Freddie Smith's Contract Set to Expire at 'DAYS'; Will He Renew?

Freddie Smith/Photo Credit: Brad Everett Young

Sonny (Freddie Smith) and Paul (Christopher Sean) recently shared a passionate New Year’s Eve kiss on Days of our Lives-- Well, as passionate a kiss as gay men can have on soaps-- and are in the process of finding their way back to each other. The only impediment to a reunion may be Smith's contract which is set to expire.

However, Smith reveals in the latest issue of Soap Opera Digest that he hopes to continue on DAYS as Sonny. "I’ve learned that DAYS is an iconic show and I just love what they’re doing. If It makes any sense, I need to be there.”

'Days of our Lives' January 4 Sneak Peek: Nicole Yearns For her Child

Tomorrow, on the January 4, 2017 episode of Days of our Lives, Nancy (Patrika Darbo) plots to keep a heartbroken Nicole (Ari Zucker) away from Holly. However, determined to reunite Nicole with her child, Brady (Eric Martsolf) tries to find proof that Nicole is Holly's biological mother.

Meanwhile, Rafe (Galen Gering), Steve (Stephen Nichols), and Paul (Christopher Sean) hear about a Stefano sighting in Prague and make plans to head overseas to find him. Rafe balks when Marlena (Deidre Hall) insists on joining, but capitulates when he decides he can use her as bait. Sweet guy!

'Days' Star Christopher Sean: "I absolutely love the idea of bringing Will back."

Christopher Sean

Paul Norita (Christopher Sean) and Sonny Kiriakis (Freddie Smith) share a New Year’s Eve kiss this week on Days of our Lives, and Sean recently talked to Michael Logan from tvinsider to celebrate the occasion.

Now that Paul and Sonny are a couple, what's next for the twosome known as 'PaulSon'? What about if Sonny's husband Will Horton, who also happens to be Paul's ex-lover, returns from the dead?

Tuesday on 'Days of our Lives'

Derrick asks Paul if he has feelings for Sonny on DAYS

Tomorrow, on the December 13, 2016 episode of Days of our Lives, Derrick (Spencer Neville) asks Paul (Christopher Sean) if he has feelings for Sonny (Freddie Smith). Later, Paul and Sonny nearly kiss under the mistletoe.

Meanwhile, Steve (Stephen Nichols) and Kayla (Mary Beth Evans) share some romance as he presents her with an early Christmas gift.

Freddie Smith Signs Contract with 'Days of our Lives'

Photo Credit: Brad Everett Young

Freddie Smith will first air as Sonny Kiriakis on Days of our Lives this July, and now comes word the popular actor has signed a contract with the show!

We are so excited that @freddiemsmith can announce he is back at #Days on contract! #SonnyIsBackInSalem pic.twitter.com/Yi3gRL3e8z

— Freddie M Smith Fans (@fsmithofficial) May 27, 2016

Will this news allow DAYS the time it needs to reunite Sonny and Paul (Christopher Sean)?

DAYS Executive Producer Ken Corday tells Soap Opera Digest, "Sonny returns to Salem to help his family though tough times, and his relationship with Paul grows. It's also great to have Freddie back. It's wonderful for the show. Paul will be coming more to the foreground with Sonny back in town."

Gay love returns to Salem!

More Soap Opera Favorites Join 'The Bay'

Brandon Beemer and James DePaiva 

The Cast of The Bay continues to grow, as more soap opera favorites join the popular series.

Additional guest stars in the new episodes of THE BAY include James DePaiva (ex-Max, OLTL) as Young Jack Madison, Jessica Morris (ex-Jen, OLTL) as Young Kate Blackwell, Christopher Sean (Paul, DAYS) as a correctional officer and Kevin Spirtas (Ex-Craig, DAYS) who will portray the flamboyant and unforgettable Pastor Nolan.

“These talented actors are a wonderful addition to our upcoming episodes,” stated THE BAY’s creator, writer, and director Gregori J. Martin. “They’re the perfect fit and we’re excited for them to join our amazing cast.”

New episodes will be available on Amazon Prime later this year.

Dr. Marlena Evans Saves the Day on 'Days of our Lives'

Days of our lives - Dr. Marlena Evans Saves the Day!
By Carolyn LeVine Topol

Tuesday’s episode of Days of our Lives brought us to a major story climax. The Salem “cavalry” is poised to save the day. The surprising twist — it includes the toughest psychiatrist imaginable, Dr. Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall). Despite objections from rescue team leaders, Rafe Hernandez and Steve Johnson (Galen Gering and Stephen Nichols), Marlena insists on participating, unable to rest until her ‘husband’, John Black (Drake Hogestyn), is safe.

