It’s a big day for mismatched couples in Salem, the August 1, 2025 Days of our Lives spoilers photos tease all the action.

Scenes From Salem

EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) enlists help from an ally, while new couples in Salem begin to blossom.

What is Rita (Maggie Carney) helping EJ with this time? And who does EJ call?

EJ will also have an encounter with Gwen (Emily O’Brien). But how much of his latest scheme will she learn?

When Sarah (Linsey Godfrey) finds comfort in Brady (Eric Martsolf) in the square, they’ll be caught by Xander (Paul Telfer) and Gabi (Cherie Jimenez), who have also been getting closer.

Salem is brimming with unexpected connections and growing tensions in the upcoming Days of our Lives episode airing August 1, 2025. Spoilers hint that alliances will be tested, secrets may come to light, and new romantic bonds will start to blossom in the most surprising ways. For fans who love twists, complicated relationships, and unexpected developments, this episode won’t disappoint.

EJ’s Plans Take Shape — With Rita’s Help

EJ DiMera (played by Dan Feuerriegel) is always several steps ahead in Salem’s political and corporate chess game, and this time he’s pulling strings once again. But instead of operating solo, he turns to an unlikely partner: Rita (Maggie Carney). The question on everyone’s mind — what exactly is EJ involving Rita in this time?

Rita has been slowly inching her way into the DiMera world, and EJ seems to see potential in her — either as a pawn or a real ally. Viewers will see the two deep in a conversation that suggests a covert plan is underway. Though the exact nature of their mission remains a mystery, it’s clear EJ is maneuvering pieces behind the scenes.

Later, EJ makes a mysterious phone call — but who is on the other end remains to be seen. Could it be another DiMera family member? A rival? Or someone entirely unexpected? One thing’s for certain: when EJ starts working the phones, big moves tend to follow. And when Rita is involved, things usually don’t go as planned.

Gwen and EJ Cross Paths

As if EJ’s secretive dealings with Rita weren’t enough, he also runs into Gwen Rizczech (Emily O’Brien), which leads to even more intrigue. Their exchange starts innocently enough, but fans will notice the tension simmering beneath the surface. Gwen has always had a knack for sniffing out deceit, and her encounter with EJ may leave her questioning what he’s up to.

Will Gwen uncover bits of EJ’s secret plot? Or will EJ manipulate her the way he has so many others in the past? With Gwen’s unpredictable nature and EJ’s slippery tactics, this meeting could either blow up in his face or become a strategic opportunity for both. Either way, Gwen may not walk away as clueless as EJ hopes.

Sparks Fly Between Sarah and Brady

Meanwhile, in Salem’s town square, another pair is getting far too cozy for comfort — at least in the eyes of a few onlookers. Sarah Horton (Linsey Godfrey) finds herself seeking emotional comfort, and Brady Black (Eric Martsolf) is more than willing to provide a shoulder to lean on. Their chemistry is undeniable, and what starts as a simple moment of support gradually becomes something more.

Sarah and Brady have both had their fair share of heartbreak in recent months, and perhaps it’s their shared pain that’s drawing them closer. But this closeness doesn’t go unnoticed. Just as things heat up, they’re spotted by two individuals who are anything but impartial observers: Xander Cook (Paul Telfer) and Gabi Hernandez (Cherie Jimenez).

Xander and Gabi’s Tense Observation

Xander and Gabi have also been growing closer in recent episodes, bonding over mutual frustrations and loneliness. But when they stumble upon Sarah and Brady in an intimate moment, emotions surge — especially for Xander.

It’s no secret that Xander still harbors complicated feelings for Sarah, even if he refuses to admit it aloud. Seeing her in what appears to be a flirty or affectionate moment with Brady hits him hard. Gabi, too, may feel a jolt of jealousy, though she hides it behind her usual sharp wit and confidence.

As the tension brews, this unexpected “double sighting” could change the dynamic for both potential couples. Will Xander confront Sarah? Will Gabi question Brady’s intentions? Or will this lead to even more confusion in Salem’s already tangled web of relationships?

Romance, Secrets, and Shifting Loyalties

The heart of this episode lies in the overlapping themes of romance, secrecy, and evolving loyalties. EJ is clearly building a plan that involves manipulation and strategy, and Rita may soon realize she’s in over her head. Gwen’s role could either destabilize or help reinforce EJ’s schemes — depending on how much she discovers and where her loyalties lie.

At the same time, the blossoming relationship between Sarah and Brady is filled with potential — but also danger. Neither of them may be fully aware of the emotional fallout that their growing connection might cause, especially now that Xander and Gabi are involved. Viewers should prepare for emotional confrontations, surprising admissions, and perhaps even the beginning of new romantic entanglements that will ripple across Salem for weeks to come.

What’s Coming Next?

While this episode sets the stage for new beginnings and revived rivalries, it also hints at deeper trouble ahead. EJ’s motives remain unclear, and his partnership with Rita could implode if secrets leak. Gwen may become a wildcard in the entire scenario, especially if she finds a way to leverage the information she gains.

As for Sarah and Brady, they may be at the start of something real — or something destined to crash and burn. Either way, their connection will not go unnoticed, and reactions from Xander and Gabi could shift the story dramatically.

Salem is never short on drama, and this episode is a perfect reminder of just how quickly alliances can shift, relationships can evolve, and secrets can upend everything. Whether you’re Team EJ, rooting for Sarah and Brady, or hoping for a Gabi/Xander romance to bloom, August 1’s Days of our Lives episode will deliver plenty of surprises, tension, and emotional fireworks.

Stay tuned — this is only the beginning.