Salem is buzzing with anticipation and excitement as Days of Our Lives fans prepare for a seismic shift in one of daytime television’s most iconic roles. Connor Floyd, celebrated for his compelling portrayal of

Chance Chancellor on The Young and the Restless, is set to take over the role of Chad DiMera, stepping into the shoes of the beloved Billy Flynn. Flynn’s portrayal of Chad for over

a decade made the character a fan favorite, but now a new chapter begins—a chapter that promises intrigue, emotion, and dramatic twists across Salem. This isn’t just a casting change.

It’s a pivotal moment in Days of Our Lives, marking a transition that will infuse the show with fresh energy, while retaining the complex, layered storytelling that fans have come to adore. Connor Floyd has already offered tantalizing hints about his approach, revealing that he’s committed to honoring the legacy of Chad DiMera while bringing his own interpretation to the character.

A Legacy of Drama: Chad DiMera’s Place in Salem

To understand the gravity of this transition, it’s worth revisiting Chad DiMera’s storied history. Introduced in 2009 as the illegitimate son of Stefano DiMera and Madeline Peterson Woods, Chad evolved from a troubled young man into one of Salem’s most intricate anti-heroes. Over the years, he’s been embroiled in scandal, romance, corporate intrigue, and literal soap opera-style resurrections—cementing his role as a central figure in the DiMera dynasty.

Billy Flynn first brought Chad to life in 2014, giving audiences a brooding, charismatic, and emotionally complex character. His relationship with Abigail Deveraux—dubbed “Chabby” by fans—was a rollercoaster of love, heartbreak, and resilience. From confronting Abigail’s mental health struggles to explosive showdowns with his siblings, Flynn’s portrayal captured both Chad’s vulnerability and his dark DiMera edge, earning him multiple daytime Emmy nominations and a lasting place in viewers’ hearts.

But all things must evolve. Flynn recently announced his departure from Days, transitioning back to The Young and the Restless as Aristotle Dumas. His exit was handled with high drama: Chad faced a life-altering crisis, leaving Salem—and its viewers—in suspense, a move emblematic of the show’s knack for cliffhangers.

Connor Floyd: From Genoa City to Salem

Connor Floyd’s arrival in Salem is equally compelling. Born in Austin, Texas, in 1991, Floyd initially pursued athletics, earning a baseball scholarship to the University of Tulsa. However, his passion for acting led him to Los Angeles, where he honed his craft through rigorous training, independent films, and commercials. His big break came in 2021 with The Young and the Restless, portraying Chance Chancellor—a war veteran turned detective navigating PTSD, family secrets, and romantic turmoil. Floyd’s nuanced performance earned him critical acclaim and a devoted fan base, making him a natural fit for the layered character of Chad DiMera.

Filming for Floyd’s Chad began in June 2025, but due to Days of Our Lives’ extended production schedule—often shooting episodes six to eight months in advance—fans will have to wait until April 2026 to witness his debut. This meticulous schedule, a hallmark of the show’s storytelling, allows actors to deeply immerse themselves in the emotional arcs of their characters, promising a rich and compelling portrayal.

Stepping Into Iconic Shoes: Floyd on Chad’s Challenges

In interviews with Soap Opera Digest and Parade magazine, Floyd has offered insight into his approach. He describes Chad as “layered,” balancing ruthless business instincts with the vulnerabilities of a devoted father and husband. Floyd aims to explore Chad’s internal conflicts, honoring the character’s legacy while adding new dimensions.

The transition from Genoa City to Salem, Floyd notes, is both exhilarating and intense. The slower-paced, deeply plotted production allows him to experiment with line delivery, build chemistry off-camera, and truly inhabit Chad’s emotional landscape. “It’s like marinating in the character,” Floyd said. “You have to hold onto the emotional arc for months, and that has changed how I prepare—more journaling, more visualization.”

Floyd’s background—athletic, disciplined, and emotionally versatile—positions him to navigate Chad’s ongoing storylines, including corporate power struggles, family rivalries, and the complex aftermath of Abigail’s death. Soap fans can expect a Chad DiMera who is physically dynamic, emotionally resonant, and deeply connected to the intricate world of the DiMera family.

Fan Reactions and Expectations

The fan response to Floyd’s casting has been a whirlwind of excitement, skepticism, and speculation. Social media platforms are abuzz with theories: Will Floyd’s Chad delve deeper into the DiMera family’s dark secrets? Could there be crossovers teasing Flynn’s new character in Genoa City? Some fans are predicting corporate espionage arcs, long-lost family revelations, and even potential romantic resurgences with a resurrected Abigail—a soap trope that never fails to stir drama.

Others mourn Flynn’s departure, sharing montages of iconic Chad moments while expressing cautious optimism about Floyd’s interpretation. Across forums like Soaphub and Reddit, speculation is running rampant, with fans dissecting every snippet of Floyd’s interviews for clues about his vision for Chad.

Behind the Scenes: Production and Cast Dynamics

Days of Our Lives, now streaming on Peacock in addition to its NBC run, prides itself on innovative storytelling and high production values. Executive producer Ken Corday’s meticulous oversight ensures elaborate sets, special effects, and intricate narrative arcs. Floyd has praised the cast for their warm welcome, highlighting mentorship from veterans like Deidre Hall, Melissa Clare Egan, and Robert Scott Wilson. Billy Flynn himself expressed support for Floyd, saying, “Connor is a talented guy. I’m excited to see what he does with Chad.”

This camaraderie highlights the unique nature of daytime drama, where recasts are a natural part of the genre’s long-running storytelling. Floyd’s integration into Salem’s fabric is poised to bring renewed energy to the DiMera legacy, balancing respect for tradition with fresh innovation.

Looking Ahead: Chad’s Role in Salem’s Future

Chad DiMera is central to multiple ongoing storylines. As CEO of DiMera Enterprises, he is at the heart of Salem’s corporate intrigue, facing rivalries, betrayals, and family secrets. Floyd’s athleticism may bring new intensity to physical confrontations, while his emotional depth promises riveting character-driven drama with figures like Jack Deveraux and Stephanie Johnson.

Possible story arcs are already fueling fan speculation: a long-lost DiMera heir, a psychological thriller echoing Chad’s past amnesia, or corporate power plays that shake Salem to its core. With Floyd’s nuanced take, the character is set to explore uncharted dimensions, giving audiences a fresh, layered experience of Chad’s story.

Conclusion: A New Era for Chad DiMera

Connor Floyd’s casting marks the beginning of a new chapter in Salem, blending legacy with innovation. Fans can look forward to a Chad DiMera who honors the past while embracing new storylines, relationships, and dramatic twists. The April 2026 debut promises to be a must-watch event, as viewers witness the evolution of one of daytime drama’s most beloved characters.

With Floyd at the helm, Chad DiMera’s future in Salem is poised to be thrilling, emotionally charged, and unforgettable. The excitement is palpable—will he capture the essence of Chad while carving his own identity? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Days of Our Lives fans are in for an electrifying ride.

Stay tuned, mark your calendars, and prepare for a wave of drama, intrigue, and passion as Connor Floyd steps into Salem as the new Chad DiMera.