Hello everyone, it’s us again—the team here at TV Days Drama Digest!
Today, we have some truly exciting news that is sure to make Days of Our Lives fans rejoice. We’ve received word that actor Brandon Barash, who brought the enigmatic and compelling character Stefan DiMera to life, may be returning to Salem!
This development has fans buzzing with anticipation, especially considering the dramatic history between Stefan and Gabi Hernandez. But what does this mean for the current state of Gabi’s relationships? How will Stefan’s return shake things up in Salem?
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into Barash’s journey with Days of Our Lives, the potential return of Stefan DiMera, and how this might impact Gabi’s love life—especially considering her current relationship with JJ.
Let’s see what’s in store for Stefan and Gabi and whether the return of Brandon Barash is the next big twist in Salem!
Brandon Barash’s Journey with Days of Our Lives and Stefan DiMera
Brandon Barash first joined Days of Our Lives in 2019, stepping into the role of Stefan DiMera, the son of the notorious Stefano DiMera.
Stefan’s character quickly captivated viewers with his charm, complexity, and his dark family ties. Barash was cast after the departure of Tyler Christopher, who had originally portrayed Stefan.
From the very beginning, Stefan was presented as a key player in the DiMera family saga, and his romantic entanglements—particularly with Gabi Hernandez—became central to his storyline.
But in true soap opera fashion, Stefan’s life took a shocking turn. In 2019, his character was seemingly killed off after a violent encounter, and his heart was tragically donated to Julie Williams, a heart transplant recipient.
Fans of the show were devastated by Stefan’s apparent death. But as Days of Our Lives fans know all too well, no one is ever truly gone in Salem.
In 2020, the writers took the bold move of resurrecting Stefan through the introduction of his twin brother, Jake Lambert—portrayed once again by the talented Brandon Barash.
As it turned out, Jake had been living under the radar, believing Stefan to be dead, and his return to Salem brought with it a wave of new drama and intrigue.
Jake, like Stefan, had a tumultuous relationship with Gabi, and this complicated love triangle further deepened the drama. However, just as Jake was getting entangled with Gabi, another shocking twist hit—
The real Stefan was brought back to life by the infamous Dr. Rolf, using Jake’s heart.
Stefan’s return set the stage for even more family feuds, romantic tension, and plenty of unexpected turns for Gabi.
But despite the drama and high-stakes storylines, the character of Stefan once again faced an abrupt exit in 2024.
It was revealed that Brandon Barash was fired from Days of Our Lives in the middle of his contract, which left fans confused and disappointed.
The last time viewers saw Stefan, he was placed in a trunk by Ivan, the loyal henchman of Stefan’s mother, Vivian Alamain.
At the time, Barash spoke about his departure, calling it “a punch in the gut.”
His exit was surrounded by uncertainty, but one thing was clear—Barash wasn’t willing to return unless there was a change in the writing team.
This left fans wondering what was next for Stefan DiMera, and whether he would ever make his way back to Salem.
The Big Change at Days of Our Lives: New Writers and Producers
In a major behind-the-scenes shift, Days of Our Lives saw a change in creative direction, with new writers and co-producers stepping in to take the helm.
This shake-up in the writing team could mark the perfect opportunity for the return of fan-favorite characters like Stefan DiMera—and perhaps even the resurrection of some unresolved storylines.
The arrival of new writers brings with it fresh possibilities for character arcs, and fans are hopeful that the new regime will bring the drama that Days of Our Lives is known for.
Given the recent turmoil surrounding the exit of fan-favorite characters like Barash, the changes in the writing team could be a catalyst for revitalizing the show and providing long-awaited resolutions to storylines.
This shift in creative direction could very well signal the moment for Stefan DiMera’s dramatic return.
There’s been a surge of excitement and speculation among fans, especially after an Instagram post by Barash that has set tongues wagging.
In a recent post, Barash shared a selfie with the caption:
“What time is it?”
—along with a tag to fellow Days of Our Lives actor Robert Scott Wilson.
This cryptic post has fans wondering—could this be confirmation that Stefan is making his way back to Salem?
Stefan DiMera’s Return: What Does It Mean for Gabi and JJ?
One of the most compelling aspects of Stefan’s return is how it will affect Gabi Hernandez—a character whose romantic life has always been filled with turmoil and drama.
As fans will remember, Gabi’s relationship with Stefan was incredibly passionate, full of both love and betrayal, and it seemed that their bond was unbreakable despite the various hurdles they faced.
However, with the arrival of Jake, Gabi was forced to navigate a complicated and painful love triangle between the two brothers.
Her romantic ties to both Stefan and Jake created a whirlwind of emotions, with Gabi caught between the man she loved and the man who brought her unexpected joy.
But with Stefan’s apparent death and Jake’s tragic end, Gabi was left heartbroken—unsure of what to do next.
Fast forward to 2024, and Gabi’s relationship with JJ Deveraux has been a bit unclear, with fans unsure of where her heart truly lies.
The addition of Stefan back into the mix could complicate matters even further.
Will Gabi remain with JJ, or will Stefan’s return ignite old feelings that she has yet to fully let go of?
Gabi has been through so much emotionally, and Stefan’s return could very well reopen old wounds—or bring a new sense of hope for their future together.
If Stefan returns, we may see him and Gabi rekindle their once-passionate romance.
The drama between the two is far from over, and Stefan’s presence will undoubtedly shake up her relationship with JJ.
The question remains: Will Gabi follow her heart and rekindle her love with Stefan, or will she choose to move on with JJ?
Either way, Stefan’s return could spell more complications and heartbreak for Gabi as she navigates her feelings.
What’s Next for Stefan and Days of Our Lives?
As fans eagerly await confirmation of Brandon Barash’s return as Stefan DiMera, the excitement is palpable.
Stefan’s story in Days of Our Lives is far from over, and with a new writing team at the helm, the possibilities for what comes next are endless.
Whether Stefan returns to reclaim his place in the DiMera family, fight for Gabi’s love, or engage in even more power struggles within Salem—one thing is certain: Stefan DiMera’s return will undoubtedly shake things up in a big way.
For now, fans can only wait in suspense, hoping that Barash’s cryptic social media post is a hint that Stefan’s time in Salem is far from over.
As Days of Our Lives continues to evolve, there’s no telling what dramatic twists and turns lie ahead.
But one thing is clear—if Stefan returns, Salem will never be the same.
Are you excited to see Brandon Barash back in action as Stefan DiMera? Will Gabi choose Stefan over JJ?
The drama is sure to be intense, and we can’t wait to see how it all unfolds!
We hope you enjoyed this update and look forward to sharing more with you in the future.
