Days Of Our Lives
Vivian Jovanni Done At DAYS!
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
Soap newcomer Vivian Jovanni who played the SORAS’d Ciara Brady on Days of our Lives is out at the long-running NBC soap opera.
During her run, Jovanni was put in a controversial front burner rape storyline and played the daughter of legacy characters Bo (Peter Reckell) and Hope Brady (Kristian Alfonso).
From the looks of it, Vivian will continue to air until the spring of the New Year. Â As to if DAYS plans to recast, or how Ciara is written-off the canvas that is yet to be seen.
Serial Scoop spoke to Jovanni where she expressed what precipitated her exit from DAYS: “The decision to exit was mutual. At this point in my career I wanted to pursue other interests. Yet, I am eternally grateful for the opportunity, love and support I received from everyone at Days and the fans. I’m really excited about the future and what’s to come in the world of Days of Our Lives.”
So, what are your thoughts on Vivian’s exit from DAYS? Should the show recast? Comment below!
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Kristen Locates an Alive Sophia, How Much Does Rita Know About the Birth of Dominic Marino?
Next week, expected surprises and schemes on Days of our Lives. In official spoilers for episodes streaming on Peacock from October 5-9, it looks like Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) has hunted down a very much alive Sophia Choi (Rachel Boyd), while Marlena (Deidre Hall) admits a deeply concerning confession to her daughter Belle (Martha Madison), and more.
As previously reported, Tajh Bellow (ex-TJ Ashford, General Hospital) is stepping in for one day for Tyler Joseph Andrews in the role of Theo Carver and will share scenes with Gabi (Cherie Jimenez), where Theo finally agrees to go along with Gabi’s plan, after she offered him a job.
Meanwhile, Gabi may have her hands full with Philip (John-Paul Lavoisier) whose big win in Monte Carlo may have sparked his gambling addiction … all over again, but Philip reveals her has a plan.
Photo: Corday Productions
Sydney (Sydney Malekeh) is in for a shock when Dante (Franco LoPresti) arrives in Salem. Why is he in Salem? Is he part of the unraveling of the Dominic Marino mystery, since we know he seemed like he was talking to the man in Monte Carlo?
Will Marlena ever figure out what Rita (Maggie Carney) is hiding about the mystery of Dominic, and if Marlena is truly his birth mother or did something more suspicious go on and how deeply involved is Rita in this whole story?
EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) finally demands answers of his own from Rita after overhearing on today’s Cliffhanger Friday her conversation with Marlena. Will Rita cop to anything?
Then as noted, while everyone thinks Sophia took her own life, after Kristen “murdered” her, Kristen is infuriated to find she is somehow alive working as waitress in a diner in Kentucky. Will Kristen try to kill Sophia yet again?
Take a look at some of the additional spoilers for next week’s action on DAYS below.
Monday, October 5
Joy worries about her future.
Alex surprises Stephanie.
Chanel supports Johnny through a difficult decision.
Tuesday, October 6
Rachel gives Brady cause for concern.
Roman surprises Kate.
Wednesday, October 7
Leo’s good day takes an unexpected turn.
Brady is forced to make a difficult call.
Thursday, October 8
Paulina refuses to give up on Lani.
Chanel asks Johnny for a promise.
Friday, October 9
Stephanie and Alex steal a private moment.
Steve gets troubling news from Johnny.
So, what do you think will happen when Kristen finds that the woman she thought she murdered and framed (making it looking like a suicide) is alive and well and working in a diner far away from Salem? Was Rita more involved with Stefano DiMera than we even know? Who is the birth mother of Dominic? Is it really Marlena or did someone else carrying her child? And what of Dante? Why is he back in Salem? To get at Philip, or something else? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
After an earlier post on Thursday, October 1 about General Hospital alumni Tajh Bellow’s (ex-TJ Ashford) upcoming project from Issa Rae’s HOOPAE Digital, comes word that Bellow is temporarily stepping into the role of Days of our Lives Theo Carver to fill in for Tyler Joseph Andrews on the Peacock streaming soap opera.
According to TV Insider, Bellow will be making a one-day appearance next week on the October 6 episode of DAYS as Andrews was unable to make the tape date that was shot 10 months ago on a day last December. Andrews (pictured below) took over the role of Theo in September of 2025.
In Bellow’s upcoming episode as Theo, he will share scenes with Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez). A DAYS spokesperson tells the outlet that Bellow “stepped seamlessly into the role, and the cast and crew were grateful for his professionalism and commitment, albeit for only one episode.”
