The Ultimate Guide To The Days Of Our Lives Cast: 15 Major Changes, Returns, And Exits In Late 2025 And 2026
The landscape of Salem is shifting dramatically. As of this current date, December 25, 2025, *Days of Our Lives* (DOOL) is undergoing one of its most significant cast shakeups in years, with shock returns, major recasts, and the departure of a beloved leading man all set to reshape storylines well into 2026. Fans of the iconic soap opera, now streaming exclusively on Peacock, are on the edge of their seats as the show balances its legendary veteran actors with a fresh wave of talent and character returns.
This comprehensive guide dives deep into the current contract cast, highlights the most crucial new additions, and reveals the heartbreaking exits that will define the next chapter for the residents of Salem.
The Core Contract Cast of Days of Our Lives (December 2025)
The success of *Days of Our Lives* has always rested on the shoulders of its legendary performers, the actors who have become synonymous with their characters across decades. This list represents the foundation of the show’s current contract roster, the stars driving the central storylines today.
- Deidre Hall (Marlena Evans)
- Mary Beth Evans (Kayla Brady Johnson)
- Stephen Nichols (Steve "Patch" Johnson)
- James Reynolds (Abe Carver)
- Suzanne Rogers (Maggie Kiriakis)
- Thaao Penghlis (Tony DiMera) - *Returning in 2025*
- Melissa Reeves (Jennifer Horton Deveraux) - *Returning in 2025*
- Eric Martsolf (Brady Black)
- Dan Feuerriegel (EJ DiMera)
- Billy Flynn (Chad DiMera) - *Set to depart/recast in 2026*
- Greg Rikaart (Leo Stark)
- Carson Boatman (Johnny DiMera)
- Raven Bowens (Chanel Dupree)
- Rachel Boyd (Theresa Donovan) - *Added in March 2025*
Major Returns, Recasts, and Shocking New Arrivals for 2025–2026
The latter half of 2025 and the beginning of 2026 are marked by a flurry of casting activity, featuring the return of fan-favorite characters, the introduction of key new players, and significant recasts that will alter the dynamics of Salem's most prominent families. These changes are crucial for understanding the upcoming plot twists and major arcs on Peacock.
1. The Return of a DiMera Villain: Peter Blake Recast
One of the most anticipated returns is that of the infamous villain Peter Blake, who has been absent from Salem for over 25 years. The character, previously played by Jason Brooks, has been recast, with veteran soap actor Dan Gauthier stepping into the role.
- Actor: Dan Gauthier
- Character: Peter Blake
- Impact: Blake's return is set to immediately throw a wrench into the lives of the Horton and Brady families, especially given his past ties to Jennifer Horton and his history of manipulation.
2. The Chad DiMera Recast Shocker
Perhaps the biggest news to rock the DOOL fandom is the impending departure of Billy Flynn as Chad DiMera. Flynn, who has portrayed Chad since 2014, is set to be replaced by actor Floyd, with the new Chad making his debut in April 2026. This recast will undoubtedly affect his complex relationship with Abigail Deveraux's memory and his current connection to the DiMera family power structure.
- Outgoing Actor: Billy Flynn (until April 2026)
- New Actor: Floyd (starting April 2026)
- Impact: The recasting of a major romantic lead signals a new direction for the DiMera family and Chad's future storylines.
3. A Key Return: Wes Ramsey as Owen Kent
Actor Wes Ramsey is making a highly-anticipated return as Owen Kent, a character last seen many years ago. This comeback suggests a deep dive into old secrets and unfinished business, likely tied to the show's current mystery plots involving the Kiriakis and DiMera empires. Ramsey's return marks a significant event after a long hiatus, promising drama for the current cast.
4. New Faces and Recasts in Salem
Several other key roles have been filled or recast, ensuring fresh blood and new dynamics in Salem. These actors will be central to the show's younger and supporting storylines.
- Marissa Reyes as Arianna Horton (2025–): A new addition to the venerable Horton family tree, indicating a focus on the next generation of Salemites.
- Al Calderon as Javi Hernandez (Recast, December 2025): Calderon is taking over the role of Javi, a character who has been involved in recent major storylines, suggesting a heightened role for the character.
- Michael Roark (Joining, November 2025): Roark's addition to the cast is a major scoop, though his character details are being kept tightly under wraps. His presence is expected to shake up one of the core families.
- Tina Huang as Melinda Trask: Returning to her role, Melinda Trask’s presence as the District Attorney always means trouble for Salem’s criminal element—and often, for its innocents.
- Colton Little as Andrew Donovan: The return of Andrew Donovan, now played by Colton Little, brings another legacy character back into the fold, likely connecting to the espionage and mystery plots.
Upcoming Exits and Character Departures
While Salem welcomes back old friends, it must also say goodbye to others. The cyclical nature of soap operas means exits are inevitable, often leading to dramatic plot conclusions.
The Exit of Rachel Blake
Actress Roslyn Gentle, who played the mysterious Rachel Blake (the "woman in white"), is set for an upcoming exit. Her character was instrumental in recent plots involving EJ DiMera and Kristen DiMera. Her departure suggests the resolution of her current storyline, tying up loose ends from the recent DiMera family drama.
Thomas DiMera's Departure
Young actor Cary Christopher, who played Thomas DiMera, is also set to leave the show. The exit of a child character often precedes a major shift in their parent's storyline, in this case, Chad DiMera (until his recast) and the late Abigail Deveraux's family life.
The Enduring Topical Authority of DOOL
The longevity of *Days of Our Lives* is a testament to its ability to evolve while maintaining its core relationships. The current cast changes, including the recasting of Chad DiMera, the return of classic figures like Peter Blake and Owen Kent, and the stability of veterans like Marlena Evans, Steve Johnson, and Kayla Brady Johnson, demonstrate the show's commitment to both honoring its past and embracing a dramatic future. The constant flux of actors and characters—from the introduction of Arianna Horton to the reappearance of Nurse Whitley King (Kim Coles) for a special episode—keeps the narrative fresh and the audience guessing. The show’s move to Peacock has not diminished its appetite for high-stakes drama and bold casting decisions, ensuring that the saga of the Brady, Horton, and DiMera families remains a central pillar of daytime television. Fans can expect these new faces and returning legends to drive the most explosive plots of 2026, solidifying *Days of Our Lives* as a powerhouse of topical authority in the soap opera world.
Detail Author:
- Name : Liza Treutel V
- Username : xadams
- Email : gprice@spinka.net
- Birthdate : 1971-04-12
- Address : 45510 Bauch Street Apt. 952 Minaborough, WV 06340-5258
- Phone : +1 (463) 726-6672
- Company : Herzog, Schiller and Vandervort
- Job : Archeologist
- Bio : Exercitationem dolor voluptatem aliquid. Delectus deserunt animi sit dolorem. Odit repellendus suscipit excepturi voluptates non quo qui.
Socials
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/kris2012
- username : kris2012
- bio : Occaecati tempore ut voluptates porro. Quia quisquam tempora officia quaerat neque et doloremque. Rerum commodi pariatur sint voluptas voluptatem.
- followers : 5462
- following : 2883
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/abagail4084
- username : abagail4084
- bio : Et asperiores error vel sint minus quasi eius. Sint dolor aut enim quibusdam.
- followers : 5301
- following : 2898
