Soap Opera Updates: January 26th Week Castings and Returns (2026)

Get ready for an exciting week in the world of daytime dramas! We've got some major comings and goings across General Hospital, Young and Restless, Beyond the Gates, Bold and Beautiful, and Days of Our Lives. From legacy character recasts to the highly anticipated returns of veteran stars, let's dive into the latest casting news.

The Cast Shuffle: Who's Coming and Who's Staying?

Beyond the Gates:
- Derek Baldwin (Ben Gavin) gets into a heated altercation with Grayson (Jordi Vilasuso), and Ashley (Jen Jacob) steps in to mediate.
- Jacob's father, Elon Hawthorne (Malachi Malik), gets more screen time this week.
- Lance Salinger (Kovar McClure) makes multiple appearances as Lance, bringing his unique presence to the show.
- Daytime Emmy winner Greg Vaughan (Kial Rollins) continues his pursuit of Nicole (Daphnee Duplaix), adding more intrigue to the storyline.
- Madison Montgomery (Kenjah) and Chelsea (RhonniRose Mantilla) navigate their dramatic relationship, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

Bold and Beautiful:
- Real-life newlywed Ashleigh Brewer (Ivy Forrester) has a big week ahead as she catches Will (Crew Morrow) in a close moment with Dylan (Sydney Bullock).
- Jim J. Bullock (Joseph) returns as Dottie's (Morgan Fairchild) assistant, sharing scenes with Steffy (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) and Electra (Laneya Grace) on January 27. Bullock, known for his work in Too Close for Comfort, brings his charm to the show.
- Morgan Fairchild (Dottie Bright) guest stars as the wealthy Dottie, a role she first played in 2009. Her occasional appearances on GH as Haven de Havilland add a touch of glamour.
- Bryan David Garlick (Hayes Finnegan), Steffy and Finn's (Tanner Novlan) son, gets more airtime, allowing viewers to connect with his character.
- Ariel D. King (Harmony) appears in the San Francisco-set scenes with Steffy and Electra, adding depth to the storyline.
- Reality star and social media influencer Spencer Pratt (Rich) returns on January 28. He brings his unique presence to the show, having appeared alongside his wife, Heidi Montag, last year.

Days of Our Lives:
- Daytime Emmy-winning veteran Judi Evans (Bonnie Kiriakis) makes an appearance on January 29, bringing her talent to the canvas.
- EJ DiMera (Dan Feuerriegel) returns to Salem after a month-long absence, adding to the show's intrigue.
- Alice Halsey (Rachel Black) shares scenes with her mother, Kristen (Stacy Haiduk), and aunt Belle (Martha Madison) on January 30, exploring family dynamics.
- Tina Huang (Melinda Trask) makes another appearance on January 29, keeping viewers engaged.
- Fan-favorite attorney Wally Kurth (Justin Kiriakis) is on hand on January 29, adding his charm to the show.
- Hank Northrop (Liam Selejko) shares scenes with Abe (James Reynolds) on January 27, creating interesting interactions.
- Melissa Reeves (Jennifer Horton Deveraux) is featured in scenes with Justin, adding to the show's rich history.
- Louise Sorel (Vivian Alamain), the infamous Salem pot-stirrer, returns on January 30. Her appearances over the years have left a lasting impact on the show.
- Richard Wharton (Dr. Wilheim Rolf) is back as of January 26, sharing scenes with Emily O'Brien (Gwen), creating a compelling storyline.

General Hospital:
- Asher Antonyzyn (Danny Morgan) appears in scenes with Bluesy Burke (Charlotte) and others this week, adding to the show's ensemble.
- As the temperatures drop in Port Charles, expect more screen time for Charlotte Cassadine (Bluesy Burke).
- Finn Carr (Rocco Falconeri), Dante and Lulu's son, makes his next appearance on January 28, continuing his journey on the show.
- Wes Ramsey (Peter August) made a surprise return last week, leaving viewers intrigued about Anna's (Finola Hughes) hallucination.
- Stephen A. Smith (Brick), a valued member of Sonny's organization, pops back up this week, sharing scenes with Carly (Laura Wright), Jordan (Tanisha Harper), and Josslyn (Eden McCoy).
- Kirsten Storms (Maxie Jones) confirms her return to work, and Maxie's months-long coma might finally come to an end. Her reappearance is set for February 12.
- James Patrick Stuart (Valentin Cassadine) has more interaction with Carly this week, adding to the show's complex dynamics.

Young and Restless:
- Ethan Ray Clark takes on the role of Abby and Devon's young son, Dominic Winters, after a recast. Clark steps into the shoes of twins River Ware and Rainn Ware.
- Camryn Grimes (Mariah Copeland) is at the center of a compelling storyline this week, causing distress for Abby (Melissa Ordway) and Devon (Bryton James).
- Ray Wise (Ian Ward) continues to be seen as Mariah's manifestation of the dastardly Ian, adding to the show's suspense.

Who's Staying:
- Cameron Mathison (Drew Cain) is here to stay, despite rumors suggesting otherwise. Sources confirm that Drew has no plans to exit Port Charles.

Real-Life Status and Industry News:
- Colin Egglesfield, who played Joshua Madden on All My Children, shares wonderful news about being cancer-free after his third diagnosis. His journey is an inspiration.
- Justin Hartley's (ex-Adam, Y&R; ex-Fox, Passions) drama, Tracker, has been renewed for a fourth season, showcasing his talent.
- Mark Consuelos (ex-Mateo) is set to make his Broadway debut in Fallen Angels, alongside Kelli O'Hara, Rose Byrne, and Aasif Mandvi.
- All My Children alum Michael B. Jordan (ex-Reggie Porter) receives his first Oscar nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in Sinners.
- GH pays tribute to the late Anthony Geary with a special episode on February 20, honoring his iconic character, Luke Spencer.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates and don't miss a beat in the world of daytime dramas! Who's your favorite character making waves this week? Let's discuss in the comments!

Soap Opera Updates: January 26th Week Castings and Returns (2026)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Wyatt Volkman LLD

Last Updated:

Views: 5717

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (46 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Wyatt Volkman LLD

Birthday: 1992-02-16

Address: Suite 851 78549 Lubowitz Well, Wardside, TX 98080-8615

Phone: +67618977178100

Job: Manufacturing Director

Hobby: Running, Mountaineering, Inline skating, Writing, Baton twirling, Computer programming, Stone skipping

Introduction: My name is Wyatt Volkman LLD, I am a handsome, rich, comfortable, lively, zealous, graceful, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.