez (Cherie Jimenez) and Philip Kiriakis (John-Paul Lavoisier). However, Dante will come to Salem to talk to the Brady family about his supposed fiancée Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney).
Franco shared, “Dante was born and grew up in Italy and educated at this pretty top-tier English boarding school. He then went on to build his own dynasty in finance, all the while trying to distance himself from the Vitali name (as viewers know Tamara Braun played his cousin Ava Vitali).”
“But at the core of Dante, there’s definitely an old-school quality to him”, continued LoPresti. “He’s super passionate, he’s sincere and incredibly generous, but he’s also someone that you probably shouldn’t underestimate. Loyalty is something that means a lot to him. As Dante enters Salem, I think the audience will get to slowly peel back those layers and discover what’s really driving him. So, I’m excited for Days fans to go on that ride with Dante.”
Photo: Almay
As it turns out, LoPresti taped his episodes of DAYS starting back in November 2025 which happened to be weeks before Heated Rivalry became a smash hit.
Franco recalled, “It’s so funny because I thought my episodes would air in a month (on Days of our Lives). But I found out it was nine to 10 months and I was like, ‘I gotta wait that long?!’ So, I’ve been biting my nails, trying not to think about it, and I think it’s actually kind of helped because now it’s here and it’s all coming at me from all different angles. I’m nervous. I’m excited, and I just can’t wait to see it all come together. It’s one of the best jobs I’ve ever had for sure.”
In his personal life, Franco just had his first child with wife, actress Emily Alatalo, just a weeks ago on August 23rd when they welcomed their daughter, Stella into the world.
So, looking forward to seeing Franco LoPresti’s debut come Monday? What do you think about the fact that it’s being reported as a limited run? Do you think Dante and Sami have a chance on-screen or off-screen to be a happy couple? What do you really think brings Dante to Salem sans Sami? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
In a metaphor for the start of the school year and their upcoming anniversary in November, Days of our Lives revealed its “Class of Season 62,” with a very clever yearbook montage on their social media handles, welcoming new cast members, while paying respect to the veterans and “class”-iying the other characters in Salem.
The official Days of our Lives Instagram account shared on the posting, “The Class of Salem Season 62 has arrived. Familiar faces, new names and plenty of personality. Flip through our yearbook for a peek at this year’s class.”
Let’s take a look at how they broke it all down: The Salem Yearbook starts with saying “another unforgettable season,” with some group pics, and then we dovetail into Salem’s new class which features: Sydney Malakeh (Sydney DiMera), Brandon Butler (Mason Whitfield), Angelica Nero (Victoria Kiriakis), Cole Gersmeyer (Thomas DiMera) and Lorelei Olivia Mote (Rachel Black).
Photo: Days of our Lives
Next up, are the likes of: Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez), John-Paul Lavoisier (Philip Kiriakis), Tyler Joseph Andrews (Theo Carver) and LeeAnn Hopkins (Joy Wesley). Then, in the “Drama Club” section are: Dan Feuerriegel (EJ DiMera) and AnnaLynne Cipriani (Cat Greene).
Following the ‘Recess” section with some group snaps, comes “Homeroom Highlights” with: Abigail Klein (Stephanie Johnson), Eric Martsolf (Brady Black), Rob Scott Wilson (Alex Kiriakis), Lamon Archey (Eli Grant) and Sal Stowers (Lani Price Grant).
The “Salem Spectator” section features: Conner Floyd (Chad DiMera), Greg Rikaart (Leo Stark), Stowers again, and Ashely Puzemis (Holly Jonas). In the “Afternoon Sweets” section look for: Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis) and Linsey Godfey (Sarah Horton), Emily O’ Brien (Gwen Rizchech), Stacy Haiduk (Kristen DiMera/Susan Banks), Brandon Beemer (Shawn Brady), plus Jackée Harry (Paulina Price).
