HELLO AND GOODBYE, Joy Returns and Stephanie Leaves | Days of Our Lives Spoilers

Salem may be preparing for one joyful reunion, but it could come at the devastating cost of a heartbreaking farewell. Longtime Days of Our Lives fans are buzzing with speculation that a familiar face from the past is poised to make a shocking comeback—one that could completely derail a fairy-tale future and push another beloved character out of town. Yes, all signs are pointing toward the possible return of Joy Wesley, and if that happens, Stephanie Johnson’s life in Salem may never be the same again.

For decades, Days of Our Lives has thrived on weaving epic tales of love, betrayal, and second chances. Since 1965, the show has built a legacy around multigenerational families like the Hortons, Bradys, DiMeras, and Kiriakises—families whose lives are forever tangled in secrets that refuse to stay buried. And now, this latest rumor taps directly into that legacy, blending romance, unfinished business, and the ultimate soap opera twist: a long-hidden child.

At the center of this emotional storm are three key players: Stephanie Johnson, Alex Kiriakis, and Joy Wesley.

Stephanie Johnson, portrayed by Abigail Klein, has always been a character defined by strength wrapped in vulnerability. As the daughter of Steve “Patch” Johnson and Kayla Brady, Stephanie grew up surrounded by chaos, danger, and heartbreak. Yet through it all, she carved out her own identity—ambitious, intelligent, and desperate for stability after years of emotional upheaval. Her romantic history has been far from smooth, but her relationship with Alex Kiriakis finally seemed to offer her the future she’s always wanted.

Alex, played by Robert Scott Wilson, entered Salem as the classic wealthy bad boy—charming, arrogant, and unapologetically indulgent. As Justin Kiriakis’ son and Victor Kiriakis’ nephew, Alex inherited the family’s confidence, business instincts, and complicated moral compass. Over time, though, viewers watched him evolve. His playboy image began to crack, revealing a man who wanted more than fleeting thrills. With Stephanie, Alex showed growth, devotion, and a genuine desire to build a real family.

Their love story hasn’t been easy. From misunderstandings to external threats—especially Stephanie’s terrifying stalker ordeal—the couple faced challenges that would have broken many others. But they survived. Stronger than ever, Alex got down on one knee and proposed, offering Stephanie a vision of forever. She said yes, tears in her eyes, believing she had finally reached her happily ever after.

Wedding plans soon followed. Venues were discussed, dresses imagined, and futures dreamed about. Whether it was the opulent Kiriakis mansion or a romantic Salem landmark, their big day promised elegance, romance, and hope. For Stephanie, it symbolized safety. For Alex, it represented redemption.

But in Salem, happiness is never allowed to last without a price.

Enter Joy Wesley.

Joy, portrayed by AlexAnn Hopkins, burst onto the Salem scene in the past with a blend of youthful energy, charm, and emotional complexity. As Chanel Dupree’s sister, Joy was instantly woven into the fabric of the town. Her connection with Alex was undeniable—intense, passionate, and complicated. While their relationship never fully settled into something permanent, it left a lasting mark on both of them.

When Joy left Salem, she didn’t just disappear—she vanished with unanswered questions trailing behind her. And one of those questions may now return with devastating consequences.

Rumors suggest that Joy didn’t leave alone.

Back when Joy was still in Salem, her bond with Alex went far deeper than flirtation. Their chemistry was explosive, and their time together unforgettable. But when Joy discovered she was pregnant with Alex’s child, fear and uncertainty took over. Instead of telling him the truth, she ran—choosing solitude over confrontation, secrecy over honesty. She left Salem carrying a life-changing secret that Alex never knew existed.

Fast forward to the present, and Alex has become a man who clearly longs for fatherhood. Viewers have seen his softer side emerge—his natural ability with children, his desire to create a loving family free from the dysfunction that defined his upbringing. That longing makes this rumored twist all the more heartbreaking.

Imagine the timing.

Stephanie and Alex are on the brink of marriage. Invitations have been sent, vows written, and dreams locked in place. Then, at the worst possible moment—perhaps during the rehearsal dinner or even the wedding itself—the doors open.

Joy Wesley walks in.

She’s older now, stronger, and resolute. In her arms, or by her side, is a child whose resemblance to Alex is impossible to ignore. The room freezes. Laughter dies. Hearts stop.

Then comes the words that change everything:
“Alex… this is your child.”

The fallout would be seismic.

Stephanie’s world would shatter in an instant. Even if Alex never knew about the child, the betrayal would feel unbearable. The future she fought so hard to build would crumble before her eyes. Fans can easily imagine her fleeing the room, devastated and humiliated, her wedding dreams reduced to ashes.

Alex, meanwhile, would be torn apart. Shock, guilt, disbelief, and an overwhelming surge of paternal instinct would collide. His life would split in two—his past with Joy and his future with Stephanie now impossible to reconcile.

Joy’s return wouldn’t just be about revealing a secret. It would open the door to unresolved feelings, painful flashbacks, and the realities of co-parenting. Her story could unfold through emotional scenes showing her struggles as a single mother—doctor visits alone, sleepless nights, and the constant weight of guilt for keeping Alex in the dark.

The ripple effects would spread across Salem.

Chanel would be overjoyed to have her sister back, yet conflicted over the chaos Joy brings with her. The Kiriakis family would be forced to confront another scandal—one Victor would have relished, but now falls to Justin and Sonny to manage. Stephanie’s friends would rally around her, offering support, advice, and tough love as she tries to process the unthinkable.

And this may be the breaking point that pushes Stephanie to leave Salem altogether.

Heartbroken and betrayed, Stephanie could decide she needs a fresh start far away from the memories and pain. Whether she returns to Seattle, heads to Paris, or chooses an entirely new destination, her exit would be emotional and poignant. Picture her packing away her unworn wedding dress, saying tearful goodbyes to Steve and Kayla, and boarding a plane determined to rebuild her life on her own terms.

Of course, this remains speculation. Days of Our Lives is famous for misdirection, and the writers could easily flip expectations. Joy might return without a child. The pregnancy could be a red herring. Stephanie and Alex could somehow survive the storm.

But history tells us otherwise.

Hidden pregnancies, surprise children, and bombshell returns are classic Days storytelling—and they almost always change lives forever.

As fans continue to dissect every line of dialogue and lingering glance for clues, one thing is clear: if Joy Wesley returns, Salem will never be the same. Whether it leads to new beginnings or devastating goodbyes, this storyline has all the makings of an unforgettable chapter in Days of Our Lives history.

In Salem, the hourglass never stops turning—and neither does the drama.