The drama off-screen is just as exciting as the drama on-screen, with major returns, new faces, and a surprise recast shaking up your favorite daytime soaps. Here’s a rundown of the latest comings and goings for The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of Our Lives, General Hospital, and The Young and the Restless as we ring in the New Year.
General Hospital
After a long five-month absence, General Hospital fans can breathe a sigh of relief as James Patrick Stuart makes his highly anticipated return as the cunning Valentin Cassadine. Valentin’s mysterious disappearance in July raised plenty of questions, but his dramatic return on December 27th promises a thrilling storyline ahead. And it’s not just Valentin coming back—his daughter, Charlotte Cassadine, played by Scarlett Fernandez, is also making her grand return to the canvas. Charlotte, a fan favorite since 2014, will be seen in action starting Monday, December 30.
In other GH casting news, Braedyn Bruner takes over the role of Emma Drake, Anna’s (Finola Hughes) granddaughter. The young actress, who previously appeared in Full Out 2: You Got This!, will be stepping into Emma’s shoes after Brooklyn Rae Silzer wrapped up the role in 2023.
The Bold and the Beautiful
Fresh faces and exciting new developments are shaking up The Bold and the Beautiful. Murielle Hilaire has joined the cast as Daphne Rose, a character who will stir the pot for Carter (Lawrence Saint-Victor) and Hope (Annika Noelle). Hilaire’s impressive credits include The Ritual Killer and The Love Punch, and she’ll make her debut in early January, adding some heat to the already tense dynamics.
Meanwhile, Lisa Yamada returns to the show as Luna Nozawa. Luna, who’s been behind bars, will get another visit from Bill Spencer (Don Diamont) on December 30, 31, and January 2. Melanie Reif also reprises her role as Velez, the prison guard, during the same dates.
On the darker side, Christian Weissman continues to wreak havoc as Remy Price, bringing more chaos to Electra’s (Laneya Grace) world. Remy’s unsettling presence will be felt throughout the week, and fans can expect more spine-chilling moments. Meanwhile, Ashleigh Brewer, as Ivy Forrester, gets more screen time, bringing drama to her interactions with Hope, Carter, and Katie (Heather Tom) on December 30, 31, and January 2-3.
The Young and the Restless
The Young and the Restless fans have some exciting returns to look forward to as the New Year kicks off. Michael Damian, best known for his role as rock star Daniel Romalotti, makes his return on December 30. Daniel surprises Christine (Lauralee Bell) in a heartwarming reunion, bringing a touch of musical magic to the holiday season.
Colleen Zenk is back in action as the manipulative Jordan Howard, targeting a new victim on January 2. This return promises to stir up some serious drama. Meanwhile, Ray Wise reappears as the crafty Ian Ward on December 30 and January 3, engaging in intense confrontations with characters like Tessa (Cait Fairbanks) and Victor Newman (Eric Braeden). Ian’s masterful manipulation is sure to leave a trail of tension in his wake.
Days of Our Lives
Days of Our Lives has several notable comebacks as well. Madelyn Kientz returns as Sophia Choi, whose storyline is heating up in Salem. Fans can catch Sophia in scenes with Leo (Greg Rikaart) and Tate (Leo Howard) on December 30. But the drama doesn’t stop there—Sophia’s mother, Amy Choi, played by Shi Ne Nielsen, premieres on December 31. With credits in Charmed and Chasing Life, Nielsen’s Amy promises to bring some powerful moments to the screen.
Galen Gering continues his double-duty role as Rafe’s lookalike, Arnold Feniger, creating more chaos in Salem. This twisty storyline is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
On the exit front, Days bids farewell to fan-favorite couple Lani (Sal Stowers) and Eli (Lamon Archey). The pair wrapped up their storyline and headed back to Washington D.C., bringing their adorable twins, Jules and Carver, played by Dion and Raegen Yancy and Zyair and Zamir Ashford, respectively. While Lani and Eli’s time in Salem may be over for now, their departure leaves the door wide open for potential future returns.
As the year wraps up, the daytime soap scene is packed with intrigue, excitement, and drama, both on and off-screen. From familiar faces reappearing to new players shaking things up, 2024 is sure to bring plenty of twists and turns. Stay tuned!
