Days of our Lives Flashback: Peter Reckell’s 1995 Return as Bo Brady

A surprise twist altered the course of Days of our Lives in 1995. Peter Reckell returned to the role of Bo Brady, reconnected with leading lady Kristian Alfonso, and reunited the soap’s beloved supercouple, Bo and Hope.

Days of our Lives: A Stunning Recast

It was one of the show’s most stunning casting moves. Robert Kelker-Kelly, who had taken over the role of Bo and was contracted through 1997, was abruptly replaced by Reckell, who had originated the character back in 1983.

The show announced the news via a spokesperson for Corday Productions. A statement explained that Kelker-Kelly “was replaced for creative reasons.”

The Real Bo Returns

Without further ado, a week after Kelker-Kelly’s Bo left Salem on police business, Reckell’s Bo returned to town and was thrust into a major triangle. Bo was married to Billie Reed (Lisa Rinna) at the time but was about to learn that “Gina,” who was a dead ringer for his “deceased” wife, actually was Hope.

Solving a Days of our Lives Mystery

The storyline was riveting, as “Gina” attempted to open a puzzle box, a task that only Hope and her grandfather, Tom Horton (the late Macdonald Carey), knew how to do. When she did, her grandmother, Alice Horton (the late Frances Reid), knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that Gina was Hope. Bo, however, was unconvinced.

Then Alice discovered a secret compartment inside the box, containing a letter that Hope had written to Bo on their wedding day. As an emotional Bo sat down and began reading it, “Gina” suddenly chimed in, reciting the moving words she remembered. Bo was overwrought with emotion and finally admitted he no longer had any doubts about “Gina’s” true identity. He knew she was Hope.

Bo and Hope celebrated with their young son, Shawn. The happy family was finally reunited. Meanwhile, a crushed Billie could only watch from the sidelines.

Perfect Timing

Reckell called the timing of his return “perfect for the show and the storyline. The first time Gina really said she’s Hope, she was looking at me,” he noted. “It’s like it should happen.” Devout Bo and Hope fans wholeheartedly agreed.

Days of our Lives (DOOL) airs weekdays on NBC. Check your local listings for airtimes. For more about what’s coming up in Salem, check out all the latest that’s been posted on DAYS spoilers, and for an in-depth look at the show’s history, click here.