Days of our Lives spoilers: Greg Rikaart and Emily O’Brien Reveal Shocking New Chapter for DOOL Fans

Salem has always been the beating heart of daytime television drama, and Days of Our Lives never fails to deliver jaw-dropping storylines that test loyalty, love, and friendship in ways fans never see coming. This time, the spotlight shines on one of the most emotionally gripping sagas in recent memory—the fractured friendship of Gwen Rizczech and Leo Stark. Once inseparable, their bond now hangs by a thread after betrayal, heartbreak, and devastating revelations left both characters questioning everything they thought they knew about each other.

The latest spoilers tease that this storyline is about to explode in ways that will keep fans glued to their screens. And thanks to exclusive insights from the stars themselves—Greg Rikaart, who plays Leo, and Emily O’Brien, who plays Gwen—viewers now have a tantalizing glimpse of what’s coming next in this emotionally charged arc.

From Best Friends to Broken Trust

For years, Gwen and Leo were the definition of friendship goals in Salem. Dubbed “Guo” by their adoring fan base, they weren’t just partners in crime—they were soulmates of sorts, two people who perfectly balanced each other’s chaos. Whether scheming, laughing, or standing side by side in moments of hardship, their bond seemed unshakable.

But as longtime DOOL fans know, nothing in Salem stays perfect forever. The destruction of “Guo” came when Gwen discovered her new husband, Dimitri von Leuschner, was secretly having an affair with Leo. The betrayal hit like a lightning strike, leaving Gwen devastated and furious, and shattering both her marriage and her trust in Leo. What followed was an explosive fallout filled with screaming matches, tearful confrontations, and the complete collapse of a friendship once thought indestructible.

Dimitri’s abrupt decision to end things with Leo only made matters worse, leaving Leo drowning in guilt and heartbreak. Now, Leo is caught between his desperate need to make amends and Gwen’s refusal to forgive.

Greg Rikaart on Leo’s Desperate Redemption

Greg Rikaart, who brings Leo Stark’s sharp wit and flamboyant schemes to life, admits that this storyline has taken his character to one of the darkest places yet. Leo has always thrived as Salem’s mischievous con man, but this time, his actions cut far too close to the heart.

“Leo knows he’s messed up big time,” Rikaart confessed in a behind-the-scenes interview. “Gwen was his anchor. She was the one person who always stood by him, no matter what. To betray her in this way—it’s crushing for him.”

According to Rikaart, viewers will see Leo in rare moments of vulnerability, even leaving tearful voicemails for Gwen in hopes that she’ll listen. “It’s raw, it’s emotional,” he explained. “Leo’s not the type to just walk away. He’s haunted by what he’s done, and he’s determined to make things right—even if Gwen wants nothing to do with him.”

For fans who have followed Leo’s outrageous antics for years, these upcoming episodes promise to show a new side of him: a man desperate for forgiveness, fighting not for money or schemes, but for the one friendship that defined his life.

Emily O’Brien on Gwen’s Struggle with Betrayal

While Leo tries to claw his way back into her good graces, Gwen is left grappling with overwhelming feelings of anger, humiliation, and heartbreak. Emily O’Brien, whose nuanced portrayal of Gwen has made her a standout in Salem, revealed just how devastating the betrayal was for her character.

“Gwen trusted Leo with everything,” O’Brien said candidly. “Her secrets, her vulnerabilities, her dreams. To find out that he was sneaking around with her husband—it’s like the world collapsed under her feet. She’s not just angry; she’s shattered.”

Yet O’Brien also hinted that there may still be hope for the beloved duo. “Gwen and Leo are magnets,” she teased. “Right now, they’re repelling each other. But deep down, they’ll always be drawn back together. The connection is too strong to ignore.”

The actress also admitted that Gwen’s path to forgiveness won’t be easy. “It’s not a quick fix,” she explained. “This isn’t something Gwen can just brush off. The betrayal cut her to the core. But despite all the hurt, she knows Leo isn’t just some villain. He’s her best friend. And part of her can’t imagine life without him.”

Javi’s Role: The Complicated Love Triangle

As if things weren’t messy enough, Leo’s budding romance with newcomer Javi adds yet another layer of complexity to this emotional saga. Javi has brought unexpected light into Leo’s world, offering him a chance at genuine happiness. But Gwen’s return to Leo’s orbit threatens to disrupt everything.

Could Gwen’s unresolved emotions—whether fueled by anger, affection, or both—interfere with Leo’s relationship with Javi? Spoilers suggest that Salem is buzzing with whispers of a possible love triangle.

Rikaart himself remained coy but dropped a hint: “Leo’s heart is still tangled up with Gwen. Not in a romantic way, but in a soulmate kind of way. That’s going to complicate his relationship with Javi. There’s no easy way around it.”

O’Brien echoed the sentiment, noting that Gwen’s healing journey could have unintended ripple effects. “She’s not out to sabotage Leo’s happiness,” she clarified. “But when emotions are this raw, the fallout is inevitable. Javi’s going to feel the impact whether he wants to or not.”

Can “Guo” Rise from the Ashes?

At the center of all this turmoil lies the undeniable truth: Gwen and Leo’s friendship isn’t just another storyline—it’s one of the defining relationships of modern DOOL. Fans have watched them scheme, stumble, and survive side by side, and the idea of losing that connection forever is almost unthinkable.

Both actors agree that what makes Gwen and Leo special is their imperfect but unshakable bond. “They fit together in this unique way,” O’Brien reflected. “They’ve seen the worst in each other and still chosen to stay. That’s rare.”

Rikaart added, “Leo can’t live without Gwen in his life. He’ll fight for her forgiveness, even if it means facing her fury over and over. That’s what you do when you love someone like family.”

What Comes Next?

The road ahead for Gwen and Leo promises to be one of the most powerful and emotional journeys Salem has seen in years. Will Gwen eventually open her heart to forgiveness, or will the wounds of betrayal prove too deep? Will Leo’s relentless pursuit of reconciliation destroy his shot at happiness with Javi? And how will the rest of Salem react as this emotional storm ripples through the community?

One thing is certain: the saga of Gwen and Leo is far from over. With powerhouse performances from Greg Rikaart and Emily O’Brien, fans can expect scenes filled with heartache, raw emotion, and the kind of gripping drama that has kept Days of Our Lives at the top of its game for decades.

So, DOOL fans, are you rooting for “Guo” to find their way back to each other? Or do you believe their friendship is too broken to be repaired? As Salem prepares for its next chapter, all we can do is watch, wait, and prepare ourselves for the shocking twists and turns that are sure to come.