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Tamara Braun Returns To DAYS; What Did You Think of The Entrance of Ava Vitali?
Friday’s cliffhanger episode of Days of our Lives brought with it the highly-anticipated re-entrance of mob moll, Ava Vitali as Tamara Braun returned to the NBC daytime drama series in her Daytime Emmy-winning role.
Braun was last seen on General Hospital as Dr. Kim Nero, but now back on DAYS, Tamara gets to play a trouble-making bad girl, in one of the most soap-famous roles of her career. She originated the part back in 2008.

Photo: JPI
In story, it is revealed during the episode that Phillip Kiriakis (Jay Kenneth Johnson) is in cahoots with Ava, and the expectation that he is supposed to launder mob money through the company and get Xander (Paul Telfer) out of the way. She gives Phillip a steely threat – that he owes her from saving him from all of his debt, and in return it’s time for him to pay up! Ava then recalls how she vouched for him with her cousin Angelo and how she is in Salem to make sure he delivers on what he promised.
The talk turns to everyone thinking Ava is dead. She says it needs to stay that way. Phillip asks if she planning on trying to rekindle things with Steve (Stephen Nichols) … and what about Joey, who is falsely imprisoned thinking he murdered her. Is she going to let him rot in jail? She says she has to remain on the down low, but he needs to take care of Xander and fast.
After Phillip exits, Ava texts someone an update and then thinks twice about letting Steve know she is alive, although we see, from her flashback of their night of passion, that she is heavily on her mind.
Much trouble ahead for Kayla (Mary Beth Evans), Tripp (Lucas Adams), Steve, Phillip, Xander and who knows who else with Ava snooping around Salem.
So, glad to see Tamara finally back on DAYS? What did you think of how they are tying a back-from-the-dead Ava to the story? How do you think Ava ended up alive and well? Was Dr. Rolf (William Utay) somehow involved? Share your thoughts and your theories via the comment section below.
i hate this story. I hate the character of Phillip and the actor who portrays him is AWFUL. He has zero talent and always looks like he needs a shower. He is just creepy. Ava really has no reason to come back. Another threat to Patch and Kayla? They need to start focusing on how Kayla and Patch are preparing for their Social Security checks to come out in the mail and how Patch is wondering why he can’t be regular. Maybe some prune juice and yogurt? End this tragic tale and quickly!!!
I could not disagree more! Patch and Kayla are as exciting as watching paint dry. To put it bluntly, these two are a positive bore! Thank God Ava has returned to put some life back into the Patch storyline.
Mary
I couldn’t agree with you more, but at least with the paint, you can change the colors!
I love Steve and Kayla, they don’t need an over the top obsessive female to make them interesting. Like 70% of the other characters on this show (unless you are a Jarlena fan) need to have some legit writing for. Angst could be via lots of other issues, these writers are just lazy. Steve/Kayla have more chemistry & acting talent together than any other due on daytime (in their age range). For those, that get excited about a character that all she does is obsess over a man & tries to destroy his family…good one you…that’s a pathetic character.
Tamara Braun is awesome. She nails it with every single soap incarnation (she was my favorite Carly on GH). I see another Emmy win for her and Days upcoming…
Echo
I would like to “Echo” your comment, and doesn’t she look beautiful? So much prettier than when she was on GH not too long ago. Just wish she played a good character and not mixed up with that rotten Philip.
I’m not sure what is appealing about another return from the dead woman overly obsessed with a man for how many years and making yet another run at undermining him. Tamara is a good actress but this is being played too over the top and not very enjoyable. Should have brought her back as another character. The show currently has enough return from the dead overly obsessed over men already currently airing. The last run was sickening with taking advantage via sexual manipulation of underage Joey.
