'Days of our Lives' Digital Series to Feature Billy Flynn, Kate Mansi and Austin Peck

Fans of Days of our Lives will soon be able to go beyond the show’s broadcast stories when the daytime drama series launches its new original companion series, Days of our Lives: The Digital Series.

The first season of the new digital series premieres Thursday, August 1, on The DOOL App with an eight-episode arc titled “Chad and Abby in Paris.” The first three episodes will be available immediately with the remaining five episodes released weekly thereafter. The episodes will also be available on the NBC app and NBC.com one week after streaming on The DOOL App. Each episode will be approximately 6-10 minutes in length.

The DOOL App, which was recently launched as an all-access platform for fans of Days of our Lives, is the first and only app exclusively dedicated to a daytime soap opera. The launch of the digital series marks the first time a daytime drama series has spawned an original streaming series to complement the broadcast show.

Robin Strasser Joins 'Days of our Lives'

Daytime Emmy winning actress Robin Strasser has joined the cast of Days of our Lives. Strasser confirmed the rumors of her casting in a tweet on Wednesday.

"THEY called-I JUMPED -You can't SAY #SupportThe4 & NOT let them in when they KNOCK on your door- #DOOL yes;-)," she wrote.

Strasser previously starred in multiple soap opera roles, including portrayals of two iconic characters, Dorian Lord on One Life to Live and Rachel Davis on Another World. Look for her to turn up as another memorable lady on Days in late summer.

Arianne Zucker Returning to 'Days of our Lives' in 2019

Arianne Zucker is back on set and shooting another return to Days of our Lives, set for next year. According to the DOOL App, after "making guest appearances in 2018, Arianne will reprise her role as Nicole Walker in 2019." The show promises "thrilling and hard-hitting scenes" with Greg Vaughan, Eric Martsolf, Kristian Alfonso and Gilles Marini.

Does this mean Nicole is alive? Will she play Nicole's ghost? Stay tuned.

Zucker has been nominated for three Daytime Emmy Awards for her portrayal of Nicole on Days. She also won an Indie Series Award earlier this year for her work in Ladies of the Lake.

Thia Megia Joins 'Days of our Lives' as Haley

Thia Megia - Photo by: Chris Haston/NBC

Former American Idol contestant Thia Megia has joined the cast of Days of our Lives. She will be playing Haley.

The 23-year-old was the youngest contestant ever to appear on American Idol when she competed during Season 10 in 2011.

As an actress, Megia has appeared in Pop Music High, Totally TV and A.S.S. (A Scary Sleepover).

Her first Days airdate has not yet been revealed.

Brandon Barash Will Play Stefan on 'Days of our Lives' While Tyler Christopher Takes Leave of Absence

Tyler Christopher is taking a leave of absence from NBC soap opera Days of our Lives. While the Emmy-winning actor is out, his former General Hospital co-star Brandon Barash will fill in as Stefan DiMera, according to Daytime Confidential.

There is no word on how long Christopher will be gone from the set.

In the meantime, Barash — who played Johnny Zacharra on the ABC daytime dramafrom 2007 to 2016, overlapping with Christopher's 1996-2016 tenure on the show — temporarily will take the role of Days' Stefan.
Christopher debuted as Stefan O. DiMera, the previously unknown son of the show's longtime villain Stefano DiMera and Vivian Alamain, in late 2017. He won an Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series Daytime Emmy in 2016 for his work on GH.

Since leaving General Hospital, Barash's TV credits have included Major Crimes, Timeless, Scorpion, Lucifer and The Last Ship.

Stacy Haiduk Joins 'Days of our Lives' as Susan/Kristen

Former The Young and the Restless and All My Children actress Stacy Haiduk has joined the cast of Days of our Lives. She will be appearing as Susan Banks next week, and will arrive in Salem just in time for John and Marlena'wedding.

Days head writer Ron Carlivati previews the explosive week to come in the new issue of Soap Opera Digest.

