The Ultimate Guide To The Days Of Our Lives Cast: Who’s In, Who’s Out, And The Shocking December 2025 Plot Twists

The sands are definitely moving faster than ever through the hourglass in Salem, U.S.A., as of this December 10, 2025. With a landmark 60th Anniversary recently celebrated and a streaming-first approach on Peacock, the iconic soap opera, Days of Our Lives (DOOL), is experiencing one of its most dramatic periods in decades, fueled by shocking cast changes, high-profile returns, and a series of explosive plot twists that are leaving fans speechless. This comprehensive guide breaks down the current state of the cast and the must-know storylines dominating the screen right now.

From the mysterious disappearance of key members of the DiMera dynasty to a devastating health crisis for a fan-favorite veteran, the drama is non-stop. If you’re trying to keep up with the latest recasts—including a major shakeup for the role of Chad DiMera—or want the inside track on the current love triangles and corporate espionage, you’ve come to the right place. Dive into the fresh faces, beloved veterans, and the deep-dive spoilers that make Days of Our Lives the most talked-about daytime drama.

The Days of Our Lives Current Cast Roster: Veterans, Recasts, and Newcomers (December 2025)

The heart of Days of Our Lives has always been its core families: the Bradys, the Hortons, the Kiriakis, and the DiMeras. As the show navigates its seventh decade, the cast list remains a mix of legendary actors who have been with the show for decades and dynamic new talent stepping into iconic roles. Here is a look at the key players currently dominating the Salem landscape, including recent additions and significant recasts that have defined 2024 and 2025.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

• Deidre Hall (Marlena Evans): One of the longest-tenured actresses, Marlena continues to be the moral compass and a central figure, currently facing a major health crisis storyline.
• Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie Olson Williams): The second longest-tenured actor, representing the Horton family legacy.
• James Reynolds (Abe Carver): The beloved Mayor of Salem, whose personal life and political career remain central to the town’s narrative.
• Suzanne Rogers (Maggie Kiriakis): The matriarch of the Kiriakis family, often providing stability and wisdom amidst the chaos.
• Dan Feuerriegel (EJ DiMera): The current face of the DiMera empire, EJ is embroiled in a complex love life and the recent mystery of his missing family members.
• AnnaLynne McCord (Abigail Deveraux): Stepped into the role of Abigail in a high-profile recast, bringing a new dynamic to the Deveraux family’s troubled history.
• Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez): The latest actress to portray the fiery Gabi, a character perpetually linked to the DiMera drama and her relationship with Stefan.
• Conner Floyd (Chad DiMera): Took over the role of Chad DiMera, inheriting the character’s complex history with the DiMera family and his relationship with Abigail.
• Leo Howard (Tate Black): A newer addition to the cast, portraying Tate Black, son of Theresa Donovan and Brady Black, as he navigates his own young adult drama.
• Paul Telfer (Xander Cook): Continues to play the reformed bad boy, Xander, whose relationship woes are a constant source of drama.
• Greg Vaughan (Eric Brady): A popular veteran whose character is currently facing potential departure storylines.
• Michael Roark (Jeremy Horton): A recent recast bringing the character of Jeremy Horton back into the Salem fold.
• Tina Huang (Melinda Trask): A key recurring player who joined the cast in early 2025, essential to many legal and police storylines.
• Colton Little (Andrew Donovan): Another 2025 addition, often involved in the ISA and Salem PD plots.

Major Cast Returns and Exits That Defined 2025

The year 2025 has been marked by a revolving door of beloved characters, a classic feature of the soap opera world. These comings and goings have set the stage for the explosive storylines currently unfolding in December.

The Bo and Hope Reunion and Other High-Profile Returns

One of the most anticipated events of the year was the on-screen reunion of super-couple Bo Brady and Hope Brady, played by veterans Peter Reckell and Kristian Alfonso. Their return, which was teased for months, brought a massive surge of fan excitement and tied directly into the show’s 60th-anniversary celebrations in November 2025. This return has also set up potential new drama for the Brady family, who are central to the current December storylines.

