Days Of Our Lives
Stephen Nichols On His DAYS Return As Stefano: “I Knew I Didn’t Want To Be A Cheap Imitation.”
By now, Days of our Lives fans have witnessed that the heralded return of longtime favorite, Stephen Nichols came with a twist. When Nichols re-emerged on the canvas, he was now playing Stefano DiMera, but in the face and body of what seems to be Steve “Patch” Johnson.
Nichols, who along with Mary Beth Evans, have been known as enduring supercouple Patch and Kayla, and now they find themselves in the Salem time jump in a different set of circumstances, First of all, Kayla is romantically involved with Justin Kiriakis (Wally Kurth), and Nichols returned as Stefano and is in ca-hoots with Princess Gina (Kristian Alfonso).
Photo: JPI
In an interview in the current issue of Soap Opera Digest on newsstands now, Stephen opens up about taking on the classic soap villain role made famous by the late, great Joe Mascolo.
Nichols admitted there was some trepidation taking on and in approaching how to portray the role: “It was daunting and a major challenge to take on. I knew I didn’t want to be a cheap imitation. I wanted to get Stefano’s essence.”
In preparing for his new journey on DAYS, Nichols noted: “I watched the master, Joe Mascolo. I got lots of videos of Stefano. Stefano in every mode: Manipulating, laughing, Stefano with the ladies, with his children, and, of course, Stefano raging.”
So, what have you thought of Stephen as Stefano thus far? What do you think of the plot twist? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
Stephen is fabulous and very talented;problem is the way the arc was written…Stefano is an iconic character and writers may have wanted to look at the history and popularity of him.. Now, we just need Kayla help put an end to this because after almost a year of Gina–it’s tiring. Please Stephen and Mary Beth on screen together are magic and can help overcome some of this stupidness.
I admit that I am intrigued by the idea of Stefano with Steve Johnson’s face.
I agree, Anne… and he’s doing a great job. Love Stephen Nichols back to his days as Stefan on GH. And people need to get over the thought that he’s “replacing” Joe Mascolo. It’s not a “recast”…it’s a story of a man’s “being” brought alive in another’s body. True, soapy stuff and I’m sure a blast to play for Nichols.
No I like the new role he’s taken on challenging after you get used to it I like him this way you have to give him a chance playing a whole new character and I do like Kayla and Justin together but for but we need to find someone suitable 4 steppy
This plot is plain dumb, Joseph Moscolo must be rolling in his grave. Days time jump sucks, the princess Gina storyline sucks, the accent is terrible, poor Kristian Alfonso same repeated storylines. Lol. I do like Ben and Ciara.
I agree! Do not like time jump
Seems like it is all a bad dream
I’ve been watching for 42 yrs
Can’t get my head around most of the story lines!
Same for me. I just don’t understand why they are doing it this way. It’s very confusing!!
Don’t like storyline either. Also, have missed do much because of Empeachment circus Am totally lost. Have been watching DAYS for many, many, many years and and am disappointed in this story line
So true
I agree on all you said. This show sucks now. Been watching days since the beginning.
I agree have been watching since inception of show. Just not interested anymore. I always was looking forward to show. I am 75 yrs old now and very disappointed the direction of show now.
I wish that you all could hang in there and soon it should become clear as mud!
No really, give it a chance. I saw it at first as many of you do, but after a while I started realizing that it is sort of tongue in cheek and not reality.
“it’s THEE best show on the air” for what it’s worth… heck i’m still enjoying looking at “Patch” without his patch. I so agree with “ONE” poster’ who said… overall… she/he LIKES @DAYS reboot… sans , as expected, the Kristian Alfonso “Princess Gina”. ???? I so agree. I love the whole damn show. I have given up on @GH. surprised at how I haven’t watched in 3-4 months. reading up on this site will keep me abreast… otherwise… GOODBYE Shelly riddance
What is clear is character assassination and horrible stories are killing days!!!! Hate Kayla and Justin can they just be gone
I totally agree. I think is stupid.
