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

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!
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’ Star Emily O’Brien Ties the Knot With Longtime Love Ken Barnett

Congratulations are in order for Days of Our Lives schemer, Emily O’Brien (Gwen Rizchech). The actress said “I do,” over the weekend in a wedding ceremony on Saturday, August 1 at the CaliPaso Winery in Paso Robles, California.
Emily married her longtime boyfriend, Ken Burnett. The couple have been together for 12 years before the big day. Taking to her Instagram with some exquisite photos which includes a look at Emily’s spectacular wedding dress, O’Brien announced the couple’s union.
As it turns out, the dress was worn by Burnett’s grandmother in 1956! Making the whole feel of the nuptials so special. Emily expressed, “I married my best friend this weekend… Ken, this life is more colorful, more adventurous & so much more beautiful with you in it. You make every dream a reality. Wearing your grandmothers heirloom wedding dress from 1956 was just the cherry… Cheers to Pickles & Neens”

Photo: EOBrienIG
DAYS AND Y&R STARS SHARE EXCITEMENT FOR EMILY
The comment thread quickly filled up with congratulations from many of Emily’s present Days of our Lives co-stars and those from her former soap, The Young and the Restless where she played Jana Hawkes.
Tamara Braun (ex-Ava, Days and ex-Sienna, Y&R) shared, “The day was everything you two embody. Absolutely beautiful.” Greg Rikaart, who played Emily’s on-screen husband, Kevin Fisher on Y&R, and is now her bff Leo on DAYS shared, “Spectacular and beautiful. Zero notes. Congrats you two!!”Al Calderon (ex-Javi, DAYS) chimed in with “perfection,” while current DAYS co-star Linsey Godfrey (Sarah) added, “Perfect perfect perfect. Both of you.” Abigail Klein (Stephanie, DAYS) shared, “Storybook!” Y&R’s Michelle Stafford (Phyllis) expressed, “Gorgeous!!!!!”
It was back in March of this year that Barnett made his own tribute to the love of his life via his Instagram with a series of photos of the couple adding, “12 years later and we’re still up to our same shenanigans 😜 joyeux anniversaire, ma chérie.”
Share your congratulations for Emily and Ken via the comment section below, and wish the newlyweds all the best on their union!
View this post on Instagram
Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of Our Lives’ Favorites Making Returns: Alison Sweeney, Christie Clark, Chandler Massey and Bryan Dattilo

Great news for Days of Our Lives fans, now that Ryan Quan is co-head writer of the long-running soap opera. Coming in June of 2027 (since DAYS tapes ten or so months ahead), you can look forward to the returns of Alison Sweeney (Sami Brady), Christie Clark (Carrie Brady), Chandler Massey (Will Horton) and Bryan Dattilo (Lucas Horton).
The foursome is back on set and began last week to tape their upcoming story arc, according to TV Insider. As to what exactly is going on that brings sister Sami and Carrie’s history back up, as well as Will and Lucas’ is only being teased at this time, but suffice to say, it should be intriguing.
Alison Sweeney explained on being back on set, “It was a lot of dialogue and emotion, but with all the best actors to work opposite, we fell into it as if no time had passed. It was really wonderful.”

Photo: JPI
As to working with the longstanding rivalry of Sami and Carrie, Alison added on working with Clark, “So, it really does feel like we’re sisters. It’s so fun, and she’s such a good actor that she makes everything so natural that you can really disappear into those stories.”
JUST LIKE OLD TIMES
It also seems like the deep-history, which often had the sister fighting for the love of Austin Reed, but that might not figure into the equation this time, or will it?
Alison indicated what she thought of the scripts she was given. “I felt like when I read it, it was a page-turner. I was very excited. There’s a lot of history here, and a lot of things that haven’t been said. So, it’s really not like, ‘Oh, rehashing stuff.’ And now having played some of the scenes, I’m psyched.” Sweeney added, as for the men, working again with her on-screen son, Chandler Massey and Will’s on-screen father Bryan Dattilo, was also extra special.
The last time DAYS viewers saw Sami on the canvas was back in November of 2025, when she revealed she has gotten engaged to never-before-seen Dante Vitali. As for Clark, she last visited Salem for the episodes surrounding John Black’s memorial in June of 2025.
Chandler Massey’s Will Horton last made a visit to Salem in November of 2025 when he attended the gala for the Tom Horton Free Clinic as part of the soap opera’s 60th anniversary celebration. Bryan Dattilo was last seen in December of 2025. So, by the time we see all four again it will be close to two years since they were on new episodes of the series. Time to look forward to June of 2027.
So, excited by the news of Alison, Christie, Chandler and Lucas making a return to Days of Our Lives? What do you think the story will be involving, Sami, Carrie, Lucas and Will? Let us know via the comment section.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of Our Lives’ Alum Al Calderon Talks On His Daytime Emmy-Nominated Scenes as Javi Hernandez (Exclusive)

