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The Ultimate Guide To The Days Of Our Lives Cast: 5 Shocking Changes & 8 Major Returns For 2025-2026

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The iconic, long-running daytime drama *Days of Our Lives* continues to deliver jaw-dropping twists, both on-screen in Salem and behind the scenes. As of this current date, December 21, 2025, the cast is undergoing one of its most significant shakeups in years, featuring a shocking departure, a major character recast, and a massive wave of fan-favorite returns that will dominate storylines into 2026. This deep-dive into the *Days of Our Lives* cast for the 2025-2026 season reveals the most up-to-date information, giving fans the essential details on who is staying, who is leaving, and the personal news affecting the beloved stars who bring the drama to the Peacock streaming service. Get ready to catch up on the latest from your favorite supercouples and legacy characters.

Meet the Legends: Core Contract Cast and Their Recent Biographical Updates

The backbone of the show remains its veteran actors, many of whom have been with the series for decades, creating the rich history that defines the *Days of Our Lives* experience. Here is a look at the current core cast, their characters, and recent news.
  • Deidre Hall (Dr. Marlena Evans): Born October 31, 1947, Hall is a true daytime legend, best known for her portrayal of Dr. Marlena Evans Black. Her character has famously endured everything from demonic possession to multiple plane crashes. Hall's near five-decade tenure has made her one of the most recognizable faces in soap opera history.
  • Mary Beth Evans (Kayla Brady Johnson): Born March 7, 1961, Evans has played the beloved nurse Kayla Brady on and off since 1986. She is half of the iconic "Steve and Kayla" supercouple, often referred to as "Stayla." In a recent personal update, Evans introduced her new granddaughter, who was born in late 2024.
  • Stephen Nichols (Steve 'Patch' Johnson): Born February 19, 1951, Nichols has portrayed the rugged, one-eyed hero Steve Johnson for over 40 years. He is an essential part of the show's history, often reflecting on his four-decade journey with the daytime drama.
  • Suzanne Rogers (Maggie Horton Kiriakis): Born July 9, 1943, Rogers is one of the longest-serving cast members, having played Maggie Horton since 1973. In a significant and personal update, Rogers recently revealed she had been diagnosed with Stage 2 colorectal cancer but is now thankfully in remission.
  • James Reynolds (Abe Carver): Born August 10, 1946, Reynolds has played Abe Carver, the former Mayor of Salem, since 1981, making him one of the longest-running African-American actors in daytime television.
  • Eric Martsolf (Brady Black): Born July 27, 1971, Martsolf has played the role of Brady Black since 2008. He is a veteran of the soap world, known for his previous work on *Passions*. Martsolf continues to be a central figure in Salem's most dramatic love triangles.
  • Dan Feuerriegel (EJ DiMera): The Australian actor took over the role of EJ DiMera in 2021 and has quickly become a key player in the DiMera family drama.

The Shocking Departures and a Major Recasting Drama

The end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026 are marked by some high-profile cast shifts, including a major recast that has sent ripples through the fanbase.

The Departure of Billy Flynn and the Chad DiMera Recast

The biggest recent cast news involves the character of Chad DiMera. Billy Flynn, who embodied the role of Chad DiMera for over a decade, has departed from *Days of Our Lives*. This departure was immediately followed by the announcement that Flynn would be joining the cast of *The Young and the Restless* in June 2025, taking on the role of Cane Ashby. The character of Chad DiMera, a pivotal member of the powerful DiMera family, will not be leaving Salem. Instead, the role has been recast. Conner Floyd is set to join *Days of Our Lives* as the new Chad DiMera, a move that is expected to keep the character's storyline continuity intact. This change comes after a year of major storyline developments for the character, guaranteeing a new era for Chad.

Other Notable Exits and Shifts

* Roslyn Gentle (Rachel Blake): The character known as the "woman in white," Rachel Blake, is reportedly exiting the canvas in a storyline that involves EJ and Kristen DiMera. * Cary Christopher (Thomas DiMera): The young actor portraying Thomas DiMera is also reported to be leaving the show, suggesting a potential shift for the DiMera children's storylines. * Michael Roark: While a departure for an existing character, Michael Roark is joining the cast in an undisclosed role, signaling a new face is set to stir up drama in Salem.

The Mega-List: 8 Fan-Favorite Characters Set to Return in 2025-2026

One of the greatest strengths of *Days of Our Lives* is its ability to bring back beloved legacy characters, and the end of 2025 and early 2026 will see an unprecedented number of returns. These comebacks are set to reignite classic rivalries and rekindle iconic romances. The following characters and actors are confirmed to be making their way back to Salem:
  1. Bo Brady (Peter Reckell) & Hope Williams Brady (Kristian Alfonso): The ultimate *Days of Our Lives* supercouple, "Bope," is set for a highly anticipated return. Their storyline is expected to be central to the show's major arcs.
  2. Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney): The fiery and unpredictable Sami Brady is returning to Salem, guaranteeing immediate drama for the DiMera and Brady families.
  3. Carrie Brady (Christie Clark): A longtime fan favorite, Carrie Brady is set to revisit her old stomping grounds, likely interacting with her family and former flames.
  4. Ciara Weston (Victoria Konefal): Ciara's return is a welcome sight for fans, as she is a key member of the Brady family and part of the "Cin" supercouple with Ben Weston.
  5. Will Horton: The character of Will Horton, a member of the legacy Horton family, is also confirmed to be returning, which will impact Sami and Lucas's lives.
  6. Peter Blake (Dan Gauthier): The villainous Peter Blake is back, with Dan Gauthier stepping into the role as a recast. This long-awaited return of the antagonist is set to bring a new threat to Salem.
  7. Melinda Trask (Tina Huang): The District Attorney known for her no-nonsense attitude and frequent clashes with Salem's powerful families is returning to the cast.
  8. Andrew Donovan (Colton Little): Andrew Donovan is also set to make a return, adding to the growing list of familiar faces coming back to the show.
The influx of these familiar faces, combined with the major recast of Chad DiMera, ensures that the drama on the Peacock streaming platform will be more intense than ever. The focus on legacy characters and the return of iconic villains and heroes proves that the show is leaning heavily into its rich history to captivate a new generation of viewers while satisfying its loyal audience.
days of our cast
days of our cast

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