Days Of Our Lives
Soaps Comings and Goings: Shocking Returns and Exciting Debuts Shake Up the Week of January 5
Judi Evans returns to DAYS as Bonnie Kiriakis, BTG welcomes back fan favorites, and GH’s Jack Brennan causes trouble this week.
THIS WEEK’S HOTTEST ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES ACROSS ALL FIVE DAYTIME SOAPS
TL;DR: Judi Evans returns to Days of Our Lives as Bonnie Kiriakis this week, while Beyond the Gates welcomes back several fan favorites and General Hospital brings back a WSB power player. Plus, The Bold and the Beautiful teases a new Spencer vs. Forrester rivalry.
Bonnie Kiriakis Returns to Salem
Days of Our Lives fans have reason to celebrate this week. After a long break from the canvas, Judi Evans is back as the irrepressible Bonnie Kiriakis. The actress last appeared in October 2025, and her return comes after she openly expressed fears about being permanently written off the show following Bonnie’s tragic elevator accident a year ago.
Judi Evans makes her comeback on Wednesday, January 7, but don’t expect sunshine and rainbows for Bonnie. According to spoilers, she’ll receive some bad news from Kate Roberts. What devastating revelation awaits Salem’s quirkiest blonde? Fans will have to tune in to find out.
Judi Evans isn’t the only star making waves this week! Write to the editor at amber@soapoperamagazine.com to share your thoughts on all these exciting returns!
More DAYS Comings and Goings
Peter Porte continues his run as the scheming Dimitri Von Leuschner on Days of Our Lives. The actor will be busy this week, interacting with Leo Stark and Javi Hernandez on Monday, January 5. Porte also faces off with Emily O’Brien’s Gwen Rizczech on Tuesday, January 6, and again on Friday, January 9.
Meanwhile, Bryan Dattilo has wrapped up his holiday visit as Lucas Horton. The character has departed Salem, but the door has been left open for his return at a later date.
Beyond the Gates Brings the Drama
Over on Beyond the Gates, it’s a busy week in Fairmont Crest. Kenjah returns as Madison Montgomery on Monday, January 5. The last time we saw the neurologist, she and Chelsea rang in the New Year watching special guest star Kenny Lattimore perform his classic hit. But this week’s appearance will be much different, as Chelsea turns to Madison for medical advice about her grandmother’s breast cancer diagnosis.
The teen drama heats up when Jaden Lucas Miller’s Tyrell and Camryn Jade’s Jessica face a hurdle in their relationship. Will the high school sweethearts overcome this obstacle? Look for Miller to also appear on Wednesday.
On Wednesday, January 7, Ernestine Johnson’s Shanice has a juicy chat with Ashley Morgan that may involve opening up about her situation with Ted Richardson. Najah Jackson’s Samantha will also be feeling guilty about something. What did she do?
And according to BTG‘s video sneak peek, Darryl W. Handy’s shady detective Marcel Malone is set to return next week in scenes with Leslie Thomas.
Jack Brennan Corners Britt on General Hospital
Chris McKenna is back as WSB honcho Jack Brennan on General Hospital. The duplicitous character corners Britt Westbourne on Monday, January 5, and also interacts with Carly Spencer. What does Brennan want with these two powerful Port Charles women?
Mortonson Returns to Protect the Newmans
Over on The Young and the Restless, John Rushing returns as Mortonson, the Newmans’ ace security guard. He interacts with Jack Abbott, Kyle Abbott, Matt Clark, and Adam Newman on Friday, January 9. With Matt Clark causing chaos in Genoa City, the Newmans clearly need all the protection they can get.
B&B Teases a New Generation’s War
The Bold and the Beautiful has recast the role of R.J. Forrester. Brayan Nicoletti will step into the role, taking over for Joshua Hoffman who previously played the character.
Executive producer and head writer Bradley Bell recently told TV Insider that R.J.’s return is part of a push to highlight the next generation of Forresters and Spencers. Bell teased that years ago, when R.J. and Will were born, the show never imagined seeing them as adults battling each other. Now that Luna Nozawa is dead, it’s safe for R.J. to return.
Who are you most excited to see this week? Drop a comment below and let us know which return has you counting down the days!
