'Beyond Salem: Chapter Two' Premieres July 11 on Peacock

In an epic, action-packed tale that spans the entire globe, from Monte Carlo to Hong Kong, beloved characters from Days of our Lives once again go “Beyond Salem!” as they trade the comforts of home for an adventure of a lifetime! Supercouple Steve and Kayla make a surprise visit to their children in Seattle, while private eye John Black travels to San Francisco to see his son, Paul. Meanwhile, new parents Ben and Ciara drop anchor in Montreal – where they are greeted by a much-missed Hope! Over the course of five thrilling episodes, heartwarming family reunions take a dangerous turn as a mysterious adversary wreaks havoc on their lives. The next chapter of DAYS OF OUR LIVES: BEYOND SALEM is story full of larger-than-life romance, jaw-dropping twists, and high-stakes drama – and it all connects back to a plot that long-time “DOOL” fans will surely remember.

The cast includes Kristian Alfonso as Hope Williams Brady, Peter Reckell as Bo Brady,Eileen Davidson as Kristen DiMera, Deidre Hall as Dr. Marlena Evans, Drake Hogestyn as John Black, Steve Burton as Harris Michaels, Stephen Nicholsas Steve “Patch” Johnson, Mary Beth Evans as Kayla Brady Johnson, Lucas Adams as Tripp Johnson, Camila Banus as Gabi Hernandez, Victoria Konefal as Ciara Brady, Robert Scott Wilson as Ben Weston, Loretta Devine as Angela, Vince Van Patten as Phil Hellworth, Tanner Stine as Joey Johnson, Christopher Sean as Paul Narita, Abigail Klein as Stephanie Johnson, Colton Little as Andrew Donovan, Victoria Grace as Wendy Shin, Remington Hoffman as Li Shin.

Watch a sneak peek below.

Vivian Jovanni Leaving 'Days of our Lives'

Vivian Jovanni

Actress Vivian Jovanni, who began playing Ciara Brady on Days of our Lives in October 2015, has left the long running soap.

During Jovanni's time in Salem, her character Ciara dealt with the death of her father Bo (Peter Reckell), was raped by her stepbrother Chase (ex-Jonathon McClendon), and developed feelings for her boss Chad DiMera (Billy Flynn). Currently, Ciara is fighting an attraction towards her good friend Theo Carver (Kyler Pettis).

When asked to comment on her departure from DAYS, Jovanni was upbeat.

Peter Reckell to DAYS Fans: 'I’m glad Bo remains in your memories as he does in mine.'

Peter Reckell

It's been a year since Bo Brady was killed off of Days of our Lives, but fans still miss Peter Reckell and the popular character he played.

Recently, Soap Opera Digest Magazine ran a poll asking which performer should return to daytime, and Reckell was the top pick.

Now, Reckell is responding to the poll results. "Once again I am amazed and humbled by the passion, energy, and dedication of the DOOL family. And once again, I have to say how fortunate I have been to be part of the show, and to play such an amazing character."

Can the Character of Hope be Saved on 'Days of our Lives'?

Howard Wise/JPI Studios

Today on the June 8, 2016 episode of Days of our Lives, Hope (Kristian Alfonso) spends time at the Horton Cabin so she can sort out her feelings for Rafe Hernandez (Galen Gering), and Aiden Jennings (Daniel Cosgrove). This episode will focus entirely on Hope.

As Hope struggles to make this important decision, she is visited by the ghosts of her late husband Bo Brady (Peter Reckell), her first husband Larry Welch (Andrew Masset), Stefano DiMera (Joseph Mascolo), and by her now grown son Zack (Scott Shilstone).

Alfonso tells Soap Opera Digest, "I think the decision that Hope makes as she's leaving the cabin is not really the decision that everyone thinks it's going to be. She may hurt a couple of people in the process, but she needs to get to the bottom of what, or who, Aiden really is. It may appear to the audience that Hope is totally confused in her thought process, but things that transpire, and the decision that she makes along the way, are not always what they appear to be."

It will be nice to see Bo and Hope interacting again, but I can't help but think this entire episode makes Hope seem incredibly shallow. Instead of obsessing over her love life, she needs to be focusing on her daughter Ciara (Vivian Jovanni). Her daughter was recently raped, and has now developed an unhealthy attachment to the married Chad (Billy Flynn).

Can the character of Hope be saved? Only if she drops both men, and finally starts focusing on her family. Unfortunately, I don't think this will be happening anytime soon.

Flashback: Soap Stars Talk "Love In The Afternoon" on 'The Phil Donahue Show'

It was the 1980's and everybody was talking about if there was too much sex in the soaps. In this particular episode of The Phil Donahue Show, Donahue welcomed Jon Hensley (Holden-ATWT), Peter Reckell (Bo-DAYS), Andrea Evans (Tina-OLTL), Tom Eplin (Jake-AW), Jean Le Clerc (Jeremy-AMC),and John Bolger (Philip-GL) to discuss "Love in the afternoon."

