As the week of January 5-9 unfolds in Salem, fans of the long-running soap opera Days of Our Lives are eager to learn about the latest cast changes. This week, viewers can expect several familiar faces to return while others bid farewell to their roles. Here’s a look at who is joining and leaving the cast.
New Faces in Salem
Judi Evans returns to her role as Bonnie Lockhart Kiriakis after a hiatus since October 2025. Her reappearance is highly anticipated, especially as she will share scenes with Lauren Koslow, who portrays Kate.
Additionally, Conner Floyd is set to make his official debut as Chad DiMera in April. Floyd took over the role last summer after Billy Flynn exited, but due to the show’s production schedule, Flynn’s character has continued to appear on screen. Floyd recently teased his upcoming arrival with an Instagram story stating, “See y’all in April.”
Another notable return is Peter Porte, who resumed his role as Dimitri Von Leuschner on January 2. Fans can look forward to seeing Porte frequently this week as Dimitri reintegrates into the Salem community.
Farewells in the Cast
The week also marks the end of an era for some beloved characters. Bryan R. Dattilo, who has portrayed Lucas Horton since 1993, wrapped his latest stint on the show last week. While his current storyline has concluded, there remains potential for his character to return in the future.
Billy Flynn is expected to officially conclude his time on Days of Our Lives in April. Flynn is currently balancing roles on both this series and The Young and the Restless, where he plays Cane Ashby.
In other casting news, Alice Halsey has completed her filming for the series. She originally portrayed Rachel Black but has since moved on to a new role as Laura Ingalls in Netflix’s upcoming remake of Little House on the Prairie. A new actress will take over the character of Rachel Black, with her debut scheduled for March.
Similarly, Marissa Reyes, who played Ari Horton, will also exit the show, with a new actress stepping into the role beginning in March. Reyes first appeared in May 2025, and while her departure is imminent, there is a possibility she may return for a few final appearances before her role concludes.
The ongoing shifts in the cast of Days of Our Lives are sure to keep fans engaged as they follow the evolving storylines in Salem.
