Days Of Our Lives
Vanessa Williams Set To Debut As DAYS Valerie Grant!

Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
Is there a doctor in the house? Days of our Lives has announced that former Melrose Place and Soul Food star Vanessa Williams (Ex-Rhonda) is the recast Valerie Grant.
As longtime fans of the NBC soap know, Valerie (originally played by Tina Andrews) was involved in daytime’s first interaccial romance with Julie’s son, David Banning. Eventually, Valerie went to med school to become a doctor after he relationship went awry.
According to Soap Opera Digest, Valerie comes back to Salem as a respected cardiologist on the upcoming October 25th episode and look for her to be in a story that features her former flame Abe (James Reynolds) and his on-screen son, Theo (Kyler Pettis).
With Abe being shot and with fragments of bullets near his heart, will Valerie help Abe through his tough ordeal?
So, what do you think about Vanessa Williams taking on the role of Valerie Grant? How do you think her story will unravel on-screen? Comment below!
Wish they had kept Maxine and had her be Valerie’s cousin who was attracted to Abe…sometime ago i had written a little plot involving Theo’s disapproval of Valerie…dont know this actress as well as the other V.W.,…would had been something had they gotten Tina Andrews who originated the role but i dont think she acts anymore…Tina and the late Richard Guthrie(then David) had great chemistry together…wonder if a nuDavid will show up in the future???…would be nice to see some forgotten Horton’s again!!!
I wish Maxine would return. Is the actress busy? Maxine is definitely needed!
it’s the funniest thing… and/or befuddling…. for as much as we’ve seen … Doug and Julie woven in to the canvas for guest appearances… and I LOVE THEM TO BITS
I don’t know if I’ve ever seen any of their children on screen ?
Sons
David Banning
Robert Anderson, Jr.
Grandsons
Scott Banning
it would be amazing to see on of their own
A rare case of a soap character becoming younger, as Valerie Grant was in her 20s when we first met her in 1975.
They did the same with Mike Horton when Roark C. played the role making Mike a decade younger…Mike, Valerie and David should all be in their 60s now
Jaime Lyn Bauer is a decade younger than the previous Laura, Jimmy.
Truth be told, if David and Mike had not been SORASed in the first place, they would still be younger than the most recent performers who played them.
Balls of fire—I said the same thing about Valerie when it was announced they were bringing the character back some time ago.
That’s what my grandmother said, Jimmy. She shook her head in annoyance.
The same as making Alice Horton, while still alive, a great-great-great grandmother.
It’s not too off…this actress is in her 50s.
4ever…i know that too about Laura…she should be almost a decade older than Julie and now its the opposite!!!
Love Vanessa and she will be fantastic. She’s glamorous and talented and I can’t wait.
This VW is 53 not far off of 60 I don’t see what they problem is I love this actress..
The second actress who played Valerie had reach out via social media saying she was interested a few months ago of reprising the role, and now I see she was not chosen.
I don’t get why days didn’t try and do anything with the daughter of Abe as well as bring his daughter mother who was played be actress and singer Marilyn Mc Coo to return on a short term base to play the role she Created back in the 1980’s instead of going and bringing in a another blast from the past character.
Since they at days brought on a long lost daughter character for Abe who they didn’t really use nor need they should have made a wrong a right by having his daughter mother return to Salem/days. They could have use actual footage if Marilyn Mc Coo could have return since the character and Marlena was very good and dear friend of Marlena. Days still can’t get stuff right as well as make sense as well as make a wrong a right, they keep on casting new and if not blast from the past people instead of using what they currently have and the Abe and his long lost daughter Lani storyline could have been very good had they had his ex played by original actress had she complied return, Lani disappeard with out no one even noticing unless I missed that scene if not episode of days when she left.
I don’t believe days will be on five to ten years from now with the ten thousand time reboot.
for what time and FEW scenes we got…. it was a big deal… to see Abe branching out… and able to relate more familial. the three of them, having dinner in Horton Square…. bonding… aawh… I loved it. Abe / Lani / Theo. where’s my Lexi
I agree w/ JimH. Just bring back Maxine.
I don’t have a good feeling about Vanessa Williams…. I tried to like her… way back when… on Melrose Place… I never had a chance to watch SOUL FOOD. so who knows
I wonder if Debbie Morgan was interested ?
Patrick…I look at it like this: Debbi Morgan would have been a WAY BETTER CHOICE than Vanessa Williams. Just saying……….
Have a good one, dude.
