Days of our Lives Star Paul Telfer Celebrates Five Years as Xander Kiriakis

Days of our Lives fans took a liking to Paul Telfer from the beginning. He was cast as a bad guy but in the five years that he’s played Xander, Telfer’s taken the character on quite the journey.

Paul Telfer Marks Milestone

On the fifth anniversary of Telfer’s debut in Salem as Xander, here’s a look back at the character’s transformation from devilish bad guy to charming leading man, who still has that dangerous edge.

Pre-Xander

Prior to being cast as Xander, Telfer portrayed Damon, one of Victor’s (John Aniston) henchman for a handful of episodes. He continued to play dark as Xander, who headed up a drug ring and coerced Serena Mason (Melissa Archer) to steal diamonds that she and Eric (Greg Vaughan) brought back from Africa.

Walker On By

Victor advised Xander to stay away from Nicole Walker (Arianne Zucker), but Xander couldn’t help but fall for the beautiful blonde. However, after he found out she betrayed him, Xander left her to die. Fortunately, Eric rescued her! (Whew!) Next, Xander fell for Theresa Donovan (Jen Lilley) but learned the hard way that he shouldn’t have trusted her after she had him arrested.

Villains ‘R’ Us

Xander teamed up with prison baddies Clyde Weston (James Read) and Orpheus (George DelHoyo). They donned camping attire and wreaked havoc on Salem, kidnapping Claire (Olivia Rose Keegan) and Joey (James Lastovic).

Next, Xander followed Nicole and Brady (Eric Martsolf) to Canada where he kidnapped both Nicole and her daughter, Holly. Later, Xander helped Theresa escape from drug lord Mateo (Andoni Gracia). In exchange, Xander asked for Theresa’s help in getting back in Victor’s good graces.

Xander, Corporate Spy

Xander offered Victor documents that could bring down rival company, DiMera Enterprises. Victor offered Xander money, but instead, he asked for a position within the family business. Next, Xander conspired with Kristen (Stacy Haiduk), who disguised herself as Nicole. He evaded charges of shooting Marlena (Deidre Hall), though he was aiming for Eric, by erasing evidence.

Same Guy Next Year

Xander opened up to Maggie (Suzanne Rogers) about his painful childhood and how he lost his parents. Xander furthered showed he wasn’t all bad by confessing that Holly was alive to Eric, Maggie, and Sarah (Linsey Godfrey).

When DAYS did its time jump, viewers learned that Sarah and Xander were in a relationship and he’s doing everything in his power to make sure Sarah goes on thinking that baby Mackenzie “Mickey” is truly her daughter when she’s actually Kristen’s!

Soap Hub joins Telfer’s fans and colleagues in wishing the actor a happy fifth anniversary. Here’s to many more! Days of our Lives (DOOL) airs weekdays on NBC. Check your local listings for airtimes.