'Days of our Lives' January 6 Sneak Peek: Gabi Runs Into Chad and Abby

Tomorrow, on the January 6, 2017 episode of Days of our Lives, Chad (Billy Flynn) and Abigail (Marci Miller) enjoy a family outing with Thomas until they run into Gabi (Camila Banus). Later, Chad and Gabi have a talk and discuss their feelings for each other.

Meanwhile, Abby encounters Ciara (Vivian Jovanni) and the two have an awkward moment. Is Abby aware that her young cousin developed an obsession with Chad during her extended absence from Salem?

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.

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.

'Days of our Lives' June 7 Sneak Peek: Ximena Duque Debuts as Blanca

Tomorrow on the June 7, 2016 episode of Days of our Lives, Rafe (Galen Gering) realizes that his meddling mother Adriana (Alma Delfina) has an agenda when she invites her old friend Blanca (Ximena Duque) from Mexico to come and stay in Salem for a little while.

Meanwhile, Kate (Laura Koslow) is a busy woman. She makes a secret deal with Aiden (Daniel Cosgrove), and finds time to frame Nicole (Arianne Zucker) for Deimos’ murder. Lovely person!

Elsewhere, troubled Ciara (Vivian Jovanni) takes care of a hungover and heartsick Chad. Is she going to take advantage of the broken man? Watch out Chad!

'Days of our Lives' Spoilers: (June 6-June 10, 2016)

Check out the day-to-day spoilers to find out what's happening on NBC soap opera Days of our Lives during the week of June 6, 2016.

Monday, June 6, 2016
Kate (Lauren Koslow) confronts Deimos (Vincent Irizarry) after his electric meeting with Nicole (Arianne Zucker) by the river’s edge.

Nicole confides her failure to a sympathetic Dario (Jordi Vilasuso).

Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Kate makes a secret deal with Aiden (Daniel Cosgrove).

Ciara (Vivian Jovanni) takes care of hungover and heartsick Chad (Billy Flynn).

Thursday, June 9, 2016
Fynn (Alexander Bruszt) makes a decision about his relationship with Kayla (Mary Beth Evans).

Friday, June 10, 2016
Nicole worries about facing charges for Deimos’ death.

'Days of our Lives' Spoilers for May 26, 2016: Claire Notices a Change in Belle and Shawn

Howard Wise/Jpistudios.com

Today on the May 26, 2016 episode of Days of our Lives, Claire (Olivia Rose Keegan) senses a thaw in Belle (Martha Madison) and Shawn (Brandon Beemer) and asks if they’re back together. Will these two finally find their way back to each other?

Meanwhile, Ciara (Vivian Jovanni) opens up to Marlena (Deidre Hall) during a counseling session.

Elsewhere, Hope (Kristian Alfonso) confides in Rafe (Galen Gering) about Ciara’s concerns, and Aiden (Daniel Cosgrove) realizes that winning Hope back will be an uphill battle.

'Days of our Lives' Spoilers: (May 9-May 13, 2016)

Check out the day-to-day spoilers to find out what's happening on NBC soap opera Days of our Lives during the week of May 9, 2016.

Monday, May 9, 2016

Hope (Kristian Alfonso) is shocked and confused by Aiden's (Daniel Cosgrove) return.

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Ciara (Vivian Jovanni) and Claire (Olivia Keegan) have a heart to heart; Ciara isn’t sure about her feelings for Theo (Kyler Pettis).

Back at the station, Aiden won’t talk to anyone except for Hope.

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Aiden urges Hope to believe him, insisting the man who tried to kill her was an imposter.

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Despite feeling the effects of the flu, Kayla (Mary Beth Evans) continues to work.

Friday, May 13, 2016

Caroline (Peggy McCay) runs into Hope and Rafe (Galen Gering) at the pub, and are all concerned about their loved ones.

May Sweeps Spoilers For 'Days of Our Lives'

The latest issue of Soap Opera Digest gives us a taste of what to expect during the month of May on Days of our Lives. Are you looking forward to what is coming up? Sound off below!

* Aiden (Daniel Cosgrove) returns from the dead, just as things heat up between Hope (Kristian Alfonso) and Rafe (Galen Gering). Hope is torn between the two men.

* Steve (Stephen Nichols) and Kayla's (Mary Beth Evans) relationship is tested as Kayla grows closer to Fynn.

* Jack (Matthew Ashford) returns to Jennifer (Melissa Reeves) in a dream. He helps her deal with her drug addiction.

