Salem is about to get a blast from the past. One of the most mysterious and memorable figures in Days of Our Lives history, Peter Blake, is finally returning to the Peacock soap opera after

an absence of nearly three decades. The character, who has haunted the residents of Salem both in memories and whispered stories, will make his long-awaited onscreen comeback starting December 19,

and fans are already buzzing with anticipation.

A New Face for an Iconic Role

Peter Blake was originally portrayed by Baywatch actor Jason Brooks, who brought the character to life from 1993 to 1998. Known for his brooding intensity and complex morality, Peter quickly became a central figure in Salem’s twisted web of love, betrayal, and power. After Brooks’ departure, Peter was referenced occasionally, including a notable 2019 mention when Abe Carver revealed that the character had vanished after a prison stint—but he never returned to the canvas.

Now, the role has been recast with Dan Gauthier, an actor with a long résumé of soap and primetime credits. Fans will recognize Gauthier as Kevin Buchanan from One Life to Live, and he has also appeared in popular shows like Ellen, Teen Witch, and Tour of Duty. Gauthier brings a fresh energy to Peter Blake, promising both continuity and a renewed edge to one of Salem’s most notorious figures. Outside of acting, Gauthier is married to Lisa Fuller, his co-star from Teen Witch and The Monster Squad, adding an extra layer of intrigue for fans curious about his personal life.

Peter Blake’s Tumultuous History in Salem

For long-time viewers, Peter Blake’s return evokes memories of a character who was as heroic as he was morally ambiguous. Peter arrived in Salem in 1993 to protect his sister Kristen DiMera, immediately entangling himself in the dangerous schemes of the sinister Stefano DiMera. His protective instincts and involvement in the DiMera family’s complex criminal activities drew him into a vortex of rivalry, romance, and dark secrets.

One of Peter’s most infamous storylines involved his complicated relationship with Jennifer Horton, a love that brought both passion and peril to his life. At the same time, Peter’s entanglement in drug operations sparked a fierce and long-standing feud with Jack Deveraux, Salem’s perennial hero. Their rivalry became a defining element of the 1990s-era soap, with layers of deceit, manipulation, and moral gray areas defining Peter Blake’s character.

Over the years, Peter’s story included:

• Covering up crimes and orchestrating elaborate deceptions
• Arson investigations that put lives at risk
• A faked death that shocked the residents of Salem
• Kidnappings and a staged funeral, which left both viewers and characters reeling

Ultimately, Peter was arrested and sent to prison, marking his temporary exit from the show. His disappearance from Salem’s streets created a void that kept fans speculating about his fate for decades. And while the character remained in discussions among Salemites, the promise of his eventual return has kept longtime viewers on edge.

What Dan Gauthier Brings to the Role

Recasting a character like Peter Blake is no small feat. Jason Brooks left an indelible mark, and fans will undoubtedly scrutinize every move, expression, and interaction. However, Dan Gauthier’s experience with daytime drama and primetime series equips him to step seamlessly into this morally complex, layered role.

Gauthier is known for portraying characters who straddle the line between heroism and mischief, which aligns perfectly with Peter’s legacy. His performance is expected to honor the essence of Peter while bringing a modern sensibility to a character navigating a dramatically evolved Salem.

The December 19 debut will mark a significant turning point for the show, as Peter’s presence has the potential to reignite old rivalries, unearth buried secrets, and redefine alliances across the canvas. Whether he returns as a redeemed man or a master manipulator remains a tantalizing mystery.

Possible Storylines and Connections

Peter Blake’s return is ripe with storyline possibilities. With Salem forever a nexus of love, crime, and scheming, writers have many threads to explore:

• Kristen DiMera: Peter’s sister remains a pivotal figure in Salem. Their reunion could be heartfelt, tense, or explosive—especially given the DiMera family’s constant power struggles.
• Jennifer Horton: A past love that ended in heartbreak could rekindle or ignite new drama. Will Peter attempt to reclaim Jennifer’s heart, or will the wounds of the past prove too deep?
• Jack Deveraux: The long-standing rivalry between Peter and Jack is a narrative goldmine. Expect tension, confrontation, and perhaps even reluctant alliances if new threats emerge in Salem.
• DiMera Schemes: With Stefano’s legacy continuing to haunt the town, Peter may be pulled back into dangerous plots, manipulating both allies and enemies to achieve his goals.
• New Characters: With Dan Gauthier at the helm, Peter Blake could interact with the next generation of Salemites, bridging the past and present in compelling ways.

Fans should also expect moral ambiguity and suspense. Peter Blake has always been a character who thrives in the gray areas of right and wrong, and Gauthier’s portrayal promises to continue that tradition. From secret agendas to calculated risks, Peter’s every move is likely to keep viewers guessing.

A Return That Honors Legacy and Generates Buzz

The recasting of Peter Blake is more than just a nod to nostalgia—it’s a strategic move for Days of Our Lives. By reintroducing a character with deep history and unresolved storylines, the show has the opportunity to:

• Re-engage longtime viewers who remember Peter’s intricate past
• Introduce Peter Blake to a new generation of fans who may not have seen him before
• Fuel high-stakes drama with a character whose presence guarantees conflict, tension, and suspense

The December 19 debut is expected to make waves across fan forums, social media, and entertainment news outlets. Longtime viewers are already speculating about how Peter’s return will impact Salem’s ever-evolving landscape, while newcomers will get a front-row seat to one of the most dynamic soap characters ever created.

Looking Ahead

As Days of Our Lives continues to balance legacy storylines with fresh drama, Peter Blake’s reintroduction could be one of the most significant events of the 2020s era of Salem. His return promises:

• High-stakes drama rooted in history
• Complex relationships with old flames and enemies
• Intrigue, deception, and moral complexity that challenge both characters and viewers
• Potential for cross-generational storytelling, connecting past storylines with current plots

Whether fans see Peter Blake as a redeemed man, a cunning schemer, or somewhere in between, one thing is certain: his return will dominate discussions in Salem circles and keep viewers glued to their screens.

Final Thoughts

Nearly thirty years after first stepping into Salem, Peter Blake is back, and he’s ready to leave his mark once again. With Dan Gauthier bringing a fresh take to the iconic role, Days of Our Lives is set to deliver suspense, romance, and intrigue that spans decades of history.

From his complicated relationships with Kristen, Jennifer, and Jack, to his notorious scheming and morally ambiguous actions, Peter’s return is sure to reshape Salem’s landscape and generate the type of storytelling that has made DOOL a daytime powerhouse for decades.

Mark your calendars for December 19—Peter Blake’s return is more than a casting update; it’s a full-blown event for soap opera fans. Get ready for shocking twists, emotional confrontations, and the thrill of seeing one of Salem’s most enigmatic figures walk its streets once more.