BIG DAYS CASTING NEWS-MASCOLO RETURNS AS OTHERS TAKE OFF!!!

The Phoenix has risen again on Days.

Days fans had a wild week last week as the first week of the hyped "The Weeks That Change Everything" event brought major shockwaves to the canvas. Among those reveals, fans learned that Wayne Northrup's character was not Stefano and saw the shocking return of Joe Mascolo to the legendary role. "It was just supposed to be a few shows based on the trade we made with B&B a few years ago," says executive producer Ned Yadroc. "As soon as Joe informed us of his being cut to recurring and his choice to leave the show altogether we jumped on it and signed him to a contract." No word yet on the length of the contract but it is said to be open-ended as Stefano is a character who is in and out frequently.

What does this mean for Wayne Northrup? Well, as fans know, the former Alex North/Stefano wannabe turned out to be a former henchman of Stefano's named Wendell. "Wayne's last airdate was on Friday July 21," says Yadroc. "He will be on recurring and he likes it that way. It allows him to be with his family and we can still use him. That is why we made him Wendell-it really sets things up well for him and for us."

Apparently, the same goes for Charles Cioffi (Ernesto) too. "He will recur also and his last airdate was July 21 as well. We love him and do plan on using him but I have no idea when. He has other things lined up so I guess it will have to be when it is good for him and for us but we obviously opened up alot of stories with bringing him back these last few weeks," Yadroc explains.

Thaoo's Days are done...for now.

Fans also are wondering about Steve Blackwood (Bart) and Thaoo Penghlis (Andre/Tony) after both appeared to die on July 21. "Bart is dead. We felt the character was taking away from the aura of the Dimera's and preventing people from taking them seriously. I love Steve but this was one tough decision that had to be made. As for Thaoo, he will be back at some point. We left Andre's death wide open but I honestly doubt we will use him. We do plan to use Tony as we did hint at Tony being out there somewhere but we have room for that story right now. It will be done but not at this point. I do think Thaoo will be back in some capacity in the future," admits Yadroc. Both Penghlis and Blackwood last aired on July 21.

Here are some other BIG casting tidbits and Days rumors:

-Fans will learn the identity of Shane's stalker on Monday July 24. "It is a beloved face from the past and she will be sticking around for good. We have big story planned for her." Fans should also look for another secret return of a beloved actor in the weeks ahead and he, too, will be returning for good. "He will pop up in the weeks ahead and it will be a shock to fans," says Yadroc.

-There will be several major deaths in Salem this week. "One happens on Monday and the others will be spread out through the week. The episodes with all the dying are all tear jerkers but Friday's show will be a major one along with next Monday's," previews Yadroc. "Fans will never forget the last few deaths on the island-they will change the show forever."

-For fans wondering where Alan (Paul Kersey) and Carrie (Christie Clark) are, they will be back in the weeks ahead. "They return in August. The first week actually. We just had so many people to play we needed to move them off the canvas. It fits nicely and fans should be assured that they won't miss nothing in this story," says Yadroc.

-Rumors continue to swirl about the status of Deidre Hall (Marlena) as her contract is up next month and August is fast approaching. The show had no comment.

-Missy Reeves (Jennifer) and Kyle Brandt (Philip) are rumored to have finished taping.

-Arianne Zuker (Nicole) and Jensen Ackles (Eric) are said to be now sticking around through the end of the year.

-The show has a lockdown on any spoilers pertaining to the current Roman story but setsiders report that no matter what Josh Taylor is staying put...at least for now.

-Rumors persist that Will will be recast this fall for a big story.

-It appears a beloved actor will be going recurring in the weeks ahead.

-Rumors are circulating that there is a new co writer at Days to go with recently appointed HW Tim Lowery. Setsiders report that the show will introduce this person in an interview scheduled for mid-August, a week prior to releasing Fall Previews. Keep an eye out for more info on this and all the other casting news and rumors.