* Belle (Martha Madison) and Shawn (Brandon Beemer) begin to find their way back to each other. They make love.

* Deimos (Vincent Irizarry) is torn between Kate (Lauren Koslow) and Nicole (Arianne Zucker).

* Eduardo (A Martinez) is haunted by his past. This causes problems for his entire family.

* Things take a dark turn for Abby (Kate Mansi) while she is in the psych ward.

* Abby's hallucinations worsen, and she accidentally hurts herself. Chad (Billy Flynn) fights to save her.

* A life-threatening epidemic hits Salem. Gabi (Camila Banus), Paul (Christopher Sean), and Ari are the first to be infected.

* The hospital is quarantined. This brings the residents of Salem closer together.

* Theo's (Kyler Pettis) love for Ciara (Vivian Jovanni) continues to grow much to Abe's (James Reynolds) dismay.

* Joey (James Lastovic) and Jade (Paige Searcy) run away to Los Angeles. Steve searches for them.

'Days of our Lives' April 25 Sneak Peek: Marlena Shares Her Worries about Eric with Belle

Tomorrow on the April 25 episode of Days of our Lives, Marlena (Deidre Hall) discusses Eric (Greg Vaughan) with Belle (Martha Madison). Will Belle help Marlena cope with her pain?

Meanwhile, Theo (Kyler Pettis) tells Ciara (Vivian Jovanni) they will have a magical prom, but Abe (James Reynolds) remains concerned about the two. Will Hope (Kristian Alfonso) agree with him?

Elsewhere, Rafe learns Deimos (Vincent Irizarry) invested in a company linked to Dr. Malcolm.

'Days of our Lives' Spoilers: (April 25-April 29, 2016)

Check out the day-to-day spoilers to find out what's happening on NBC soap opera Days of our Lives during the week of April 25, 2016.

Monday, April 25, 2016

Abe (James Reynolds) addresses his concerns about Theo (Kyler Pettis) and Ciara (Vivian Jovanni) with Hope (Kristian Alfonso).

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Things heat up romantically between Rafe (Galen Gering) and Hope.

'Days of our Lives' Spoilers: (April 4-April 8, 2016)

Check out the day-to-day spoilers to find out what's happening on NBC soap opera Days of our Lives during the week of April 4, 2016.

Monday, April 4, 2016

Nicole (Arianne Zucker) and Caroline (Peggy McCay) rush to Victor’s (John Aniston) bedside.

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Kayla (Mary Beth Evans) meets Jade (Paige Searcy) for the first time, and learns Joey (James Lastovic) told her everything about Ava (Tamara Braun).

'Days of our Lives' Spoilers: (March 28- April 1, 2016)

Check out the day-to-day spoilers to find out what's happening on NBC soap opera Days of our Lives during the week of March 28.

Monday, March 28, 2016

Chad (Billy Flynn) and Abigail (Kate Mansi) plan to lure Ben (Robert Scott Wilson) into a trap.

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Maggie (Suzanne Rogers) faces some health issues.

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Abigail reels, realizing she imagined her encounter with Ben.

Thursday, March 31, 2016

Ciara (Vivian Jovanni) struggles with the aftermath of her rape.

Chase's (Jonathon McClendon) desperation causes him to commit yet another crime.

Friday, April 1, 2016

Deimos (Vincent Irizarry) reveals his machinations to Kate (Lauren Koslow).

'Days of our Lives' March 21 Sneak Peek: Ciara Shares Her Pain About the Rape With Hope

Ciara shares her pain about the rape with Hope. © jpistudios.com

Tomorrow on the March 21 episode of Days of our Lives, Ciara (Vivian Jovanni) shares her pain about the rape with Hope (Kristian Alfonso).

Meanwhile, Joey (James Lastovic) confesses to Roman (Josh Taylor), and Steve (Stephen Nichols) and Kayla (Mary Beth Evans) connect.

Elsewhere, Belle (Martha Madison) finds Marlena's (Deidre Hall) plan to rescue John (Drake Hogestyn) concerning.

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)

'Days of our Lives': Vivian Jovanni and Kristian Alfonso Shine as Ciara Confesses Her Rape to Hope

Vivian Jovanni and Kristian Alfonso Shine on Days of our Lives
By Carolyn LeVine Topol

The March 10, 2016 episode of Days of Our Lives was extremely emotional as viewers finally witnessed the moment when Ciara (Vivian Jovanni) told her mother, Hope Brady (Kristian Alfonso), she was raped by her step-brother, Chase (Jonathon McClendon). As a trusted member of their household, the rape of one teen by another, presumed to be more of a brother than a boyfriend, shocked DOOL fans. The truth is, many sexual assaults are committed by people known to the victim.

