Days of Our Lives Comings & Goings: Susan Banks Returns to Confront EJ as Fan Favorites Surface
Salem is gearing up for a bustling week of returns, confrontations, and emotional family reunions as a fan-favorite, wonderfully eccentric character makes her triumphant comeback. Stacy Haiduk is pulling double duty once again, stepping out of Kristen DiMera’s devious shoes to step back into the quirky wardrobe of Susan Banks. With motherly concern driving Susan to Salem and several other familiar faces popping up, the casting revolving door at Days of Our Lives is spinning fast for the week of July 27, 2026.
Susan Banks Returns to Check Her Son
Stacy Haiduk’s dual performance as both Kristen and the delightful Susan Banks leads the week’s casting arrivals. Driven by deep worries over her son’s dark path, Susan resurfaces in Salem convinced that EJ DiMera (Dan Feuerriegel) is turning into his ruthless father, Stefano DiMera.
Susan pays EJ a surprise visit on Wednesday, July 29, to address her fears head-on. Beyond the onscreen drama, Haiduk—who earned a Daytime Emmy nomination this year—recently reflected on her time on the show, calling one of her major storylines an “emotional gift” to play.
Carver Family Moments and Rachel’s Return
Nikki Crawford also continues her run as Lexie Carver this week. Viewers can look forward to key scenes between Lexie, Abe Carver (James Reynolds), and Theo Carver (played by Tyler Joseph Andrews). Lexie will be interacting with Abe and Theo across two key episodes on Wednesday, July 29, and Friday, July 31. This comes on the heels of James Reynolds offering his own thoughts on Abe’s increasingly complicated love life.
The family drama extends over to the Black household as well. Young actress Lorelei Olivia Mote returns to the canvas as Rachel Black, the daughter of Kristen and Brady Black (Eric Martsolf). The Black family gathers for a joyous occasion on Thursday, July 30, as they celebrate Rachel’s official release from Bayview and welcome her back home.
DiMera Allies and Henchmen Arrive
Rounding out the week’s returns, Maggie Carney reprises her role as the delightful Rita on Friday, July 31. Rita will be conspiring directly with her TV boss, EJ, as his various plots continue to unfold.
Finally, the DiMera network gets a bit bigger with a brand-new arrival. Actor Nat Anglin makes an appearance on Friday, July 31, as a DiMera henchman who is set to interact closely with Haiduk’s Kristen during her ongoing escape situation.
With Susan Banks back on the scene to challenge EJ and new players entering the DiMera web, Salem is set for an unpredictable week. Will Susan be able to reach EJ’s conscience before he slips completely into Stefano’s shadow?