You can watch the lively discussion below:

'Days of our Lives' Spoilers: A Funeral, A Goodbye, A Return and Another Death?

Bo and Patch finally reunite, but in less than ideal circumstances.  Photo Credit: NBC

What is going to happen on Days of our Lives during the week of October 19-23, 2015? Check out the weekly spoilers below to find out what drama will be taking place in Salem.

* Salem mourns one of its most beloved citizens, Will Horton, during a heartbreaking funeral.

* Lucas (Bryan Datillo) and Kate (Lauren Koslow) reconcile.

* Sami (Alison Sweeney) decides what to do about EJ's letter.

* Andre (Thaao Penghlis) stirs up controversy when he finally goes public with his return.

* Steve (Stephen Nichols) asks Caroline (Peggy McCay) about her visions of Bo (Peter Reckell), hoping to get a new clue about his whereabouts.

* Ben (Robert Scott Wilson) admits to Clyde (James Read) he is the Necktie Killer.
Note: One of my blind items from a few weeks ago was about the resolution of the Ben and Clyde story.  James Read last airs as Clyde on Tuesday, October 20.

Stephen Nichols & Peter Reckell Returning to 'Days of our Lives'

Stephen Nichols and Peter Reckell

Peter Reckell (Bo Brady) and Stephen Nichols (Steve Johnson) are returning to NBC soap opera Days of our Lives, according to Soap Opera Digest

“Stephen Nichols and Peter Reckell have signed deals to come back for the 50th anniversary,” Executive Producer Ken Corday tells Digest. “They represent two of the most popular characters in the history of the show.”

Days of our Lives will turn 50 on November 8, but the actors will pop up on screen well before then. Nichols will arrive in late August while Reckell shows up in early September.

Will Peter Reckell Return to 'Days of our Lives' as Bo Brady?

Peter Reckell, who played Days of our Lives' Bo Brady on and off for many years before leaving the show in October 2012 tweeted on Sunday that he is having discussions about returning to the soap.

We are talking again, trying to work out a deal for the 50! I need your love, support, and positive energy.!!!
— Peter Reckell (@peterreckell) March 8, 2015

Reckell's Bo had an epic three decade romance with Kristian Alfonso's Hope, who is currently involved in a love story with Daniel Cosgrove's Aiden.

Peter Reckell on 'Days of our Lives': "I Called the Show to See if it was Time for Bo to Make an Appearance"

Longtime Days of our Lives co-stars Peter Reckell and Kristian Alfonso.

Peter Reckell, who last aired on NBC soap opera Days of our Lives in 2012 after playing Bo Brady on and off since 1983, took to Twitter to clear up rumors about his reasons for going.

"4 those of u who r concerned or have been led astray by rumors,let me clarify things," he wrote. "My reasons for leaving r the same as David Letterman’s … He left his show of many years to spend time with his family. If you spent an hour with my daughter [Loden] you'd see why I would rather be with her… Our time with our children is so very short ,I want to spend as much time as I can with my family. I missed a lot, and I had to change that."

'Days of Our Lives': Kristian Alfonso talks about the popularity of Hope and Aiden and why fans believed Bo was coming back.

Kristian Alfonso and Daniel Cosgrove

Days of Our Lives' Kristian Alfonso recently spoke to about.com about the the popularity of Hope and Aiden, why fans were confused about the status of Bo, Hope moving on, working with Daniel Cosgrove, and exciting developments ahead for the couple known as Haiden.

When asked how she feels about the popularity of Hope and Aiden, Alfonso responds, "It makes me very happy. I so sincerely and with a full heart thank the fans for being so amazing and incredibly supportive. It really does mean the absolute world to me. I know it was difficult for them. They didn't know if Peter was coming back or if he wasn't coming back. I knew he wasn't coming back and everyone at the show knew he wasn't coming back, but then it was very confusing because he'd tweet something different out... Anyway, I know it's been difficult for the fans. I’m so thrilled that they are accepting Hope and Aiden as a possibility on their screens."

Alfonso responds, "Oh my God, yes. Absolutely I think Hope has been more than patient. It's not even as if she can hear Bo's voice. There's no communication whatsoever," when asked if it's time for Hope to move on.

Alfonso really enjoys working with Daniel Cosgrove. Alfonso says, "I am always happy to see him walk through the door. He comes in with a smile. He's excited. He wants to run lines. We're always talking, 'So what do you think? Do you think this is going to happen?' We're always trying to figure out what's going to happen [next]. He'll say, 'Have you heard anything?' I'll say, 'I haven't. Have you heard anything?' We're both on the same team. He's a great addition [to the show].