"It's such a fun character, and I had a very important story reason for her to be in town," he explains. "She has a long history with John and Marlena. And even though she was pretty over-the-top and wielding shotguns and trying to kill everybody in Memphis, I have a soft spot for the character."

Will Haiduk also be playing Kristen DiMera?

"I have to say that it is very likely and possible that Kristen might make an appearance," Carlivati teases.

The roles were previously played by Emmy winner Eileen Davidson.

Linsey Godfrey Joins 'Days of our Lives' as Sarah Horton

Linsey Godfrey has joined the cast of Days of our Lives as Sarah Horton.

Maggie Horton (Suzanne Rogers) gave birth to Sarah in December 1981. She agreed to be the surrogate mother for an anonymous donor who turned to be Evan Whyland (Lane Davies). When Sarah was a teenager, it was revealed that Neil Curtis (Joseph Gallison) was actually her father.

Over a nine year period, Sarah was played by Colin Lewis, Anthony Seaward, Katie Krell, Lisa Brinegar, Shauna Lane-Block, Aimee Brooks and Alli Brown. The character has not been seen since 1991.

Godfrey was thrilled the news of her casting was revealed, and on her birthday!

"I'm such a lucky birthday girl!!" she wrote. "I’m so excited and honored to join the incredible cast of @nbcdays! Thank you Greggy for your kind words! I love to remind him that he chose me especially when I’m harassing him on set haha! @greg_vaughan ❤️"

Godfrey began taping in May and will first air in the fall. She is best known for her portrayal of Caroline Spencer on The Bold and the Beautiful, earning three Daytime Emmy Award nominations for her work.

Stephen Nichols Leaving 'Days of our Lives' as Steve Johnson

Stephen Nichols has been a favorite of Days of our Lives fans since he first appeared as Steve "Patch" Johnson in 1985, and many fans rooted for his return during the times he was off the canvas. Viewers are about to have enter another Patch-less period in Salem as the actor is leaving the NBC soap opera once again.

In a new Instagram post, Nichols says, “Days of Our Lives is home and I want to be there,” but he indicates that the current writing regime let him (as well as Patch/Kayla fans) down.

“I’ve been in this business long enough to understand the rotation of stories, and I get that we can’t always be at the forefront,” writes the veteran actor, “and despite my disappointment in the lack of story this past year, I’ve always worked hard and we’ve always tried to find the moments in whatever we’ve been given. I think we did that.”

Nichols goes on to hint that although he has parted ways with Days and is reportedly set to last appear on-screen in September, he is open to again sporting an eye patch, under the right circumstances.

“I know that there are still years of Steve and Kayla’s story left to be told,” he writes. “I hope we get to tell that story.”

For me, Days of Our Lives is home and I want to be there … I love the people, I love Steven Earl Johnson and I love what Mary Beth and I have been able to create together. I was excited to see what this new team would bring for us and for all of Salem. I’ve been in this business long enough to understand the rotation of stories, and I get that we can’t always be at the forefront. And despite my disappointment in the lack of story this past year, I’ve always worked hard and we’ve always tried to find the moments in whatever we’ve been given. I think we did that. Whenever I see a scene or montage you guys post, I am so touched and I remember just how much story we told for so many years and how rich it was. I’m so grateful for that. And I know that there are still years of Steve and Kayla’s story left to be told. I hope we get to tell that story. Your unwavering support tells me you hope that too. Thank you and much love, Stephen #Days @marybeth.evans #patchandkaylaforever

A post shared by Stephen Nichols (@stephen_e_nichols) on Jun 28, 2018 at 4:57pm PDT

Nichols has been a wonderful ambassador for Days so it's sad to see him go. If NBC canceled the soap tomorrow, hiring him back would be a top priority as the iconic series came to a close. But like many a casting decision before, production companies don't always give fans what they want until it's too late. History will determine how this move is looked upon down the road.

