The Days of Our Lives photo shoot was the gift that kept on giving. I had the opportunity to speak to both beloved veterans and newcomers.

Peter Reckell (Bo)

What does Crystal Chappell (Carly’s) return mean for Bo and Hope?

I don’t really know. Having another woman come between Bo and Hope is interesting because that whole relationship happened when Bo thought Hope was dead. I’m not really sure what happened after that because the guy playing Bo for a while [Robert Kelker Kelly] sort of resolved that. I’m just wondering what’s going to happen. It’s kind of a cool place to be because quite often I kind of know what’s going on. This is exciting news.

Fans are hoping this means you’re going to have a big story again.

My wife told me the fans sort of introduced this storyline a couple years ago. Apparently the writers saw that and thought it was a good idea.

What would you like to see happen to Bo?

I’ve been doing this so long that I’ve given up trying to do that. You just get disappointed when they surprise you with something totally different.

Congratulations on your Emmy nomination. Have you thought about what you’re going to say in your acceptance speech?

Of course! It’s hard not to think about that. First of all, it’s kind of strange to be nominated. It’s something I’ve kind of forgotten about over the years because I’ve never been nominated. James sent me an e-mail that said, “Welcome to an elite group,” because there’s not too many of us that have been nominated from the show.

You were nominated for Bo’s powerful scenes surrounding Sean’s death. There were a lot of great emotional scenes when Grace died. Do you think the writing of the show has changed to better showcase actors?

I don’t think that’s a different direction for the show. I think we sort of went away from that, and now we’ve come back. The producers and writers recognize that’s what the audience wants. They’re doing shows that really are about family and love relationships.

Are you going to have more scenes with John Aniston? It’s always great to see Bo and Victor go toe-to-toe.

John’s back in a big way. It’s good to have that history. It makes our jobs fun.

Why do you think that DOOL has historically done so poorly at the Emmys?

When we have awards like the People’s Choice Awards, Soap Opera Digest Awards, Days has always done well. But when the industry decides who it likes, we haven’t done well. Who knows? Everybody has their opinions. So this year having thirteen nominations is like, what the heck? Where’s that coming from? We’re just surprised. [Former co-executive producer] Ed Scott was our only real difference.

Has it been tough being on the backburner for the past few months?

It’s difficult to be put on the backburner. But over the past thirteen years, I’ve kind of gotten used to that. The timing was perfect for me because I’m enjoying being a Dad. It’s given me more time with [my daughter] Loden.

Loden is a really unusual name. How did you come up with it?

It came to my wife in a dream. Since that happened, we figured Loden was naming herself, so we better follow her instructions.

Felisha Terrell (Arianna)

Terrell was especially excited to join DOOL because the show is her Mom’s favorite soap. Terrell revealed she wisely turned down a screen test for the role of Vanessa on One Life To Live. She reveals that we’ll see a more fun-loving side of Arianna in upcoming scenes where she, Molly and Brady end up playing strip poker at the Horton cabin. She reveals that Arianna is such an overprotective big sister because of something that she and Rafe experienced as children. Before she became an actress, Terrell worked as a pharmaceutical sales representative. One of the drugs she sold was Cialis. She says, “If I had a dollar for evert guy who claimed he didn’t need it but asked if he could try it out, I’d be rich.”

Casey Diedrick (Chad)

Peterson will soon debut as Chad Peterson, Mia’s baby Daddy. The ultra tall actor is thrilled to be playing Salem’s new teen bad boy. He explains in character, “I’m a year older than Mia. I am a part of Mia’s past. I got shipped away to military school. I’m a very confident, edgy person.” Diedrick adds, “You love him and hate him at the same time. He gets what he wants when he wants.” He explains that Chad is not a complete Cad. He was sent out of town before he found out Mia was pregnant. “It will hit him like a ton of bricks once he finds out about it. This character has a lot of pride in himself.” In addition to acting, Diedrick is the vocalist for a metal band A Dreadfall Fall.

Taylor Spreitler (Mia)

Spreitler previews the upcoming Will/Mia/Chad triangle. “Will is the sweet one. Chad was the bad boy in school. He’s very smug and smooth. Will’s the dorkier one. Right now she likes Will. Chad is a part of her past.” Taylor chooses not tell Chad about Sydney (who she still believes ie her child) because, “She wants Sydney to stay with Nicole. He’s controlling.”

Lauren Koslow (Kate)

Koslow has dyed a chunk of her hair blue. She claims, “It’s a tribute to Adam Lambert.” She became a fan after attending a taping of American Idol. Koslow explains Kate’s dastardly plot to get revenge on both Daniel and Chloe. “Kate wants to punish them both. What better way than to force them to be together? On top of that, she’s going back to her original plan to poison them.” Koslow enjoys playing a character who often goes over-the-top. “We just shot a shocking, funny scene with Kate and Victor. It’s hard to explain. As an actress, I can’t justify it.”

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