Get ready for a whirlwind of drama! The world of daytime soaps is abuzz with significant exits, unexpected hiatuses, and beloved characters making triumphant returns. From General Hospital to The Young and the Restless, your favorite shows are serving up a potent mix of farewells and hellos that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
This week, we're diving deep into the casting news across all five major daytime dramas: The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of our Lives, General Hospital, and The Young and the Restless. Prepare for some shocking goodbyes and heartwarming reunions as we break down all the comings and goings you need to know.
The Week of February 16, 2026: A Soap Opera Shake-Up!
Are your favorite stars from yesteryear gracing your screens again? Have new faces been signed to contract roles, or are some popular performers bidding farewell? Let's find out!
General Hospital: A Major Exit and Familiar Faces
Hold onto your hats, GH fans! Steve Burton, who has captivated audiences as Jason Morgan, is taking a temporary leave of absence. The actor himself announced this news via Instagram on February 10th, confirming he has already filmed his final scenes for this period. Burton shared, "I'll be taking a short break from General Hospital. I’m newly married and looking forward to spending some quality time with my family. I’m grateful for all the support and will be back this summer." This means we can expect his return sometime in the summer months.
But it's not all goodbyes! With Maxie (Kirsten Storms) awakening from her coma, Bradford Anderson is set to have more airtime as Damian Spinelli. You'll see him interacting with Amanda Setton's Brook Lynn on Wednesday, February 18th, as she offers him some counsel.
Paige Herschell is also returning as Jacinda, and you can catch her celebrating Valentine's Day with Rory Gibson's Michael on Monday, February 16th. Herschell has expressed her enthusiasm for her role and its development.
Adding to the returning cast, Kathleen Gati will be back as the formidable Dr. Liesl Obrecht. She'll be sharing scenes with her on-screen daughter, Britt (Kelly Thiebaud), on Monday, February 16th.
Days of our Lives: Farewells and Full-Time Returns
A beloved character is departing Salem... for now. Billy Flynn's final airdate as Chad DiMera has arrived. After making his debut in 2014, Flynn's last day on Days of our Lives was Tuesday, February 17th. He has since transitioned to The Young and the Restless, taking on the role of Cane Ashby.
Exiting alongside Flynn are his on-screen children, Cary Christopher (Thomas) and Autumn Gendron (Charlotte), who will be leaving Salem with their TV dad on Tuesday, February 17th.
However, the soap isn't just about goodbyes! Matthew Ashford and Melissa Reeves are back for another guest appearance as the iconic Jack and Jennifer Deveraux, offering well wishes to their family before their departure on Tuesday, February 17th.
And here's the part that will excite many fans: Sal Stowers and Lamon Archey are returning to Days of our Lives full-time as the fan-favorite couple, Lani and Eli Grant! While they exited the soap in 2022, they've made periodic appearances since. Stowers recently shared her journey back to the show, expressing her joy at being a permanent fixture once more.
Prepare for a surprise! Ivan G’Vera is making a comeback as Ivan Marius, Vivian's loyal servant and partner in crime. He'll be back on Friday, February 20th, to wrap up loose ends from their recent schemes.
Peter Porte will be a prominent figure this week as Dimitri Von Leuschner. He'll be working with Leo (Greg Rikaart) on Monday, February 16th, Thursday, February 19th, and Friday, February 20th, in an effort to clear Dimitri's name. But here's where it gets interesting: Is Dimitri truly innocent, or is this a clever manipulation?
Stacy Haiduk is also returning as Susan Banks on Monday, February 16th, sharing scenes with Dan Feuerriegel's EJ as mother and son bond.
Alice Halsey reprises her role as Rachel Black. Look for Brady (Eric Martsolf) and Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) to set boundaries for their troubled daughter on Wednesday, February 18th, and Thursday, February 19th.
Maggie Carney will pop in as Rita, EJ's trusted assistant, and will be questioned about Cat (AnnaLynne McCord) on Friday, February 20th.
The Young and the Restless: Familiar Faces and a Villain's Return
Exciting news for Y&R fans! Christel Khalil is back on set as Lily Winters. After taking maternity leave to welcome her third child, Khalil shared a heartwarming photo of herself multitasking with her newborn. She recently teased her return on Instagram with a selfie alongside Billy Flynn, exclaiming, "Guess who’s back…?!" Lily's character, who last aired on January 7th, will be back on screen in a few weeks, having previously left town to spend time with her daughter, Maddie.
Another beloved Abbott sibling, Beth Maitland, is also returning to the Y&R fold as Traci. She shared her excitement on Facebook, stating, "Returning even briefly to my happy place brings me so much completion. Doing what I feel meant for."
And for those who love a good villain: Matt Clark's reign of terror is far from over! Actor Roger Howarth is back in the CBS studios, filming new scenes as the menacing character. He shared the news via an Instagram story, hinting at his return in March. But is his return a sign of true reform, or a cunning plan for more chaos?
Melissa Ordway is back as Abby Newman Winters, sharing scenes with Bryton James' Devon on Monday, February 16th, and again on Friday, February 20th.
Michael Damian is making another appearance as Danny Romalotti this week, offering guidance to his on-screen son, Daniel (Michael Graziadei). Damian was last seen in November 2025, after Danny and Christine's wedding.
Joining Damian is his on-screen wife, Lauralee Bell, as Christine Blair Romalotti. Bell is set to have intense scenes with Camryn Grimes' Mariah, Ordway's Abby, and Ethan Ray Clark's Dominic on Friday, February 20th.
The Bold and the Beautiful: Increased Airtime and Wrapped Cameos
Ashleigh Brewer is set to get more screen time as the inquisitive Ivy Forrester. You'll see her eavesdropping on conversations between Crew Morrow's Will and Laneya Grace's Electra this week. This raises a question: Is Ivy's interference a sign of genuine concern, or is she simply stirring the pot?
Jennifer Gareis is back as Donna Forrester, airing on Tuesday, February 17th, and throughout the week. She'll be present as Eric (John McCook) navigates the stress of his professional secret.
Dancing With the Stars pros Gleb Savchenko and Marcquet Hill have concluded their cameo appearances as male dancers at Daphne’s (Murielle Hilaire) bridal shower. Hilaire recently discussed Daphne's whirlwind engagement and marriage to Carter (Lawrence Saint-Victor).
Across all five soaps, this week promises a compelling blend of major departures, cherished returns, and plot-driven recurring roles. What are your thoughts on these casting changes? Are you excited for the returns or sad to see characters go? Let us know in the comments below!