RELATED:
- Stephen Nichols & Mary Beth Evans Preview Steve & Kayla's 'Days of our Lives' Wedding (2017)
- 50 Greatest Soap Actors: #41 Stephen Nichols (2010)

Stacy Haiduk Joining 'Days of our Lives' as Kristen DiMera?

Former The Young and the Restless and All My Children actress Stacy Haiduk is joining the cast of NBC soap opera Days of our Lives as Kristen DiMera, according to multiple reports.

Kristen has previously been portrayed by Eileen Davidson--who also played lookalikes Susan, Mary Moira, Thomas and Penelope Banks--on and off from 1993 until 2017.

"Stacy is killing it on Days," says a Daytime Confidential source.. "Maybe they can create a new role for Eileen?"

NBC has yet to confirm the news.

Christopher Sean Leaving 'Days of our Lives'

Christopher Sean has to decided to leave NBC soap opera Days of our Lives and the role of Paul Narita. Sean taped his final episode on May 25 but will continue airing until fall due to the show's advanced taping schedule.

Sean joined Days as Paul in November 2014. His credits include Hawaii Five-0, The Bay and The Lizzie Bennet Diaries.

The actor already has a new gig lined up: He announced in April that he had been cast in the new animated Disney series, Star Wars Resistance.

Arianne Zucker Returning to 'Days of our Lives' This Fall

Three-time Daytime Emmy nominee Arianne Zucker played Nicole Walker on NBC soap opera Days of our Lives for 19 years before she left to pursue other projects in 2017. At the time, she did want to be tied to a contract but was open to a return. That return will happen this fall when Nicole will make her way back to Salem for a story arc.

Since leaving Days, Zucker has made her way to primtime, filming several TV movies including Web Cam Girls, Mommy Be Mine and Blind at 17.

She also appeared in the first season of digital drama Ladies of the Lake, winning an Indie Series Award in April for her portrayal of Lisa Roth. Based on the Ken Corday novel of the same name, Ladies of the Lake was executive produced by Corday, Michael Caruso and Zucker's ex-husband and former co-star, Kyle Lowder, who will also be returning to Days this year. Zucker returns for Season 2 of the series, Ladies of the Lake: Return to Avalon, when it premieres June 19 on Amazon.

Kyle Lowder Returning to 'Days of our Lives'

Kyle Lowder, who won an Indie Series Award last month for his work in digital drama Ladies of the Lake, is returning to NBC soap opera Days of our Lives later this year. Lowder previously played Brady Black on Days from 2000-05.

According to Soap Opera Digest, Lowder is back filming at Days but the details of his return are being kept under wraps for now.

"Days has always been very close to my heart," Lowder tells Digest. "To be part of this family and this energy again is truly special to me."

Eric Martsolf, who assumed the role of Brady in 2008, and won a Daytime Emmy in 2014, is not going anywhere, reports Digest.

Days head writer Ron Carlivati responded to the news with a cryptic tweet: "A Very Brady Sequel??? #days"

Check out Lowder's Indie Series Awards win in the clip below.

Marci Miller Leaving 'Days of our Lives', Kate Mansi to Return as Abigail

Marci Miller, who joined the cast of Days of our Lives as Abigail in 2016, has opted not to renew her contract and will wrap filming this month, reports Daytime Confidential's Jillian Bowe.

"Marci has been planning this for awhile," an insider tells Soap Opera Digest. "But it still came as a surprise to a lot of people at the studio."

Kate Mansi, who played the role before Miller from 2011-16, will be back this summer for a short-term stay.

Robert Scott Wilson Back on Contract at 'Days of our Lives'

Robert Scott Wilson is back on contract NBC soap opera Days of our Lives, according to Soap Opera Digest.

"I'm really grateful," the actor tells the magazine. "There is still so much with Ben [Weston]; he's so layered and such a fun character to play. I just like jumping back into him. I love what Ron [Carlivati, head writer] and the whole team has been doing with him thus far, so I’m really excited to see where they take him after this."

