In the ever-shifting, emotionally charged world of Days of Our Lives, alliances fracture, secrets detonate, and redemption is always just one confession away.

Yet amid the betrayals and bombshells, Paul Telfer—who has brought the volatile Xander Cook to life with magnetic intensity—has made one thing abundantly clear:

his journey through Salem would not be the same without the powerhouse women who share the screen with him.

During a recent appearance on the Soapy podcast, hosted by co-stars Greg Rikaart and Rebecca Budig, Telfer offered a rare, heartfelt glimpse behind the curtain of daytime drama. What emerged was not just a tribute to talented colleagues, but a candid acknowledgment of how collaboration, chemistry, and trust shape the emotional backbone of a soap opera icon.

The Women Behind Xander’s Evolution

When Telfer first arrived in Salem, Xander was anything but a hero. Ruthless, calculating, and often morally ambiguous, the character flirted with villainy more than virtue. But over time, Xander transformed—revealing vulnerability beneath the bravado and emotional depth behind the swagger.

That transformation, Telfer insists, is inseparable from the women who stood opposite him in pivotal storylines.

He singled out Linsey Godfrey (Sarah Horton), Emily O’Brien (Gwen Rizczech), Stacey Haiduk (Kristen DiMera), and Suzanne Rogers (Maggie Horton) as central forces in shaping both Xander’s narrative and his emotional resonance with audiences.

“I’m super spoiled,” Telfer admitted during the interview, reflecting on the caliber of actresses he’s worked alongside. His praise was unequivocal—describing them not only as exceptional soap performers, but as some of the most remarkable actresses in the industry, period.

A Bond Forged Through Fire: Xander and Sarah

Few relationships in recent DAYS history have captured viewers quite like Xander and Sarah. What began as deception evolved into one of the show’s most emotionally layered romances. Through heartbreak, betrayal, redemption, and reconciliation, their love story has weathered dramatic twists worthy of Salem legend.

Telfer has long spoken about his creative synergy with Godfrey, and fans have felt it onscreen. Their chemistry pulses with authenticity—whether in tender hospital room confessions or explosive confrontations fueled by mistrust.

Godfrey’s portrayal of Sarah’s resilience and compassion often acts as the moral counterweight to Xander’s darker impulses. That dynamic has allowed viewers to see him not merely as a rogue, but as a man capable of growth.

It is, as Telfer noted, through the “lens of these amazing women” that Xander becomes accessible. When Sarah believes in him, audiences begin to believe as well.

Chaos and Complexity: Gwen and Kristen

If Sarah reveals Xander’s heart, Gwen and Kristen ignite his fire.

O’Brien’s Gwen Rizczech brought combustible energy to Xander’s world. Their connection was messy, passionate, and riddled with manipulation—yet it never lacked emotional truth. Gwen’s own trauma and insecurities mirrored Xander’s, creating a bond rooted in shared wounds.

Telfer credits O’Brien’s fearless performances for elevating those arcs beyond melodrama. In scenes of betrayal and volatile confrontation, their interplay crackled with unpredictability—hallmarks of classic soap storytelling.

Then there’s Kristen DiMera, portrayed with formidable intensity by Haiduk. Kristen operates in moral gray zones that often eclipse even Xander’s past misdeeds. Their interactions demanded strategic subtlety and emotional precision.

Working opposite Haiduk, Telfer navigated storylines that tested loyalty, ambition, and survival instincts. The result? High-stakes drama that reinforced Xander’s place within Salem’s intricate power web.

The Anchor of Maggie Horton

Amid the chaos, Suzanne Rogers’ Maggie Horton provides grounding wisdom and emotional gravitas. As a matriarchal presence, Maggie’s complicated history with Xander—marked by distrust and gradual understanding—added layers to his redemption arc.

Rogers, a soap legend, brings decades of nuance to every exchange. Scenes between Maggie and Xander often explore themes of forgiveness and accountability. It is through her watchful, skeptical gaze that Xander confronts his own shortcomings.

Telfer acknowledged that having such seasoned talent across from him elevates his own performance. “To have him be viewed through the lens of these amazing women helps get him over to the audience,” he explained, underscoring how character perception hinges on relational context.

Arianne Zucker’s Early Influence

Telfer also paid tribute to Arianne Zucker (Nicole Walker), revealing that during his first year on the show, she “took him under her wing.”

Nicole’s own tumultuous history in Salem provided a narrative parallel to Xander’s outsider status. Zucker’s mentorship extended beyond scenes—offering guidance during Telfer’s transition into the demanding rhythm of daytime television.

For an actor entering a long-established ensemble, that support can be transformative. Telfer’s acknowledgment highlights the collaborative ecosystem that sustains soaps through decades of cast shifts and evolving storylines.

Chemistry: The Invisible Engine of Daytime Drama

Greg Rikaart, who portrays Leo Stark, emphasized during the podcast that chemistry is the lifeblood of soap storytelling. Without it, even the most dramatic plot twist falls flat.

According to Rikaart, Telfer shares undeniable chemistry with O’Brien and Godfrey “in spades.” It’s a sentiment echoed by fans who dissect scenes online, parsing glances and tonal shifts as evidence of emotional authenticity.

Chemistry cannot be scripted—it must be discovered. In Salem, that discovery often unfolds under relentless production schedules, making the achievement all the more impressive.

The Personal Foundation

Beyond the professional sphere, Telfer spoke warmly of his wife, Carmen Cusack, grounding the conversation in gratitude. His personal stability, he suggested, allows him to explore Xander’s turbulence with fearless abandon.

That duality—steadfast devotion offscreen and unpredictable intensity onscreen—adds dimension to his craft. It also underscores a broader truth about soap acting: longevity requires both vulnerability and resilience.

Why These Partnerships Matter

In a genre sometimes dismissed for heightened drama, Days of Our Lives continues to prove that emotional truth transcends spectacle. The women Telfer praised are not merely scene partners; they are narrative architects who shape character trajectories.

Their performances influence how audiences interpret Xander’s motives, forgive his transgressions, and root for his redemption.

In a town where alliances shift overnight, these collaborations anchor the storytelling.

A Celebration of Daytime Excellence

Telfer’s public acknowledgment resonates because it spotlights an often-overlooked reality: soap operas thrive on ensemble synergy. No character exists in isolation. Growth emerges through confrontation, compassion, and connection.

By honoring his co-stars, Telfer reframes Xander’s journey not as a solitary arc, but as a collective achievement.

And in Salem—where history spans generations—that collective spirit ensures the drama endures.

As Days of Our Lives continues to evolve, one truth remains constant: behind every explosive twist lies a network of performers elevating one another. For Paul Telfer, that network is defined by extraordinary women whose talent, generosity, and presence have left an indelible mark on both his character and the legacy of the show.

In a town built on passion and perseverance, that kind of impact is unforgettable.