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Stephen Nichols Opens Up About His DAYS Return, "Patch" Finding Bo Brady & Why No Sign Of Stefan Cassadine On GH!

By Michael Fairman

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Photo Credit: Hutchins Photo

Photo Credit: Hutchins Photo

This week on NBC’s Days of our Lives, one of the all-time greats returns when Stephen Nichols arrives back on the Salem canvas as Steven “Patch” Johnson.  In story, look for some tense moments between Patch and his longtime lady love, Kayla (Mary Beth Evans).

When “Patch” returns home, he has a lot of explaining to do, like where the hell has the guy been all of these years?  Add to the mix that DAYS has SORAS’d Patch and Kayla’s son Joey, in the form of actor James Lastovic who debuts this week), and there is a lot of familial drama that will play out over the next several months.

Nichols talked to TV Insider’s Michael Logan for a preview of Patch’s return for DAYS 50th celebration, what fans can expect, and if he was even approached to return as Stefan Cassadine on General Hospital for that daytime drama series 50th anniversary.  Here are a few interesting excerpts from the chat below!

Stephen on what kind of reception Patch receives when he sees Kayla:  “He’s not welcomed at all—by anyone, least of all by Kayla. He tells her right off the bat that he wants her back, and that he wants his family back. But she’s not having it. How can this man just take off for years and be out of contact like that? For all of Kayla’s sweetness and light, she’s not going to put up with any more s–t from Patch!”

Stephen on the MIA husbands of the women of Salem:  “We address that. Patch goes and has a little talk with Hope and sees how pissed she is that Bo (Peter Reckell) has abandoned his family. But Patch does not buy that for a minute. He and Bo were best friends since they were 16. He knows Bo would never just up and leave his loved ones without a serious reason, but he’s the only one who believes that. So Patch is determined to find him. He’s not wild about this Aiden (Daniel Cosgrove) character being with his best friend’s wife, either. Patch’s intuition tells him there is something off about that guy. But, again, he’s the only one who seems to see that. Hope and Kayla don’t trust Patch—or his intuition—because he disappeared just like Bo did. (Laughs) They are not happy with their men!”

Stephen on if there were any serious talks about bringing him back to GH to reprise his role as Stefan Cassadine: “If they were ever truly serious about bringing me back for a long-term story, then they would have made a serious offer. And there was none of that. They brought back all those great actors for the 50th anniversary Nurses Ball and they did call me for that. I said, ‘Are you kidding me?’ No, not for me. I felt slapped by that experience and I can’t believe that most of those actors went ahead with that plan. They are so talented and worth so much more than that.”

Excited to see “Patch” and Kayla again together on-screen? Do you like the Stephen’s preview that Patch will clearly realize something is up with Bo and he tries to locate him?  Would you have liked to have seen Stephan Cassadine somehow  return to GH for a stint? Share your thoughts below!

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I’m just so very happy this talented actor is back on any show!

Yep…he’s back…always good to see a familiar vet return…GH is still a mess…he is better off at Days!!!

@ Jimh,

It sounds like he’s definitely more valued over at DAYS. I prefer Stephen back in Salem, too. Like you said, perfectly, GH is a mess. Whereas, DAYS is focused and getting back on track. It’s the little soap THAT COULD.
Welcome back Stephen, DAYS needs you! And, Kayla needs answers!!! Looking forward to seeing MaryBeth and Stephen back together again.

My wish is he’d return to counsel his son on Y&R!!

Just have your doppelganger watch Y&R while you watch DAYS or watch both!!

I am happy to see him any time any where. My first love is “Patch” though. My ex husband was actually jealous of the actor and the character. I found this very funny because I knew there was no chance in the world that Stephen was coming to Hazard Ky to scoop me up and take me away. You just have to love crazy men and their crazy ideas. Glad to see Stephen is coming back to Days.

WOW! I am related to the Noe family in Beattyville! Small world! X

What a talent! How many actors can stake a claim in THREE different soap operas, having a front burner story line character such as Stephen. All THREE would lucky to have him and DAYS won. Thats nice especially since GH pissed all over him and Y&R didnt want him. Good to have you back Patch!

Stepehn Nichols will always be Steve Johnson over Stefan any day of the week.

I agree!

Stephen Nichols did a great job as Stefan; he was one of the main reasons I watched GH. And he’ll be just as good as Patch.

This man keeps getting better in every sense of the word.
I love what he said about going back to GH and why he declined their offer.
“I felt slapped by that experience (the Nurse’s Ball) and I can’t believe that most of the actors went ahead with that plan. They are so talented and worth so much more than that.”
Word.

Those people went ahead with it because they knew the fans would like to see them so they left their egos at the door, something that Nichols seems incapable of doing. I missed Stefan until I read that interview. Good riddance….

