Days of Our Lives Spoilers: Arianna Horton Returns – Aged-Up & Ready To Shake Up Salem

DAYS OF OUR LIVES: ARIANNA HORTON RETURNS ALL GROWN UP – IS SALEM READY?

Hold onto your seats, soap fans, because it looks like Gabi Hernandez is about to get the reunion she’s been dreaming of! All signs point to Arianna Horton making her triumphant return to Salem – and she’s not a little girl anymore!

Recent behind-the-scenes photos have sent the rumor mill into overdrive, with strong evidence suggesting that actress Marissa Reyes will be stepping into the role of an aged-up Arianna Grace Horton. And if you’re wondering if this timeline makes sense… well, this is Salem we’re talking about, where characters age at whatever speed the storylines demand!

THE INSTAGRAM CLUE THAT HAS EVERYONE TALKING

The biggest hint dropped recently when EJ DiMera portrayer Dan Feuerriegel shared an Instagram story featuring Marissa Reyes cozying up with none other than Cherie Jimenez (who plays Gabi) and Al Calderon (who plays Javi Hernandez).

I mean, come on! When you see a new actress hanging out specifically with the actress who plays a character’s mother, it doesn’t take a Salem detective to figure out what’s happening. Reyes has also been spotted in multiple cast photos and has made connections with numerous DOOL actors on social media. This girl is clearly part of the Salem family now!

WHO IS ARIANNA HORTON AGAIN?

For those who need a refresher (no judgment here!), Arianna Grace Horton holds a special place in Salem history. Named to honor two late family members – her aunt Arianna Hernandez and baby Grace DiMera who died of bacterial meningitis – her birth was pure soap drama.

Arianna was conceived after Will Horton and Gabi Hernandez had a brief encounter, and she made her dramatic entrance into the world in a cabin where Sonny Kiriakis played unexpected midwife! For years, she was raised by this unconventional trio until one of Gabi’s prison stints sent her to Arizona with Will and Sonny.

We haven’t seen the character in quite some time, which makes the decision to age her up to around 18 perfectly reasonable by soap standards. Besides, Holly Jonas (played by Ashley Puzemis) is already part of the teen scene, so Arianna returning as a young adult makes total narrative sense.

IS ROMANCE BREWING WITH DOUG WILLIAMS III?

Here’s where things get juicy! Whispers around Salem suggest that Arianna might be paired romantically with Doug Williams III (played by Peyton Meyer). And let me tell you – that potential coupling comes with built-in drama!

Recent viewers know that Doug III has been raising eyebrows since his arrival. After introducing himself to Julie as Doug Williams’ grandson, he appears to have helped himself to a valuable necklace from the Horton house. Not exactly the most trustworthy start!

With Hope Brady harboring serious doubts about him and planning to investigate his background, Arianna potentially falling for this mysterious newcomer would create instant conflict. Can you imagine Gabi’s reaction if her daughter starts dating someone with questionable motives? Pure soap gold!

THE HERNANDEZ FAMILY REBUILD

Let’s talk about why this matters for Gabi. The Hernandez family has been significantly diminished in recent years. Gabi is one of the few remaining members consistently in Salem, with her brother Rafe recently facing danger after being stabbed.

As Cherie Jimenez herself said in an interview, “I really would love to just spend time with the Hernandez family… I would absolutely love [to see the Hernandez family return].” Arianna’s return would help rebuild this once-prominent Salem family and give Gabi the chance to strengthen her bond with her daughter.

With Javi Hernandez also in Salem, we could finally see the Hernandez home become a central location again. Family dinners, arguments, heartfelt conversations – all the things that make soap families so compelling!

TEENAGE DRAMA ALERT!

Let’s be real – teenage soap characters are drama magnets! If Arianna does return as a young adult, you can bet she’ll bring plenty of headaches for Gabi.

The teen scene is already complicated with Holly Jonas potentially reconnecting with Tate Black (played by Leo Howard). If Arianna steps in and catches Doug III’s eye, we could have a full-fledged love quadrangle on our hands!

Plus, Arianna has spent years away from Salem being raised by Will and Sonny. She’s bound to return with new perspectives, attitudes, and possibly some resentment toward Gabi for their time apart. The mother-daughter relationship drama practically writes itself!

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR SALEM

Arianna’s return would intersect with several ongoing storylines. The DiMera family is currently in chaos following EJ being shot, while the Hernandez family faces its own challenges with Rafe hiding something from Jada Hunter.

As a young adult who has been away from Salem, Arianna would bring a fresh perspective to these ongoing dramas while creating new storylines of her own. Her connections to multiple Salem families – Horton, Hernandez, and by extension Kiriakis through Sonny – position her perfectly to become a central character.

The potential for family drama is endless. Will Will and Sonny make appearances once Arianna is back in Salem? How will Gabi handle suddenly parenting a teenager? Will Arianna embrace her Hernandez roots or feel more connected to her Horton side?

WHAT’S NEXT?

While we wait for official confirmation of Marissa Reyes’ role, all signs point to her portraying a teenage Arianna Horton. Her debut appears imminent, given the timing of social media posts and behind-the-scenes photos.

If these spoilers prove accurate, Arianna’s return represents one of the more significant character developments in recent memory, potentially revitalizing the Hernandez family while adding fresh dynamics to Salem’s young adult scene.

Are you excited to see Arianna Horton back in Salem? Do you think she’ll fall for the mysterious Doug Williams III? Will Gabi be ready for the challenges of raising a teenager? Share your thoughts and predictions!

Stay tuned for more updates as Arianna’s return draws closer. One thing’s for sure – Salem is about to get a whole lot more interesting!