@Louie i couldn’t agree more the damage with Joey. done . I am already in a conundrum that @Ava is on the path to redemption or is down and dirty double dealing charged
this is already a lost cause , if ron / ryan are writing her as.. and is story arcing… short term . so no investment may mean what? bewilder that they RUIN a character. with so much potential.. with Kayla and Steve.. and Tripp her son.. and now a grandchild.. so how goes it
Ava , the stupendous actress slays for what it is… and you belittle a character for story arc . so much for investment
I love Tamara Braun… this was a potential for long term.. without looney and drive unrequited… Ava was meant for across the board appeal… Ron / Ryan if you ruin her so quickly
We shall see
love to Tamara and sorry to see how daytime has sunk
I love Tamara. Loved her as Carly! But what I’m fearing based on her return episode is that she is going to be a one note crazy woman on Days. Much like her last turn as Ava. The only interesting thing about her last stint was the slight guilt she had for using Joey – but they did little with that party of the story. Just had her do round the bend in an over the top story turn and then she was killed. And she’s already showing no signs of vulnerability or softness – just all scheming and manipulating. Please give her more to do than that.
I like the actress but for God’s sakes already stop bringing people back from the dead,Or the show should be changed to Zombies of our Lives.I know she is there to cause trouble for Steve and Kayla but I think bringing all these people back from the dead is nonsense.I do like her though.PLease tell Ralph to stop making dead people come back to life ,oh wait i Know maybe she will be the one who carries Stephano.
I’m so happy Tamara Braun is back on Days of our lives and I’m looking forward to what they have in store for Ava
So happy Tamara Braun is back as Ava looking forward to the story they have planned for her Tamara is such a good actress
I’m happy she’s back. I can’t wait to see Ava vs. Sami, showdown of the grandmothers!
Momo
I was going to comment why is everyone calling her grandma but realized,she will be if Charlie also turns out to be her son.
Re-Ron strikes again! Can this man tell NO stories other than back from the dead, doppelgangers, and psychotic women?
Well at least this time he’s doing all three at once. That’s at least more efficient repetition, right?
Just wondering if anybody will see Ava and mistake her for Nicole’s sister, Taylor.
I didn’t like her and E.J and their cheating but did like T.B as Taylor. Too bad that Rafe double killed her and her mother.
This is really cracking me up with Xander and Sarah stalking Ava. Sarah is like a wind-up toy, constantly moving like she’s on speed or whatever. If we’re lucky, Ava will catch her and quiet her for good!
I love it, And when I say it, I mean I loved how Tamara a.k.a Eva came back and the whole spectrum how she manage to survived the fire. I am waiting to see how they’re going to tie it all together, Get Joey out of Jail, The ripple in Kayla and Patch marriage once again, and Poor Trip he might need to see a shrink after all seeing his mother back from beyond. I could see even trouble among the brothers to vie for the affection of Claire or someone else, Too many men on the show not enough women to pair them up with. So sad to see Hope and Ciara gone. Now that is Twisted Bo & Hope first lost their son, then Hope and Ciara lost Bo, Now Hope lost Ciara and then like a fart in the wind, Kristian a.k.a Hope departs from the show. That really screwed me up Like a reversal of the show. Now who’s going to carry Doug and Julie’s legacy?
Once crazy Gwen is found out hopefully Jennifer and Jack will be back together again. I think they would be the obvious couple.
Did I miss something? What happened to nutty Jan?
Jan was arrested for Kidnapping Bell, trying to marry Shawn..that was two weeks ago..Joey is now free, So is Ava. Meanwhile Ava is trying to figure out how Tripp is the father of Claire’s baby, Claire got a pass from the D.A Trask. Jennifer & Jack will get back together eventually, but Not before Gwen causes more trouble.
O.K, unless I passed out while watching, the last thing I saw was Marlena getting John out on of jail for possibly killing Jan. Have not seen them since, and do not know if Jan survived John strangling her.
Some fans, some of you are; you don’t even know their real names. Jay Johnson who plays Phillp is a fine actor, He does appear to be dirty due to the stress his character is going through, Not to mention he plays a good Heal. If you even know what that term means.
Second Steve & Kayla always had good story lines on their relationship / Marriage.They’ve dealt with real issues, Steve going deaf, Another woman, an obsessive ex..trouble with their kids. But you want to sit their and criticize these actors..which they are way better than you or I. If you hate them so much why do you keep watching?
Storm, you can name me as one that can’t stand Philip’s character or actor playing the part. Yes, he certainly plays the heel very well. What do you mean appears to be dirty? He’s as dirty as you can get! Trying to ruin his own father by destroying his business, in cahoots with Ava Vitali, known villainess. Kate should be ashamed she ever gave birth to this creep! After reading the first comment on this thread noting all Philips bad qualities I thoroughly agree with them, he is smarmy to say the least, I couldn’t have said it better myself. Oh, I did!!
