Missing leading ladies are back at Days of our Lives and destined to generate some major plot twists, and there’s a big exit too. Here’s the soap’s latest comings and goings casting news. Find out who the actresses are, if any newcomers are joining the soap in contract, recurring, or day-player roles, and which of your favorite performers is leaving the Peacock drama.
Key Takeaways
- AlexAnn Hopkins returns as Joy Wesley, who will reappear in Salem later this spring after leaving town while secretly pregnant with Alex’s baby.
- Nikki Crawford debuts as the new Lexie Carver, bringing the beloved character back to the canvas years after her presumed death.
- Familiar faces continue their runs, including Javi, Melinda, Dimitri, Owen, Dr. Rolf, and Liam appearing in upcoming episodes.
- Alice Halsey exits the role of Rachel Black after making her final appearance on March 5.
The Week of March 9, 2026
AlexAnn Hopkins, who exited DAYS as Joy Wesley in March of 2025, is officially back on the canvas and will begin airing in late April. In a video posted on the soap’s official social media pages, Hopkins announced, “Surprise. I am back. You thought Joy was gone. She’s back in Salem. To find out why, you’ll have to tune into Peacock.” Hopkins joined the soap as Nancy (Patrika Darbo) and Craig Wesley’s (Kevin Spirtas) daughter in October 2024. When last seen in Salem, Joy learned she was carrying Alex’s (Robert Scott Wilson) baby, but lied and told him her pregnancy test was negative before moving to New York.
Nikki Crawford has joined the cast as the new Lexie Carver, Abe’s (James Reynolds) “late” wife. The character, last played by Renee Jones, was killed off the soap in 2012. Crawford made her debut on Friday, March 6. Crawford’s credits include guest spots on Malcolm in the Middle, Pretty Little Liars, and Elsbeth
After a short break, Al Calderon is back on the canvas as Javi Hernandez. Look for his character to offer Leo (Greg Rikaart) a chance to reconcile on Monday, March 9.
Tina Huang returns as Melinda Trask. The lawyer interacts with Emily O’Brien’s Gwen on Monday, March 9.
Peter Porte continues his stint as Dimitri Von Leuschner. He has scenes with Rikaart’s Leo on Tuesday, March 10. Porte reflected on his explosive return to the soap and what it’s meant to him.
Hank Northrop clocks back in as Liam Selejko. He interacts with Marissa Reyes’ Arianna on Tuesday, March 10.
Wes Ramsey wreaks more havoc as Owen Kent. Look for his character to share scenes with his kidnap victims, Stephanie (Abigail Klein) and Jeremy (Michael Roark), on Wednesday, March 11.
Richard Wharton gets more airtime as Dr. Wilhelm Rolf. The crafty DiMera employee makes a shocking discovery on Thursday, March 11. Wharton took over the diabolical role of Rolf from Wil Utay and shared his thoughts on the experience.
On the exit front, Alice Halsey has wrapped up her run as Rachel Black, Brady (Eric Martsolf) and Kristen’s (Stacy Haiduk) daughter. She made her final appearance on Thursday, March 5. The young actress said a poignant goodbye to fans on Instagram as she moves on to her new Netflix series.