Another gimmick DAYS is using. Instead of adding characters of old back into the fold how about they develop a story worth telling??? Then you can add actors to the fold. They are so intent on bringing back old time characters that everyone has forgotten but once the gimmick wears off and there is no story worth telling the gimmick fails and the actor leaves. I remember when Joan Collins came to GL as Alexandra Spaulding. That lasted all of about four weeks. Then they brought in the last actress to portray her and basically ruined the character forever. Everyone knows that after Beverlee McKinsey portrayed a character no one could EVER compare. They should have written her off. Oh wait JFP was there, I get it now, she wanted to try and make Beverlee look bad for beating her at her own game. JFP hated strong women. HA well Beverlee was smart enough to beat JFP at her contract game and walked off the show with her head held high and still in demand. I miss Ms. McKinsey every day. There is no other actress who can compare. She was and still remains the QUEEN of daytime. If anyone mentions Susan Lucci, I will upchuck on the spot. She can’t even shine Ms. McKinsey’s shoes.
Hey Mateo. I totally agree about making sure Story is there before bringing characters back. I mean Marlena hasn’t even had a SL since returning. But I do disagree about not remembering Valerie Grant. I’m only in my 30’s and even I know who Valerie Grant is, but I’m a diehard Days fan who took the time to learn the shows history. My biggest gripe though is that Valerie had MAJOR story with Julie’s son David Banning & I personally think he should have been home years ago or right now to beef up the Horton clan which seems to only be female centric. It seems the writers seem to make Lucas a Horton when it’s only convenient for them or its an afterthought. To be honest, the core family dynamics on this show has been lacking for years.
The same when Beverly played Iris on AW…when AW foolishly cast her on Texas…AW lost 1 million viewers…same when she left Texas…her replacements couldnt hold a candle to her both on AW and GL…Joan was terribly miscast as Alexandria-she made the character look like a something from a Circus sideshow…and you are right BM was the greatest actress to ever grace our daytime screens!!!
I always did enjoy Vanessa A. Williams’ acting skills, so I cannot wait to see her on DAYS as Valerie Grant. Nice seeing actresses that are not Caucasian gain work in daytime and television itself.
Okay, Vanessa Williams is entirely TOO YOUNG to be romantically paired with James Reynolds. He’s old enough to be her father! So, if they’re bringing her back to portray Valerie, that’s fine. But they shouldn’t even entertain the thought of putting her back with Abe. That ship sailed a long time ago.
They could put this new Valerie with Rafe, Dario, Deimos, Brady, or even Eric Brady now that Greg Vaughan is returning!
Yes, James Reynolds is 17 years older than Vanessa. However, it is called acting! Do you also have a problem with the romantic relationship between Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie) who is 73 and Bill Hayes (Doug) who is 91?
Susan & Bill are married in real life..lol
Love to see Abe, Theo have more front and center storylines. The cast and storylines should include more African Americans in more prominent roles! Loved Maxine. Would love to see her more!
I like Maxine! Where is she?
Just looked her up on IMDB. She was working on two other series 2015-2016 and a TV movie in 2016. Don’t know if that occupies all her time, but she is missed at Days.
Abe looks old enough to be her father for crying out loud.
I got all excited and then I realized it is not the Vanessa Williams I was thinking of. Oh well.
I know… right
my heart took a leap… with
I knew that picture couldn’t have been thee Vanessa L. Williams.
so I can palpitate and get my pulse back to “normal”
these token actors…. when relegated to like minded actors ( Valerie + Abe )
REALLY ? argh!
They should bring back Jaime Lyn Bauer
They should bring back “Maxine”
They should bring back Flo…. Nicole mother
either of these ladies would be perfect
Do you Fay? That was Nicole’s mother.
I was hoping Laura would stick around for longer. Maybe she’ll return when Abby does.
Great actress but TOO young to play that character!
Wrong role, wrong show.
If Y&R writers decide to bring Drucilla back from that ravine, this actress would be perfect.
Days bring back Vivian and how about Linda Anderson to .I always like Elaine Princi.Wasn’t that her name?Then again what do I know lol.I do like Vanessa Williams she is good actress.
Maybe she can sing on the show too.
Bring back Maxine, Vivian, and Sami. I do not like this Abigail.
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Sophia Seemingly Plans to End Her Life, But Not Before Setting Fire to Johnny’s Apartment With Him Trapped Inside
The final few moments of the Thursday, April 30 episode of Days of our Lives, will pave the way, to what just may be the end of Sophia Choi’s (Rachel Boyd) life, but not as you may think!
After an unhinged Sophia paid a visit to Johnny DiMera (Carson Boatman), maced him in the eyes, knocked him out and then tied up to a chair, now conscious, she lets him know that she holds him responsible for all the trouble and trauma she has gone through from adopting her child, and her being sent to a mental institution.
So instead of the unregistered gun Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) gave her to finish off Johnny, Sophia sets up a plan to light candle, use nail polish remover and turn on the gas on the stove to ultimately create a mass explosion, which although Johnny pleaded to her not to that to all the innocent people inside his apartment building, she doesn’t seem to care.

