The landscape of daytime soap operas is constantly shifting, with unexpected departures and surprising returns that keep fans on the edge of their seats. But here’s where it gets controversial: not every change is welcomed, and some exits or comebacks spark heated debate among viewers eager to see their favorites thrive or wane. If you're curious about who’s leaving, who’s making a triumphant return, or which new faces are about to shake up your favorite shows, read on — because the drama is far from over.
Here's a look at the latest updates from the five biggest daytime dramas: The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of Our Lives, General Hospital, The Young and the Restless, and Beyond the Gates.
Major Highlights
- Days of Our Lives is experiencing a significant shakeup with four prominent actors departing, yet several beloved characters are poised to return and drive new storylines later this month.
- Across General Hospital and The Young and the Restless, familiar villains and powerful figures are re-emerging, often linked to ongoing courtroom battles and corporate rivalries, adding layers of complexity to the plots.
- Meanwhile, The Bold and the Beautiful continues to expand its cast, with Dylan’s storyline growing, as her character remains central to ongoing developments.
The Week of January 19, 2026
Wondering if your favorite stars from years past are coming back, if new characters are being introduced through contracts or recurring roles, or if some are preparing to exit for good? Here’s the latest scoop.
Updates from Days of Our Lives
In a surprising turn, four key actors have been released from their contracts at DAYS, signaling a major reshuffle. Carson Boatman, who has played Johnny DiMera since 2021, is no longer part of the cast. Raven Bowens, portraying Chanel Dupree DiMera, is also exiting. Additionally, Ashley Puzemis and Leo Howard, known for their roles as Holly Jonas and Tate Black respectively, are bidding farewell. Despite their departures, due to the show's long production timelines, these actors will continue to appear on screen through 2026.
On a brighter note, fan-favorite stars are making their return. Matthew Ashford and Melissa Reeves will reprise their roles as Jack and Jennifer Deveraux on January 21. Their storyline will involve a custody decision with Billy Flynn’s character, Chad. Reeves will also share scenes with Flynn on January 23, adding emotional depth to the plot.
Other notable returns include:
- Joseph Ihlenf and Jordan Perdue as baby Trey, featured at the christening of Chanel and Johnny's adopted son on Monday, January 19.
- Miles Anderson as Foster, a former Salem bookstore owner, offering advice to Julie (Susan Seaforth Hayes) on January 20 and 21.
- Kennedy Garcia as Felicity Greene — her emotional scenes with her sister, played by AnnaLynne McCord, will air on January 21.
- Cary Christopher returns as Thomas DiMera, offering support to Jeremy (Michael Roark) during scenes on January 21.
- Kim Hawthorne as Dr. Gregory, intervening in a confrontation involving Holly and Sophia, on this week.
- Peter Porte as Dimitri Von Leuschner, confronting Gwen (Emily O’Brien) on January 20.
- Casey Moss comes back as JJ Deveraux on January 22, reconnecting with Theo (Tyler Joseph Andrews).
Updates from General Hospital
Anders Hove has returned in a unique way — as the voice of the infamous supervillain Cesar Faison, who originally appeared on the show from 1990 until his demise in 2018. Fans will recall Faison’s ongoing obsession with Anna Devane (Finola Hughes), and now, his voice is haunting her once more.
Other new and returning characters include:
- Andrew Hawkes as Ross Cullum, a manipulative figure working with Sidwell and overseeing Jack (Chris McKenna) at the WSB, with new scenes starting January 20.
- Nazneen Contractor as district attorney Justine Turner and Tim Lounibos as Judge Sullivan, both returning to the courtroom on January 19 during a tense trial involving Willow (Katelyn MacMullen).
The Young and the Restless
Melissa Ordway, who plays Abby Newman Winters, is enjoying more screen time as her character faces challenges in her marriage with Devon, played by Bryton James, on January 23. Despite being taken off contract last year, her role remains vital.
Additionally:
- Roger Howarth is back as the intriguing villain Matt Clark, a character some fans thought was dead 20 years ago. His return on January 20 promises to escalate the ongoing conflict with Victor (Eric Braeden).
- Cait Fairbanks makes her return as Tessa Porter, sharing touching scenes with Daniel (Michael Graziadei) on January 21.
- Kate Linder returns as Esther Valentine, engaging in scenes at Crimson Lights with Phyllis (Michelle Stafford).
- Camryn Grimes’ Mariah gets a cryptic message on January 23, raising questions about the possible return of cult leader Ian Ward, portrayed by Ray Wise, with whom Grimes has expressed enthusiasm about working again.
- Valarie Pettiford as Amy Lewis and Zuleyka Silver’s Audra and Nathan Owens’ Holden will also be featured prominently in new episodes on January 23.
The Bold and the Beautiful
At B&B, Sydney Bullock’s character, Dylan, continues to build momentum. She shares scenes with Crew Morrow’s Liam this week, and her role’s importance in upcoming story arcs seems to grow, making her a key player in the soap’s evolving landscape. Want to know everything about this rising star? You can find more details here.
And this is the part most people miss: The world of soap operas is unpredictable — what could be a shocking exit today might be a surprise comeback tomorrow. Could your favorite character still be lurking behind the scenes, waiting to reappear? Or will they truly leave viewers’ screens for good? These decisions often stir passionate debates among dedicated fans. What do you think? Are these changes welcome or do they threaten the essence of your favorite shows? Drop your thoughts in the comments — because in the soap world, the only thing certain is more drama ahead.