Photo: JPI
TAJH WILL BE SEEN IN MULTIPLE PROJECTS IN OCTOBER
As General Hospital fans know, Tajh played the role of TJ Ashford from 2018 to his last appearance in December of 2024. Along the way, he received two Daytime Emmy nominations for his performances as TJ, the last being in 2025 in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.
In addition, bellow along with Y&R alum Loren Lott will be seen starting on October 14 in the new Love Island spoof series, The Compatibility Experiment. The show will drop exclusively on TikTok and the PineDrama platform.
The Compatibility Experiment gives a satirical look at reality dating shows, think Love Island! The story centers around Kelvin (Bellow) and Camila (Lott), whose relationship is put to the test when they join a reality show to try to win a the million dollar prize.
So, what do you think of Tajh stepping in for Tyler Joseph Andrews as Theo on DAYS? Perhaps, the soap opera liked his work that he might be considered for another role in the future bringing Bellow back to the soaps? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
Four cast members are officially on contract at Days of our Lives, according to the soap opera’s closing credits on Peacock and longtime Days expert and historian Jason 47.
Lauren Koslow (Kate), Sydney Malakeh (Sydney), Sal Stowers (Lani) and Jacob Martinez (Javi) are the names that appear in the closing credits in the contracted cast members section. Days of our Lives fans also note that the series tapes ten months in advance of streaming episodes.
As Days of our Lives fans know, Lauren Koslow has played Kate Roberts since 1996, and recently filled-in for Jess Walton in the role of Jill Abbott on The Young and the Restless when Walton was unable to travel from Oregon to Los Angeles during the specific tape dates. But now, Koslow has been re-upped to contract status as of the September 8 episode.
Photo: JPI
SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED
Sydney Malakeh is the newest member of the contract players when she debuted on contract status on the September 10th episode. Days fans first met Sami (Alison Sweeney) and EJ’s (Dan Feuerriegel) daughter in scenes in Monte Carlo around a gambling table.
As for Sal Stowers, the actress had been on contract from 2015-2022, then on recurring status with the soap, and would make appearances and limited runs since 2023. Soap fans first saw Sal as Cassandra Foster on Prospect Park’s revival of All My Children in 2013. Sal’s first new contracted episode was noted to be September 16.
Jacob Martinez, debuted on June 30 of this year as the successor to Al Calderon in the role of Javi Hernandez, and has now been bumped up to series regular as of the September 10 episode.
Photo: JPI
CREDITS
According to the referenced posting from Days of our Lives expert and historian Jason 47, he shared, “It took me four weeks to realize, but the same week that Sydney Malakeh (Sydney) debuted (9/7-9/11), “Days” also put Lauren Koslow (Kate), Jacob Richard Martinez (Javi) and Sal Stowers (Lani) on contract.”
Jason47 added, “This confirms the “errors” of Lani being listed in the credits the week of 9/7 but not appearing, and Kate and Javi appearing in the credits the week of 9/14 but not appearing. It also now makes sense why Javi and Sydney are being listed before Rafe and Philip in the credits.”
He also shared, “For the record, Lauren Koslow’s first date back on contract was 9/8, Jacob Richard Martinez was upped to contract on 9/10, Sydney Malakeh debuted on contract 9/10 and Sal Stowers’ first date back on contract was 9/16. The records will be fixed on the website in the coming days.”
So, glad to hear Lauren, Sydney, Sal and Jacob appear to be on contract with Days of our Lives (as of these episode airings)? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: After Carter Blurts Out That ‘Implantation and Fertilization’ Has Begun to Daphne; Will Steffy Put the Brakes on His Scheme?
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Kristen Locates an Alive Sophia, How Much Does Rita Know About the Birth of Dominic Marino?
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
REPORT: ‘Days of our Lives’ Puts Four Actors On Contract
‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
Alley Mills Returns to ‘General Hospital’ as Heather Webber
Judith Light Joins Cast of ‘Shrinking’ Season 4 in Recurring Role
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: After Carter Blurts Out That ‘Implantation and Fertilization’ Has Begun to Daphne; Will Steffy Put the Brakes on His Scheme?
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
GH Alum Tajh Bellow and Y&R Alum Loren Lott Star in New Tiktok and Microdrama ‘Love Island’ Spoof
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ava and Drew Revealed to be Behind Framing Sonny for Sidwell’s Prison Beatdown
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Of course they should recast. Talk about a legacy character, She is the daughter of Days royalty!
once again… I hold Ken Corday responsible for so many mishaps
he definitely has his own ideas on what an Executive Producer is
is he … what ? still riding on the coattails of his beloved parents Betty and Ted Corday?
is he living off the residuals ? and just not caring for what supports him.
