"A tremendous New Year's tragedy will affect everyone on the canvas," says new head writer Reilly James ( ). "Lives will be lost and many stories will take new and shocking turns. Expect some familiar faces from the past to start trickling in as some other beloved (and some not so beloved) check out of Salem. There will also be a miracle or two and a few weddings."

Bo/Hope/Billie/Chelsea/Patrick- Chelsea's reckless behavior will have tragic consequences. Bo, Hope, and Billie all butt heads over how to take care of Chelsea. Patrick intervenes and attempts to get through to her by using her obsession for him to his advantage but he very well may end up doing more harm then good.

Jack/Jen/Frankie- Jack resurfaces and we will learn a shocking truth about his accident and where he has been the last few weeks. It is quite unbelievable. Jen and Frankie grow closer in Jack's absence. Expect Jack to be gone awhile and to go on a long journey to find a cure. That journey may lead to the shocking reveal of a long buried secret.

John/Marlena/Alex- The whole truth about Alex is revealed in a shocking way. Its a classic Days twist. Marlena begins to get her memory back on New Year's Eve and John will take action to make sure Alex doesn't impede on the progress Marlena is making or on his attempts to get her back.

Belle/Shawn/Mimi/Phillip- Mimi receives shocking news that changes everything. Shawn learns the truth about Claire as her health continues to fail. Everyone holds out for a miracle but it may just come too late. The big paternity reveal will take Phillip down a shocking path and Belle may end up being the biggest loser in all this.

Sami/Austin/Carrie/Lucas/Nicole- Nicole and Sami team up to keep Austin and Carrie apart, realizing that one of them has a better shot of landing him with Carrie out of the picture. Austin's takeover plot may cause a huge rift between him and Carrie. Austin may have to choose between his new business and the woman he has always loved. Lucas starts to feel like an outsider and unloved and may turn back to the bottle. Two shocking returns will heat up this story and may very well unite Sami and Carrie.

Abe/Lexie/Tek/Celeste- Lexie's big secret comes out and it will change the course of the whole Carver family. Lexie's life spirals out of control and may lead her back to her roots. Abe's sight will start to return and he will find comfort from a shocking person....Celeste!!!

Bonnie/Roman- Tragedy brings these two together and Roman may have finally found that special someone. He is definitely gonna get all he can handle from her. Something big will happen around February that will shake up Roman's life.

Mickey/Maggie- Maggie is getting her own story that will begin on New Year's Eve. No one will beleive what it is-its a HUGE shocker. She will also be big in Lucas's story too as he is close to giving into temptation.

Victor/Kate/Caroline/Shawn Sr.- Fate may bring Caroline and Victor together. A big secret about Victor and Caroline is revealed. Victor and Kate both reel from the consequences of the Calire situation. A down and out Kate will leave town for awhile and will come face to face with someone from the past.

Abby/Max- The aftermath of tragedy brings these two closer. The past between his brother and her mother will play a part in their story.

Will- Will is going to recast and will become a major part of the teen set. He will come to the aid of a young damsel in distress during the New Year's Eve tragedy.

Tony- He will return and will be involved with 3 shockers that will shake up all of Salem. Not everything is as it seems with Tony....