Telenovela superstar Ximena Duque has been cast in the newly created role of Blanca on NBC’s “Days of our Lives,” it was announced today by producers of the soap.

The 2016 Daytime Emmy Awards pre-nominations have been announced. As always, there were a few conspicuously missing performers and some interesting category choices. Here are 8 surprises about this year’s contenders.

Former “Days of our Lives” actress Taylor Spreitler (ex-), who is probably best known for her starring role on ABC Family’s “Melissa & Joey,” has been cast as the daughter in the upcoming “Untitled Kevin James Project,” starring comedian Kevin James.

As we get closer to daytime’s biggest night, taking place on Sunday, May 1, the industry is abuzz today over which actors were submitted for a pre-nomination for the “The 43rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards,” presented by The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS). With at least two actors per show for each category (exception being Supporting Actress) several of daytime television’s biggest and brightest stars are looking to vie for the coveted trophy that celebrates their hard work during calendar year 2015.

On the Tuesday, January 26 episode of Freeform’s “Pretty Little Liars,” entitled “The Gloves Are On,” former “Days of our Lives” actor Blake Berris (ex-Nick Fallon) makes his debut as Damian Hayes. While you won’t be seeing “General Hospital’s Kimberly McCullough (ex-Robin Scorpio) on camera, you might want to pay special attention to the opening and closing credits as the actress directed the episode.

Former “Days of our Lives” star Blake Berris (ex-Nick Fallon) will guest-star in the Monday, February 22 episode of CBS’ “Supergirl,” Soap Opera Network has learned. He’ll play the role of Gabriel Phillips, a handsome fugitive with a secret who falls under the sway of an even more dangerous enemy. In addition to the hit series from DC Comics and Warner Bros. Television, Berris will also appear in at least two upcoming episodes of Freeform’s “Pretty Little Liars.”

Here’s what’s coming up on “Days of our Lives” the week of January 25 to 28, 2016

Ratings Report for the Week of January 11-15, 2016

Eileen Davidson (Ashley Abbott, “The Young and the Restless,” ex-Kristen DiMera, “Days of our Lives”) stunned “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” when she dropped a major bombshell on the show’s January 19 episode: she is a physical abuse survivor.

He took three bullets square in the chest, collapsed in a chair, and was pronounced dead by Rafe (Galen Gering). The Phoenix, as portrayed by Joseph Mascolo, appears to be done for good, this time around, with no chance of ever rising again. Did “Days of our Lives” make a huge mistake killing off Stefano?

While the fate of NBC’s “Days of our Lives” beyond this season remains unknown, its renewal chances have greatly increased following recent chatter by two of the network’s top executives.

“Days of our Lives'” Chad and Abigail, as portrayed by actors Billy Flynn and Kate Mansi, have emerged into the soap’s most popular young couple. Here are 10 “Chabby” moments to remember.

It’s almost time to say goodbye to another Salem star. Kassie DePaiva, who has played Eve Larson since June 2014, has revealed that her final “Days of our Lives” air date is Tuesday, February 2.

Vincent Irizarry debuts as Deimos Kiriakis and Brandon Beemer returns to ‘Days of our Lives’ as Shawn Douglas Brady, this week. Look for both actors and their characters to hit the ground running upon arriving in Salem.

Matt Cedeño (ex-Brandon Walker, “Days of Our Lives”) has landed a key role on “The Originals” as a smart and manipulative vampire from the Mikaelsons’ past who arrives in New Orleans looking for revenge. The character will turn up on Episode 15 of The CW drama’s current season.

Here’s what’s coming up on “Days of our Lives” the week of January 18 to 22, 2016

Jen Lilley (Theresa Donovan, “Days of our Lives”) has partnered with Be Your Own You to design a new limited edition clothing line to benefit Childhelp, an organization dedicated to helping victims of child abuse through treatment programs, advocacy centers and group homes.

Ratings Report for the Week of January 4-8, 2016

The death of Daniel Jonas (Shawn Christian) and the dilemma surrounding who would get his heart — Eric Brady (Greg Vaughan) or Brady Black (Eric Martsolf) — helped lift NBC’s “Days of our Lives” to its most watched week in two years in Total Viewers and an 18-month high in Women 18-49, according to Nielsen Media Research ratings data for the week of January 4-8, 2016.

“Days of our Lives” alum Nathan Owens (ex-Cameron Davis) is returning to “Devious Maids”, when the show debuts its fourth season. And he’s been promoted from recurring character to series regular.