Salem has always been a town where secrets, romance, and high-stakes drama collide, but Days of Our Lives fans are now buzzing with speculation over a potential game-changing return.

The question on everyone’s mind: is the show setting the stage for Joy to return to town—with Alex’s baby in tow? Recent episodes and subtle narrative clues suggest the answer could be

a resounding yes, and the implications for relationships, rivalries, and holiday drama in Salem are enormous.

Alex and Stephanie: A Couple at Odds

At the center of the brewing storm are Alex (Robert Scott Wilson) and Stephanie (Abigail Klein). The pair recently shared quality time with Chanel (Raven Bowens) and her adorable baby, Trey—a moment that should have been heartwarming but instead planted the seeds for tension. Stephanie’s offhand remark about the joy of returning a baby to its parents struck a nerve with Alex, highlighting a growing disconnect between them on the topic of starting a family.

Their ensuing conversation revealed a stark truth: Alex is ready to embrace fatherhood, while Stephanie is not quite prepared to take that step. This disagreement may seem mundane on the surface, but in Salem, differences like these rarely remain small. For longtime viewers, it was the first clear signal that Days of Our Lives is laying the groundwork for a major plot twist—and one that fans have been anticipating for years.

The Return of Joy: History and Hints

Joy (AlexAnn Hopkins) has long been a fan favorite, remembered not only for her fiery personality but also for her brief, passionate connection with Alex. Their romance began during their time on Body & Soul, but when the show ended, Alex returned to Stephanie, and Joy left town. Unknown to Alex, Joy was pregnant at the time—a secret she deliberately kept as she pursued a job opportunity in New York City.

This history sets up a classic soap opera scenario. With Alex and Stephanie now out of sync about having children, fans are convinced that Joy and her baby are poised for a dramatic return. The narrative tension is palpable: Alex may soon discover he has a child he never knew about, thrusting him into a complex emotional landscape while reigniting unresolved feelings for Joy.

Fan Reactions: Theories and Speculation

The fan community has been abuzz with theories since the episodes aired. A recent Reddit thread dedicated to Days of Our Lives lit up as viewers analyzed every scene for clues. One fan jokingly remarked, “Gee, I wonder if Joy is about to have that baby,” while another warned, “Were the hints too subtle?”

Yet others dug deeper, piecing together a more elaborate theory: “Here’s what we’ve been talking about for the last couple of months! Looks like Alex is ready to be a father & Stephanie wants to wait. And here comes Joy with little Alex Jr., to finally make Stalex interesting. Throw in a possible kidnapping of Stephanie & Christmas comes early for me 🤣.”

The excitement is understandable. Soap operas thrive on long-lost children, love triangles, and explosive reunions, and Joy’s potential return ticks every box. The combination of Alex’s newfound paternal instinct and Stephanie’s reluctance to start a family creates a fertile ground for drama, tension, and emotional storytelling.

Winter Promos and Subtle Teases

Adding fuel to the speculation, Days of Our Lives recently released a winter promo teasing the return of several beloved characters. While Joy’s name wasn’t explicitly mentioned, the focus on Alex and Stephanie’s upcoming wedding has fans reading between the lines. In typical soap fashion, a marriage rarely proceeds without complications—especially in Salem.

For many viewers, the promo signals that Joy and Alex’s baby may arrive on the scene sooner rather than later. The timing couldn’t be more perfect: Alex and Stephanie’s disagreement about children sets the stage for a dramatic reveal, potentially during holiday festivities when emotions run high and every secret is at risk of exposure.

Potential Storylines: High Drama Ahead

If Joy does return with the baby, the narrative possibilities are endless. Imagine Alex grappling with the shock of sudden fatherhood while Stephanie processes feelings of betrayal and jealousy. The tension between loyalty, love, and responsibility would drive episodes of compelling drama, reminiscent of classic Salem storylines where personal desires clash with familial obligations.

Joy’s reappearance could also reignite unresolved tensions between her and Stephanie, setting up a love triangle that tests allegiances and friendships. Meanwhile, the presence of the baby introduces stakes far higher than romantic rivalry—Alex’s paternal role becomes a pivotal element, influencing every decision he makes and every interaction with both women.

Impact on Salem’s Social Web

Beyond the immediate love triangle, Joy’s return would ripple across Salem’s social landscape. Friends and family would inevitably be drawn into the drama, choosing sides or acting as mediators. Longtime residents like Belle, Brady, and Chanel could find themselves caught in the crossfire, providing both guidance and comic relief, while newcomers would react to the sudden reentry of a character who left with unfinished business.

The arrival of Joy’s baby could also create suspenseful plotlines involving mistaken identity, custody battles, or even a kidnapping arc—classic soap elements that fans eagerly anticipate each season. Every Thanksgiving and holiday gathering could suddenly transform into a tense battlefield where loyalty, love, and morality collide.

Fan Expectations and the Soap Formula

For Days of Our Lives viewers, the potential return of Joy is emblematic of why they remain devoted to Salem’s stories. Soap operas excel at weaving past and present, exploiting unresolved plot threads to create heightened emotional stakes. In this instance, Joy’s reappearance offers not only a romantic twist but also a generational one, linking Alex’s past choices to his future responsibilities.

Fans are not just hoping for Joy’s return—they’re demanding it. Social media is buzzing with anticipation, theories, and debates about how the show will unfold this storyline. Will Alex embrace fatherhood with joy or trepidation? How will Stephanie respond to the revelation, and can the couple navigate this emotional minefield? Soap opera formula suggests chaos, heartbreak, and dramatic confrontations—exactly what viewers live for.

The Timing Couldn’t Be Better

Strategically, a return during the winter holiday season amplifies the drama. Holidays in Salem have historically been anything but calm, providing the perfect backdrop for major reveals, unexpected confrontations, and emotional reckonings. Joy’s entrance, accompanied by Alex’s baby, could upend not only his life but also the lives of everyone connected to him, setting off a chain reaction that reverberates across Salem.

Whether through tearful reunions, tense confrontations, or tender father-and-child moments, Joy’s storyline has the potential to dominate viewer conversations for weeks to come. The combination of past romance, hidden secrets, and the innocence of a newborn makes for a potent mix of soap opera drama.

Conclusion: A Return to Watch Closely

As Days of Our Lives continues to tease major developments, fans are keeping a close eye on Alex and Stephanie’s interactions, Joy’s possible return, and the arrival of her baby. The ingredients for an unforgettable story are all in place: unresolved romance, impending parenthood, and the emotional stakes that make Salem a town like no other.

Will Joy return with Alex’s child, reigniting old passions and sparking new conflicts? Only time will tell—but one thing is certain: the stage is set for a dramatic, tension-filled, and deeply emotional storyline that could reshape the relationships and alliances in Salem for years to come. Fans are ready, waiting, and speculating—because in Salem, every secret eventually finds its way to the surface.