Last Tuesday, Al Calderon scored the first Emmy nomination of his career for his role as Javi Hernandez on Days of Our Lives.
Calderon name was announced as one of the performers competing for gold in the Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series category at the upcoming 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards on October 30.
This week, Calderon chatted live on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel for a one-on-one conversation where he discussed: his nominated scenes and time on the Peacock streaming soap opera, his decision to leave DAYS, his role of Nico Silva on Brilliant Minds and its sad cancellation, plus his passing the torch of Javi to Jacob Martinez, who took over the role on-screen on the June 30, 2026 episode of Days of Our Lives.

Photo: JPI
JAVI REVEALS TO LEO THAT HE HAD A DAUGHTER WHO DIED
Al revealed the scenes that comprise his now Emmy-nominated reel have at its epicenter the heartbreaking moments from the September 12, 2025 episode. In it, Javi shares for the first time to Leo (Greg Rikaart) that he had a daughter named Solana, with a woman he was seeing named Sylvia. One fateful day, Sylvia left their child in a car when she went to work and the little girl died. Javi had blamed himself for not being the parent to take his daughter to school that day since he was hungover the night before, therefore it opened up the opportunity for something to happen to the his child, and it did.
The multi-talented actor/singer explained his reel: “It was the scene where he is talking about his daughter to Leo. I also included the scene where Javi goes to talk to Melinda (Tina Huang) and to see if it would be a viable option to adopt, because I wanted to introduce the subtlety and nuance of why Javi kind of has this whole connection to Tesoro, in a way.”
It is true that Al can bring the tears and make us cry right along with him during his run as Javi. To that, Calderon added, “I’ve read the comments that I’m a little bit of a crybaby, so I didn’t want the entire reel to be of me crying, but I wanted it to show a little bit of an emotional range of the restraint that Javi was feeling so I included that scene
In addition Calderon shared, “I also included a really beautiful scene with Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez, DAYS) where I’m looking at photos of Tesoro, and of course, Javi is crying. I just wanted to show the relationship between Javi and his family as well, and as I mentioned the reveal of the child that he lost.”

Photo: JPI
ALUMS AL CALDERON AND ALICE HALSEY REPRESENT DAYS OF OUR LIVES IN EMERGING TALENT CATEGORY
In a twist of fate, Calderon is also nominated in the Emerging Talent category with Alice Halsey who played Rachel Black. Halsey is currently starring in the reboot of Little House on the Prairie in the lead role of Laura Ingalls on Netflix.
As to his hope on Emmy night, Al expressed, “Of course, I want to win, but Alice Halsey is going to give me a run for the money. And if’s not me (who wins the award), it better be her!”
You can check out the full interview with Al below.
Now let us know, do you remember Al’s emotional scenes when he explained to Leo he had a daughter who died, which made it all the more heartbreaking to not end up with permanent custody of Tesoro? What do you think of Al’s chances to win the gold based on his Emmy scene selection? Do you miss him as Javi? Weigh-in via the comment section.
-

General Hospital6 days agoGH Alum Nicholas Alexander Chavez Lands Role in Paramount’s Remake of ‘Possession’
-

News2 days agoLucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
-

General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Reveals His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy-Nominated Reel Did Not Contain Monica’s Funeral
-

General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ Ethan Lovett Recast: Christian Howard Replaces Nathan Dean
-

General Hospital4 days agoGENERAL HOSPITAL: Ethan Lovett Hightails Out of the Country, Christian Howard Wraps His Stint
-

News6 days ago‘The Young and the Restless’ Names New Co-Head Writers: Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor
-

General Hospital2 days ago‘General Hospital’ Fan Club Weekend 2026 (Photos)
-

News7 days agoY&R’s Billy Flynn and Gina Comparetto Reveal Birth of Their Third Child and It’s a Girl!