After being summoned to a warehouse by her distraught daughter, Hope listened in horror to Ciara as she shared the horrible secret she had been keeping, while Chase remained bound to a chair looking on. Hope’s reactions cycled from shock, to panic, to realization, to anger — all evident, not only with words, but by the expressive and emotional performance of Kristian Alfonso.

So many fans had been waiting for this moment and were given a good portion of payoff on this important and significant storyline. Once Hope finishes unleashing her anger, wrath, and disgust upon Chase, sending him off to jail, she becomes the mother Ciara now needs more than ever.

Although we did not get to see the difficult visit to the hospital, taken by mother and daughter, we learned of it, and all it entailed, in the intimacy of the Horton living room.

It was heartbreaking to listen to Ciara explain to Hope the primary reason she had not told her mother about the assault sooner. Ciara shared her feelings of self-blame. Despite the lack of surprise in this sad revelation, it was an important step. Vivian’s portrayal of the confused, hurt, and conflicted teen were truly emotional. Hope’s words of unconditional love and support were exactly what her daughter needed to hear, and believe, during the deeply meaningful and moving scene.

As a mother, I empathized with all of Hope’s inner turmoil, and admired her for not making the rape about her. She kept the focus and concern solely on Ciara and whatever she may need to move forward. Never once did Hope spew platitudes or clichés, but offered honest advice and open discussion that harmoniously blurred the lines of mother-to-daughter and woman-to-woman.

While DOOL’s audience suspected, for a few weeks, that this horrible act would go on to a point the viewers no longer felt its intensity, it was handled extremely sensitively, honestly, and in a timely manner. The poignant scenes between Hope and Ciara had many viewers, myself included, reaching for the tissues. Kudos to Days of Our Lives for handling Ciara’s rape storyline respectfully and even greater kudos to Kristian Alfonso and Vivian Jovanni for their incredibly sensitive and nuanced performances.

'Days of our Lives' March 11 Sneak Peek: Chad and Abby's Wedding Begins

Chad and Abby are getting married on Days of our Lives

Today on the March 11 episode of Days of our Lives, Chad (Billy Flynn) and Abby's (Kate Mansi) wedding begins. Will Ben (Robert Scott Wilson) ruin their happy day?

Meanwhile, Hope (Kristian Alfonso) angrily grills Chase (Jonathon McClendon) about what he did to her daughter, and Ciara (Vivian Jovanni) confides in Theo (Kyler Pettis).

Elsewhere, Gunfire erupts as John (Drake Hogestyn) and Eduardo (A Martinez) attempt to rescue their loved ones.

'Days of our Lives' March 10 Sneak Peek: Ciara and Chase Face Off

Ciara faces off with Chase: jpistudios.com

Today on the March 10 episode of Days of our Lives, Ciara (Vivian Jovanni) has an intense confrontation with Chase (Jonathon McClendon). Will she get the justice she deserves?

Meanwhile, Claire spies Belle (Martha Madison) and Philip (John Paul Lavoisier) sharing a kiss, and later Philip's past comes back to haunt him.

Elsewhere, John (Drake Hogestyn) and Eduardo (A Martinez) receive instructions from the kidnappers.

'Days of our Lives' March 9 Sneak Peek: Theo, Claire, and Joey Seek Vengeance

Ciara is helped by her friends. © jpistudios.com via tvsourcemagazine.com

Today on the March 9 episode of Days of our Lives, Theo (Kyler Pettis), Claire (Olivia Keegan), and Joey (James Lastovic) band together to help Ciara (Vivian Jovanni).

Meanwhile, Summer (Marie Wilson) attempts to get to know Maggie (Suzanne Rogers) better, and Victor (John Aniston) explodes with fury over Philip’s (John Paul Lavoisier) latest move.

Elsewhere, Shawn (Brandon Beemer) and Belle (Martha Madison) clash over her purchase of the club.

'Days of our Lives' Sneak Peek: Ciara Freaks When She Hears Claire Plans To Hang Out With Chase

Today on the March 4 episode of Days of our Lives, Ciara (Vivian Jovanni) freaks when she hears Claire (Olivia Keegan) has plans to meet up with Chase (Jonathon McClendon).

