(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — UPDATE 2:59 PM ET: Sources have confirmed our earlier report that NBC’s “Days of our Lives” has fired Dena Higley as its head writer. Soap Opera Network has learned the series has hired Marlene McPherson and Darrell Ray Thomas, Jr. as its new Co-Head Writers. The duo had previously worked at NBC’s “Passions” as Associate Head Writer’s under James E. Reilly from the soaps debut season through its end in August 2008.
Both McPherson and Thomas had worked at “DAYS” as Associate Head Writers. McPherson from 1993 to 1999 and Thomas from 1998 to 1999. McPherson won a Writer’s Guild of America Award for her work at “DAYS.”
PREVIOUS 2:08 PM ET: BREAKING NEWS! SON Exclusive! Soap Opera Network can confirm that Marlene McPherson & Darrell Ray Thomas, Jr. have been named new Head Writers for “Days of our Lives.”  Stay tuned to SON as more details become available.
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- Days of our Lives
- Dena Higley
- Darrell Ray Thomas, Jr.
- Marlene Clark Poulter
- James E. Reilly