Days of Our Lives Next Week Goings and Comings: 2 Major Stars Leave Salem, & 3 Shocking Returns

The upcoming week on Days of Our Lives (August 17–21) promises an emotional rollercoaster packed with heartbreaking departures and long-awaited character returns.

Devastating Departures The most heartbreaking news of the week centers on Nikki Crawford’s exit as Lexi Carver, concluding her dramatic storyline on Friday, August 20. After being brought back to reunite with Abe and Theo, Lexi’s tragic demise stems from the side effects of Dr. Ralph’s Versavix serum, orchestrated by EJ. Her final scenes alongside James Reynolds (Abe) and Tyler Joseph Andrews (Theo) promise to be deeply emotional, leaving the Carver family devastated.

Additionally, John Oliver wraps up his hilarious three-episode guest stint as Devon Saint, Salem’s chief water inspector. Devon’s investigation into the town’s water supply inadvertently exposed EJ DiMera’s cover-up involving arsenic-laced Corosil pills on Smith Island—the same toxin that poisoned Holly Jonas and killed Sarah’s patient, Destiny.

Major Character Returns To help the Price and Carver families weather the storm, three major fan-favorites are making their way back to Salem:

• Lonnie Price Grant (Sal Stowers): Returning on Monday, August 17, Lonnie heads straight to the hospital to support her pregnant sister, Chanel, who is facing a harrowing battle with breast cancer. Lonnie’s presence offers much-needed stability as Chanel navigates chemotherapy choices and their mother, Paulina, spirals out of control over Lexi’s worsening condition.

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• Eli Grant (Lami Archane): Arriving on Friday, August 21, Eli joins Lonnie in sharing emotional moments as they remember their stillborn son, Abraham. This heartbreaking reflection on their past loss serves as a tender bridge to offer strength and comfort to Chanel and Johnny in their time of fear.

• JJ Deveraux (Casey Moss): Returning on Tuesday, August 18, the former cop reaches out to his half-sister, Gwen, following her hostage ordeal in Allemannia. JJ also connects with Theo, offering empathy and support to someone facing the looming loss of a family member—a pain JJ understands all too well after losing his sister, Abigail.

Town Drama & Subplots

• Teen Distractions: Louis O’Owa gains more screen time as Aaron Green on August 18, spending time with Ari and baby Trey. This wholesome moment gives Ari a break from her ongoing family conflict with her mother, Gabi.

• Julie’s Date Night: Miles Anderson reappears as Foster, taking Julie out on a date on Tuesday. However, the evening takes an unexpected turn, raising questions about Foster’s motives and Julie’s ongoing grief over Doug.

• The Allemannia Crisis: Peter Porte continues his arc as Dimitri von Leuschner. On Wednesday, August 19, Leo face-to-face confronts his ex-boyfriend with a dose of harsh reality, attempting to break free from Dimitri’s toxic influence and secure a way home.

With major tissue-warning moments on the horizon, the week balances heavy tragedy with the comforting strength of returning family members.