“Days of our Lives” will soon become the only American soap opera left standing when it comes to produced episodes still airing on television — “The Young and the Restless” and “The Bold and the Beautiful” ran out of episodes last month, and next week “General Hospital” will air its final batch of episodes produced before suspending production in March due to COVID-19 concerns. With several months of product in the can left to air, it’s business as usual when it comes to the comings and goings in Salem USA.
As previously reported, Stacy Haiduk‘s run as Kristen DiMera has come to an end. The actress made her final appearance on Tuesday, May 12 when Kristen said goodbye to Brady (Eric Martsolf) and left for parts unknown with their daughter, Rachel. Also departing that day was Kyle Lowder whose latest stint as Rex Brady has also ended.
Alyshia Ochse took over the role of Zoey Burge on Thursday, May 14. She replaced Kelly Thiebaud, who, at the time of filming, had a scheduling conflict after booking a six-episode arc on ABC’s “Station 19.”
Now that Zoey’s brother, Evan Frears (aka: Christian Maddox), is heading to prison next week, so concludes Brock Kelly‘s run as the diabolical son of Orpheus (George DelHoyo). Kelly last airs on Thursday, May 21. In an interview with Soap Opera Digest, on newsstands now, Kelly says, “It went by in the blink of an eye. I really loved being there, being on set, working with everybody. There’s so many talented actors. directors, producers, and it’s firing on all cylinders. I had a really positive experience. The only negative is that it was just too quick.” Kelly shares his final scenes with Freddie Smith‘s Sonny Kiriakis when Evan makes a bold confession of what really happened the night of Maggie’s (Suzanne Rogers) accident. “He just lets Evan have it,” Kelly says of Sonny’s response to what he hears. “It’s one of those scenes where you receive information where it’s so shocking that your teeth just go numb and there’s nothing you can do. There’s nothing you can say.”
Kyler Ends appears as the little boy who helps John (Drake Hogestyn) on Friday, May 22.
Cary Christopher has taken over the role of Thomas DiMera, Chad (Billy Flynn) and Abigail’s (Kate Mansi) son, reports SheKnow’ Soaps. The four-year-old has already made a name for himself. He’s starred in the VUDU original series “Mr. Mom,” and has appeared in episodes of “9-1-1” and “Fuller House.” The actor’s talent Agency, Zuri Talent, shared the exciting news of Christopher’s joining in October of last year, saying, “Cary Christopher has booked ANOTHER recurring role – this time on a confidential NBC show! At just four years old, he has an impressive resume! Huge congrats, Cary! We are excited to part of your journey!” Christopher replaces Asher Morrissette, who played the role until early 2019.
Speaking of Abigail, Kate Mansi’s latest run as the daughter of Jack Deveraux (Matthew Ashford) and Jennifer Horton (Melissa Reeves) comes to an end during the week of May 25 when the character departs Salem.
To find out what’s happening next in Salem, make sure to tune into “Days of our Lives.” Weekdays on NBC.