Photo: JPI
FIERY FACE OFF
The plan was supposed to be, after she takes care of Johnny she will toss the gun in the Salem River, then focus on payback to Holly Jonas before leaving town to start a new life.
Now, Sophia makes her exit, leaving Johnny to be a few moments away from an explosion or gas inhalation, when Chanel (Raven Bowens) comes home after awaiting the results of her mammogram. She sees Johnny tied up, as he panics and tells her to put out the flame on the candle, things go awry, and a fire has begun and everything may go up in flames with Johnny and Chanel inside.

Photo: JPI
A BROKEN SOPHIA
Back in her room, Sophia breaks down after reading the social media comments about her, she planted, and then starts writing a suicide or farewell note which says. “I’m tired of begging for forgiveness for my mistakes. All I wanted was to move forward, to be loved and understood. But it’s clear that I was never going to get that. Holly Jonas said that I was dead to her. So, as her former BFF, I’m going to make her dream a reality.”

Photo: JPI
A DEADLY TRAP
Now, the fate of Johnny, Chanel and Sophia will be revealed on tomorrow’s May 1st cliffhanger, which may be the end of Sophia when she crosses paths with Kirsten at the bridge near the river. We do know Rachel Boyd is no longer appearing in the show credits section and is now off contract with the soap.
So, what did you think of the climatic final moments of DAYS? What did you think of the performance of Rachel Boyd as Sophia Choi? Let us know via the comment section.
Breaking News
Jacob Martinez is ‘Days of Our Lives’ New Javi Hernandez Replacing Al Calderon in the Role
Finally! The casting has been revealed as to just who would be Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Days of our Lives, Javi Hernandez. On Friday, April 30, the long-running soap opera revealed Jacob Martinez is taking on the part and he will first be seen this coming June 30th and then on all-new episodes streaming on Peacock.
As previously reported, the popular Calderon exited the soap opera last year to join the cast of the NBC primetime medical drama, Brilliant Minds as nurse Nico Silva, who in May will air the remainder of their second season. The series has been on the bubble for renewal by the network. His last episodes as Javi will also air this May on DAYS.
Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming, Martinez has been secretly ensconced in all the drama in Salem for quite some time. When viewers see the new Javi in story, we should learn what will happen in Javi’s relationship with Leo Stark played by Emmy winner, Greg Rikaart, plus his continued relationship with his relatives in the Hernandez clan. Currently, when Javi returned to Salem after taking care of his ailing father, and after the bust-up of his marriage to Leo thanks to Dimitri (Peter Porte), he claimed he had moved on with someone else while he was away from Salem.