Deidre Hall as Dr. Marlena Evans

Dressed all in black, not only does Marlena look incredible, but she’s ready for action. Unexpectedly showing up on the scene, Steve and Rafe reluctantly accept her participation, giving Marlena a weapon. In response to their concerns, Marlena, rightfully, insists she has been through more difficult spots than this (I would imagine far more often than both Steve & Rafe combined). As viewers can attest to, Marlena Evans has survived, and successfully worked her way out of much more challenging encounters than this during her years in Salem.

Viewers quickly get a bird’s eye view as to why savvy Marlena was needed. Before reaching their goal, Marlena first saves Steve, who is nearly taken out of action by a member of the enemy’s security team. Without missing a beat, Marlena silently and strategically cold-cocked the thug and then continued on the mission.

Christopher Sean as Paul with Deidre Hall as Marlena

There is no question Marlena can hold her own in any situation. Fortunately, she was on hand to comfort and support John’s son, Paul Narita (Christopher Sean), who was rescued while in the process of being brainwashed. Having a super-hero psychiatrist on a team can come in handy.

Dr. Evans’s finest qualities are her inner strength and determination, coupled with her ability to repress her fear when necessary. Without her on the rescue team, the entire mission might very well have fallen apart.

Let’s face it — Dr. Marlena Evans can ‘kick butt” better than anyone in Salem!

Here’s one big question — why was she referred to as John’s “woman”? Marlena Evans is her own woman — one viewers can admire and respect. The reference to her as John’s woman, more than once, was enough to rattle any fan. Marlena had enough class not make an issue of it, but no hero should be referred to as someone else’s possession.

Dr. Evans has, does, and will continue to stand on her own two feet. She loves John and her family, and is fiercely loyal to her friends, but tempers these relationships with an ardent, independent persona.

Deidre Hall as Marlena

No one should ever diminish Marlena Evans. The “Queen of the Night” can hold her own with anyone, in any situation. Forget Wonder Woman — Days fans have Dr. Marlena Evans!

'Days of our Lives' March 23 Sneak Peek: Chad Comes Up With a Plan to Trap Ben

Robert Scott Wilson © jpistudios.com

Tomorrow on the March 23 episode of Days of our Lives, Chad (Billy Flynn) comes up with a mysterious plan to help trap Ben (Robert Scott Wilson).

Meanwhile, Steve (Stephen Nichols) and Kayla (Mary Beth Evans) consider going on the run, and Adriana (Alma Delfina) reunites with Rafe (Galen Gering), Gabi (Camila Banus) and Dario (Jordi Vilasuso)

Elsewhere, John (Drake Hogestyn) and Paul (Christopher Sean) bond.

Days of our Lives March 18 Sneak Peek: Paul is Confused by his Imprisonment

What will Yo-Ling do to John and Paul? © jpistudios.com

Today on the March 18 episode of Days of our Lives, Paul's (Christopher Sean) imprisonment with John (Drake Hogestyn) confuses him; meanwhile, Steve (Stephen Nichols), Rafe (Galen Gering) and Marlena (Deidre Hall) plan John's rescue

Elsewhere, Ciara (Vivian Jovanni) throws a wild birthday party, Joey (James Lastovic) makes a spur-of-the-moment confession, and Dario discovers what happened to his father (Jordi Vilasuso)

Romance Needs to Return to 'Days of our Lives'—For All!

Romance Needs to Return to 'Days of our Lives'- For All!
By Carolyn LeVine Topol

Marlena (Deidre Hall)  presides over Will (Guy Wilson) and Sonny's (Freddie Smith) Wedding on Days of our Lives

It was just shy of two years ago when one of the loveliest romances, in recent Days of our Lives history, culminated in a beautiful wedding at the Kiriakis mansion. I’m sure I’m not alone in fondly remembering the wedding of Sonny Kiriakis and William Horton (played by Freddie Smith and Guy Wilson). Not only was their wedding a pivotal moment in daytime TV, but it contributed to Days being recognized by the GLAAD Media Awards.

