Days of Our Lives has never been a soap that shies away from emotional upheaval, but the latest wave of speculation suggests Salem may soon be rocked by one of

its most devastating story arcs in years. Rumors are swirling that fan-favorite Joy Wesley could be poised for a dramatic return—just as Stephanie Johnson’s long-awaited happiness finally seems

within reach. If these whispers prove true, viewers could be witnessing a bittersweet “hello and goodbye,” with Joy’s reappearance triggering consequences so explosive

they may ultimately drive Stephanie out of Salem for good.

For a series that has captivated audiences since 1965, this kind of full-circle storytelling is classic Days. The show thrives on revisiting unfinished business, resurrecting buried secrets, and reminding viewers that in Salem, the past is never truly gone. At the heart of this potential storyline are three deeply intertwined characters: Stephanie Johnson, Alex Kiriakis, and Joy Wesley—each representing different chapters of love, growth, and unresolved fate.

Stephanie Johnson, portrayed with emotional depth and quiet strength by Abigail Klein, has long been one of Salem’s most relatable heroines. The daughter of legendary supercouple Steve “Patch” Johnson and Kayla Brady, Stephanie grew up amid danger, drama, and constant uncertainty. Yet she emerged determined to carve out her own identity—independent, ambitious, and yearning for the kind of stability her childhood rarely allowed. Over the years, Stephanie has endured heartbreak, professional setbacks, and terrifying trauma, including a chilling stalker ordeal that nearly cost her life. Through it all, she has remained resilient, even when happiness felt just out of reach.

That happiness finally seemed to arrive in the form of Alex Kiriakis.

Played by Robert Scott Wilson, Alex is the quintessential Kiriakis heir—wealthy, confident, charming, and initially reckless. As the son of Justin Kiriakis and the nephew of the late Victor Kiriakis, Alex inherited both privilege and pressure. When he first arrived in Salem, he was known more for his playboy antics than his emotional depth. But over time, Alex began to change. His relationship with Stephanie marked a turning point, forcing him to confront his flaws and envision a future built on more than fleeting pleasure.

Their romance was far from easy. Misunderstandings, outside threats, and emotional baggage tested their bond repeatedly. Yet each challenge seemed to strengthen their connection, culminating in a moment fans had been waiting for: Alex’s heartfelt marriage proposal. The scene was pure Days romance—intimate, emotional, and filled with promise. Stephanie’s tearful acceptance symbolized not just love, but triumph over the chaos that had defined so much of her life.

Wedding plans soon followed. Venues were discussed, dresses imagined, and dreams of a shared future openly embraced. For the first time in a long while, Stephanie allowed herself to believe in a fairy-tale ending.

But in Salem, fairy tales rarely come without a devastating twist.

Enter Joy Wesley.

Joy, portrayed memorably by AlexAnn Hopkins, burst onto the scene with a blend of youthful energy, vulnerability, and quiet complexity. As Chanel Dupree’s sister, Joy quickly became entwined in Salem’s social fabric, forming bonds that left a lasting impact—especially with Alex. Their connection was intense, passionate, and emotionally charged, hinting at something deeper than casual attraction. However, Joy’s time in Salem ended abruptly, leaving behind unanswered questions and unresolved emotions.

One of those questions may be the most explosive of all.

Speculation has intensified that Joy left Salem carrying a secret—one that could change everything. During her final storyline, Joy discovered she was pregnant, and signs strongly suggested Alex was the father. Overwhelmed by fear, uncertainty, and the weight of the revelation, Joy chose silence. Instead of confronting Alex, she disappeared, embarking on a lonely journey into motherhood while the man who could have shared that path remained completely unaware.

If Joy returns now, the timing could not be more catastrophic.

Alex, having grown significantly since Joy’s departure, has repeatedly shown his desire for family and stability. His interactions with children and his reflections on his own upbringing reveal a man eager to be better than the generation before him. Fatherhood, in many ways, feels like the natural next step in his evolution. That yearning only heightens the emotional stakes if he suddenly learns he already has a child.

Imagine the scene: Stephanie and Alex are on the brink of their wedding. Joy walks back into Salem, no longer the uncertain young woman who left, but a mother—stronger, steadier, and carrying the truth. Whether she arrives with a baby in her arms or a small child by her side, the resemblance to Alex would be unmistakable. One revelation, one sentence, and the life Stephanie envisioned shatters instantly.

The fallout would be seismic.

Stephanie, blindsided and betrayed—intentionally or not—would be forced to confront a future she never agreed to share. Her pain would echo past heartbreaks, reopening wounds she fought so hard to heal. Alex, meanwhile, would be torn between his love for Stephanie and a newfound responsibility that cannot be ignored. Joy, carrying years of sacrifice and secrecy, would demand to be heard—not as a villain, but as a woman seeking acknowledgment and justice for her child.

The ripple effects would extend far beyond the trio. Chanel would be caught between joy at her sister’s return and guilt over the chaos it brings. The Kiriakis family would once again find itself embroiled in scandal, forced to navigate loyalty, legacy, and damage control. Steve and Kayla would rally around Stephanie, but even their unwavering support might not be enough to keep her in Salem.

Which brings viewers to the most heartbreaking possibility of all: Stephanie’s exit.

Devastated and disillusioned, Stephanie could choose to leave Salem behind, seeking a fresh start away from the memories of broken dreams. Whether that journey takes her to Seattle, Paris, or an entirely new chapter offscreen, her departure would mark a significant loss for the show—yet also a powerful, character-driven evolution. It would be a farewell steeped in emotion, resilience, and the promise that her story is not over, merely paused.

Of course, Days of Our Lives is famous for misdirection. Joy’s return is not officially confirmed, and the writers are masters of subverting expectations. The secret child could be a red herring. Stephanie and Alex might fight through the storm. Or Joy’s return could take an entirely different shape than fans expect.

Still, the clues are hard to ignore. Unfinished romances. Lingering glances. A history of baby bombshells that have fueled decades of iconic storytelling. This potential arc embodies everything Days does best—love tested by the past, choices that redefine the future, and emotional stakes that keep viewers glued to their screens.

Whether this storyline unfolds exactly as speculated or takes a shocking detour, one thing is certain: Salem is standing on the edge of a major turning point. If Joy Wesley says hello, Stephanie Johnson may be forced to say goodbye—and Days of Our Lives fans should brace themselves for a storyline that could go down as one of the most unforgettable in the show’s storied history.