Bravo to Jay Kenneth Johnson!
I am intrigued by the current comments deriding the character of Phillip (and even actor Jay Kenneth Johnson). I do not like the character either. Maybe the mob ties and slicked-back hair remind me of GH’s Sonny who I despise…
But @Storm is correct: the actor is doing a great job in playing a “heal!” When he first came back to the show, I was going to make a comment questioning long-time viewers to explain his appeal. Frankly, I don’t see it.
However, in his recent scenes with Chloe, the actor showed another side to this character. He seemed charming and vulnerable. So bravo to Mr. Johnson for his deft acting chops and giving what could be a one-note character shades of complexity!
It is a little odd that Phillip always has some creepy look on his face these days, but all the same it’s great to have JKJ, the REAL Phillip Kiriakis back in the role. None of the recasts ever worked, especially that last one, the completely void of talent OLTL pet with the Trump hairdo (or should I say, hairDON’T)
As far as those complaining about the “dark side” of Phillip’s character…. he’s the son of Victor Kiriakis & Kate Roberts and spent 9 months in the womb of Vivian Alamain. It would be out of character if he did NOT have a dark side, for Hell’s sake!
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Alum Carson Boatman Open to Joining the Cast of ‘General Hospital’
Add Carson Boatman to the list of celebrities and actors would who like to have the the opportunity of a role on ABC’s General Hospital.
The Days of our Lives alum, where he wrapped up his run as EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) and Sami’s (Alison Sweeney) son, Johnny DiMera early in 2026, and who will still air on the Peacock streamer through the end of this year or early 2027, shared his thoughts on his departure and his hopes for the future, during a stop of the Day Players tour in New Jersey.
The Day Players band consists of Boatman, Scott Reeves (ex-DAYS, GH, Y&R), Brandon Barash (ex-DAYS, GH), and Eric Martsolf (currently Brady Black DAYS). You can catch the guys on the East Coast on tour this April and May.
In a report filed first by SoapHub Boatman shared on his exit, “I will forever be grateful for the time that I got to spend on Days of Our Lives. It truly is a special place.“He added, “I hope to grace Salem with Johnny’s presence again in the future if they’ll have me.”
Carson was one of four actors shockingly pink-slipped after the December 2025 holiday break of taping Days of our Lives. He, along with on-screen love interest Raven Bowens (Chanel), Leo Howard (Tate) and Ashley Puzemis (Holly) were all written off the show. Boatman had been with the soap since August of 2021.
While Carson is currently focusing on his music career, and especially after releasing his current single, “Wild Thing,” he teases another soap is not out of the question.
“I would love a jump to GH as well. I’m absolutely open to seeing what life is like in Port Charles,” expressed Boatman. If GH were to come knocking it might be a good fit for the talented actor/singer/songwriter.
So the question becomes, would you like to see Carson join General Hospital? If so, what role would be a good fit for him, or should the soap create a new one for him …. or would you like to see DAYS bring him back as Johnny DiMera in 2027? Share your thoughts via the comment section below and check out Boatman’s music video for “Wild Thing.”
News
Vivica A. Fox Previews Her Return to ‘The Young and the Restless’ as Dr. Stephanie Simmons
Fans of The Young and the Restless were excited to learn the news that Shemar Moore (Malcolm Winters) along with Vivica A. Fox (Dr. Stephanie Simmons) are returning to the soap opera for a multi-episode story arc which begins to reveal itself next month in April.
While Moore has made more return visits since the 90s, this marks Fox’s first jaunt back to Genoa City since 1995. In the original story, Malcolm had dated Stephanie before she left town.
Speaking on her upcoming return with Woman’s World, Fox gave some inside intel as to what viewers can expect for Malcolm and Stephanie in 2026, “There’s going to be a flashback scene with me and the amazing and handsome Shemar Moore. It was like getting back on the bike. I love it, because that’s where I started.”

