Another week, another goodbye on Days of our Lives. Here’s the latest comings and goings casting news from the soap. Check out who bid adieu to Salem. Plus, find out if any newcomers are joining the Peacock drama in contract, recurring, or day-player roles.
The Week of June 30, 2025
Some fan favorites have wrapped up their brief return stints. Matthew Ashford and Melissa Reeves said goodbye to Salem as Jack and Jennifer Deveraux, when their characters headed back to Boston. But fret not, they’ll eventually be back for another visit.
Also on the exit front, Christie Clark is out as Carrie Brady Reed. The character returned to Switzerland to join her husband, Austin (Austin Peck), and their son, Noah.
Meanwhile, the drama revs up regarding Tate (Leo Howard) and Sophia’s (Rachel Boyd) baby, which means more airtime for Tina Huang as Melinda Trask. The actress appears in scenes with Boyd on Thursday, July 3, when Sophia asks the attorney for help.
The Ever-Spinning Door of Salem
If you’ve watched Days of Our Lives for even a week, you know one thing: no goodbye is ever really forever. This iconic soap has mastered the art of the twisty farewell — just when a character walks out of Salem, boom, they’re back before you’ve even deleted them from your favorites.
This article dives deep into the most recent Days of Our Lives cast exits, arrivals, and surprise returns. Buckle up — it’s a rollercoaster ride of emotion, betrayal, and cliffhangers galore.
Why Soap Fans Obsess Over Comings and Goings
The Drama Never Ends
Let’s be real — the thrill of soaps isn’t just in the current storyline. It’s in the anticipation of who’s coming back, who’s leaving, and whether that “death” really sticks (spoiler: it never does).
Nostalgia and Fan Favorites
When a beloved character returns, it’s like catching up with an old friend. And when they leave? It’s like a gut-punch — even if you know deep down they’ll probably be back in a Halloween episode.
Recent Departures That Rocked Salem
Chanel Dupree (Raven Bowens) – Temporary Exit
Raven Bowens recently stepped back from her role as Chanel Dupree. But fans can breathe a little easier — it’s not permanent. She’s been filming other projects, and the producers are keeping the door wide open.
Johnny DiMera (Carson Boatman) – Exit with a Cliffhanger
Carson Boatman’s Johnny left town in a dramatic twist that had viewers shouting at their screens. Rumor has it, his storyline isn’t finished — far from it.
Leo Stark (Greg Rikaart) – Fading Into the Shadows
Greg Rikaart is known for popping in and out as Leo Stark, and he’s once again off the canvas. But let’s be honest: Salem never stays sane without Leo’s chaos for long.
Who’s Coming Back to Stir the Pot?
EJ DiMera (Dan Feuerriegel) – Return Confirmed
Yes, the suave and slippery EJ is on his way back. And given the family feuds bubbling beneath the surface, his return promises nothing short of fireworks.
Gabi Hernandez (Camila Banus) – The Door’s Still Open
Camila Banus’ exit had fans in mourning, but the good news? Showrunners say the door was “left ajar.” Translation: Don’t count her out just yet.
How “Temporary” Exits Keep Storylines Fresh
Soap Logic 101: Vanishing Acts Make a Comeback
In soap operas, a character’s sudden trip out of town usually means something big is brewing behind the scenes. Whether it’s a contract negotiation, personal break, or a twist in the storyline, these exits build anticipation.
Let’s Call It What It Is: Emotional Manipulation (That We Love)
Writers know how to hit us where it hurts. Just when we start rooting for a couple, bam! — one of them is off to Europe. And we still show up the next day for more.
Behind the Scenes: Why Actors Come and Go
Creative Breaks & Personal Projects
Soap stars are human too. Sometimes they need a breather, or they’ve scored a role in a Netflix thriller (good for them — sad for us).
Contract Negotiations Can Get Messy
Sometimes, it’s about money or screen time. And just like any job, people move on. But unlike the real world, on Days, you can always move back.
Return Arcs That Blew Fans’ Minds
Hope and Bo’s Comeback – The Ultimate Soap Moment
Kristian Alfonso and Peter Reckell returned and reignited all those nostalgic flames. Twitter exploded, and longtime fans nearly lost it. Moments like these are why we stick with the show.
Steve “Patch” Johnson’s Surprise Return
Stephen Nichols’ reappearance as Steve turned the tide in more than one plotline. Every time he steps into the scene with that signature patch and stare, you know things are about to get serious.
Predicting the Next Big Return
Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney) – Will She Ever Stay Gone?
Let’s face it, Sami is a human boomerang. Alison Sweeney’s off again right now, but history tells us she’s probably already filming a return scene.
Will Horton (Chandler Massey) – Possible 2025 Comeback?
Whispers in the fandom suggest Chandler Massey may reprise his role. Nothing confirmed, but hey, this is Salem — anything’s possible.
Fan-Favorite Pairings We Miss Already
Johnny & Chanel – Too Much Chemistry to Stay Apart
Their breakup hit hard. And with both actors still tied to the show in some capacity, the door is wide open for a reunion.
EJ & Nicole – Trouble Is Brewing (Again)
With EJ back, Nicole’s world is about to flip upside down. These two are like a ticking time bomb of romantic tension.
Social Media Reactions: The Good, the Bad & the Brutal
Soap Twitter is no joke. When a beloved character leaves, the memes, the rants, and the TikToks come rolling in. But let’s not lie — we love every bit of the drama.
What to Expect in the Coming Weeks
More shakeups are on the horizon. Expect new faces, shocking betrayals, and yes — probably a resurrection or two. Because in Salem, even death has a return date.
Why “Days of Our Lives” Still Keeps Us Hooked
It’s not just the stories — it’s the characters we’ve watched grow, fall in love, betray each other, and rise from the ashes (literally). Their exits and returns keep us engaged like a never-ending book you can’t put down.
It’s All Part of the Plan: A Soap Opera Strategy
These cast changes? They’re not random. The writers know exactly what they’re doing — feeding us drama, heartbreak, and a little hope all in the same week.
Conclusion: In Salem, Nobody’s Ever Really Gone
So whether your favorite just exited or you’re thrilled about a return, remember this — in Days of Our Lives, a goodbye is just a plot device. They’ll be back. Maybe not tomorrow. Maybe not next month. But trust us, they’ll walk into the Brady Pub like they never left.