Gilles Marini Joins 'Days of our Lives' as Ted

Switched at Birth star Gilles Marini has joined the cast of NBC soap opera Days of our Lives, according to EW.com. Marini will play an attorney named Ted who finds himself drawn to Kate Roberts DiMera (Lauren Koslow).

In addition to his role as Angelo Sorrento in Switched at Birth, Marini has played Sebastien Dussault on Devious Maids, Luc Laurent in Brothers & Sisters and Dr. Ghode on The Bold and the Beautiful.

Look for Marini to make his Days debut in early June. He is expected to stick around for a few months.

Jamie Lynn Bauer Returning to 'Days of our Lives' For At Least One Episode in 2018

In mid-November, daytime icon Jaime Lyn Bauer made her first Facebook posts in over a year, updating fans on what's been going on in her life. She also revealed she would be returning to NBC soap opera Days of our Lives next year in the role of Laura Horton, Jennifer's mother.

"Shooting at least one show for Days of Our Lives, the week after Thanksgiving," Bauer revealed. "I'll keep you apprised of the air date and if there will be more than one!"

Bauer rose to fame as Lorie Brooks on CBS's The Young and the Restless during its first decade. She recently shared a picture of the Brooks family from the early Y&R years. Check it out below.

Jen Lilley Returning to 'Days of our Lives' as Theresa Donovan

Jen Lilley is returning to NBC soap opera Days of our Lives as Theresa Donovan, according to Soap Opera Digest.

When she left Days in November 2016, Lilley told Digest she’d be open to a return.

“I would definitely go back to Days of our Lives and play Theresa," she said. "I would be devastated if they recast the character without calling me first. I would love to reprise that role. In a perfect world, I would keep playing Theresa, just like how Eileen Davidson [Ashley, Y&R] has played Kristen. I would come back and do some arcs. That would be amazing. I know they say never say never, but if I were ever on a soap, it would be Days, because that’s really where I found a home.”

Lilley's Theresa will make her return in May 2018.

Greg Rikaart Joins 'Days of our Lives'

Emmy Award-winning actor Greg Rikaart has joined the cast of NBC soap opera Days of our Lives. According TV Line, Rikaart will appear in a multi-episode arc that will begin in the spring. There is no word on who Rikaart will be playing and how his character will be mixing things up in Salem.

Rikaart, who was taken off contract at The Young and the Restless earlier this year after playing Kevin Fisher since 2003, was recently seen back on screen.

Rikaart's new Days gig will not prevent him from continuing to recur on Y&R.

Robert Scott Wilson Returning to 'Days of our Lives' as Ben

Robert Scott Wilson is returning to NBC soap opera Days of our Lives as Ben Weston, aka The Necktie Killer.

"Honored and excited to Bring Ben back to his old stomping grounds," the actor tells Soap Opera Digest. "I couldn't have asked for a better entrance back to Salem — when no one sees it coming. Bad times don’t last, but bad guys do."

Last seen on the soap in 2016, Wilson will start airing again during the week of September 25.

Wilson previously starred as Pete Cortlandt on All My Children.

Victoria Konefal Joining 'Days of our Lives' as Ciara Brady

Victoria Konefal has joined the cast of NBC soap opera Days of our Lives as the new Ciara Brady.

"I am beyond happy to be joining the Days of our Lives family!" the actress tells Soap Opera Digest, adding a message to the fans: "Looking forward to sharing this incredible experience with all of you!"

Her previous credits include ABC comedy Modern Family, and a role in the film The Wrong Crush. She also filmed the movie Deadly Exchange with daytime alums Lindsay Hartley (ex-Theresa, Passions et al), Jason Shane-Scott (ex-Will, One Life to Live), who wrote the script, and Cynthia Watros (ex-Annie, Guiding Light et al).

Konefal will make her Salem debut in early December.