New Year soap bloodbath: Days of Our Lives lays-off FOUR young actors after string of tragedies… with ‘blindsided’ cast now living in ‘fear’

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Soap operas are known for surprising departures, dramatic storylines, and, as seen on Days of Our Lives, sometimes replacing actors with new ones.

Even the most experienced actors on the soap opera were shocked when four cast members were unexpectedly let go after the holiday break.

The popular daytime drama has recently faced challenges with cast members’ health issues, on-screen deaths, and changes in the writing team. Now, the Daily Mail reports that Carson Boatman, Raven Bowens, Ashley Puzemis, and Leo Howard have been let go from the show.

It’s a little surprising that the soap opera let go of four younger actors, especially since they’ve been actively trying to attract Gen Z and Millennial viewers with fresh, new faces.

According to the Daily Mail, the start of the new year brought dramatic and shocking events to the television show Days of Our Lives after the show returned from its Christmas break.

Four actors—Carson Boatman, Raven Bowens, Ashley Puzemis, and Leo Howard—were fired right after the show started filming again following the holiday break. The decision came as a surprise to many.

The show ‘Days’ made a big cast change. Last week, all four actors were unexpectedly fired just after the show returned from its holiday break. They were completely surprised by the decision, particularly Carson, who was actively discussing a new contract at the time.

Thirty-one-year-old Boatman began playing Johnny DiMera on the show in 2020. Johnny is married to Chanel DiMera (played by Bowens), and fans affectionately refer to the couple as ‘Janel’.

Let me tell you about one couple’s journey – it’s been quite a rollercoaster! They actually first got married at Christmas in 2021, but things fell apart quickly when it came out that Johnny was dealing with some… well, let’s just say a very difficult situation involving demonic possession, and a regrettable mistake. Thankfully, they found their way back to each other, and had a beautiful Valentine’s Day wedding in 2024. They were thrilled when Chanel became pregnant six months later, but sadly, they experienced a heartbreaking miscarriage. But their family wasn’t meant to be denied! They welcomed their son, Trey, through adoption in November, and they’re now a complete and happy family. It just goes to show you, love truly can conquer all!

The story arc appeared to be building towards a lasting romance for the young DiMera couple, and the actor playing the role has recently indicated he intends to stay with the show for the foreseeable future.

He told E! News at the November celebration for Days of Our Lives that he’d be willing to sign a contract for 25 or even 50 years if the opportunity arose.

Boatman performs with the Dayplayers, a band featuring his ‘Days of Our Lives’ co-stars Eric Martsolf, Wally Kurth, and Brandon Barash. The group has scheduled ten performances, starting in Florida on January 24th.

At the same event, actress Victoria Bowens, 35, who plays Chanel DiMera on the show, hinted at exciting things to come for her character, telling E! News that ‘a lot is coming up.’

Bowens explained that their characters are navigating the challenges of being working parents, especially since their baby came as a surprise. They’re still adjusting to this new reality when a big, unexpected event will shake things up even further.

Okay, so she said there are TWO surprises! Two! And get this – she hinted one will be amazing, like a total miracle, but the other… oh, the other is going to be heartbreaking. A tragedy, she actually said that! I’m already on the edge of my seat, I can’t even breathe! She told us to stay tuned, and honestly, how can I not?! I’m glued to everything she does, waiting for these reveals. This is going to be HUGE.

Bowens, who took over the role of Chanel in July 2021 from Precious Way, recently told Dishin Days that she and Boatman are building a relationship that could last a long time, potentially becoming a legendary couple.

I’m hesitant to admit it, but I believe we’ve reached a point where it’s become Chanel, Johnny, and me, and I’m not sure viewers would accept us being separated. It feels good to be part of a strong dynamic, and also to be included with the newer couples.

Twenty-four-year-old Puzemis began playing Holly Tate on the show in 2023. Holly is the daughter of Nicole Walker and the late Daniel Jonas. In December, Puzemis received Soap Central’s award for Best Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama.

In April 2024, Howard, age 28, took over the role of Tate Black, who is the son of Brady Black and Theresa Donovan and a romantic interest for Holly. He replaced Jamie Martin Mann in the part.