I find his comments on GH arrogant and elitist. They are too good for a paid work? Too good for someone to reach out and say, our fans want to see you, what is that? A little out of touch there Stephen. Our daytime vets are ALL extremely talented, but there are only three and a half hours of soaps airing right now. We can’t have everyone there. But GH tried to get as many faces in front of us as possible. If you’re not interested in short term work the appropriate response is “no thank you”. If your not interested that is your right, but don’t denigrate the show for bringing back all these faces that we WANTED to see again, or the other actors who enjoy working, or revisiting the characters.

Erick and Rose, think you both misunderstood his point.
Honestly, I would rather Duke have not come back if they were only going to kill him off after making him totally unrecognizable.
I am tired of all the vets being dusted off and trotted out for show only to be put back on the shelf again for the sake of ratings. That’s what Nichols is talking about.

Harry I respect your point. We’ll have to agree to disagree on Duke because for me the whole Duke mask-Faison has Robin- etc. story was worth it. Honestly they could’ve done whatever they wanted after that (and they did!) and it wouldn’t have mattered. Understand what you mean though about how it ended. You and I obviously aren’t the head writers so it’ll never be exactly how we want it (and sometimes it’s way worse!). I tended to prefer Carlivati over most of the previous decade of Guza, however.

Another very discerning actor–his comments about GH are spot on.
Always loved Patch and Kayla–that’s doing it right, bringing back Patch and Bo and doing family and love again. I think their ratings should soar. Are you listening, GH PTB??

Days of our Lives is certainly building some great buzz around their 50th. I will definitely be giving this soap a look see as I loved Patch /Kayla and Bo/Hope back in the day and if they do the family/romance right will stick around.

Oh I always loved this guy as Patch he always talks about his leading lady Mary Beth with such respect! What he said in the interview about the eighties is so true you fans enjoy him he is a keeper !

Hello k/kay.

have to share a couple snippets from DAYS 50th Anniversary issue.

Stephen Nichols: Did you see/feel the chemistry between you and Mary Beth before the fans did?

“All I know about that is this: Mary Beth is a unique person. She has an open and honest nature that invites you in. I was utterly charmed by her from the first time we met. We were doing the work and we had respect for one another. I think the chemistry was born out of that respect. Mary Beth and I have remained close for all these years. in fact, she is one of my closest friends. I love her dearly.”

Mary Beth Evans: “you left the show for 14 years. what was it like stepping back in to DAYS in 2006?”

“The first scene I think I had was a phone call to Caroline. I said, “Hi, Mom, it’s Kayla,’ and i started crying! One of my favorite favorite things to do is when I have scenes with my mother. When I do those scenes involving her Alzheimer’s and anything with her, I can barely get through the rehearsal. I get choked up because I just adore her. Really, I love everyone there. I feel, honestly, that every day is such a gift.”

I love this couple… of the supercouple genre… these two rank right up top.

Kayla and Steve (Patch)
Kimberly and Shane
Hope and Bo
Marlena and John
Justin and Adrienne
Will and Sonny
Julie and Doug
Jennifer and Jack

i’ve posted this numerous times… and i’ll continue to

“Mary Beth Evans” I LOVE YOU … I adore you…
as Stephen Nichols says: even I AM utterly charmed by her

she lights up my telee….

Hey Patrick have not talked to you in forever! Miss you yes the 80’s for Days was Super Couples ! Do not forget Roman and Marlena played by Wayne Northup I still see the actor who is playing Roman now as Chris Kotischek he owned the bar he was very popular back then. I just quit watching and never started again I am going to be so busy this fall that I just pulled all of the last three off my DVR it was tough to finally give up Y&R but had to do it. I hope this pulls in the numbers and keeps Days on the air I will always have great memories of this show.

i have always loved this actor – the character i loved the most was stefan cassadine!
i really understand where he was coming from when he spoke about returning to gh for the 50th classic example is how jack wagner (frisco jones) was treated………….
i am really looking forward to seeing stephen portray patch on dool – i am so excited his is back on daytime tv!

Please, Wagner’s ego was hurt because they didn’t have Frisco swoop in and steal Felicia from Mac.

I’m so glad he acknowledged how insulting it has been for fans of GH the way the show has brought back a lot of the vets in such pointless appearances. I do hope he returns to GH now that RC is gone .

I doubt a GH return is happening; he’s on contract at NBC.

Funny how everybody rewrites history. When those people showed up we all loved it. And if they didn’t come back for “such pointless appearances,” you would’ve said “I would’ve taken two scenes with Emily, Alan, and Rick as ghosts if only to see them again, the same with Ethan tied up on a boat.” We got those two scenes and now people look back and complain. I can point to link after link on this very site about everyone thrilled about all those people making those cameos for the GH 50th….

