Salem is buzzing with drama, heartbreak, and shocking surprises, and not just on screen. The iconic Days of Our Lives has always been known for its ever-evolving cast,

but 2026 promises a particularly memorable year for fans, as the Peacock soap opera shakes up its roster with recasts, returns, and exciting new additions.

From long-awaited comebacks to legacy-filled debuts, here’s the full breakdown of what viewers can expect.

Dan Gauthier Steps Into Peter Blake – A Recasting That Has Fans Talking

After a 25-year absence, the enigmatic Peter Blake is returning to Salem, but this time with a fresh face. Originally portrayed by Baywatch alum Jason Brooks from 1993 to 1998, the character is poised for a dramatic reintroduction. Beginning December 19, Dan Gauthier will assume the role, bringing both charisma and depth to the complex figure.

Gauthier, best known for his portrayal of Kevin Buchanan on One Life to Live, also boasts a rich history in television and film, with credits spanning Ellen, Teen Witch, and Tour of Duty. Married to actress Lisa Fuller, Gauthier brings a seasoned presence to the role, and fans are eager to see how he navigates Peter Blake’s storied history, his entangled romances, and the personal demons that have long haunted him.

Peter Blake’s return promises to shake Salem to its core. With a legacy of betrayal, manipulation, and a knack for stirring trouble, the character’s reintroduction is a perfect storm for drama. Whether Peter’s back to reconcile past mistakes, rekindle old flames, or ignite new chaos, viewers are guaranteed a rollercoaster of suspense, intrigue, and the classic Days twists that keep audiences glued to their screens.

Wes Ramsey Returns as Owen Kent – The Gardener’s Dark Shadow Reemerges

After a 16-year hiatus, Wes Ramsey is reprising his role as Owen Kent, the obsessive gardener whose past infamy still haunts Salem. First appearing in 2009, Owen’s storyline captured attention with his dangerous fixation on Stephanie, culminating in a kidnapping plot that left viewers on edge.

Now, with the new winter promos teasing Steve and Brady searching for Stephanie, speculation runs rampant: is Owen involved again, or is another shadowy figure behind her disappearance? Ramsey’s return promises the perfect blend of nostalgia and suspense. At 48, the actor brings a maturity and gravitas to the role, transforming Owen from a one-dimensional antagonist into a character whose motives, obsession, and vulnerability will create high-stakes tension.

Fans can expect that Owen’s reappearance will not only serve as a thrilling callback for long-time viewers but will also inject new layers of mystery into current Salem storylines. As always, nothing in Salem is as it seems, and Owen Kent’s return may set off a chain reaction of secrets, confrontations, and shocking revelations.

Hank Northrop Joins as Liam Selejko – A Legacy and a Fresh Perspective

For those looking to embrace the next generation of Salem, Hank Northrop’s addition is a true landmark. Son of the late Wayne Northrop, the legendary Roman Brady, and Lynn Herring, famed for her role as Lucy Coe on General Hospital, Hank’s casting carries immense emotional weight and a deep connection to daytime television history.

Hank portrays Liam Selejko, a young man navigating the difficult waters between misbehavior and redemption. Introduced as Abe’s literacy mentee and Theo’s former tormentor, Liam’s story promises to explore themes of personal growth, accountability, and the long shadows cast by family legacy.

In a heartfelt interview with TV Insider, Hank recalled the emotional moment he learned he had booked the role. “It was on my birthday, January 9. I got the call, and I just immediately broke down in tears. It was like my dad had given me a birthday present, helping me through the trauma of losing him,” Hank shared. This casting is not just a professional milestone—it’s a deeply personal journey of healing, legacy, and connection to Salem’s iconic history.

Hank’s father, Wayne Northrop, was beloved for his decades-long portrayal of Roman Brady, and his passing in November 2024 left a void for fans and family alike. Hank’s debut as Liam is more than a new character—it’s a bridge connecting Salem’s past, present, and future, honoring his father’s legacy while charting a fresh path.

The Impact of These Cast Changes on Salem’s Storylines

The combination of recastings, returns, and fresh faces is more than just a reshuffling of actors—it fundamentally reshapes the fabric of Days of Our Lives. Each new or returning character brings potential for explosive storylines:

• Peter Blake’s return with Dan Gauthier opens the door for renewed rivalries, unresolved romance, and secret-filled plots. With decades of off-screen history, his arrival is likely to intersect with many of Salem’s long-standing power players, igniting conflicts that could span multiple households.
• Owen Kent’s return raises immediate questions about Stephanie’s fate and whether Salem is ready for another chapter of obsession, danger, and mystery. As a character whose presence is defined by suspense, Owen promises to keep audiences guessing at every turn.
• Liam Selejko adds the fresh energy of youth, family connection, and potential redemption arcs. His presence will impact key figures like Abe and Theo, creating emotional and generational dynamics that are both relatable and compelling for viewers.

Together, these cast developments signify a Salem that is alive, dynamic, and full of narrative possibility. The interplay between old faces and new arrivals creates fertile ground for stories of love, betrayal, ambition, and reconciliation—the very essence of what keeps fans invested in the show for decades.

Looking Ahead: What Fans Can Expect

As the 2026 season unfolds, viewers should brace for emotional intensity. The reintroduction of iconic characters like Peter Blake and Owen Kent will inevitably collide with fresh storylines like Liam Selejko’s journey of redemption. This delicate balance of nostalgia and innovation is Days of Our Lives at its best: honoring legacy while pushing the narrative forward.

Expect tense reunions, hidden agendas, and explosive confrontations. Peter Blake’s reemergence may force long-standing characters to confront past betrayals. Owen Kent’s shadowy motives will test the town’s resolve, while Liam Selejko’s arc offers both hope and tension, reminding audiences that Salem’s future rests on the shoulders of its new generation.

Additionally, the chemistry between returning and new characters is set to deepen the emotional stakes. Will old flames reignite? Will past secrets emerge to destabilize the present? And how will the younger characters, carrying the weight of their legacies, navigate a town filled with complex histories?

Conclusion: Salem Evolves, but the Drama Remains Timeless

The 2026 cast changes on Days of Our Lives represent more than mere personnel updates—they are a testament to the show’s enduring ability to reinvent itself while honoring decades of history. Dan Gauthier’s portrayal of Peter Blake, Wes Ramsey’s chilling return as Owen Kent, and Hank Northrop’s emotional debut as Liam Selejko illustrate a show in full creative motion, blending nostalgia, suspense, and emotional resonance.

For longtime fans, these updates offer thrilling callbacks and the promise of rich storytelling. For newer viewers, they provide dynamic entry points into the complex world of Salem, where every character carries secrets, motives, and potential for transformation.

Ultimately, the shifting cast is a reminder of why Days of Our Lives has endured for decades: it evolves without losing the heart of what makes daytime drama irresistible—love, betrayal, family, and the unpredictable chaos of life in Salem.

As 2026 unfolds, audiences can expect a year of shock, awe, and unforgettable storytelling. From recasts to returns and legacy-driven debuts, Salem is more alive, complicated, and dramatic than ever—and fans will be watching every twist, turn, and revelation with rapt attention.