His parents legacy… was taken care of
do your job Ken Corday… whatever you imagine that to be
have you been drinking the Kool-Aid with Frank Valentini
Her leaving was by mutual consent of the actress, the powers that be at Days and every single viewer. To her credit she has improved incrementally over her tenure and I’m sure she did her best. The responsibility for an epic failure like this lies with the casting director and the producers. The show should definitely recast using thoughtful care and consideration.
Acting through your nose instead of her clinched teeth is not an incremental improvement. Nothing at all could improve that young lady’s acting abilities except a divine intervention by the man himself.
It is possible that as Vivian matures she might become a better actress. Also, don’t forget that Vivian was never right for the role of Ciara in the first place. For that I blame the casting director.
Call me crazy, but I don’t think she is the worst… she will likely improve with age. Alison Sweeny sure did… I thought she was horrible when she first appeared on the show, but I ended up loving her! I do hope that they recast this role… the character is needed! On a side note, not sure how popular of an opinion is, but I am loving Marci Miller as Abby!
I always felt Vivian G. was cast almost solely based on her similar look to her on screen “mom”, Hope. I really think the casting director (and whomever) thought this was more important than her acting ability….maybe thinking that Vivian would improve (quicker) over time. Honestly, I wanted Vivian to succeed and I gave her a LOT of time. I did not fast forward. I watched and stuck with her…but it became evident it was not going to improve. I wish her all the best. YES, Days should RECAST.
I feel sorry for her, she was horrifically miscast. I did fast forward often ~ otherwise I might have thrown something at the TV screen.
The casting director needs to be fired.
I do not see any particular reason to re-cast the role. This gal did her best but they gave her too much to take on and as a young actress I don’t think she was quite ready to do “rape scenes” and heavy dramatic front line storylines. She (the character) can go off to College or to visit a long lost Aunt. The youthful storylines on this show are atrocious anyway – the whole writing team needs to wake up to 2016 and stop writing like we’re in 1985.
I’m so happy that she is leaving. I really never bought her portrayal. I think it’s a great character and I hope they recast!
She never stood a chance. wow… I applaud her for trying
this career choice has too many “hits”… and so few chance/opportunities.
oh god… I miss Lauren Boles
I wish Vivian Jovanni : take care, be well, you’ve learned, and are moving
Jovanni made her on-screen debut on October 30, 2015 and as posted above, will be on air thru spring, 2017. she had 1 1/2 years of on air screen time
it just bugs me to no end… that along with Vivian… the characters of Aiden and Chase were also sacrificed…. loved the SORAS Chase. with yummy Daniel Cosgrove
sigh… all we’re left with is toothache Rafe and Hope
I love Hope and Rafe together never did like aiden
I like Hope and Rafe too. I don’t really miss Aiden or Chase either.
I never did like the character of Ciara. I have this thing about too many babies and kids on DAYS. Then when they decided to age-advanced Ciara into a teenager (and the other kids) around the time Bo Brady was about to arrive in Salem, it did not work for me. We were deprived of seeing Bo hug Ciara, his little girl.
I don’t mean to be too harsh, but the new actress did not emote too much emotion. She just has one of those faces that does not express well. I thought the rape storyline was nauseating. I will be glad to let the character go out of my mind. Another character I wish they would get rid of is the singer, Claire.
I agree 100%. Bring back Lauren Boles & let’s just forget the awful rape. I just cringe every time I see everyone sitting on Jenn’s couch at the Horton house, ugh.
Well, I mean they CAN’T just age her backwards after they decided to jump her age from like 9 to 18 or whatever the heck age she’s supposed to be.
When I watch this show, I am embarressed by how awful it is – the prison scenes are so ludicrous (with character Hope) that I wish I could FF through the NBC ap –
but as far as the character of Ciara goes, they should just have her visit an out of town Aunt or grandma or long lost Cousin ~ or have the character switch to an out of State College –
yeah, the kick in the pants… was when Peter Reckell and Lauren Boles… never have that chance. Bo & Ciera Alice
what a dream , that would have been.
“…but the new actress did not emote too much emotion ” wholeheartedly agree.
really reminds me of Kelly Monaco @GH as Sam.
truly… the rape story was the nail in the coffin.
Vivian Jovanni had her moments … that’s not a full time job makes.