Preach it!

In other words…DAYS isn’t throwing him or us crumbs. We are getting a full course meal!!!!!

My favorite daytime actor EVER. I think there are certain shows who never really appreciated this talented and charismatic actor, but his fans sure do, and will follow him no matter what show he goes on. Looking so forward to seeing you Stephen. 🙂

Stephen confirmed what I suspected all along about GH. They have zero respect for the actors who made the show #1 and who kept the show #1. They did treat them like crap during the 50th and ever since. I’m happy SN told them to basically F off.

SO GLAD that Stephen Nichols is back…Patch and Kayla are a definition of a SUPER COUPLE…no one can replace SN and MBE.

Sooo it’s a slap in the face that GH called you back for the anniversary but it’s all sugar and rainbows when DAYS does?? Maybe GH was consedering keepeing you long term but wanted to see fans reaction first?? Just saying.

Yes, Ghlover, just ask Duke….oh wait, you can’t…he’s dead. Or maybe you could ask Silas….er…..on right, he’s dead too? AJ? Bueller?
I would also say to ask Felicia, Mac, Lucy& Doc but they’re no where to be found.
Stephen Nichols called it right here.

“Hope and Kayla …They are not happy with their men!”

geez!

how do you not go there
how do we not go back…. giddy excitement enthralling romance LOVE it ALL !

I would love ALL the Cassadines back on GH, they are an important family that has faded away.
I would love Stephan Cassadine back on contract.

His coming or going is in Frank’s hands not Ron’s..
So, FV should get on with bringing the Cassadines back and not just for a guest appearance.
The Cassadines are a very powerful family.

Yes they are, Suoo. Right up there with the Koch Brothers.

00oohhh no! Harry..
Republican Russian in Port Charles lol ..
The Cassidine family is very powerful and should be back in Port Charles!
And I luvs ’em all to pieces!

I plan on watching Stephen on Days for sure, but I have to admit I LOVED Stefan Cassadine! Talk about a fascinating, complex, sexy character! He was the best Cassadine ever and I really do miss him….

Stephen is under contract at DAYS, so I doubt he’ll be returning to GH anytime soon. I’d more likely see a Y&R return before he went to GH.

Thaao Penghlis (Victor Cassadine) will be returning to DAYS next month as Andre DiMera!!!!!

Wonderful!! So what will be Thaao’s first airdate be?

No, Frank stated a number of times that Ron wrote the stories he wanted and Frank bought in the actors he requested.
Remember the Twitter war with John Stamos? Probably not.

aha!
there was no ”war” in twitter with John Stamos and Ron..
they were just mixing it up, no big deal..
I have seen forum and twitter wars and John and Ron would not qualify, not even close..

Oh Miss Suoo, there you go again. Yes indeed Ron had a brief Twitter war with John Stamos….he also had one with Sean Kanan…..oh and one with Jack Wagner.
Based on statements from various GH actors from the past, I don’t think Ron plays well with others–certainly not with actors.

Glad you are coming back to Days! Love your role as Patch!

Thought Andre was dead as a door nail

Nothing, not even death, is certain when it comes to Andre and the rest of the Dimera family.

I am thrilled that you’re back on screen, Stephen. I’ve watched all your performances on all 3 soaps but Patch tickles my fancy. I can’t wait to see what you and Mary Beth have in store. The teaser pics, articles, Mary Beth’s blog and your instagrams just adds to the build up! Bring on Friday! Hugs, Kat

Another thought: I just saw Mary Beth’s and Stephen’s interview on MB’s vlog–so refreshing to see such unpretentious actors talking genuine friendship and the mutual respect they have for each other’s talent. Such a marked contrast to the distant and strained relationship that appears to exist between Tony Geary and Genie Francis. I would say the difference is one word: EGO. Stephen and Mary Beth don’t exhibit an enlarged one whereas TG has shown that his ego is a giant, fragile one Too bad. Mary Beth and Stephen set a shining example of the give and take of a lasting professional and personal relationship whereas TG did not even exhibit a professional acting relationship with Genie Francis; he was cold and ungiving. Again, too bad.
Luke and Laura’s wedding garnered the highest ratings; Patch and Kayla the second highest according to the interview on TV Insider. But look at the difference in the fans’ reactions: all the comments were glowing and loving in response to Mary Beth’s vlog with Stephen–not so much toward Tony Geary–just a flurry of increasingly negative responses to him. I don’t think Tony Geary can repair that damage. Again, it didn’t have to be that way.
I understand that Days is going to go for the family and love stories that the fans have loved all these years and are going to reunite the lovers Patch and Kayla. Bravo!
See? It is simple enough; give the viewers what they want and they will come. Don’t give them what they want, namely the reuniting of Luke and Laura before Tony Geary left, and they WILL NOT come. Thus, the drastic dip in ratings for GH and its continued tumble. Too bad.

