In a stunning revelation that has left Days of Our Lives fans reeling, actor Paul Telfer, who has masterfully portrayed the complicated and dangerously charming Xander Kiriakis,

has shattered the long-held hope that Xander and Sarah Horton will ever find their happily ever after. The Scottish-born star’s brutally honest remarks have peeled back the curtain

on what truly keeps this fan-favorite couple apart — not circumstance or villains, but deep psychological scars that may simply be too severe to heal.

💔 “Their love can’t survive who they are right now”

At the 33rd Annual Broadcasting + Cable Hall of Fame Ceremony in New York City — where Days of Our Lives was honored with the prestigious Programming Icon Award — Telfer sat down for what has quickly become one of the most talked-about interviews of his career. He revealed that the reason behind the delayed reunion of Xander and Sarah has nothing to do with story pacing or production decisions. Instead, it’s rooted in something far more devastating: the characters themselves.

“Xander and Sarah are both broken in fundamental ways,” Telfer explained. “Their love story isn’t about simple forgiveness or time healing wounds. It’s about two deeply damaged people who have never learned how to process pain without inflicting more of it.”

According to Telfer, the beloved couple’s relationship has become a cycle of deception, anger, and relapse, each reconciliation doomed before it even begins. “Until both Xander and Sarah undergo complete emotional reconstruction — therapy, self-awareness, accountability — any reunion would be temporary at best,” he added.

⚡ Xander’s darkness and Sarah’s trauma

Telfer didn’t hold back when describing Xander’s internal chaos. His instinct to lie when cornered, his violent impulses when he feels powerless, and his refusal to confront his emotions head-on have created a pattern of destruction that consumes everything in his path.

Meanwhile, Sarah, portrayed brilliantly by Linsey Godfrey, battles her own demons. Her inability to fully trust Xander after his betrayals, her tendency to flee into the arms of other men when overwhelmed, and her constant fear that their daughter, Victoria, will suffer the same emotional damage — all these have built invisible walls between them.

“These are not superficial flaws,” Telfer explained. “They are survival mechanisms that once kept them alive but now destroy their happiness. It’s tragic, really. They love each other desperately, but they can’t stop hurting each other.”

💬 The actor’s emotional honesty shocks fans

Fans were initially hopeful after behind-the-scenes teasers hinted at renewed chemistry between Xander and Sarah. However, Telfer’s words have now dashed those hopes. Instead of promising a romantic reunion, he urged patience — and emotional realism.

“Until they each transform from the inside out, any reunion would be like slapping a bandage on a bullet wound,” Telfer said. “I’d rather see them break, rebuild, and come back stronger — or not at all — than see them rush into something doomed to fail again.”

🌟 Respect for the craft and co-stars

Despite the heartbreaking message, Telfer emphasized his admiration for Linsey Godfrey and their creative partnership. “Working with Linsey is a joy,” he shared. “We both care deeply about portraying this relationship with authenticity. Our chemistry is real, but we’re both committed to showing that love alone isn’t enough when trauma runs that deep.”

He added that Godfrey’s sensitivity and skill make even the most painful scenes bearable. “She brings a maternal, protective warmth to Sarah that makes Xander’s rough edges even more tragic. Acting opposite her challenges me to dig deeper every time.”

🕊️ Lessons from the legends

The Hall of Fame ceremony also gave Telfer a chance to reflect on his mentors — the late John Aniston (Victor Kiriakis) and Drake Hogestyn (John Black). “John Aniston taught me discipline and respect for the work,” Telfer recalled. “He showed me that preparation is everything. He could command a room just by walking into it.”

Of Hogestyn, he said, “Drake taught me generosity — to lift others up, especially younger actors. His positivity was infectious. He worked harder than anyone I’ve ever met.”

These lessons, Telfer said, now guide how he approaches both his craft and his on-set relationships. “I try to bring that same level of professionalism and kindness to every scene. It’s the least I can do to honor their legacy.”

🧠 Healing through storytelling

What excites Telfer most, he revealed, isn’t the possibility of Xander and Sarah reuniting right away — it’s the opportunity to portray their individual healing. “I want fans to see Xander in therapy, confronting his trauma head-on, learning to express emotion instead of violence,” he said. “That’s the kind of growth that makes great television — and gives fans something real to root for.”

He hinted that Days of Our Lives writers are exploring deeper psychological themes in upcoming episodes, potentially giving both Xander and Sarah a path toward redemption. But he warned that true healing takes time. “You can’t undo years of damage in a week of episodes,” he laughed. “It’s going to be a long road.”

👶 Finding joy in unexpected places

Telfer also admitted that his perspective on working with child actors has completely changed. “I used to dread it,” he confessed with a laugh. “But the young actresses who’ve played my on-screen daughter Victoria are amazing. They remind me not to take myself too seriously. They bring out a softer side of Xander — and me.”

The actor credited Godfrey’s nurturing energy for making their family scenes feel genuine. “Linsey creates a real emotional space for those moments. She’s so present and protective. It’s impossible not to respond honestly.”

🏆 Honoring 60 years of legacy

As Days of Our Lives celebrated six decades of storytelling, the Hall of Fame ceremony became a moment of reflection and renewal for the cast. Telfer described the event as “surreal and humbling,” noting that being part of such a long-running show carries tremendous responsibility.

“When you’re surrounded by legends — people who’ve dedicated decades to this craft — you realize you’re part of something much bigger than yourself,” he said. “I want to make sure every scene I do honors that legacy.”

🔮 The uncertain road ahead

For fans hoping for an immediate Xander and Sarah reunion, Telfer’s words may sting. But they also offer a powerful reminder that Days of Our Lives has always thrived on emotional truth, not fairy-tale simplicity.

As he summed it up, “The question isn’t will Xander and Sarah reunite — it’s should they. Sometimes love isn’t enough. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is face your demons before you try to love someone else.”