Days of Our Lives Spoilers: Will Leo and Javi Give Romance Another Shot After Contract Upgrade?
A major behind-the-scenes casting shift is set to reshape the canvas of Days of Our Lives. As four upcoming character exits draw near in Salem, the Peacock soap opera has officially moved four key actors to contract status, securing their long-term futures on the show. According to reliable daytime insider Jason47, veteran powerhouse Lauren Koslow (Kate Roberts), returning fan-favorite Sal Stowers (Lani Price Grant), recast actor Jacob Richard Martinez (Javi Hernandez), and soap newcomer Sydney Malakeh (Sydney DiMera) have all been elevated to contract players. The contract updates, which first took effect during the week of September 7–11, also serve to clear up recent confusion and credit errors at the end of the broadcasts.
Lauren Koslow Locked In as Kate Roberts, Dispelling Y&R Concerns
The confirmation of Lauren Koslow’s contract status brings immense relief to long-time viewers who had begun questioning her future in Salem. Koslow, who has portrayed the iconic Kate Roberts since 1996, recently turned heads across the daytime community when she filled in on CBS’s The Young and the Restless as Jill Abbott, stepping in for Jess Walton.
The unexpected cross-soap appearance left fans wondering if Koslow might be making a permanent leap to Genoa City. However, her contract standing on Days of Our Lives confirms that viewers do not need to worry about her leaving Salem behind, ensuring Kate remains a central force on the canvas for the foreseeable future.
Sydney DiMera Stays in Salem as Johnny Prepares to Depart
Also joining the contract roster is newcomer Sydney Malakeh, who recently brought EJ DiMera and Sami Brady’s daughter back home to Salem. Having Sydney locked in for a long-term stay is a welcome development for the DiMera family dynamic, especially considering that her brother, Johnny DiMera (Carson Boatman), will soon be making his exit from the show.
Unfortunately for family harmony, Sydney appears determined to defend her father’s actions no matter what line EJ crosses. She has stubbornly refused to listen to Johnny’s explicit warnings regarding EJ’s crimes. Her fierce loyalty raises questions about whether Sydney will find herself in over her head when it comes to EJ, or if she is already deep in complicated territory involving Sami’s fiancé, Dante Vitali, and Dominic Marino.
Javi Hernandez and Leo Stark: A Romantic Second Chance?
Jacob Richard Martinez has likewise secured his spot as a contract player after taking over the role of Javi Hernandez when Al Calderon departed the series to accept another project. With Javi’s long-term future in Salem now firmly established, attention turns toward his evolving dynamic with Leo Stark.
Leo and Javi are actively attempting to reconnect, leading viewers to wonder if the estranged pair will give their romance another shot. Now that the two are getting along so well and Javi is sticking around for the long haul, fans are speculating whether a second wedding could eventually be in the cards for them down the road.
Lani Price Grant’s Return and a Potential Salem PD Comeback
Sal Stowers, who originally joined the cast in September 2015, has officially reclaimed her spot as a contract regular after taking a few years off from the show. Lani’s permanent move back home to Salem comes at a crucial moment for her family. With Chanel Dupree preparing to make her exit, Paulina Price will deeply need her daughter’s presence and support in the coming months.
Lani’s return to contract status also reignites questions surrounding her former career in law enforcement. Viewers are left wondering if Lani will finally rejoin the Salem Police Department if her mother succeeds in pulling the necessary political strings to secure a governor’s pardon.
With four major departures looming on the horizon, these key contract upgrades guarantee that Kate, Lani, Javi, and Sydney will be front and center to drive the narrative forward. Which of these four contract stars are you most excited to see take on a larger storyline in Salem?