Photo: JPI
Like Calderon before him, Martinez is a multi-talented actor and singer. Jacob’s resume is impressive having appeared in the musical In Pieces: The Musical at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater and he was hand-picked by Joey Contreras to play the role of Grey. Other credits include: the short film, Memory Swim and the play Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage.
Martinez hails from Norfolk, Nebraska and appeared when he was very young at the Johnny Carson Theatre, and as DAYS fans know, Jacob is now working at the Days of our Lives studios, right where the “Tonight Show” is filled. In addition, Jacob Martinez is a graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA).
Taking to his Instagram on Thursday, April 30 once the news of his casting was revealed, Martinez, expressed, “Way too many people to thank in one post, so I’ll just say THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART to each and every person who continues to pour into me and encourage me to chase my dreams. I cannot even begin to express how grateful I am. I already feel beyond blessed, supported, and loved. See you all in Salem ⏳”
Jacob Martinez appeared on Friday on the Days of our Lives Instagram account announcing his casting. You can check it out below. Deadline was the first to report the casting switch.
So, excited to learn who is the new Javi Hernandez? Please welcome Jacob Martinez to the role and be on the lookout for his debut on June 30. Comment below.
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Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of Our Lives’ Conner Floyd on Chad’s Quest For Abigail’s Resurrection; But Who Should Be Cast as NuAbby?
Former Y&R favorite, Conner Floyd made his debut as the recast Chad DiMera on Days of our Lives last week on the April 21 episode of the Peacock streaming soap opera
Floyd replaced Billy Flynn in the role who is firmly cemented in his old stomping grounds of Genoa City and The Young and the Restless as Chad DiMera. For the last year or two of Chad’s story, he believed his wife, Abigail Devereaux DiMera could be alive, he even thought Cat Greene (AnnaLynne McCord) was Abigail until the story turned.
Now with Floyd taking over the role and Lexie coming back to life after years of being dead, and Chad noting how Dr. Rolf (Richard Wharton) and his brother, EJ (Dan Feuerriegel), could resurrect somehow they all love, he thinks, how about Abigail? The part of Abigail was played by Kate Mansi and then Marci Miller.

Photo: JPI
Speaking with Stephanie Sloane for her new Daytime Dish Newsletter on the matter, Conner shared, “Any kind of idea that she could possibly be coming back, as farfetched as that may seem, he’s stuck on it. The idea gets in his head, and he’s locked in on it.”
CHAD WRESTLES WITH THE FATE OF ABIGAIL
Floyd added that Chad, “He’s asking Theo (Joseph Tyler Andrews) about it. He’s asking EJ about it. It’s one of those things where he loves her so much that the peace in his mind that he’s made with this kind of comes unbroken. So the fact that that she might be able to come back, he’s so bent on it, he thinks it’s going to happen and he kind of spirals away.”
A NEW ABIGAIL ON THE HORIZON?

Photo: ABC
That begs the question, with Days of Our Lives taping ten months in advance, which is already taking them into the beginning of 2027, is it possible that the soap has already recast Abigail and its being kept top secret?
Recently, it was revealed that former General Hospital favorite, Sofia Mattsson (ex-Sasha) has joined Days of our Lives. Back on March 30 it was reported that Mattsson is now taping all-new episodes that will be seen in 2027, but her role was being hush-hush! Could she the new Abby?
If not, the question is, since it seems that Kate Mansi is not coming back as she is firmly entrenched in her role as Kristina Corinthos-Davis on General Hospital and other outside projects, and Marci Miller has also been away from soaps for awhile working on other TV and film roles and indie motion pictures, who should play nuAbby?
Now below, let us know, who do you think would make the perfect leading lady opposite Conner Floyd as a recast Abigail Deveraux DiMera? Be our armchair quarterback casting director and drop your pick in the comment section.
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