Ciera Alice is a high yield pivotal front and center legacy character.
wouldn’t it be something… if… when Hope is sprung… who’s the first to greet her
Lauren Boles.
wishful thinking
who is Lauren Boles
I cry for these things still
I got it
Judy, Lauren Boles played Ciara before the role was SORASed.
Regardless of this actress or acceptance of portrayal, the error was in the SORAS, Look, if we want kids on the canvas, then accept kids on the canvas. Sudden age jumps often are not in best interest. As in real life, if you have kids, you keep them! LOL Children are not props or plot devices!
What took so long? Seriously, the worst actor on daytime since Guy Wilson.
Two miscasts. Maybe Days also needs a new casting director.
I certainly agree with that response – The casting director needs help ~
She just wasnt right for the part…wish her the best
Not sad to see her go. With all the talented younger actresses out there, she was totally miscast in that role. First, it sucked they SORAS the character in the first place, but to put in someone who…sorry simply can’t act was the second mistake. I’m not being a bully just stating a fact. When you suck at your job anywhere else you’d get fired a long time ago. Just because someone has a pretty face it doesn’t mean they act! I always fast forward when she is on because she is that bad in the role. Plus she looks uncomfortable in it as well which adds to her terrible performance.
Thats my opinion and I’m entitled to it!
agree all the way
behind the scenes mismanagement
how could they not have seen what we’ve known for months:
“…Plus she looks uncomfortable ”
yeah, it’s a tough love thingy… i’m sure she’s glad to be out
for a youngster… she made some cashola
Sometimes the truth hurts. And by that I mean she hurt my ears and my eyes just looking at her trying to act.
I never like to see a soap actor lose their jobs. It probably seemed like a good idea to age the character before Bo’s return and death. The actress was given too much heavy storyline (father’s death and rape) within a short period of time and unfortunately, it proved too much for a less-seasoned actor. It probably did not help that the fans have been BRUTAL to her for more than a year. The teen storylines continue to be the show’s weakest link. I could care less that Jade has been recast because I do not like the storyline now with Joey. Claire always has a look on her face like she is irritated. I wish Corday and company would realize the higher rated soaps feature actors over the age of 30. We do not care about these teens and prefer to see Maggie, Hope, Brady, Nicole, Jennifer, Chad, Gabi and Abigail. I would love to see Eve return.
To be honest, Ciara was growing on me. Too bad….but, she’s so young, I am sure she wants to move her carrier/ambition/aspirations along. Soaps are very tenuous, today. Good luck!!
But, Claire needs to go. This girl does not inspire me one bit. She is languid and insipid. How old is she supposed to be? She and Theo are sooo mismatched.
Out of context:
1) What newborn, a couple of hours born, coos? Plays with her hands? Makes eye contact with the person holding her and responds to the baby-talk? Okay….it’s a soap, but, this baby “Holly” looks three or so months old. Make it a bit real.
2) considering the DiMera’s wealth and the grandeur ( size-wise) of the mansion, why is there no intercome system? Or a baby monitor? I suppose if that were the case, then Abby would not have been able to sneak into the nursery? How convenient.
Chad opening the door was so much more dramatic!! Not really.
Also, ( and, I realize I am being being unreasonable, LOL) I can’t stand Gabi, right now. She runs to Chad in a flash). So typica. I just don’t understand why these women are made to look like floozies and so whimsical. I thought she was in love with JJ. I don’t…..I woukd be in my room, on my bed, crying my eyes out, not out looking for comfort in snother’s arms…..then some. I think Gabi has coveted Chad forever….she’s always had a thing for him.
Sorry, I had to post everything in my head……won’t be posing for a while….
So, Happy Holidays to one and all…much love and joy!!!!!
The baby thing-i guess tptb decided to soras the infant the moment it popped out…next week she will be 16 and on drugs-lol…Merry Christmas to you and your family!!!
It’s just too bad they felt the need to SORAS all the DOOL kids, who really were not bad…especially the child that played Ciera…into obnoxious teenagers!
I really wish sometimes that they would just let characters age naturally. They way they do it, the “kids” end up being WAY too old to actually be the child of their “parents.”
Yep, agree 100%. Should have let those kids be. No reason to age them except, I think at the time, Days 50th Anniversary (reboot) was approaching and TPTB probably thought it would be a new aspect to the show. Wrong call IMO.
Bring back Lauren Boles, the original actress. She was a wonderful little actress. Lauren is spunky and she can act. Vivian is 21 years old and her acting got a little better, but not good enough. I wish her luck, my suggestion take more acting classes.