Meanwhile, Hope (Kristian Alfonso) rejoins the police force, and Victor (John Aniston) admits to Caroline (Peggy McCay) the truth about his past with Deimos (Vincent Irizarry).

Elsewhere, Philip (John Paul Lavoisier) presses Belle (Martha Madison) for more of a commitment regarding their relationship.

10 Characters Who Must Remain on 'Days of our Lives'

10 characters Who Must Remain on Days of our Lives
By Molly Scofield

Whenever there is a regime change or a power shift at Days, fans get in a panic. Who will stay? Who will be let go? Campaigns rise up. Someone is always left disappointed. We’ve watched the cycle for decades now. As we enter the last half of the Griffith/Higley era and enter the Higley/Quan era, here is our list of who Days should and must keep.

We’ll start with the vets. Soap opera veterans always seem to be fighting to keep their places on their respective shows. Their fanbases were built decades ago and have stuck by them through the good times and the bad times. Their time in the front and center may be up (though that’s debatable) but they remain vital to the genre. Their foundation is the support necessary for new characters to thrive.

Marlena Evans/Deidre Hall
Until seven years ago, it probably wouldn’t have occurred to anyone that this needed to be said. Deidre Hall has been synonymous with Days for nearly forty years (mark your calendars for her anniversary in June). Marlena’s stories have been a major focus on the show since the 70s. When she is not a primary focus, one of the five children she raised is. She’s led the show well in multiple popular pairings, and she’s supported others as well as she did when her teenage grandson came out of the closet. Her rivalries are legendary (Stefano, Kristen), and her relationships with her children are fueled with drama, love, and conflict. A soap opera needs familiarity. It doesn’t get much more familiar than Deidre Hall as Dr. Marlena Evans.

John Black/Drake Hogestyn
The last decade has been quite the whirlwind for John/Drake Hogestyn fans. He had 20 straight years on Days, then all of a sudden he was gone, he was back, he was gone, he was back. John is the ultimate hero, the ultimate romancer, the ultimate eyebrow raiser, and the ultimate mystery. When he’s lucky enough to play dad, he’s the ultimate father. John has been a lot of things: priest, cop, ISA agent, pawn, Roman. But all the man wants is to be in Salem with his family. He’s had some bumps along the way, but his commitment to family, his bravery, and his belief that love can and will triumph all is the heart and soul of what Days is about. As new heroes come and go, they really should learn from the best.

Steve Johnson/Stephen Nichols
Steve Johnson showed up in Salem a little over 30 years ago, but unlike John and Marlena, his presence hasn’t been continuous. In fact, he was off screen and believed to be dead for 16 years. When he finally returned he barely got two and a half years to make another impression in Salem. Regardless, he and his signature eye patch remain icons of Days. His extended absence only means he has way more story left to tell. He has one of the soapiest backstories you can imagine. He has family connections via his children, siblings, and in-laws. He loves fiercely, dramatically, and intensely. In addition to finally finding his own way in Salem as a not so settled family man, he’s a perfect listening ear and advocate to younger characters who didn’t grow up in the best of circumstances.

Kayla Brady/Mary Beth Evans
This year will mark 30 years since Mary Beth Evans’ debut as Kayla Brady. Much like Steve, Kayla has spent more of that time off screen than onscreen. After her non-exit in 2009, she came back in a recurring capacity where she became a big support to her siblings, nieces, and nephews. That’s all well and good, but now it’d be nice to see her get some of that support. And lest you think all she can do is support, please don’t be fooled. She’s been kidnapped, wrongly convicted of murder, and she even went deaf and mute. Despite Mary Beth lacking a contract and Kayla spending her life knowing she’s not the favorite child of the Brady parents, the youngest sister has managed to become the heir apparent to the Brady matriarch throne…and she’s right where she belongs.

Deimos Kiriakis/Vincent Irizarry
Okay, so he’s not exactly a Days’ vet. But Vincent Irizarry is a soap vet, and now Days has him. Deimos is Victor’s never before mentioned younger brother who wants to make Victor suffer…via his family. With Stefano seemingly dead and no one in Salem being legitimately fearful of Victor for years, Days has been in need of a new big, bad villain, and Deimos can fill that role. Days’ villains are notorious; their crimes nefarious, and their portrayers powerful and charismatic. Not just anyone can follow in Joseph Mascolo and John Aniston’s footsteps, but if we had to place money on who’d be most likely to succeed, our bet would be for Vincent Irizarry.