As a Days viewer for nearly four decades, I still remember Marlena (played by Deidre Hall) ending the wedding ceremony with, “May the love you share be the bond that brings you strength, and comfort, and joy all of the days of your lives.” Incorporating those particular words, I expected Will and Sonny to become one of the enduring love stories in this beloved soap opera’s history.

Instead of a long-lasting bond, which should have endured many soap-style ups and downs, the love story of Sonny and Will, so full of promise, ended tragically. In a sad mess of betrayal, followed by the slow, but evident, maturity of the characters, and expected renewal of their love, all was destroyed with the senseless murder of legacy character, William Horton. Will’s brutal death not only killed the chance for Will and Sonny to have their well-deserved happy ending, but also appears to have killed the entire gay storyline.

Currently, as I watch Days every afternoon, I await the time when the show will renew my faith in groundbreaking storytelling and continue to crush antiquated barriers to all love stories.

Christopher Sean as Paul Norita

There is still one prominent gay character left in Salem, although he’s been conspicuously off the radar of late. It’s time for Paul Narita (played by Christopher Sean) to get the chance to find love in Salem. Having hoped to reconnect, unsuccessfully, with his former love, Sonny Kiriakis, Paul has been left adrift in a town with a preponderance of characters pairing up on an ongoing basis.

Learning John Black (Drake Hogestyn) is Paul’s father, led me to believe Paul would play an integral part in all aspects of life in Salem, as do his siblings Brady and Belle (Eric Martsolf and Martha Madison). Upon his entry into Salem, viewers fell in love with Paul, as he bravely came out to his mother and grandfather, and then cheered him on or sneered at him as he attempted to find a place back in Sonny’s life.

However, with Sonny currently working in Europe, managing a portion of his uncle’s ventures abroad, it’s time for Paul to get the same opportunity as the rest of the Salem community. As fans learned during the past few years, there is a gay population in Salem—enough to warrant having The Spot nightclub. Certainly there must be room for another gay character on the scene.

With all the love we have been promised, it would be gratifying and satisfying to see Paul reap some of the same benefits, beyond the clichéd date with the fashion photographer.

Christopher Sean as Paul in a scene with Guy Wilson as Will on Days of our Lives

Having talented, strong actor, Christopher Sean, at the helm, Paul Narita can go in a number of directions. Paul can have both a powerful front-burner storyline AND a romance—especially one riddled with lots of dramatic complications.

It’s critical for Days of our Lives to return to that place of recognition they so deservedly achieved with their previous gay storyline. In 2016, this story should not be left off the grid. In the past DOOL has been praised for its “Love Wins” portrayal of the LGBT community. I hope this soap, formerly lauded by GLAAD, will not avoid the challenges of creating a new gay romance for all the viewers to enjoy.

If it’s all about the romance, let’s get ALL the romance that ALL the fans so richly want and deserve.

Carolyn LeVine Topol regularly contributes television and web series features to Serial Scoop. Having always dreamed of writing her own version of The Great American Novel, it took her many years to discover her most heartfelt stories took their form in the creation of LGBT romances. Carolyn had one lesser-known passion, her dedication to all things "soap opera". Starting as a child with "Dark Shadows" and "Secret Storm", Carolyn has found a way to keep up with nearly every soap, on every network over the past 45 years!

Great Story Coming for 'Days of our Lives' Star Christopher Sean

Christopher Sean

Life hasn't been easy for fans of Christopher Sean, and his popular character Paul Norita. However, there is good news on the horizon. Christopher seems well aware of his fans unhappiness, and responded to the outcry on twitter. According to Sean, great story is coming. Will that story include a romance? I guess we will have to wait and see.

@BraniacGirl @lulumama2009 @Tani_Smith @Redrose_AT @ChandlerMassey @freddiemsmith I totally understand the frustration.But gr8 SL is coming.

— Christopher Sean (@ChristopherSean) February 1, 2016

Day of 'Days' Interview: Christopher Sean on "Plotting" Paul Narita and the Show's "Commerical" New Direction

Christopher Sean at the Day of Days event on November 14, 2015. Photo Credit: Jessica Weisel

The annual "Day of Days" event was held on Saturday, November 14 at Universal Citywalk. Mandy Lynn Denaux covered the event for Serial Scoop and chatted with the cast of Days of our Lives about the 50th anniversary of the iconic soap opera, and much more. Christopher Sean–who plays Paul Narita–shared his thoughts on Days' new direction, social media, and the character he'd love to play.  He also had an interesting answer to whether he would be friends with Paul.

