DAYS of Our Lives has made a shocking move by firing four of its main cast members, leaving the other stars worried about their fates on the show.

The long-running series axed several of its younger stars, although viewers will still see them onscreen for a while longer.

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Days of Our Lives fired four main cast members from the show, and the move ‘blindsided’ the young actorsCredit: Peacock
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Carson Boatman was axed from the soap opera, despite being in the process of negotiating his contractCredit: Getty
On Monday, The Daily Mail revealed the unexpected cuts, which reportedly occurred as soon as the cast returned from the holiday break.

Among them are series regulars Carson Boatman, Raven Bowens, Ashley Puzemis, and Leo Howard.

“It was a New Year bloodbath at Days of Our Lives this month as the cast returned from a Christmas hiatus,” a source told the outlet.

The insider explained that the decision completely “blindsided” the actors, who each had strong storylines on the show.

“Days decided they needed to switch things up. All four actors were let go last week, within a day of getting back from the show’s holiday hiatus,” the source shared.

“They were totally blindsided, especially Carson, who was in the middle of renegotiating a new contract.”

BELOVED PAIRINGS

Carson portrayed Johnny DiMera, the husband of Raven’s character, Chanel DiMera, and the couple were often referred to as “Janel” by devoted viewers.

Carson joined the show in 2020, followed by Raven, who signed on a year later.

Their characters’ romance was rocky for several seasons before they reconciled and exchanged vows for a second time on Valentine’s Day in 2024.

Fans were further captivated by their story when Chanel got pregnant, miscarried, and then she and Johnny adopted their son, Trey, in November.

Their growing family made many viewers confident that they’d stick around, and even more so when Carson opened up about his hopes to stay on the show for years to come.

“I’ll take 25 or 50 [years] if we can get it,” the TV star told E! at the show’s 60th anniversary bash in November.

At the same event, Raven discussed her future on the soap opera, teasing E! that “there’s a lot coming up.”

Meanwhile, another Days of Our Lives couple – Holly Tate and Tate Black, played by Ashley and Leo – also suddenly got the boot.

Days decided they needed to switch things up. All four actors were let go last week.”

An insider, The Daily Mail

Ashley joined the program in 2023, while Leo stepped into his role in 2024, and their characters have had a roller coaster relationship as they’ve been embroiled in a love triangle with Sophia Choi (Rachel Boyd).

NO ONE IS SAFE

The two pairings were thought to be long-lasting on the show, but their sudden firings now reportedly have everyone on edge.

An insider told The Daily Mail that the layoffs “came as a shock to all of them,” adding that “there were no warning signs whatsoever.”

They also said that their fellow castmates, even veteran Days of Our Lives actors, are “fearful” that they could be next on the chopping block.

“It was a big blow not only to the four actors, but also to the rest of the cast,” the source said.

“If it can happen to four of the young cast who had major storylines, the general thought is it can happen to anyone.

“There’s a major feeling of dread, chaos, and fear now,” the source continued. “The cast were excited to get back to work, but four major layoffs is what greeted them as soon as they returned.”

‘IT DOESN’T MAKE SENSE!’

Fans expressed their disappointment with the firings in a popular Reddit thread.

“Why can’t this show keep young blood on the show? While I love my older Days characters, we need to invest in younger characters if the show is gonna keep going,” one person suggested.

“This can’t be true no… another days player band member not on days of our lives? Seriously? Who’s decision was this?” wondered another.

“While they are not my faves, I fear Days is not doing a good job building up a younger generations that fans will know post the time of our current vets,” suspected a third.

“This is shocking. I wasn’t even that big of a fan of these characters but still. It doesn’t make sense to me to get rid of some of the new/young generation,” agreed a fourth.

THE END OF AN ERA

However, fans have a while before these four beloved characters officially leave their screens, as the show’s advanced production schedule means their departures won’t play out until late 2026 or early 2027, Soap Opera Digest confirmed.

A spokesperson for Days of Our Lives additionally addressed the firings to the publication, saying, “While we don’t comment on individual contracts or casting decisions, we have tremendous respect and appreciation for the actors who bring these characters to life.

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“What may seem sudden is part of long-range storytelling decisions. Our goal is to balance the show’s rich history with where we’re headed creatively.

“Due to our long tape-to-air gap, any changes won’t be on screen for some time,” the spokesperson concluded.

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Raven Bowens, who portrayed Chanel, Carson’s character’s love interest, was also let go from the seriesCredit: Getty
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Ashley Puzemis was also cut from the show, in a conversation that reportedly took place when the cast returned from holiday breakCredit: Getty
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Leo Howard also will no longer be on the show, although viewers won’t see these characters’ departures until late 2026 or early 2027Credit: Getty