I agree, I can not STAND listening to Gina’s awful ancient anymore!! Please just STOP IT already!! And, don’t even go there to break up John and Marlena!! They are solid and should stay that way! I like Zander and Sarah together and please just let Eric and Nicole have their happily ever after!! I love having Chad and Abby back, so dont go messing with that couple either! Gabi needs to tone herself down just a tad!! Bring Stefan back….they were great together!!
And, what’s up with Ciera? She jumped a year and now it’s all about red lipstick, boobs and cleavage? Hummm?? And, no I don’t like her with Ben! Sorry, sick or no sick.. people are dead because of him!! He’s still A MURDERER!!
Just my opinion!!
I agree with you 100%. It’s plain stupid now.
I don’t understand the reasoning behind this time jump. Do the writers intend for this time jump to be the product of the mind of a comatose Jennifer?
Maybe we will get lucky and this can turn out to be all of our nightmare’s not just Jennifer’s. I do want Steve and Kayla back..that’s my saving grace with the story arc their chemistry is so good, you can forget how bad a story they are given.
I agree please get rid of Princess Gina. Kristian deserbes better than this. She can’t carry it off, but who could. Love Ben & Ciera. I hope Steve can carry off the Stefano bit as I really like him. Give JJ a break, does he always have to be an imature jerk? Give us some one we can really care about.. Beginning to go for the Sara and turned around xanda couple. Thats a love story that has my attention. Hope it works out. Been watching for 50 years and have never missed a show except when prempted by something.
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I have never been able to warm to Ben because of Paige and I hope Eve teams up with Hawk Hawkins or Peter Blake and they take Ben out! Of course it will have to be a recast Peter because the reason Jennifer was recast years ago was because Missy Reeves had an affair with Jason Brooks and left the show to save her marriage and she now has a clause in her contract that Jason can’t be rehired.
I agree. They are taking this bringing back the dead too far
Agree Mascolo must be rolling in his grave He was so talented Only one Stefano!! and cannot be replaced
I agree
If Stephen Nichols Should go back to General Hospital and play the character he originated; Stefan Cassadine! Instead of playing another “stefan(o)” on days. The GH Cassadines haven’t had a juicy story in years and now that Nikolas is back: they could easily bring back his “uncle” Stefan. Even though Zlumr Spencer three him off a cliff. He’s a Cassadine, they always return from the dead.
Sorry, still sounds like a cheap imitation, horrible storyline by #RE-RON.
Cheap is right needs story lines of today not jumping and coming back as someone else. Move on everyone is related to a Horton…who
It sounds like that story line from the tv show Dallas where Bobby came back to life in the shower
I think this by far is the most ridiculous thing days came up with..why not bring Stefano back with someone who resembles the real stefano..I know he died in real life but finding a look alike replacement is alot better then this stupid story line….
ReRon would lose his job in 1/666th of a second if he attempted an ACTUAL recast of Stefano DiMera. Part of the reason he got canned from GH was when he recast the long dead mobster Frank Smith with some guy who was 30 years too young for the part. And Frank Smith was nowhere near as popular of a character as Stefano DiMera.
Stevano is NOT Stefano DiMera at all. He’s just Steve Johnson with a chip in his head. And just like the chip in Hope’s head, it’s not going to be there long term. But yes, the story line is stupid. The really stupid part is somebody like Kate acting like it’s real. (same thing with the folks in Port Charles acting like Drodd is actually Drew Cain)
Agree so far fetched
Agree with u all Really stupid storyline now
I think you’ve missed the point of the story. They didn’t need to find an actor to look like Stefano. It’s not a recast. It’s the story of Told bringing two people back to life with his latest experiment…implanting the “life” of one person into another, essentially wiping out the body of his or her former self. That’s the story and all that follows. It’s pure soap cray cray…and people should assume that at some point Patch will be Patch again and Hope will be Hope. I think the story is soapy fun…and will lead to other stories that twist, turn until they unravel
People complained about Abby/Gabby, too. Loved it!
