There are several cast changes on the horizon forDays of Our Lives, as the long-running Peacock soap opera prepares to introduce multiple recast in the coming months.
The updates were shared during a recentinterviewwith the show's head writers,Jeanne Marie FordandPaula Cwikly, who spoke with TV Insider reporterStephanie Sloanabout upcoming storylines and behind-the-scenes changes viewers can expect in 2026.
During the conversation, Ford and Cwickly confirmed thatConnor Floydwill step into the role of Chad DiMera beginning in April followingBilly Flynn's departure from the series.
Parade previously reported on Flynn's departure last year, when it was announced that he would be exiting the Peacock soap opera and joining its Sony sibling series,The Young and the Restless, where he was later revealed to be playing Cane Ashby.
Flynn joinedDays of Our Livesin 2014, taking over the role of Chad DiMera fromCasey Deidrick. During his tenure, Chad was part of a popular pairing with Abigail Deveraux, a role portrayed at different times by bothKate Mansi and Marci Miller.
Floyd, meanwhile, made the opposite move, exitingThe Young and the Restless,where he portrayed Chance Chancellor, to joinDays of Our Lives.
The writers also revealed thatMarissa Reyeswill be exiting the role of Ari Hernandez, with a new actress set to take over the part beginning in April. Additionally, the role of Rachel Black will be recast starting in March, withAlice Halseyexiting the part.
As of now, no official announcement has been made regarding the character of Javi Hernandez, despite earlier reports indicating the character would be recast afterAl Calderonexited the role. The show also previously confirmed that Thomas DiMera will be portrayed by a new actor following the exit ofCary Christopher.
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Recasting has long been a common practice within the soap opera genre, andDays of Our Livesis no stranger to the process, often using new faces to usher in fresh storyline directions while keeping legacy characters on the canvas.
Days of Our Livesstreams weekdays on Peacock.
This story was originally published byParadeon Jan 4, 2026, where it first appeared in theTVsection. Add Parade as aPreferred Source by clicking here.
