Days of our Lives iconic Bill Hayes (Doug Williams) was given a very special birthday celebration on the set of the Peacock streaming soap opera.

Hayes, who has been with DAYS since 1970 turned 98-years-old.  Bill’s wife, Days of our Lives enduring star, Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie), took to the couple’s Instagram account and shared some photos from Bill’s big day and a video.

Susan expressed: “Thank you to our cast and crew for celebrating Billy’s 98th Birthday on set today. And the double chocolate cake was delicious! 🎂❤️”

Photo: BillSusanHayesIG

Those in attendance enjoyed Bill’s birthday cake as DAYS star Billy Flynn (Chad DiMera) and the series executive producer, Ken Corday, joined the festivities.

If you look at the video below closely, it’s already Christmastime at the Hortons! Since DAYS tapes so far in advance, it looks like Doug and Julie will be seen, as is tradition, in the upcoming 2023 holiday episodes.

Bill Hayes officially turned 98 earlier this week on June 5th.

Share your birthday wishes to the one and only Bill Hayes via the comment section,

🎶Happy Birthday to Billy!🎶 pic.twitter.com/aiVZowupfe

— Bill & Susan Hayes (@DaysHayes) June 7, 2023

The Young and the Restless continues its 50th anniversary season with a special episode dedicated to the memory of the late Jerry Douglas, who portrayed the beloved patriarch of the Abbott Clan, John Abbott.

The standalone episode will air on on Thursday June 22nd on the CBS daytime drama.

The episode is said to be filled with classic flashbacks and includes a special appearance by the late actor’s wife, author and television personality, Kym Douglas.

Look for Kym to take on the role of  Zelda Wilford who shares a special connection to the Abbott family.

Jerry Douglas passed away at the age of 89 following a brief illness in November of 2021.  The character of John Abbott was killed-off Y&R in 2006, but made many return appearances as a ghost, especially in scenes with his son, Jack, played by Peter Bergman.

Will you be tuning-in to see Y&R’s special episode to John Abbott? Comment below.

Tuesday night was a major evening for the soap operas in the UK.  That is when the winners were revealed to the public for the 2023 British Soap Opera Awards during its televised pre-taped ceremony.

When the dust settled, it was the venerable soap, EastEnders, who took home the Best Soap prize.  However, Coronation Street was the big winner of the night taking home six awards including: Best Single Episode and Scene of the Year. EastEnders won four total with  Hollyoaks taking two; while Emmerdale and Doctors each receiving one.

The awards, first presented in 1999, honor the best moments in British soap operas. This year, the event was pre-taped on Saturday June 3rd but aired last night. The majority of the categories are voted for by a panel of industry professionals, while certain awards including Best British Soap and Best Leading Performer are voted for by the general public.

You can view the complete list of winners here.  

Take a look at the presentation of the final award of the evening, as EastEnders is crowned the British Soap Favorite.

Do you agree with the fans choice of EastEnders as Best British Soap of 2023? Comment below.