Read the interview below.

SERIAL SCOOP: We know you can’t share too much of the upcoming storyline, but if you had to summarize in one word what your character has been up to, what would that word be?
CHRISTOPHER SEAN: Plotting.

Production Begins on 'Hawaii Five-0' Season Six with a Traditional Hawaiian Blessing in Honolulu

Top left photo (L-R):  Kahu (Officiant) Kordell Kekoa, Alex O'Loughlin, Co-Executive Producer Jeff Downer, Co-Executive Producer Bryan Spicer, Executive Producer Peter Lenkov; Top right photo (L-R): Daniel Dae Kim, Grace Park; Bottom left photo (L-R): Co-Executive Producer Jeff Downer, Chi McBride, Executive Producer Peter Lenkov; Bottom right photo (L-R): Ian Anthony Dale, Jorge Garcia, Dennis Chun

Hawaii Five-0 kicked off production of its sixth season in Honolulu on July 8 with a traditional Hawaiian blessing in honor of the islands’ culture. Series stars Alex O’Loughlin, Daniel Dae Kim, Grace Park, Chi McBride, Jorge Garcia, Teilor Grubbs, Dennis Chun, Ian Anthony Dale, Shawn Garnett and Christopher Sean (Days of our Lives), as well as the producers and the entire Hawaii Five-0 crew, participated. Kahu (Officiant) Kordell Kekoa officiated over the ceremony, which included traditional royal maile leis, Oli Aloha (welcoming chant) and Pule Ho’oku’u (closing prayer).

In honor of the show's sixth season, the ceremony centered around the Hawaiian word “‘eono,” which translates to “six,” but also refers to things that are delicious and tantalizing.

The sixth season of Hawaii Five-0 premieres Friday, September 25 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.

'Days of our Lives' Named Outstanding Daily Drama at 2015 GLAAD Media Awards

Days of our Lives stars Freddie Smith (Sonny), Guy Wilson (Will) and Christopher Sean (Paul) at the 2015 GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles.

The GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles took place at the Beverly Hilton on Saturday night. The GLAAD Media Awards recognize and honor media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the LGBT community and the issues that affect their lives. They also fund GLAAD's work to amplify stories from the LGBT community that build support for equality. In the Daily Drama category, Days of our Lives won the award (General Hospital was the other nominee).

How to Get Away with Murder was named Outstanding Drama Series, while Transparent took home the Outstanding Comedy Series award.

Watch Scandal star Kerry Washington accept the Vanguard Award below:

'Days of our Lives': The Story of Paul Narita, Sonny Kiriakis & Will Horton (Part 9)

"If it were easy, I would have done it a long time ago," Paul tells Will about coming out.

The love triangle involving Will, Paul and Sonny on Days of our Lives continues. Baseball player Paul Narita (played by Christopher Sean) arrived in Salem to secretly get his torn rotator cuff fixed, and soon ran into former love, Sonny Kiriakis (Freddie Smith). While Sonny's husband, Will Horton (Guy Wilson), was secretly writing an article on Paul, they began having an affair. Paul now seems ready to come out to the world, and Will feels guilty over his indiscretion. What will happen next?

Catch up on Part 1 (November 7-14, 2014), Part 2 (November 18-26, 2014), Part 3 (December 1-11, 2014), Part 4 (December 16-19, 2014), Part 5 (December 22-26, 2014), Part 6 (December 29, 2014-January 2, 2015), Part 7 (January 5-9, 2015) and Part 8 (from January 12-16, 2015) of the story, and then watch it continue below with episodes from January 19-29, 2015.

'Days of our Lives': The Story of Paul Narita, Sonny Kiriakis & Will Horton (Part 8)

Paul told Will he changed his mind about coming out.

Days of our Lives' gay love triangle continues.  Baseball player Paul Narita (played by Christopher Sean) arrived at University Hospital to secretly get his torn rotator cuff fixed, and instantly charmed the women of Salem. Later, he ran into former love, Sonny Kiriakis (Freddie Smith) and it was obvious Paul still had feelings for him. Now, Sonny's husband, Will Horton (Guy Wilson), is writing a top-secret article on Paul, who just found out his pitching career was over. After Will asked Paul if he's gay, they ended up having sex.  Is Paul ready to come out to the world?  And how soon before Will learns that Sonny is Paul's ex?

