A monumental week is on the horizon for Days of Our Lives fans as the long-running soap enters a new phase, bidding farewell to beloved characters while ushering in familiar faces and new beginnings. From a tearful goodbye to one of Salem’s most iconic couples to the dramatic reintroduction of a powerful legacy character, the week of June 16–20, 2025, promises to deliver seismic shifts that will resonate with viewers for years to come.

A Bittersweet Farewell: Bo and Hope Brady Say Goodbye

The heart of this week’s emotional rollercoaster centers on the departure of Bo and Hope Brady—a super couple whose legacy has helped define Days of Our Lives for more than three decades. For fans who have grown up watching their adventurous romance unfold, their exit will feel like saying goodbye to family.

Bo, portrayed by Peter Reckell, and Hope, brought to life by Kristian Alfonso, have long been the emotional anchor of the series. From dangerous missions and tearful separations to passionate reunions and unforgettable weddings, Bo and Hope’s love story has been a rollercoaster of epic proportions. They’ve survived nearly everything—amnesia, kidnappings, villains, and tragedy—yet always found their way back to each other.

After making a recent return to Salem to tie up unfinished storylines and deliver closure to their longtime fans, the couple is now preparing for their final exit. On Wednesday, June 18th, Bo and Hope will embark on a romantic journey around the world, sailing away from Salem in one final act of love and adventure.

Their send-off is more than a plot point—it’s a celebration of their enduring connection and the legacy they leave behind. Their exit is designed to reflect their true spirit: bold, romantic, and timeless. For loyal fans, their departure marks the end of an era. Bo and Hope have been a cornerstone of Salem’s history, and imagining life in town without them feels almost impossible. Yet, as they step into the sunset, the show gently turns the page to make room for new stories.

Their farewell will ripple through the town, affecting those closest to them and reminding viewers that even the most legendary love stories eventually find their happy ending.

The DiMeras Strike Back: The Return of André DiMera

As the Bradys say their goodbyes, the notorious DiMera family is plotting their resurgence—proving once again that in Salem, one family’s goodbye is another’s grand return. Longtime fans will be thrilled to learn that Thaao Penghlis is returning to reprise his iconic role as André DiMera, appearing on Friday, June 20th.

André’s reappearance couldn’t come at a more crucial moment. With tensions already rising among the DiMeras, his return is poised to destabilize fragile alliances and rekindle long-dormant rivalries. André is infamous for his cunning manipulations, cryptic threats, and psychological warfare. His complex relationships with family members like EJ DiMera (played by Dan Feuerriegel) and Chad DiMera (Billy Flynn) have always provided explosive storylines—and his presence once again in Salem guarantees more fireworks.

His return signals a dramatic shift for the DiMera dynasty. While Bo and Hope sail toward peace, André’s arrival drags the DiMera name back into the spotlight of power plays and deception. He comes bearing secrets, ambition, and a clear mission that could affect the entire town.

What remains unclear is whether André’s intentions are honorable—or if Salem should brace itself for another wave of DiMera destruction. Either way, his return will serve as a catalyst for intrigue and chaos, just as fans have come to expect.

Nostalgia and Growth: Aaron Green Returns to Celebrate Milestones

In addition to these major character moves, another fan-favorite is making a heartwarming return. Lewis Tomeo, known for his role as Aaron Green, will be back on Friday, June 20th, after stepping away from the show in 2024. Aaron returns to Salem just in time to celebrate the end of high school, reuniting with childhood friends like Tate Black (Leo Howard), Holly Jonas (Ashley Puzemis), and Sophia Carter (Rachel Boyd).

This reunion of the next generation brings a sweet sense of nostalgia for fans who have watched these characters grow up. But it’s also an opportunity to reframe them as young adults stepping into new storylines that will shape Salem’s future. Romantic developments, personal revelations, and perhaps new rivalries could emerge as Aaron and the gang come together for one last summer of youth.

Revisiting the Past: Horton Flashbacks Return

In a surprising turn, viewers will be treated to a trip down memory lane with the return of Zack Chyz and Sydney Katherine Smith as Tom and Alice Horton in touching flashback scenes airing on Wednesday, June 18th. These segments are a gift to longtime viewers and an emotional reminder of the show’s deep roots.

Flashbacks are a hallmark of Days of Our Lives, offering emotional weight to current storylines by reminding us of where it all began. Tom and Alice are the original heartbeat of Salem, and their legacy continues to shape the decisions of their descendants. These scenes are expected to add heartfelt depth to the week’s overarching themes of family, continuity, and change.

New Faces, New Twists: Rita, Rachel, and A Surprise Hollywood Cameo

As veterans exit and past characters return, new faces are being introduced to ensure Salem’s story continues with fresh energy and perspective.

Maggie Carney joins the cast as Rita, a sharp and enigmatic executive assistant to EJ DiMera, debuting on Friday, June 20th. Rita’s character is positioned close to one of Salem’s most calculating power players, which could put her in the middle of future corporate drama, legal battles, or even scandalous personal entanglements. Keep an eye on her—she could become a crucial piece of EJ’s next master plan.

Meanwhile, young actress Alice Holly will appear more prominently as Rachel Black, daughter of Brady Black (Eric Martsolf) and Kristen DiMera. Rachel’s storyline will explore the challenges of growing up in the shadow of such volatile parents. Her interactions with Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall), Sarah Horton (Linsey Godfrey), and other prominent characters may offer insight into the evolving dynamics of Salem’s next generation.

In a special treat, Leslie Robbins, a rising Hollywood star, is set to make a guest appearance as a nurse at Salem University Hospital. Her role is brief but notable, tying in with key hospital scenes that could lead to major revelations. This crossover adds a touch of celebrity glamor to the show and hints at possible broader storylines involving the medical world.

A Week of Celebration: Honoring Steve Johnson and Jack Deveraux

Amid all the change, fans will also experience a few lighter, heartfelt moments. Stephanie Johnson plans a surprise retirement party for her father, the beloved Steve “Patch” Johnson (Stephen Nichols), as he steps back from Black Patch Investigations. After decades of danger and heroics, Steve is ready for a quieter life—though, in Salem, that’s easier said than done.

The event, taking place at the Beastro on Thursday, will be an emotional centerpiece. Expect familiar faces, touching speeches, and a few surprises, as the town honors a man who has protected and loved with fierce devotion for over 40 years.

At the same time, Jennifer Horton will surprise her husband, Jack Deveraux, with a birthday celebration. The scene provides a moment of joy amidst the week’s heavy goodbyes and changes, reminding fans of the enduring strength of love and family in Salem.

Final Thoughts: Salem on the Cusp of Change

Days of Our Lives is entering a time of transformation. The departure of Bo and Hope is a seismic shift—an emotional farewell to characters who helped define the show. But their exit makes room for new beginnings: the dramatic return of André DiMera, the nostalgic return of Aaron and the younger Salem residents, and the arrival of new characters destined to influence the town’s future.

This week will offer viewers a rich mix of emotion—grief, joy, tension, and anticipation—all wrapped in the comforting familiarity of Salem’s world. Whether you’ve followed Days for five years or fifty, next week promises moments that will linger long after the credits roll.

So, mark your calendars. June 16–20 will be a Days of Our Lives milestone—an unforgettable ride filled with poignant farewells and the promise of exciting new chapters.