Hold on to your seats, Days of Our Lives fans—because Salem is about to experience one of the biggest shake-ups in years! The daytime television world is buzzing after the announcement that Connor Floyd, best known for his riveting role as Chance Chancellor on The Young and the Restless, will be stepping into the shoes of Chad DiMera, replacing long-time fan favorite Billy Flynn. This isn’t just a casting change; it’s a transformation that’s expected to bring a whole new dimension to the DiMera dynasty and reshape the future of Days of Our Lives as we know it.

For nearly a decade, Billy Flynn’s portrayal of Chad captivated viewers with a perfect mix of charm, torment, and redemption. His Chad DiMera wasn’t just a character—he was a legacy, torn between the darkness of his family’s name and his quest to be a better man for his beloved Abigail. From fiery confrontations with the infamous DiMera clan to heart-wrenching scenes that defined “Chabby,” Flynn brought Chad to life in unforgettable ways. So when Flynn confirmed earlier this year that he would be leaving Salem to take on a new role as Aristotle Dumas on The Young and the Restless, fans were left reeling.

But just as the hourglass turns, Days is ushering in a fresh era with Connor Floyd taking over the role. The 33-year-old Texas native brings not only striking charisma but a depth of emotion that’s already earned him critical praise. Floyd made his daytime debut in 2021, and his portrayal of Chance—a war veteran grappling with trauma, moral conflict, and love—was nothing short of spectacular. His performances were layered, vulnerable, and authentic, cementing his place as one of soap opera’s brightest rising stars.

Now, he’s stepping into one of Salem’s most complex roles. Chad DiMera isn’t just another leading man—he’s a character steeped in decades of Days history. Born the illegitimate son of the late, great Stefano DiMera, Chad’s life has been a tangled web of betrayal, forbidden love, and redemption. Over the years, he’s evolved from a rebellious youth to a devoted father, loyal husband, and shrewd businessman. But in Salem, peace never lasts long, and the DiMera name always carries shadows.

In a heartfelt interview with Soap Opera Digest, Floyd opened up about what it means to take on such a legacy role. “Chad is fascinating,” he shared. “He’s not black or white—he’s constantly walking the line between his family’s ruthless ambition and his own moral compass. That kind of complexity really drew me in.” The actor admitted that leaving The Young and the Restless was emotional, describing his final scenes as Chance as “bittersweet” and confessing he “cried like a baby” on his last day.

Still, Floyd is ready for the challenge—and for the whirlwind world of Salem. He’s already begun filming, though Days of Our Lives’ advanced production schedule means fans won’t see his debut until April 2026. The anticipation is building across social media, with longtime viewers expressing a mix of nostalgia and curiosity. One fan on X wrote, “I’ll miss Billy Flynn so much, but Connor Floyd is such a talent—can’t wait to see his take on Chad!”

In a recent Parade interview, Floyd revealed how he’s approaching the iconic role. “I want to highlight Chad’s inner conflicts more than ever—the push and pull between love and legacy,” he said. “There’s something really powerful about a man who’s constantly trying to outrun his own bloodline.” He also teased that the extended filming schedule allows him to dive deeper into Chad’s psyche. “It’s a different pace than Y&R. Here, I get time to marinate in the emotion, to map out Chad’s journey with more precision.”

And let’s talk about that journey—because Salem has a way of testing even its strongest souls. With Abigail gone (though in Days fashion, no one ever stays gone forever), Chad’s story has been tinged with loss and vengeance. Fans are already speculating about how Floyd’s version will handle Chad’s grief and whether this recast might pave the way for an Abigail return—or a shocking new romance. Could a resurrected love story be brewing? Or will Chad find himself spiraling deeper into the DiMera family’s dark legacy?

Behind the scenes, the Days cast has been nothing but welcoming. Veteran stars Deidre Hall (Marlena) and Robert Scott Wilson (Alex/Ben) have reportedly taken Floyd under their wing. In an interview with AOL Entertainment, Floyd laughed, “It’s like joining this big, crazy family—very fitting for a DiMera.” Even Billy Flynn himself has publicly supported the transition, saying in a YouTube clip, “Connor’s a talented guy. I can’t wait to see what he does with Chad.”

Of course, with a new actor comes new energy. Floyd’s athletic background—he played college baseball before pursuing acting—means we might see a more physical Chad, one capable of intense confrontations and action-packed moments. Combine that with his emotional depth, and Salem could be in for some truly unforgettable scenes. Rumors already suggest upcoming storylines will thrust Chad back into the center of the DiMera power struggle, possibly involving buried family secrets, corporate betrayals, and a mysterious newcomer tied to Stefano’s past.

Social media is ablaze with theories. Some fans believe Chad will discover a long-lost sibling or uncover a hidden heir to the DiMera empire. Others are whispering about a potential crossover—what if Chad’s business dealings connect with Flynn’s new Y&R character, Aristotle Dumas? While that may be a stretch, in the soap world, anything is possible.

Connor Floyd has also spoken about the creative transition from Genoa City to Salem. “Y&R has this sleek, corporate world vibe,” he explained to Yahoo Entertainment. “Days feels more mythic—bigger emotions, higher stakes, even a touch of the supernatural. It’s exciting to play in that sandbox.” He described the shift as “a leap of faith,” one that’s pushing him to grow as both an actor and a storyteller.

Perhaps most intriguing, Floyd hinted that fans might see a darker side of Chad emerge under his watch. “He’s been through so much loss,” Floyd mused. “It’s natural he’d question everything—his loyalty, his morality, his faith in love. I think we’re going to see Chad at his most raw and human.”

As Days of Our Lives continues its successful run on Peacock, this recasting marks not just a new chapter for one character but a revitalization of the entire show. Executive producer Ken Corday has reportedly praised Floyd’s performances during filming, noting that he “brings a quiet intensity that feels both new and familiar.”

So, what does all this mean for Days fans? It means get ready for drama, heartbreak, and redemption like never before. Connor Floyd’s arrival in Salem promises to reignite old rivalries, uncover buried secrets, and maybe—just maybe—heal old wounds. The DiMera name has always stood for power, passion, and pain, and under Floyd’s portrayal, Chad might finally find the balance between them.

As the sands of the hourglass continue to fall, one thing’s clear—Connor Floyd’s Chad DiMera will be a force to reckon with. Fans, mark your calendars for April 2026, because a new era of Days of Our Lives is about to begin. Until then, stay tuned, keep the drama alive, and remember: in Salem, every ending is just the start of another shocking beginning.