@Rebecca – well said!
Thanks, Sunny! Couldnt find the edit button (that option seems to appear and disappear on whim) but ” Told” should be ” Rolf.”
I am LOVING Steohan Nichols playing this part! So much fun and he’s so good at it…reminds me a lot of his dearly departed Stefan Cassadine whom I adored!
Well greT explain why one should accept Justin not really grieving and Kayla’sl self righteous hypocrisy!!!
He did grieve; it’s over a year in the sory.
This is the stupidest crap. Actually as a 50 year viewer, I am about done with days.
I don’t like it at all. Please I hope they fix it Been watching 50 years.
I agree I haven’t been watching that much lately because it’s stupid. The same thing over and over Princesses Gina and John. Please Writers listen to the Fans ok.
So extremely disappointed in the time jump and resulting story lines. I had never missed an episode for the last 15 years but now I’m done watching. The character development has gone down the tubes.
I agree….ENOUGH of Princess Gina!!!!! Not interesting….or believable in ANY SOAP GENRE!!!!!!
Agree days is an insult
I am glad to get rid the eye patch… As usual all of Days group have stepped up.. Not crazy about the time jump but I’m getting use to it.. JJ also has been doing agreat job and gabi.. Definately a mean girl…
Maybe Patch is programmed to think he is Stephano…but anyway its not that great story…Gina is dumb too…i miss an ep and dont care at the moment…Y&R is about relationship/problems..business conflicts ect…and Y it stays number one-its a soap!
I feel sorry for Steve Nichols, unwittingly (probably) helping to kill the show, that provided a big chunk of his lifes income. Think about it, he came back, did these moronic episodes, and then he and the rest of the cast were released from their contracts.
RIP DOOL
The contracts were released because the show hadn’t been renewed at the time, the actors were free to take other work since there was no definitive time to return. They’re all back on contract and the show was renewed. Had nothing to do with the time jump since it hadn’t or Nichols episodes; none of that had actually aired yet.
And not all of us “hate” the time jump or think the episodes are “moronic.” The writers expect people to keep up with what shouldn’t be confusing…it was EXPLAINED over and over again in story that it was year ahead…and yet people were confused. It’s sad that the writers can’t make an innovative change without everybody scratching their heads in confusion.
Not that difficult to follow; people died, other relationships formed..we’re filled in on what happened during that “year” through flashbacks or dialogue and then we watch as we get used to the current stories…
First people complaim that soaps do the same old/same old…then they do a little jump and people are confused and angry.
I’m sure soap writers don’t get paid enough…
No desire to watch anymore.
I really was thinking you word bring back bo and make him the new Stefano
Peter Reckell is not interested in returning to DOOL
thank the soap gods RC no longer writes for GH, what a nightmare. the endless pointless twist and turns, that’s what RC writing is about one cheap shock factor after another. Good luck Dool.
Ironically, the whole dumb storyline on GH with Frodd believing he’s Drew – and half the town enabling his delusions – is so close to this brainchip dragonshit that ReRon might secretly still be writing for GH.
The time jump and this casting are great moves. Nichols is one of the best actors on daytime because he is believable in whatever role he plays. It’s fun to see how he pulls this off. I think it’s a bold and creative move – just what DAYS needs. The time jump is refreshing. For the first time in a while, I look forward to watching to see the reveal of the day. It doesn’t surprise me that the knuckle-dragging masses on these boards are resisting change, because that’s just what they do. I hope Carlivati isn’t discouraged by the trolls.
Agree!
This story line is not a new one. Obviously, Carlivati watched the tv show Dallas. My mother is convinced that this one year jump will turn out to be the imagination of a comatose Jennifer.
Anne, I have been thinking that too. Great minds, huh?
Totally agree. Loving it…
I agree!! I am loving it!