Catch up on Part 1 (November 7-14, 2014), Part 2 (November 18-26, 2014), Part 3 (December 1-11, 2014), Part 4 (December 16-19, 2014), Part 5 (December 22-26, 2014), Part 6 (December 29, 2014-January 2, 2015) and Part 7 (January 5-9, 2015) of the story, and then watch it continue below with episodes from January 12-16, 2015.

'Days of our Lives': The Story of Paul Narita, Sonny Kiriakis & Will Horton (Part 7)

Will asked Paul if he was gay and got a very definitive answer.

Days of our Lives baseball player Paul Narita (played by Christopher Sean) arrived at University Hospital to secretly get his torn rotator cuff fixed, and instantly charmed the women of Salem. Later, he ran into former love, Sonny Kiriakis (Freddie Smith) and it was obvious Paul still had feelings for him. Now, Sonny's husband, Will Horton (Guy Wilson), is writing a top-secret article on Paul, who just found out his pitching career was over. After Will asked Paul if he's gay, they ended up having sex.

Watch Part 1 (November 7-14, 2014), Part 2 (November 18-26, 2014), Part 3 (December 1-11, 2014), Part 4 (December 16-19, 2014), Part 5 (December 22-26, 2014) and Part 6 (December 29, 2014-January 2, 2015) of the story, and then watch it continue below with episodes from January 5-9, 2015.

Will and Paul Have Sex on 'Days of our Lives'

Will is married to Sonny, Paul is in love with Sonny, but Will and Paul had sex on Thursday.

Will and Paul had sex on Thursday's episode of Days of our Lives. TV Guide Magazine's Michael Logan spoke with actors Guy Wilson (Will Horton), Freddie Smith (Sonny Kiriakis) and Christopher Sean (Paul Narita) in a new interview. Below is an excerpt:

Editor's Note: Guy Wilson made his first appearance as Will one year ago today.

TV Guide Magazine: How did you react when you heard about this wild development?
Smith: This is not the way anybody thought this story would go – least of all me. [Laughs] It really threw me for a loop. It’s a super-crazy twist and when Sonny finds out what Will has done, it’s going to be insane. It was the last thing Sonny is expecting, to have this young stud, Paul, come to town...and now this! I think it’s just incredible. Not incredible for Sonny but, as an actor, it’s amazing. It just blew me away.
Sean: Before this Paul-Will thing started to show up in the scripts, I questioned [co-executive producer] Lisa de Cazotte as to what was going to happen. She hinted at a romance between Will and Paul and I was, like, “Whaat? Why would Paul ever do that?” I was just as shocked as the fans probably are. I think this may turn into quite a contest. It’ll be like those teen vampire-werewolf fan rivalries, with Team Paulson and Team Wilson fighting it out.

'Days of our Lives': The Story of Paul Narita, Sonny Kiriakis & Will Horton (Part 6)

Paul and Will toast to the new year.

Days of our Lives baseball player Paul Narita (played by Christopher Sean) arrived at University Hospital to secretly get his torn rotator cuff fixed, and instantly charmed the women of Salem. Later, he ran into former love, Sonny Kiriakis (Freddie Smith) and it was obvious Paul still had feelings for him. Now, Sonny's husband, Will Horton (Guy Wilson), is writing a top-secret article on Paul, who just found out his pitching career is over.

Watch Part 1 (November 7-14, 2014), Part 2 (November 18-26, 2014), Part 3 (December 1-11, 2014), Part 4 (December 16-19, 2014) and Part 5 (December 22-26, 2014) of Paul's story, and then watch it continue below with episodes from December 29, 2014-January 2, 2015.

The Story of 'Days of our Lives' Baseball Player Paul Narita (Part 5)

Paul thinks about a past Christmas spent with Sonny.

Days of our Lives baseball player Paul Narita (played by Christopher Sean) arrived at University Hospital to secretly get his torn rotator cuff fixed, and instantly charmed the women of Salem. Later, he ran into former love, Sonny Kiriakis (Freddie Smith) and it was obvious Paul still had feelings for him. Now, Sonny's husband, Will Horton (Guy Wilson), is writing a top-secret article on Paul.

Watch Part 1 (November 7-14, 2014), Part 2 (November 18-26, 2014), Part 3 (December 1-11, 2014) and Part 4 (December 16-19, 2014) of Paul's story, and then watch it continue below with episodes from December 22-26, 2014.