The new year is already bringing major casting movement across daytime, with familiar faces returning, new players stepping in, and a few notable exits raising eyebrows. From Beyond the Gates expanding its canvas to key shake-ups on The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of Our Lives, General Hospital, and The Young and the Restless, here’s everything soap fans need to know for the week of January 5–9, 2026.
Your Soap Opera Comings And Goings For January 5–9, 2026
Beyond the Gates
Ernestine Johnson is receiving increased airtime as Shanice Johnson, while Kenjah McNeil is appearing more frequently as Dr. Madison Montgomery. Viewers will also see Antoine Jackson make his first appearance this week.
Several familiar characters are back in the mix, including Maurice P. Johnson as Randy Parker, Darryl W. Handy as Marcel Malone, Camryn Jade as Jessica, Jaden Lucas Miller as Tyrell Richardson, and Najah Jackson as Samantha Richardson. Adding to the medical drama, Robert Christopher Riley continues to get more screen time as Dr. Carlton Fitzgerald, and Ivan Moore joins the cast as Dr. Bauer.
As previously reported by Daytime Soap Stop, Ben Gavin (Derrick Baldwin) was removed from the end credits during the January 2 episode. While there has been no official confirmation regarding his status, the change suggests the actor may now be on recurring status. Any updates will be shared as soon as they become available.
The Bold and the Beautiful
Casting news is heating up on The Bold and the Beautiful. According to TV Insider, Sydney Bullock (Dylan) has officially signed on, meaning viewers can expect to see much more of her character moving forward.
In addition, RJ Forrester has been recast. Brayan Nicoletti steps into the role of Ridge and Brooke’s son, taking over from Joshua Hoffman. The change signals a potential shift in RJ’s importance on canvas, with many fans speculating that a front-burner storyline may be on the horizon.
Days of Our Lives
Salem is seeing a mix of returns and farewells this week. Judi Evans is back once again as the unpredictable Bonnie Kiriakis, ensuring that chaos is never far behind.
Meanwhile, Peter Porte has officially returned as Dimitri von Leuschner, with his appearances beginning January 2 and continuing into the coming week. On the exit front, Bryan Datillo has wrapped his latest run as Lucas Horton.
General Hospital
Port Charles welcomes back several key players as the drama intensifies. Jon Lindstrom returns as fan-favorite psychiatrist Dr. Kevin Collins, a comeback that almost always signals emotional revelations ahead.
Paige Herschelle is seeing increased airtime as Paige Bracken, while James Patrick Stuart continues his run as the ever-complicated Valentin Cassadine. Legal drama heats up with more scenes for Nanzeen Contractor as ADA Justine Turner, and action picks up as Chris McKenna reprises his role as Jack Brennan.
The Young and the Restless
In Genoa City, familiar faces continue to drive the action. Catherine Kresge remains on canvas as corrupt cop Annie, while Roger Howarth continues his chilling turn as villain Matt Clark, a character who’s quickly becoming one of the show’s most dangerous threats.
Also returning is John Rushing as the Newman Security Guard, a subtle yet steady presence amid the ongoing chaos of the Newman family.
Final Take
With returns, exits, recasts, and expanded roles unfolding across all five soaps, the first full week of January is setting the stage for major story momentum. Whether it’s shifting power dynamics, emotional reunions, or looming goodbyes, daytime fans have plenty to talk about.
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