DAYS is so much fun to watch. All the loose threads of the time jump are starting to tie together, and the actors are really delivering. So Patch as Stefano is over the top. It’s creative, and Nichols is back, and we know he won’t be the Phoenix forever. If you want your grandma’s soap, head on over to Y&R, lean your easy chair back and enjoy that hour long snoozefest.
What would have been better is to have brought back evil Andre and his henchman Bart
Channing Capwell,
Fan of my beloved Santa Barbara I presume?
I didn’t like this time jump at first but am beginning to see there is a method to their madness, I just haven’t figured it out yet.I could have done without Chad and Abby, talk about boring! I think we need a sense of humor as we watch, and a touch of insanity, as it really borders on crazy. The more I watch, the more intriguing it gets. Here comes that word crazy again, because we almost have to be a little insane to actually enjoy what we are seeing daily.
50 yr. Watcher. Bringing patch back as Dimera is ridiculous and bringing Gina back is just boring.I have stopped watching and read upstates online. Since things usually go so incredibly slow like the jump in time.
Agree and if they kill off Abigail again I’m done it’s getting started all over again. Let Xander be a good guy hes trying. Tired of sappy Eric round and round next week will be Holly college bound!! Jump
I totally agree. Been watching since it began. Only look at updates now. It’s too moronic and boring to actually watch. The writer obviously has no actual plot lines, just repeats. The time jump was just a ploy to help him write himself out of the corner he had put the stories in. And bringing everyone back from the dead is so insulting and stupid! Kristen in a convent?!?! Talk about insulting! I’m sorry to say it, but I’m done.
He is doing fantastic
I love Steve as Steve but not as a made over stephano. Hope as hope. Kill Gina. Soap needs good wash
The show just doesnt hold my interest anymore. I’ll turn it on but half way thru I’ll turn it off or go do something else.
Totally agree I have been watching this show with my mom since I was a little girl, back when Julie was a teenager. I hate it now, it’s stupid. Stopped watching.
I just hope that steveno goes back to steve soon
I was anticipating stefanos return but surprised to see that it was Steve. It will take some getting used to but I’m willing to give him a chance
I don’t know. It’s really weird. Too much going on in this soap. Nothing happy or makes you feel good. I have watched Days since I was 15. I am 71 now. You would think at least one storyline would be happy and fun to watch but NO there is not. Very sad
I’m about tired of Gina’s mess. I’m just sick of the new plot. When you have seen these people play good parts and now they are mean. I hate it. I want JJ’s girlfriend back. Too much drama now in one show. Don’t really have an older good couple like Mr. And Mrs. HORTON. I SURE THOUGHT IT WOULD BE JOhn and MARLENA. THEY ARE THE BEST. NOW YOU WANT TO BUST THEM UP FOR THAT STINKING Gina. I hate her part.
After reading these comments, others don’t like this mess either on Days. Too much going on at one time. Each family having problems. Not a good storyline at all. Ridiculous… hope you get the message before its too late and all of us seniors are gone.
I have seen numerous twist plots on days from Sammy kidnapping Bella to Marlene being possessed. This latest time jump has absolutely been the most ridiculous thing Days has come up with. I don’t understand how Gabby continues to rule Salem with evil are they really that intimidated or just stupid. I’ve seen enough. No longer a fan.
I don’t like what they have Done
I think Will being in prison for killing Adrienne is so stupid…why really
Wendy Slater, why is the question, but they are letting us know almost daily via flashbacks what happened and why. We just have to wait. I am enjoying it more every day, wondering what happened. The answers are coming, have to be patient.
I think the Princess Gina storyline is so stupid. I record it so I can pick the parts I want to watch. Bringing Patch/Steve as Stephano is even stupider. I have watched DOOL for many years – probably 47 & I love – did Louvre watching it. Boting now. Get back on point & get rid of Gina & Stephano. Can’t stand watching those parts.
Why is what I want to know. Leave Stefano alone and let Stephen return as Steve. I don’t like what the powers that be have done to Days and I think the time jump is very confusing. No explanations on how certain stories advanced and what happened along the way. This is the only soap I watch; please return Days to its former glory.