In addition to Bo and Hope, 2025 saw the return of several other popular leading ladies, injecting fresh energy and old rivalries back into Salem. These returns often serve to reignite classic feuds or provide the emotional anchor for younger characters.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

Notable Departures and Recasts

While some actors returned, others said goodbye. The show saw the departure of several characters, including the potential exits of fan-favorites like Eric Brady (Greg Vaughan) and the young Thomas DiMera (Cary Christopher), whose departure is scheduled for early 2026. These shifts are crucial for creating new narrative space and setting up future plot lines. The recast of Chad DiMera from Billy Flynn to Conner Floyd was particularly significant, marking a new era for one of the show's most prominent young male leads.

The 5 Most Shocking Days of Our Lives Plot Twists Happening Right Now (December 2025 Spoilers)

Topical authority is built on knowing what's happening *now*. As December 2025 unfolds, Salem is a hotbed of mystery, romance, and corporate intrigue. Here are the most explosive plot twists currently dominating the screens and driving fan curiosity:

1. The Missing DiMeras Mystery Deepens

The most pressing mystery in Salem right now involves the disappearance of multiple members of the powerful DiMera family. This storyline is creating a vacuum of power within DiMera Enterprises and has put EJ DiMera (Dan Feuerriegel) on high alert. The mystery is set to deepen as EJ himself experiences a memory trigger that could hold the key to the disappearances, though he struggles to grasp the full picture.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

2. Marlena’s Health Crisis and the Horton Family’s Fear

Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall), a character who has survived multiple near-death experiences, is once again at the center of a devastating health crisis. This storyline is emotionally taxing for the entire Horton and Brady families, bringing many characters together and highlighting the deep bonds of the long-running super-families. Her struggles are a major focus during the holiday season.

3. Brady’s Heartbreaking Decision Regarding Rachel

Brady Black (Eric Martsolf) is facing one of the most difficult choices of his life: he realizes he must leave his daughter, Rachel, to get her the help she desperately needs. This agonizing decision is tearing the Brady family apart and is a key emotional driver in the current episodes, showcasing the lengths a father will go to for his child, even if it means a painful separation.

4. The EJ, Susan, and "Cat" Compromising Position

The drama surrounding EJ DiMera’s personal life is at an all-time high. Spoilers for the week of December 8-12, 2025, reveal that Susan Banks catches EJ and a character named "Cat" in a compromising position. This shocking moment is set to have major repercussions for EJ’s relationships and his standing within the DiMera family, adding a layer of scandalous intrigue to the corporate mystery.

5. Xander Cook's Relationship Turmoil

Xander Cook (Paul Telfer) is once again dealing with a massive relationship shakeup. Early spoilers indicated that Xander would be dumped in the late fall of 2025, and the fallout from this heartbreak is still very much alive in December. His volatile love life is a constant source of drama and keeps fans guessing about his next move, often leading him back to his more questionable, bad-boy tendencies.

The Ever-Evolving World of Days of Our Lives

The longevity of Days of Our Lives, which celebrated its 60th Anniversary in late 2025, is a testament to its ability to evolve while keeping its core characters and families central to the narrative. The move to the Peacock streaming service has allowed the show to push creative boundaries, resulting in the high-stakes, fast-paced drama we see today. The current focus on the DiMera family's troubles, coupled with the emotional weight of Marlena's health and Brady's sacrifice, ensures that the show continues to deliver on its promise of drama, romance, and surprises. The continuous cycle of recasts, such as the new Abigail and Chad, keeps the classic storylines fresh for a new generation of viewers, while the returns of legends like Bo and Hope satisfy the long-time loyal audience. As the year closes, the residents of Salem are bracing for a dramatic holiday season, proving that for this soap opera, the most shocking days are always ahead.