Towards the end of the yearbook, veteran performers such as: Mary Beth Evans (Kayla Johnson), Stephen Nichols (Steve Johnson), Lauren Koslow (Kate Roberts) and Josh Taylor (Roman Brady) are featured, plus Deidre Hall (Marlena Evans), James Reynolds (Abe Carver) and Matthew Ashford (Jack Deveraux), Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie Williams) and Suzanne Rogers (Maggie Kiraikis) with her on-screen daughter, Linsey Godfrey.
The Salem Yearbook comes to a conclusion noting “Big things happening in Salem” and to tune-in on Peacock, where we also find Jacob Martinez (Javi Hernandez), Maggie Carney (Rita Lesley), and a host of other favorites previewing what’s to come this fall.
So, what do you think of the Days of our Lives Class of Season 62? Looking forward to seeing what happens in Salem? Did you like the yearbook concept for promotional tune-in? Let us know via the comment section below.
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Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of our Lives’ Head Writers Give Fall 2026 Preview: Marlena and Stefano’s Chess Mystery, The Arrivals of Dante and Sydney, Romance Drama for Sarah and Others
As summer comes to a close with Labor Day weekend, the former Days of our Lives co-head writing duo of Paula Cwikly and Jeanne Marie Ford have given their annual fall season preview in episodes taped some 10-11 months ago.
As previously reported this past July, Ryan Quan returned to Days of our Lives and is now co-head writing the show with Ford, while Cwikly is now a consultant. The new co-head writing teams stories will not be seen till late spring/early summer 2027.
So for now, the stories pick up from where we left off with Cwikly and Ford promising via TV Insider, “Fall in Salem is full of twists and turns and secrets and surprises. Dots connect in unexpected ways as seemingly unrelated threads converge.”
Photo: JPI
CHECKMATE?
In one of the top mystery’s, Marlena is still having troubling memories and she will have another one on the Monday, September 7 episode. Meanwhile, her daughter Belle (Martha Madison) has gotten very close to Chad DiMera (Conner Floyd) and as pictured here, the two smooch while in Italy searching for answers to the chess set that Stefano DiMera gifted th the late John Black and Marlena (Deidre Hall) that has some significance.
The head scribes share, “The (chess board) mystery and its fallout are central to the fall stories. Chad and Belle follow the clues to a discovery that changes both of their families, and Salem, forever. Marlena worries that their investigation/the chess set may be a Pandora’s box that has been opened. And she is right…”
Newcomers are also the order of the day for Cwikly and Ford, this fall. We have already seen the debut as Brandon Butler as Mason Whitfield, and next week you can add as previously reported Sydney Malakeh on the Thursday September 1o episode as Sydney DiMera, followed by the the Monday, September 14 arrival of Franco LoPresti as Dante Vitali.
Photo: Corday Productions
Paula and Jeanne Marie expressed on the incoming Dante, “The arrival of a stranger who will set the whole town on its ear. The character has several strong ties to the current canvas and impacts many storylines.” What will Dante be up to? We know Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney) had mentioned in 2025 she got engaged to the man, but that was off-screen.
LOVE THE ONE YOU’RE WITH OR THE ONE YOU WANT?
In the romance department, the triangle between Brady/Sarah/Xander heats up with a very conflicted Sarah (Linsey Godfrey). The head writers reveal, “When Sarah faces attacks personally and professionally, Xander (Paul Telfer) and Brady (Eric Martsolf) work together to help and protect her. Sarah’s new love for Brady is challenged by her lingering love for Xander. Xander risks everything for Sarah.”
In addition look for, “Gabi (Cherie Jimenez) and Philip (John-Paul Lavoiser) to draw closer as he tries to save the family company and home.”
Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) will also be returning at some point this fall and she won’t be alone. Who might she bring with her? And from the looks of the Peacock promo for next week’s DAYS, someone is wearing Stefano’s ring around their finger, but who … and how does it all tie in this fall?
So, what do you think about some of the highlights coming up this fall on Days of our Lives per the series head writers? Does anything float your boat or pique your interest? If so, what? Let us know via the comment section. But first, check out the action next week on DAYS in the promo entitled “Bag of Tricks” below.
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