Tired of this time jump garbage! They ruined the show! I’m ready to give up and stop watching!
I like the twist because how can anyone replace the late,great Joseph Moscolo.
But Princess Gina and the phoney accent, ENUFF!!
Ciara and Ben, get rid of them.
Did we really need Abigail and Chad back?
When is Gabi going to b busted.
Oh that Eric and Nicole, send them off to an island.
Leave Xander and Sarah as a couple, they r great together.
Kristin needs More Airtime, she is pure Gold.
When the hell are we going to find out about Adrienne’s death??????
Arc written poorly to include the pop up Kayla/Justin rushed relationship. Stephen great actor can’t hold it against him. Should never mess with icons and super couples egotistical head writer is..One savior soon will be interaction of Steve and Kayla. The actors that portray them always are on point with magnificent chemistry. They may help some forget the ill conceived notion.
Writers could have helped by staying true to histories and integrity of characters and appreciate the intelligence of long time fans.
Kayla really should have known better than to believe Steve would abandon her. Considering Bo was her brother & Jack is her brother in law, there’s the obvious pattern here she should recognize….
Guy disappears for no good reason…. years later, divorce papers show up in the mail with no warning…. yada yada yada.
That’s what happened to both Bo & Jack, and when they eventually made it home, guess what? They never asked for a divorce, nor did they sign any papers. Nor did Steve…. or if he did, it was under the influence of a brain chip, so it doesn’t count.
Both Jack & Kayla should be seeing some serious “deja vu” here. I’ll give Jennifer a pass since she was comatose for a year. You can bet your soul that if Bo Brady were still a mortal, he wouldn’t be buying this dragonshit.
The writing for this arc is not doing any favors to anyone..the convo w/Kayla and Marlena (when Kayla told Marlena she was moving in with Justin) was not on point. I can’t hold that against character on writers..you can tell by actions (keeping wedding pic, talking about steve, etc) she still loves him
Day has gone down hill for a while, this time jump has lost me as a viewer.
I Don’t Like It …..Period
I do not like gina please bring them back as who they were before as patch and as hope brady oh please then maybe i will watch it again I stoped watching it since gina came on can not stand you stupid accsent either
I don’t like it I want hope back and Adrianne and Steve back it’s not the same
This show has turned out to be so stupid
Hate it. Hate the Gina storyline as well, way too long. It’s taken awhile to get used to the time jump. Don’t watch it as much and I have been watching for 40 years.
They should never done this. Watched this show since started now I change channel. Take it off the air.
I agree with most of the other comments. I cannot like this time jump! We, the viewers who have been here so faithfully have missed out on so much that happened in the time jump. I wish the writers had asked opinions about their plans but, too late now! As far as Steve playing Stefano, I hate it! Steve is Patch, he has been and always will be. Stefano should have been replaced with one of the actors that played Stefan O.
Just my opinion…
I personally think Stephen Nichols was wasted all these years with nothing to do but run around holding “sweetness’s” whatever! He finally looks and acts like someone to be reckoned with, be it Stefano or another character. He’s all cleaned up, shirt and tie, good haircut, like a real gentleman instead of a scruffy ruffian. Iam sure it won’t last long long, but I am loving it as long as it does!
It sucks Especially Princess Gina
Well, I’m not too keen about the time leap but I’ve been a fan of DOOL since the beginning, too long to give up on the show now!! I love Stephen Nichols and think he’s doing a good job as Stefano so far. Let’s get him out of that lair and we can really see how it goes. I think the accent is probably just right because, after all it is Steve Johnson. Let’s all just take a breath and see where this all goes before we make too big a judgement. We could lose the show entirely if we dont stand behind it!!
I sort of said that in another post Kristen, but in another way…just enjoy what’s left if you can bear it.
ReRon is an Awsome soap killer, Sami is coming back in August for the finale cliffhanger, just like Allison Perkins did on OLTL.
What’s in the can won’t save this show.