Photo: CBS
Teasing the storyline, Fox share, “I usually play the head chick in charge, and my character, Dr. Stephanie Simmons, is going to come in and take charge of a situation that you’ll be very happy to watch. Look out for a lot of surprises, a lot of hidden secrets that will be spilled and a lot of great fashions.”
As soap fans know, before The Young and the Restless, she appeared on Generations and it marked the first time she would work with the late Kristoff St. John. He played Adam Marshall and she played Maya Reubens. Later, St. John came to Y&R as Neil Winters.

Photo: NBC
Remembering her time with the Daytime Emmy-winning star, Vivica shared, “Kristoff was basically my first acting partner. When I walked to the office to meet all the executives for The Young and the Restless recently, there was a huge portrait of him on the wall, and I burst into tears because we did A Christmas Cruise, a Lifetime film that I executive produced, in 2017, and we were going to do a sequel, but he passed, so it brought back a flood of emotions. You have to enjoy life and enjoy your costars, because you never know what a person’s going through, and you never know how long they’ll be here.”
So, what medical drama do you think somehow involves, Dr. Stephanie Simmons when she returns to Genoa City? Will Stephanie and Malcolm already be a couple when they return? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
News
‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Rebecca Budig on Brad Bell’s Plan to ‘Draw Out’ and Play the Long Game with Taylor/Deacon/Sheila (Exclusive)
On The Bold and the Beautiful, the big question is: what will Sheila Carter (Kimberlin Brown) do, if and when she finds out that her husband Deacon Sharpe (Sean Kanan) has fallen deeply for his therapist, Dr. Taylor Hayes (Rebecca Budig), while she keeps pontificating how ‘grateful’ she is to Taylor for saving her rocky marriage.
But where does the story go from here? Will Sheila be collateral damage as Deacon and Taylor can’t deny their feelings for each other? Will she revert to the Sheila of old and find a way to drive a wrecking ball through their secret relationship (although half of their loved ones already know) and seek revenge?
During this week’s visit to You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel, Rebecca Budig, Sean Kanan and Kimberlin Brown weighed-in on the future of Taylor, Deacon and Sheila during a livestream chat, where they also addressed several questions from fans who joined in.

Photo: JPI
However, when discussing how they see their on-screen drama unfolding, Rebecca Budig shared that she had been told by The Bold and the Beautiful’s executive producer and head writer, Brad Bell, that for this particular romance, triangle, etc, he wants to take the long game approach instead of a simple resolve.
Rebecca revealed, “I will tell you that Brad said he really wanted to ‘draw this out’, and I like that. They’ve taken some time with it, because, you know, a lot of these shows (soap operas), they don’t really take a lot of time to develop any relationships anymore. Everything’s so fast. So, it’s been really fun because I got to develop a relationship with Deacon, but also with Sheila.”
Sean Kanan added, “I think one of the things I’ve noticed, and yes, we move quickly, but we’ve all been doing this a long time in this show. This is my 25th year, and I have learned that even though you don’t always know where the bullet train is headed, that Brad knows what he’s doing, and always brings it around and always brings a crescendo of a confluence of storylines together. And in knowing that, it kind of takes some pressure off. You then can really be in the present and go, ‘I don’t need to worry where this is going. I just need to play what’s in front of me and know that he’s going to deliver great story.”

Photo: JPI
While Kimberlin Brown gave the teasiest of teases, “I would say, don’t change the channel because it’s gonna be big. I wish I could tell you more, it’s gonna be big.” Just how far Sheila might go this time, given her historic track record, from starting out as nasty nurse Sheila on The Young and the Restless, to shooting her own son and daughter-in-law, Finn (Tanner Novlan) and Steffy (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood), on B&B remains to be seen!
In case you missed it, you can check out our live chat with Kimberlin, Sean and Rebecca below. And, make sure to catch Rebecca along with Greg Rikaart (Leo, Days of our Lives) on their CBS branded podcast series, Soapy, which this week features legendary casting director, Judy Blye Wilson (All My Children, The Young and the Restless).
Now weigh-in: do you want to see the Taylor/Deacon/Sheila story drawn out and built up, so when Sheila does find out, it’s a bigger fallout, or do you want Sheila to find out sooner and later, and if she does, how do you want to see her handle it? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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