Two big comebacks at DOOL, shocking identities Days of our lives spoilers
Hello everyone, and welcome back. We’re the drama-obsessed team behind Days Drama Digest, your trusted source for every twist, betrayal, and jaw-dropping moment that keeps Days of Our Lives a true daytime legend. Today, Salem is shaking to its core, and longtime fans are finally getting what they’ve been waiting for: the return of two powerhouse players whose comebacks promise chaos, emotion, and unforgettable drama.
If you’ve felt the absence of certain key figures lately, you’re not alone. The void is about to be filled in the most explosive way possible. Major returns are storming back into Salem, and the fallout will be anything but subtle. Let’s dive into the details that have fans buzzing.
First and foremost, the DiMera dynasty is about to feel the full impact of its most charismatic and dangerous son. Yes—EJ DiMera is back. Portrayed with magnetic intensity by Dan Feuerriegel, EJ has been missing from Salem for weeks, sparking speculation about what kind of shadowy business could keep such a central figure away. According to spoilers, EJ returns on Monday, January 26, following an extended trip to Italy.
While the show hints that EJ may have spent time with his daughter Sydney—a rare glimpse of tenderness beneath his ruthless exterior—don’t expect a softened EJ. Control, vengeance, and power are still very much his currency. His return hits Salem like a thunderclap, and the timing couldn’t be worse.
Almost immediately, EJ is confronted by Police Commissioner Rafe Hernandez, who delivers devastating news. During a terrifying hostage crisis in the DiMera crypt, forensic evidence uncovered a shocking truth: the remains found there belong to Stefano DiMera himself. The Phoenix—whose legacy has haunted Salem for decades—is truly gone.
For EJ, this revelation is seismic. Stefano was both his idol and his tormentor, a man whose shadow defined EJ’s life. Now, that chapter is irrevocably closed. But grief is not something EJ wears quietly. Instead, it fuels his rage, particularly toward Gwen Rizczech, whose recent betrayals have pushed him to the brink. Expect blistering confrontations, verbal warfare, and the looming threat of revenge spiraling out of control.
And then there’s Kristen DiMera. EJ’s return reignites long-simmering sibling tension, as old wounds reopen and loyalties are tested. Kristen may see EJ’s emotional turmoil as an opportunity, setting the stage for dangerous power plays within the family.
As if that weren’t enough, another iconic villain storms back into Salem this week: Vivian Alamain. Played to delicious perfection by Louise Sorel, Vivian returns after nearly a year offscreen, summoned by a desperate Gwen. With Dmitri von Leuschner causing escalating trouble, Gwen needs someone who knows how to make problems disappear—and Vivian is the undisputed queen of that art.
Elegant, menacing, and endlessly cunning, Vivian wastes no time plotting her next move. Her schemes are never simple, and her presence alone guarantees chaos. Whether she helps Gwen or turns the situation to her own advantage remains to be seen.
Together, the returns of EJ DiMera and Vivian Alamain create a perfect storm. One is driven by legacy and vengeance, the other by calculated destruction. Salem has rarely felt this volatile.
The week of January 26 is shaping up to be unforgettable. In Salem, no one stays gone forever—and the drama is just getting started.
