Billy Flynn aired his final episode as Chad on Days of our Lives, making way for Conner Floyd to take over the role this spring. The casting shake-up got fans talking about recasts and who became a fan favorite even though the actor or actress had big shoes to fill.

Key Takeaways

• DAYS fans talk all-time favorite recasts.
• Some of the answers are surprising.
• Conner Floyd is a great choice to play Chad.

MORE: Deidre Hall marks the end of an era.

The soap world is filled with recasts. It’s just simply the nature of the beast of the business. Soap fans always need time to adjust to a new actor in a role, especially if the person was adored.

However, in some cases, the recast becomes better known and liked than the person who originated the role. One DAYS Reddit thread discussed recasts, asking fans to name their favorite.

Several fans named characters that many had forgotten were even recast, like Mary Beth Evans (Kayla). The beloved actress took over the role from Catherine Mary Stuart, with a fan saying that Evans was “utterly perfect from the word go.”

Drake Hogestyn (John) was another actor named because he initially joined the Peacock soap as Roman (then-Wayne Northrop). “He made the role of Roman his,” before Northrop returned and Hogestyn became John Black.

Matthew Ashford (Jack) was one we indeed forgot was a recast, but that is the case. Joseph Adams may have originated the role of Jack, but it’s been Ashford’s role for decades.

Lauren Koslow (Kate) celebrated 30 years on the Peacock soap last month. However, she replaced a favorite Deborah Adair, who originated the role three years before Koslow began.

Beyond the Gates star Greg Vaughan (Kial) was also named in the thread. Vaughan was tasked with replacing fan favorite Jensen Ackles as Eric Brady and made the role his own from the second he appeared on screen.

Never in a million years did one DAYS fan believe James Scott could ever be replaced as EJ. However, the fan was wrong because Dan Feuerriegel (EJ) has done just that in the role.

One fan named Stacy Haiduk (Kristen), knowing that it might not be the most popular opinion. “Haiduk really made her into her own creation. You can see hints of Davidson’s Kristen in it but also a very different Kristen,” declared the fan.

Chandler Massey (Will), Cherie Jimenez (Gabi), Martha Madison (Belle), Brandon Beemer (Shawn), Raven Bowens (Chanel), and Flynn (ex-Chad) were all named in the Reddit thread.

We have to agree with all the names in the thread, especially Haiduk. She has killed it as Kristen, and we didn’t think anyone could make Kristen her own after Eileen Davidson. Haiduk’s constant powerhouse performances have proved us wrong.

The rest of the actors and actresses deserve their props, too. It isn’t easy being a recast, but every single one of them has now become known for their role, not an easy thing to do in the soap world.

Floyd will be next to take on the challenge of being a recast. Even though he already did that on The Young and the Restless, where he played Chance, the circumstances are vastly different.

This time around, Floyd’s taking over for Flynn, who played Chad for over a decade. If anyone is up to the challenge, it’s Floyd, and we can’t wait to see his take on Chad. There’s something about Floyd that makes us sure he will be a perfect addition to the DiMera family.

Who is your favorite DAYS recast?