It’s too late! Ciara has been SORAS. Lauren Boles is too young to take the role once again.
The firist Ciara they did to get a new Ciara
The hatred this young woman has endured is absolutely outlandish. The bullies are absolutely rude, and clearly have never had a heart. Is she the greatest actress in the world? No. Did she do the job she was hired to do? Yes. The problem with Vivian Jovanni’s acting is that it’s very dry, which isn’t a bad thing for comedy, but she’s in a very high-intense dramatic medium, where you need emotions. This platform was simply not right for her. She’d do very well in comedy, as I feel like her seriousness would really work in her favour.
As for the character, I’d say send her away to college for 6-12 months, a-la Kristina Corinthos on General Hospital, and then bring her back with a new actress. Funny enough, I’d love to see Lindsey Morgan (ex-Kristina, GH) be brought to the role of Ciara, or even another unknown. But the character does need some downtime, so write her out, for now, and then bring her back in the fall of 2017.
she is quite certainly a nice girl but nice doesn’t make you a good actress ; the casting department needs a shake up , solid theatre and acting background should be paramount when hiring actors on that show , clearly this is not the case.
Again, you’re missing the point of my post, and that concerns me.
I totally agree. I cannot believe people can be so downright cruel. It is one thing to express an opinion, but to verbally attack a person is uncalled for. Kind of makes you wish all those experts out there were given the same type of critique when they started their careers. Do I think she could improve as an actress? Of course, but by the same token, I feel all the DOOL teens could improve and probably will with time. Ease up folks, she’s just a young girl starting out trying her best.
She may very well be a good person. However, she’s being paid a lot of money for a job she is simply not qualified for. Simply put- she is just not an actress. Somewhere, someplace is a REAL actor chomping at the bit for an opportunity to portray this role.
To call someone a “REAL” actor is insulting, and is exactly what my post is about. And knowing that your response simply proves my point is baffling. Berating this young woman is wrong and shameful.
No offense but I never thought she could act anyway.Not saying that I could do any better because I cannot I just feel that someone else could have done a better job.To all Happy Holidays and stay well and safe.
Head writing duties for days of our lives need to be handed over to leah laiman , thom racina and sheri anderson . executive producers should be : ken corday , al rabin , shelley curtis and greg meng . the casting department need to have recruiters who hire actors and actresses who know how to act with solid theatre and acting background ! Jovanni should never have been hired in the first place .
Air into the spring? Good grief. Well, I can fast forward.
Ciara should have been recast ages ago. Vivian was not good in the role from the get-go. Frankly, I don’t think she can act. It was thoroughly painful to watch her stumble through scenes.
I am glad this actress is gone. Days has plenty of time to find someone suitable as a recast. Although at this point, I wouldn’t care if they got rid of all the SORASed teens.
YES! One annoying teenager actor gone…3 to go….and you know who you are 🙂
All they have to do is this scene:
Ciarra: Mom, I have something to tell you, I don’t mean to burden you while
you are still locked up in Prison with Marlena’s look-a-like
Hope: Yes, sweetie, what is it, you can tell me anything you know that!
Ciarra: Well mom, I’ve decided to transfer to another School out of State
– I spoke with Cousin Martha and she said I could stay with her.
Hope: Ciarra, have you thought about this carefully? You know it’s hard for
me to tell what you’re feeling since you only seem to have one expression.
Ciarra: Yes Mom it’s what I want, my bus leaves tomorrow.
Hope: Well honey we will miss you and if I ever get out of Prison on a
technicality I will let you know
Ciarra: Okay Mom….good bye I will miss you too
The end. See, not that hard to write her out.
This actress wasnt very good at emoting and yes she looked terribly uncomfortable etc but she gave it her best shot. The casting director and prodiucers are at fault for hiring someone lacking the skills. Soap fans online are awfully awful to any and every “newbie” that graces the television screen. In this instance i think tactful critique would have given this girl
Her acting is not great but she is ok. I think the actor who portrays Joey is so cute but his acting is terrible as is the woman who portrays Abigail.
Horray!! Maybe she can take Joey with her-2 horrible actors!!
I thought Vivian did a good job, I would like to see any of the people writing comments on here go on a soap & try to act any better!!! I will be sad to see her go, she tried & all people did was put her down all the time. She use to model, too & she is beautiful.
She was a terrible actress from the start. I was hoping she would improve over time, but that didn’t happen! I will not miss her gritting teeth, that’s for sure. She does need to pursue other interests and for our sake, please don’t let it be acting!!