I remember the days when I was a huge Luke and Laura fan, but by the end I saw more passion and chemistry between Stefan Cassadine and Laura. Tony Geary had turned me off with his attitude. Stephen Nichols however, had worked his magic on me way back then and completely changed my mind on this couple.

This is correct version without spelling mistakes

It’s no secret that Tony Geary had wanted to end Luke and Laura years ago. That’s what the roll of Bill Eckert was all about. When that didn’t work out because the fans demanded a return of Luke and Laura, Tony had to think of another way. I bet Tony saw Laura and Stefan as a way to end that marriage. Tony’s attitude came, I think, from fans/ABC not allowing Luke Spencer to have a life separate from Laura. Tony’s frustration was that Luke Spencer was continually forced to remain in a marriage he no longer wanted. That is just my take.

I’m more than happy that Stephen Nichols is back on Days. But I hope they don’t have a Kayla and Patch reunion right away. That man has a great deal a great deal to answer for. Kayla and the Brady family have every reason to be both angry and distrustful of him. Patch abandoned Kayla and their marriage.

Days needs some funny and crazy characters like Eugene and Vivian to make the show more interesting. Also have some characters go on some exciting adventures. Mystery and excitment are what’s missing. Bo and Hope’s courtship was great, beautiful and exciting. Update a storyline like that and you will see how many more viewers you will get to tune in. Please consider.

Love Stephen, and Patch is well the best character on soaps!! We need him long term.

As for GH, I totally agree with Stephen. It was rather pathetic to draw out old favs for a day or two just for ratings and offer NO genuine story, certainly no substance. It was cheating both actors and the audience. The producers were teasing all, but really offering not a thing.

Days Of Our Lives

DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Xander Fights for His Life, Halloween in Salem, Lani Returns to the Salem PD

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Xander and Sarah

This week on all-new episodes of Days of our Lives streaming October 26-30 on Peacock; after Xander (Paul Telfer) has been shot by George (Michael Rose), and retaliates by firing a bullet his way, Sarah (Linsey Godfrey) is on the scene!

In a key moment, Dr. Horton does everything she can to stabilize Xander in order to rush him to the hospital, which finds the two former loves rekindling many of the feels that brought them together in the first place.

The official Days of our Lives promo for the week also teases how Mason (Brandon Butler) and Holly (Ashley Puzemis) get a very unexpected caller which is Sophia (Rachel Boyd)!

Photo: Corday Productions

Meanwhile, Steve (Stephen Nichols) is heard saying, “Never give EJ DiMera the benefit of the doubt. You might learn to regret it!” Next, we see Cat (AnnaLynne McCord) appear to be hanging onto Steve’s every word.

Meanwhile, Lani (Sal Stowers) celebrates her return to the Salem PD, while many Salem residents get ready for Halloween.

Chad (Conner Floyd) and his son Thomas (Cole Gersmeyer) are ready for Fright Night, as is Kirsten (Stacy Haiduk)! But as things go in Salem, masks, hidden identities, and more make for mystery and mayhem! The conclusion of the promo shows an upset EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) throwing a book at the portrait of his father, Stefano DiMera.  What has him so unglued?

Photo: Corday Productions

SPOILERS

Here’s a look at additional Days of our Lives spoilers for this week.

Monday, October 26

Brady gets devastating news.
Leo and Javi share an emotional moment.

Tuesday, October 27

Marlena hesitates to reach out to Dominic.
Kristen makes a confession to Lani.

Wednesday, October 28

Johnny faces down his father – and his future.
Stephanie gets surprising news from Alex.

Thursday, October 29

Johnny and Chanel receive wonderful news.
Brady and Sarah have a heart-to-heart conversation.

Friday, October 30

Sarah and Xander share an emotional reunion.
Julie breaks up with Foster.
Kristen ties up some loose ends.
Chad refuses to be intimidated by EJ.

Now below, check out this week’s DAYS promo entitled, “Spooky Salem.”

Then weigh-in: are you rooting for Sarah and Xander to get back together? What is EJ so upset about? Is it about his half-brother, Dominic Marino? What skullduggery might go down on Halloween night in Salem? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.

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Breaking News

53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced

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Daytime Emmy Presenters

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).

Genie Francis

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.

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Days Of Our Lives

‘Days of our Lives’ Reveals Kyle Pryor Cast as Dominic Marino

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Kyle Pryor

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.

Dominix

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.

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Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

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