THE SCOOP

It’s been a while since we first heard that former “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” actor Dan Feuerriegel had been cast as EJ DiMera on “Days of our Lives,” and now the show is officially confirming the news.

Last played by James Scott, EJ was shot by Clyde Weston’s (James Read) henchman during an argument in the park in 2014, and Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney) grieved his passing. In recent years it was revealed that EJ was very much alive. In 2018, Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) revealed to Sami that her brother survived the gunshot and had been kept alive by Stefano. Sami and EJ were reportedly reunited offscreen in Italy. Now that Sami has returned to Salem, it was only a matter of time before EJ came back, too.

Speaking with Deadline, “DAYS” executive producer Ken Corday says, “EJ has always been an important character to the Salem landscape and we’re thrilled to have found Dan to bring him back to the canvas.”

“I am so excited to bring EJ back to ‘Days of our Lives’ and to see what flavor I can bring to Salem,” added Feuerriegel.

Look for Feuerriegel to first appear on the soap beginning Wednesday, June 9.

In “Spartacus” and its three iterations (“Blood and Sand,” “Vengeance” and “War of the Damned”), Feuerriegel’s role as Spartacus’ chief lieutenant Agron was noteworthy for the show’s portrayal of a same-sex relationship wherein the character was involved with Nasir (Pana Hema Taylor), a fellow warrior and battle instructor. Their pairing was one of the most popular storylines told on the beloved drama series.

In addition to “Spartacus,” Feuerriegel most recently appeared in “NCIS: Los Angeles,” “Chicago Fire” and “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.D.” He played Lieutenant Allan Gronetti in the film “Pacific Rim: Uprising.”