There are poignant goodbyes and some surprise happy comebacks at Days of our Lives. Here’s the soap’s latest comings and goings casting news. Find out which popular stars from yesteryear are back on the canvas, if any newcomers are boarding the soap in contract, recurring, or day-player roles, and which popular performer is leaving the Peacock drama.
Key Takeaways
- Billy Flynn airs his final episodes as Chad as the character exits Salem with his children, while familiar faces return to say goodbye.
- Fan favorites Lani and Eli officially return full-time, marking a major comeback for the popular couple.
- Several familiar recurring players pop up this week, including Ivan, Susan, Rachel, Dimitri, and Rita, keeping multiple storylines moving.
The Week of February 16, 2026
Billy Flynn’s last airdate as Chad DiMera has arrived. The actor, who made his debut as Chad in 2014, says goodbye to Salem on Tuesday, February 17. Flynn has since moved over to The Young and the Restless, where he is portraying Cane Ashby.
Exiting the soap with Flynn are his TV children: Cary Christopher, who plays Thomas, and Autumn Gendron, who plays Charlotte. The kids head to Arizona with their TV dad on Tuesday, February 17.
Matthew Ashford and Melissa Reeves make another appearance as Jack and Jennifer Deveraux. The duo wishes their family members exiting Salem well on Tuesday, February 17.
Meanwhile, another popular couple is returning to the soap full-time. Sal Stowers and Lamon Archey are heading back to Salem as Lani and Eli Grant. The two actors exited the soap in 2022, but continued to make appearances periodically. Stowers recently reflected on her long road back to DAYS.
Ivan G’Vera makes a surprise return as Ivan Marius, Vivian’s (Louise Sorel) longtime servant and partner in crime. The character returns on Friday, February 20, to tie up loose ends from their latest scheme.
Peter Porte is featured prominently this week as Dimitri Von Leuschner. The character and Leo (Greg Rikaart) work together to try and clear Dimitri’s name on Monday, February 16, Thursday, February 19, and Friday, February 20.
Stacy Haiduk makes another appearance as Susan Banks on Monday, February 16. She interacts with Dan Feuerriegel’s EJ as the mother and son bond.
Alice Halsey is back as Rachel Black. Look for Brady (Eric Martsolf) and Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) to set boundaries for their troubled daughter on Wednesday, February 18.
Maggie Carney pops in as Rita, EJ’s trusted assistant. She’s questioned about Cat (AnnaLynne McCord) on Friday, February 20.