Shawn Brady/Brandon Beemer
The next two on our list have not benefitted from fantastic writing recently. However, there is so much potential because of who they are, that we still believe they can be salvaged by a writing team who truly gets them. Shawn Douglas Brady was the first Brady/Horton baby. He was the first link between the two families that are now Days’ biggest legacies. Shawn was onscreen most of his life, dealing with only a minor case of SORASing as a young teen. His exit in 2008 left a hole in both families. He’s finally back in Salem. Brandon Beemer has even managed to do what we thought was impossible – he’s made Shawn a believable father of a teenaged daughter. With Bo dead, who better to follow in his footsteps than his Sailor Man?

Belle Brady/Martha Madison
We know. We know. The writing for her this time has been less than stellar so far, but there have been some good moments. And Martha Madison absolutely shines in those good moments. Belle is the product of one of the most referenced stories in Days’ history. We watched her grow up literally overnight, graduate from high school, dip her toes in various career paths, get in way over her head in a love triangle, and fight to keep her family together only to turn around and sleep with the man who was trying to destroy them. She returned to Salem last year with an adult career, another notch in her bedpost, and a volatile relationship with a teenaged daughter. John and Marlena’s baby girl has a lot to live up to, and watching her try, fail, and maybe one day succeed should be able to carry this show for years.

Chad DiMera/Billy Flynn
Over the years we’ve seen many DiMeras come and go, but none quite like Chad. He’s desperate to be a part of a family, but he’s just nowhere near as nefarious as the other members of his own. He’s one half of one of the last pairings to really make people stand up and take notice. However, Chad’s relationships aren’t limited to just the romantic. His sibling scenes with Andre, his bromance with Rafe, his doctor/patient scenes with Marlena, and his heart-to-heart with Arianna Grace have all been noteworthy. He’s been a hero, but not an over the top praised one. He’s still working to gain the trust of Salem, and the last few weeks have shown that Salem is still working to gain his trust. He’s not a one-note villain nor is he a one-note hero. He’s still trying to figure out who he is, and we hope that keeps him onscreen for a while.

Theo Carver/Kyler Pettis
Kyler Pettis as Theo has been a bright spot over the last few months. Pettis’ subtle take on Theo’s autism has been a delight. In a few short months, we’ve seen him start a tentative relationship with  his new sister, watched him deal with bullying, and even gotten a glimpse of his complicated relationship with his unbeknownst to him late grandfather. Theo’s devotion to his childhood friend Ciara is very much what we pictured for their future when he accompanied a runaway Ciara in 2011. New teens tend to be a little green and to make viewers nervous. Despite their newbie status, Pettis and Vivian Jovanni have managed to create something special with Theo and Ciara, and we can’t wait to see where they’ll take us next.

Ciara Brady/ Vivian Jovanni
Vivian Jovanni possibly had the hardest job of any of the actors cast or brought back in 2015. Ciara has been the beloved Bope baby. Lauren Boles did what few child actors have managed to do before her: she gave the character her own personality. Plus, she looked like she could legitimately be the child of Peter Reckell and Kristian Alfonso. But Ciara couldn’t stay a child forever. Jovanni’s Ciara was recently catapulted into a very intense and highly controversial story. She seems poised to follow in the footsteps of Days’ heroines before her. She’s surrounded by family, and supported by a friend who has been by her side all along. Heavy teen stories are always a gamble, but we’re ready to see what’s next for Bo and Hope’s daughter.


Abby Deveraux/Kate Mansi and Eric Brady/Greg Vaughan
We couldn’t end this list without a special shout out for these two. Our first 10 are the people currently employed who Days should keep. Unfortunately, we already know Greg Vaughan and Kate Mansi have left Days. Their characters will still be airing through the spring.

Eric will be leaving soon, and we are despondent. He’s only been back in Salem for a few years. Between Jensen Ackles and Greg Vaughan, we’ve only gotten a little over 6 years of Eric Brady. He had a 12-year absence! We watched his twin for 22 years straight. Surely there’s more to Eric’s story than this. It doesn’t hurt that he happens to be really pretty to look at.

Abby is an example of a mistake Days has made again and again. They didn’t truly find her character until her final year on the show. Just as we’ve gotten invested in her character and her love life, she’s on the way out. It seems a shame for her to be exiting Salem so soon after cementing her place outside of her parents’ shadows in the show’s history.

These are the 10 characters who WE think must remain on Days of Our Lives. Who is on your list? Would love to hear your thoughts!