General Hospital
Soap Comings and Goings: Fresh Faces, Shocking Exits, and Long-Awaited Returns Shake Up Daytime the Week of January 19
New villains, beloved returns, and Salem’s bloodbath continue as all five soaps deliver major casting news the week of January 19.
NEW VILLAINS DEBUT, BELOVED STARS RESURFACE, AND SALEM’S CASTING BLOODBATH CONTINUES ACROSS ALL FIVE SOAPS
TL;DR: Brayan Nicoletti wins over soap fans as the new R.J. Forrester on The Bold and the Beautiful, Andrew Hawkes brings a chilling new villain to General Hospital, Melissa Ordway finally returns to The Young and the Restless after being taken off contract, Greg Vaughan and Jordi Vilasuso make waves on Beyond the Gates, and Days of Our Lives welcomes back the Deveraux family amid its ongoing casting bloodbath.
The Bold and the Beautiful
Brayan Nicoletti debuted as R.J. Forrester last Wednesday, and fans are already smitten. The actor stepped into the role vacated by Joshua Hoffman, and social media has been buzzing with approval ever since.
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 to Los Angeles. With Liam recently snagging the rights to the Logan name for Katie, the Spencer and Forrester families have plenty of ammunition for the next generation’s war.
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General Hospital
Andrew Hawkes made his General Hospital debut on January 14 as WSB Director Ross Cullum, the secret partner-in-crime of Jenz Sidwell. The character is duplicitous, dangerous, and Jack Brennan’s superior at the WSB. Look for Cullum to issue orders to someone on Tuesday, January 20.
Anders Hove has returned as Cesar Faison. Well, make that the voice of the supervillain. Hove debuted in the iconic role in 1990 and the character was killed off in 2018 after shooting his own son Nathan West.
Faison began haunting his longtime obsession Anna Devane via an intercom last week. Anna woke up alone in her room, spotted one of Faison’s signature cigarillos stamped out in an ashtray, and then heard that unmistakable voice purr over the intercom. It appears Faison’s return is part of a scheme to gaslight Anna, presumably whipped up by Sidwell and Cullum. But given that the villains seem to have the upper hand, what will it all mean for Anna?
The Young and the Restless
Melissa Ordway is back as Abby Newman Winters on Friday, January 23, and it sounds like trouble is brewing. The actress was taken off contract by the CBS soap last year, so seeing her back on canvas is a welcome sight.
Unfortunately, Abby’s return comes with drama. According to spoilers, she’ll face a crisis with her husband Devon. The Newman Enterprises takeover is heating up, and it looks like the fallout will hit close to home for Abby.
Roger Howarth is back as the evil Matt Clark on Tuesday, January 20, as Victor prepares for battle. Fans remain torn about the character’s return after being declared dead some 20 years ago.
Kate Linder pops in as Esther Valentine on Wednesday in scenes with Phyllis.
Valarie Pettiford returns as Amy Lewis on Friday, January 23, as Audra and Holden make amends with her.
Mariah receives a haunting message on Friday. Could another appearance by Ray Wise as cult leader Ian Ward be on the horizon?
Beyond the Gates
Remember when Greg Vaughan debuted on Beyond the Gates in early December? Dr. Kial Rollins took Nicole to WinterFest, got to know the psychiatrist in her office, and then promptly vanished from the canvas. Well, he’s finally back! Look for Kial to return Wednesday, January 21, when Vanessa propositions him. About time!
Jordi Vilasuso also recently debuted on the CBS soap, and fan reaction has been mixed. The consensus? Still hot, still kind of boring. Time will tell if the show gives him meatier material to work with.
Jacob once again clashes with his ex-partner and his father on Wednesday. Darryl W. Handy and Malachi Malik make appearances. Malik also pops up on Thursday, January 22, when Joey gives the police chief some much-needed intel.
On Friday, January 23, Anita leans on someone unexpected. Bonita Brisker is back as Sharon to support Anita as she continues to battle breast cancer.
Days of Our Lives
Fan favorites Matthew Ashford and Melissa Reeves are back as Jack and Jennifer Deveraux. The beloved couple returns Wednesday, January 21, to meet with Chad about his children’s custody. Reeves also appears on Friday, January 23.
Casey Moss returns as JJ Deveraux on Thursday, January 22, reconnecting with Theo. A Deveraux family reunion is just what Salem needs right now.
Peter Porte continues his stint as Dimitri Von Leuschner, facing a confrontation with Gwen on Tuesday, January 20.
Miles Anderson returns as bookshop owner Foster, doling out advice to Julie on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Kennedy Garcia resurfaces as Felicity Greene with heartfelt scenes opposite her big sister Cat on Wednesday.
Cary Christopher is back as Thomas DiMera, receiving encouragement from Jeremy on Wednesday.
Kim Hawthorne reappears as Dr. Gregory, intervening during an altercation between Sophia and Holly this week.
Joseph Ihlenf and Jordan Perdue pop in as baby Trey during his christening on Monday, January 19.
The fallout from Salem’s casting massacre continues. Carson Boatman, Raven Bowens, Leo Howard, and Ashley Puzemis were all fired at the start of the year, wiping out beloved couples Janel and Tally in one brutal swoop. Due to the nine-month tape-to-air delay, viewers won’t see these characters exit until late 2026.
But the exits don’t stop there. Billy Flynn is out as Chad DiMera after over a decade in Salem. Conner Floyd will take over the role, with his first episode airing April 21, 2026. Flynn gave Floyd his blessing on Instagram, joking that Chad just got a lot more beautiful with the recast.
Alice Halsey is leaving the role of Rachel Black after landing the role of Laura Ingalls in Netflix’s Little House on the Prairie reboot. A new actress will debut in March 2026.
Al Calderon is exiting as Javi Hernandez after landing a series regular gig on NBC’s Brilliant Minds. He’ll be on screen through May 2026 before a recast takes over.
Marissa Reyes is departing as Arianna Horton after less than a year in the role. Her final episodes air in March 2026, with a new actress stepping in by April.
Which casting news has you most excited or most devastated? Sound off in the comments below!