The two characters were caught in a complicated romantic situation involving Sophia Choi (Rachel Boyd). They broke up when Sophia became pregnant, but later got back together after she gave the baby up for adoption.

The layoffs were completely unexpected, according to a source close to the show, who said there had been no indication they were coming. Now, other members of the cast are reportedly worried about their own jobs.

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve been following this situation closely, and let me tell you, the recent departures really shook everyone up. It wasn’t just the four actors who left, but the entire cast and crew were deeply affected. The feeling is that if it could happen to those with significant roles, it could happen to anyone, creating a lot of uncertainty and worry on set.

Everyone is feeling really anxious, confused, and scared right now. The actors were looking forward to starting work again, but they were shocked to find out four key people had lost their jobs upon their return.

It’s currently unknown whether the recent job cuts will lead to four cast members leaving the soap opera, which debuted on NBC in 1965, or if the roles will be filled by new actors. The show has a history of recasting, so that remains a possibility.

Recently, there have been a few changes in roles: Alice Halsey now plays Rachel Black, taking over from Finley Rose Slater, and Boyd is now playing Sophia, replacing Madelyn Kientz.

Conner Floyd, previously known for his role on The Young and the Restless, will start playing Chad DiMera in April, taking over from Billy Flynn. Casting announcements haven’t been made yet for the roles of Ari Hernandez, Javi Hernandez, and Thomas DiMera, but new actors will be taking on those parts later this year.

Boatman says he has no regrets about his time on the show and is very thankful for the last five years, according to an interview with the Daily Mail.

He expressed deep affection and appreciation for everyone at the organization, from the leaders to the staff. He said it was both sad and fulfilling to be leaving, as he greatly valued his time there – the hallways, the sound stages, and all the memories made. He recalled many moments of both joy and sadness shared by everyone involved, including himself.

‘I am genuinely so excited to see what the future holds for me, as well as the show.’

Since episodes of the show are filmed ten months before they air, Boatman – who is married and has a child – will continue to appear on screen for quite a while.

He also wanted to add a quick note of thanks, saying he was deeply grateful for all the support Johnny had received. Because the show is filmed so far ahead of time, viewers will continue to see Johnny on screen for some time to come.

Significant changes to the cast have occurred since Paula Cwikly and Jeanne Marie Ford became co-head writers in July 2024. Their work began appearing on screen in April 2025.

The show has seen a lot of changes lately, including new cast members, as well as some sad losses and health issues among the team.

The show recently mourned the loss of several beloved actors. John Aniston, known for his role as Victor Kiriakis, passed away in 2022 at age 89. Last year also saw the deaths of Bill Hayes (Doug Williams, 98), Wayne Northrop (Detective Roman Brady, 77), and Drake Hogestyn (John Black, 70).

Recently, the cast of Days of Our Lives has seen the loss of several beloved actors, including Peggy McKay, who played Caroline Brady, Joseph Mascolo, famous for his role as Stefano DiMera, and Frances Reid, who portrayed family matriarch Alice Horton.

Suzanne Rogers, a popular actress on the show since 1973, revealed last year she was battling stage 2 colon cancer. After several months of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, she happily returned to filming in November.

2024 also saw the departure of Arianne Zucker, who had played Nicole Walker on the show for over twenty years. Her contract wasn’t renewed following a lawsuit she filed against director and executive producer Albert Alarr, in which she alleged sexual harassment and discrimination. She claimed he would often grab and tightly hug her, and intentionally pressed her breasts against his chest while saying, “Oh Ari!”

Alarr lost his job and they settled last October. He denied the allegations.

Regarding recent cast departures, a representative for Days stated they don’t discuss individual contracts, but they greatly value the actors who portray the characters. These changes, which may seem abrupt, are actually planned as part of the show’s overall story arc. The aim is to honor the show’s past while also moving it forward creatively. Because episodes take a while to produce, viewers won’t see these changes on screen right away.

The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Howard, Bowens and Puzemis for comment.

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2026-01-13 18:07