Did you know that ALL of the actors are off contract already?
I like Steve but he will never be Stefano!
Princess Gina needs to go away!
Don’t keep trying to bring these
characters back!
Storyline is not to bad compared to recent years.steve is doing a great job as stefeno.seems like he’s doing the 80’s style Stefeno.back when it was fun to watch
I think that the time jump and what they did to steve and Kayla is so stupid he forgot their entire history. The ahow is just awful bring him back to this crap. After they let him go after he agreed to a pay cut even.
Stephen is a great actor doing his best with a very poor choice given to him by writers and sorry producers, etc. Ken Corday should be held accountable because he should have understood the iconic importance of Stefano, Steve and Kayla/Steve (super couple)…it’s a shame!!
We are stuck though because the show tapes so far in advance too costly to fix the mess created by the writing team..made worse by the issues w/dialogue and lags repeat story lines from past writers.
I do hope Steve and Kayla come back together and this Steveano (can’t call him Stephano) madness ends soon. Justin and Kayla have friendship chemistry and watching last few shows you can tell she still loves Steve..
Though I think we all want our Patch and Kayla together eventually, I have been fascinated by how Stephen has clearly picked up on some of Joe’s movements and mannerisms. I think it is a fine homage. Granted I could do without Hope/Gina, but I like his scheming with Kate. I have been watching for over 20 years and I like the time jump overall. I love JuGabi and hope Lani never tells. I am not a Elani fan at all, they both need the fire other partners bring, dull as dishwater together. Wish Kristen had stayed at the convent, and my gosh, please get Ciara away from the self tanner.
Stephen is doing great in his new part. I just can’t believe him as Stefano. He looks so sophisticated and suave, wearing suits and the new hair style and color. He always was a little scroungy for my taste as Patch, and the sickening name Sweetness he called Kayla was very tiresome. Hope is absolutely abominable as Gina. I am grateful not to have witnessed her first go around years ago. The only good thing I see with this time jump is that we get reveals almost every day, plus all the many spoilers helping to understand what’s going on, and invariably most of them are true. I keep wondering if it will eventually turn out to be some big hoax, nightmare or all of Salem will end up on another island called Melaswen as they did years ago. I think that’s what it was called, New Salem spelled backwards. Iam too lazy to check it out.
Here’s the biggest fail in this current plotline….
Steveano throwing Rolf under the bus, for Jennifer’s swan dive off the balcony.
Seriously?? Two people who are controlled by chips in their brains are going to frame the only guy who knows how to program those chips??
If Rolfie gets caught by the cops, do you really think he’s going to prison to protect two people who don’t even actually exist. Sure, he might have been the actual Stefano’s “dedicated servant” for decades. But Stefano’s dead, and Rolfe doesn’t owe a damn thing to the two brain chip delusions who only exist because of his own mad scientist experiments.
Of course the irony here is that Rolf actually IS responsible for Jennifer’s fall, since he’s the one who put the “Gina” delusion in Hope’s head. But – much like planted blood evidence exonerated OJ Simpson from crimes he actually committed – the eventual truth of the security footage “deep fake” will be exposed and Rolf will be let off the hook, especially if he turns over the kill switch to his electronic toys in Hope & Steve’s heads.
Good actor loved patch hate time shift and now Kayla can be written out she has no sweetness left
I DONT LIKE ANY OF DAYS PLOT RIGHT NOW ESPECIALLY KRISTEN PLAYING GINA I DIDNT EVEN LIKE HER AS HOPE TOO FULL OF HERSELF AS FOR STEVE PLAYINS STEFANO WHAT A SHAME STEFANO WAS A CLASS A ACTOR STEVE A VERY POOR REPLACEMENT MY GROUP OF 12 DONT EVEN WATCH EVERY DAY ANYMORE SOME WEEKS JUST 2 DAYS MAKE THE SHOW A GREAT SOAP AGAIN GET TALANTED WRITERS
I now cannot stand Kayla! Justin makes me puke
Pitiful
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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