Says Kristian about the future of Hope and Aiden, "Let me put it this way, the way the writers are writing this, which I so adore is… I can't say, because then I’ll give stuff away. I can say how thrilled I am about the dialogue, the story... Everything. I'm just so incredibly pleased. I love the story so much. I love what Hope is discovering about herself. I love what's happening with Aiden and how his character is being written. I love the kids [inclusion] and how they're interacting... I'm thrilled to pieces that we've now taken another road."
Related:
*The Romance of Hope and Aiden on 'Days of our Lives'
* Daniel Cosgrove: 'I Think Everybody Has Heard of Bo and Hope' 
* Kristian Alfonso: 'Peter Reckell Doesn't Want To Come Back' (Spoilers)

The Romance of Hope and Aiden on 'Days of our Lives'

Is it love for Hope and Aiden?

On the Friday, July 11th, 2014 episode of NBC soap opera Days of our Lives, Hope Williams Brady (Kristian Alfonso) and Aiden Jennings (Daniel Cosgrove) proved that romance was alive and well in Salem. As the two shared a romantic dance, it was evident that for the fist time they felt the chemistry that fans have seen for months. This particular episode is one that will be remembered for months to come as their bond to continues to grow. But what about Bo Brady (Peter Reckell)?

Kristian Alfonso: 'Peter Reckell Doesn't Want To Come Back' (Spoilers)

Kristian Alfonso. Credit: Nakitha Badon

Days of our Lives superstar Kristian Alfonso talked about her popular character Hope Williams Brady in a new interview with Michael Fairman published recently.

Alfonso spoke about the scenes in the morgue, where Hope cries over Nick's (Blake Berris) body.

"I was crying so much, and trying to remember where I was coming from and trying to hold everything together. I think that was for Hope the resolve that: I have failed you. I am devastated, and am so guilty, and you deserved so much better then what I gave you. And the sad part for her is that Nick really wanted to make a change, and I think Hope carries that with her, absolutely. The tears and the loss was just tremendous for her."

She explained why Days hasn't brought Peter Reckell (ex-Bo) back to the show.

Daniel Cosgrove: 'I Think Everybody Has Heard of Bo and Hope'

Daniel Cosgrove as Aiden with Kristian Alfonso as Hope on Days.

Daniel Cosgrove talked about his Days of our Lives character, Aiden Jennings, in a new interview with About.com published recently.

He praised Kristian Alfonso.

"She's fantastic, and I really like working with her. She works very, very hard. When you're in a scene with her, she really brings it. She helps me, because it makes me want to deliver. You don't want to let her down. I want to be the best I can be when I'm working with her."

Cosgrove appreciated the way Aiden was introduced on Days.

FLASHBACK: More 'Days of Our Lives' Classic Scenes

Did you miss Days of Our Lives again today? I know I did. I am ready for life in Salem to resume.

I want more Hope (Kristian Alfonso) and Aidan (Daniel Cosgrove), Will (Guy Wilson) and Sonny (Freddy Smith) and Kate (Lauren Koslow), Sami (Alison Sweeney) and Marlena (Deidre Hall).

While we wait until Monday, take a look back at more of my favorite scenes from Days of Our Lives

Marlena, Bo (Peter Reckell), Justin (Wally Kurth), Adrienne (Judi Evans), Kim (Patsy Pease),
Shane (Charles Shaughnessy), Doug (Bill Hayes), Julie (Susan Hayes), Steve (Stephen Nichols), Kayla (Mary Beth Evans), Jack (Matthew Ashford), Jennifer (Melissa Reeves), Austin (Austin Peck), Carrie (Christie Clark), Sami, Mike (Michael T. Weiss) and April (Lisa Howard) all make appearances.

Personally, I really liked Mike and April.  I may have been the only one!

Do you have any favorite scenes? I would love to hear about them!



Marlena lashed out at Bo                             Justin sang to Adrienne

Kim and Shane renewed their vows           Doug and Julie shared their first kiss

Steve & Kayla made love for the first time  Jack learned Jennifer was a virgin

The truth about Sami was revealed.              April broke up with Mike.

FLASHBACK: 'Days of Our Lives' Classic Scenes

Sami (Alison Sweeney) and EJ (James Scott)

Did you miss your daily dose of Days of Our Lives today?  Are you bummed out that it isn't returning until Monday?  Me too!

While we wait to find out if Midol Complete helped Abby (Kate Mansi) with her cramps and bloating, I wanted to share with you some of my favorite DAYS scenes.

Take a look back at Salem with me and visit with EJ (James Scott) and Sami (Alison Sweeney)  Bo (Peter Reckell), Hope (Kristian Alfonso) and Carly (Crystal Chappell), Jack (Matthew Ashford) and Jennifer (Melissa Reeves) as well as many others.

Enjoy!




Sami and EJ made love                                  Bo rescued Hope from Larry

Jennifer and Jennifer grew closer                Kayla realized that Steve cared

Vivian buried Carly alive!                               Hope and Carly had it out!

EJ got in the middle of 3 strong women!        Sami told Marlena she knew about her affair!