Days of Our Lives has finally found its new Chad DiMera! Conner Floyd is the new actor coming in to play Chad, after Billy Flynn announced his departure from the role earlier this year. Soap fans might recognize Floyd right away. Why? Well, he previously starred in another popular soap opera. He played the role of Phillip “Chance” Chancellor IV in CBS’s The Young and the Restless. According to Deadline, Floyd’s departure from Y&R was never officially announced. However, fans began noticing his absence both on-screen and in the credits last month, signaling a quiet exit. Now, we know why. Floyd is making the exciting move to Days of Our Lives!
Floyd reportedly started filming DOOL on June 23, but because the soap films episodes many months ahead of when they air, viewers won’t see him on screen as Chad until April 2026. While this is a long wait, it builds anticipation for what’s to come and allows Flynn’s version of Chad to receive a proper send-off before the torch is officially passed to Floyd. Flynn’s final episode of DOOL is expected to air sometime in early 2026.
The role of Chad DiMera was originated and portrayed by Casey Deidrick from 2009 to 2013. Flynn would take on the role in 2014, but is now set to hand over the role to Floyd. He announced his exit from the soap back in March 2025. His departure was believed to be amicable, and his reason for leaving was tied to a new opportunity. He joined the cast of Y&R in a new role. He plays the character, Aristotle Dumas, and made his Y&R debut on the June 19 episode. So, it looks like Flynn and Floyd basically swapped soaps. Flynn left Days of Our Lives to join The Young and the Restless, while Floyd exited Y&R and is now stepping into Flynn’s former role as Chad DiMera on DOOL. It’s a rare and interesting switch that has definitely caught the attention of daytime drama fans.
Besides Y&R, Floyd is known for starring in movies such as The Last Deal, She Inherited Danger and River of Ghosts. Now with his new role as Chad, we can’t wait to see how he makes the character his own and what fresh energy he brings to Salem. Days of Our Lives previously aired on NBC from 1965 to 2022. You can catch new episodes on Peacock each weekday morning.
Hold onto your remote, soap fans — Days of Our Lives just dropped a bombshell. A major character has officially been recast, but in true dramatic fashion, viewers won’t meet the new face until 2026. While the details are still under wraps, the news has already sent shockwaves through the DOOL fanbase.
Let’s break it all down — who might be leaving, who could be stepping in, and why this delay might actually be a genius move by the showrunners.
Who’s Being Recast on Days of Our Lives?
The Character Remains a Mystery (For Now)
NBC and Peacock have confirmed that a significant character will be recast, but they’re playing coy on which one. They’re not ready to reveal the name, which only fuels fan theories.
Could it be a legacy DiMera? A Brady family staple? Maybe even a beloved villain? All bets are on.
Why the 2026 Delay?
Filming Schedule Secrets
Here’s the deal — Days of Our Lives is known for filming episodes months in advance. We’re talking 6 to 8 months or more. That means a casting decision today might not show up onscreen until early or mid-2026.
Building the Anticipation
Let’s be honest: soap fans live for the drama. Stretching out the suspense around this recast might be a way to get the fandom buzzing — and it’s working. Social media is already ablaze with speculation.
The History of Recasts on Days of Our Lives
Recasting Isn’t New in Salem
If you’ve been watching DOOL for a while, you know recasts happen. It’s part of the soap opera DNA. Characters like Roman Brady, EJ DiMera, and Jennifer Horton have all been portrayed by different actors over the decades.
When Recasts Work (and When They Don’t)
Some recasts become instant hits — others, not so much. For example, James Scott’s portrayal of EJ DiMera became iconic, making later versions of the character hard to match. But on the flip side, Greg Vaughan’s return as Eric Brady after a hiatus? Fans embraced it.
What the Fans Are Saying
Social Media Reactions Are Wild
Soap Twitter (or X, if you’re being fancy) exploded once the news dropped. Reactions range from heartbreak to hype.
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“Please don’t let it be Gabi 😭”
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“Calling it now — it’s gonna be Johnny DiMera.”
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“They better not touch Marlena. I swear.”
Reddit Theories Are Even Wilder
Reddit threads are full of sleuths trying to decode every recent storyline. One theory? The current actor asked to be written off temporarily, and the showrunners decided to go with a clean break in 2026.
Who Could Be Recast? Our Top 5 Theories
1. EJ DiMera
EJ’s been played by multiple actors, and while fans love Dan Feuerriegel, there’s always room for change — especially if a shocking exit or storyline twist is planned.
2. Gabi Hernandez
With Camila Banus recently exiting, rumors are flying about Gabi’s return — possibly with a new face. Could 2026 bring Gabi 2.0?
3. Johnny DiMera
As his role in Salem deepens, the show might opt to age him up again or shift the dynamic — especially with upcoming long-term story arcs.
4. Belle Black
She’s already been portrayed by multiple actresses. Another recast wouldn’t shock longtime viewers, especially if her storyline heats up.
5. Stephanie Johnson
Her character is central again, and recasting her could shake things up — especially if a big romance or betrayal is in the works.
Why Fans Shouldn’t Panic (Yet)
Trust the Process
Yes, change is hard — especially in soaps where fans grow attached to actors over years. But Days has a solid track record when it comes to introducing new talent and keeping the storylines spicy.
A Chance for a Fresh Take
Sometimes, a recast breathes new life into a character. Think of it like getting a new haircut after a breakup — it’s still you, but different, bolder, and maybe just what you needed.
What the Producers Are Saying (and Not Saying)
Keeping It Mysterious
The show’s creative team has confirmed the change but refuses to drop any hints — no character name, no actor announcement. That kind of tight-lipped behavior is rare… and intentional.
They’re Letting the Buzz Build
It’s all part of the marketing dance. Every social media post, podcast, and spoiler page that mentions it gives the show more reach — and a guaranteed viewer bump when 2026 rolls around.
What Could This Mean for the Storyline?
Major Shake-Ups Are Coming
A big recast usually means a plot twist is on the way. Affairs, secret children, surprise resurrections — anything goes in Salem.
Could the character be presumed dead? Kidnapped? Brainwashed by Dr. Rolf? Don’t rule anything out.
How Fans Can Prepare
Rewatch Past Storylines
Go back and revisit the character’s journey. Not only does it make the emotional transition easier, but it helps spot possible foreshadowing.
Stay Open-Minded
Give the new actor a shot. They may surprise you — and the character might head in a bold, exciting new direction.
Final Thoughts: Change Is Coming, and That’s a Good Thing
Whether you’re dreading or celebrating the news, one thing’s clear — Days of Our Lives is keeping things fresh, mysterious, and dramatic, just like we love it. The 2026 recast will no doubt shake up the canvas and give us plenty to talk about.
Until then, keep your theories wild, your DVRs ready, and your hearts open — Salem isn’t done surprising us yet.
