Days of our Lives Comings and Goings: Villainess and Fan Favorite Back

Days of our Lives Casting News: Fan Favorites and a Cunning Villainess Return to Shake Up Salem

The drama in Salem is about to escalate as Days of our Lives welcomes back not one, but two beloved — and in one case, infamous — characters.

As we move into the week of July 7, 2025, the latest casting updates from the Peacock soap promise intense confrontations, emotional reunions, and a new layer of intrigue that will keep longtime fans glued to their screens.

Whether you’re curious about comebacks, fresh faces, or who might be exiting the canvas, this week’s casting developments have something for every Days devotee.

Emily O’Brien Makes a Dual Impact

On Tuesday, July 8, Emily O’Brien reprises her role as Gwen Rizczech, one of Salem’s most complex and manipulative characters.

Gwen first exploded onto the scene in 2020 as the troubled daughter of Jack Deveraux (Matthew Ashford), bringing chaos, deception, and heartbreak in her wake. After a tumultuous run, the character departed town in October 2023 under mysterious circumstances.

However, fans were in for a surprise when O’Brien appeared in the very same episode as a recast Theresa Donovan — creating one of the most talked-about dual-role twists in recent soap history.

Now, Gwen is officially back, and Salem better watch out. O’Brien is set to share scenes with Casey Moss’ JJ Deveraux — Gwen’s ex and Jack’s son — and Paul Telfer’s Xander,

whose past with Gwen includes romantic entanglements, betrayal, and unfinished business. Whether Gwen returns with revenge on her mind or a hidden agenda yet to unfold, one thing’s certain: sparks will fly.

Judi Evans Returns as Bonnie Kiriakis

The surprises don’t stop there. Judi Evans, a soap veteran and fan favorite, returns to her role as Bonnie Kiriakis on Wednesday, July 9. Evans has portrayed various characters over her decades on the show, but it’s Bonnie — the brash, big-hearted troublemaker with a past — who has truly carved out a place in Salem’s tapestry. Bonnie has been absent from the canvas for several months, but her reappearance promises emotional resonance.

Viewers can expect to see Bonnie interacting with Linsey Godfrey’s Sarah Horton, a dynamic that has always mixed comedy, warmth, and just the right amount of drama.

Could Bonnie be returning with news about Justin? Or is she about to get entangled in one of Salem’s many baby dramas or Kiriakis family conflicts?

Who’s Leaving, Who’s New?

As of this week, no official cast exits or new arrivals in recurring or contract roles have been announced. However, as is often the case with Days of our Lives, surprises tend to drop without warning. Fans would do well to keep a close eye on the credits and any mysterious new faces popping up in Salem’s town square or hospital corridors.

Fan Theories Welcome

If you’ve got a theory about what brings Gwen back to town — or whether Bonnie is about to shake things up at the Kiriakis mansion — you’re not alone. Days fans are known for their passionate speculation. Have an idea you want to share?

The week ahead promises to be riveting — with returns like these, Salem is never short on secrets, schemes, and shocking twists.