Days of our lives spoilers: SHOCKING NEWS – Deal Reached, Billy Flynn Will Not Leave DOOL?
Billy Flynn’s Soap Shock: Could He Stay on Days of Our Lives While Debuting on The Young and the Restless?
By TV Days Drama Digest Staff
Buckle up, soap fans—because the daytime drama world is abuzz with a twist worthy of a Friday cliffhanger. Just when viewers were bracing for Billy Flynn’s emotional exit from Days of Our Lives, a stunning rumor has emerged: could Flynn be staying in Salem and joining The Young and the Restless?
From Salem to Genoa City?
Back in March 2025, fans were stunned when Flynn, who has portrayed Chad DiMera on DOOL since 2014, announced he was leaving the beloved NBC/Peacock soap for a new role on CBS’s The Young and the Restless. The news sent shockwaves across the soap world, marking what many believed was the end of an era for Chad and his dramatic DiMera legacy.
“I am grateful for my years at Days—it changed my life in the best ways,” Flynn told TV Insider. “These stories are like a play, and I’ve spent the last 10-plus years playing this amazing character.”
Fans feared the departure would mean a permanent goodbye to Chad, one of Salem’s most iconic modern characters. But now, whispers suggest that Flynn might be pulling off an unprecedented feat: remaining on Days in some capacity while stepping into a new role on Y&R.
A Dual Role on Two Soaps?
The speculation hinges on a tantalizing possibility: that Flynn negotiated a deal allowing him to appear on both soaps simultaneously. While such an arrangement sounds far-fetched, DOOL’s unique 9-month advance filming schedule could make it feasible.
On social media, fans are buzzing. One user compared Flynn’s possible dual-soap presence to Laura Wright’s leap from Guiding Light to General Hospital, calling it a “strategic play for job security.” Others are torn—excited by the challenge but worried about whether each show will get the attention it deserves.
Flynn himself addressed the challenge in an interview with Variety, saying, “It might make it a little harder for viewers to suspend disbelief,” if he’s seen on two shows at once. Still, he acknowledged that DOOL’s fast-paced production had trained him well for any acting environment.
What Does This Mean for Chad DiMera?
Could DOOL executives—led by longtime producer Ken Corday—be working behind the scenes to keep Chad in the mix? Corday issued a warm statement supporting Flynn’s move to CBS but left the door open, saying he will “certainly be missed in Salem.”
Fans speculate that Flynn’s role on Y&R might be a short-term arc or that he could split his time between both shows. With DOOL episodes already filmed into 2026 and Y&R’s slower production pace, the logistics—while complicated—aren’t impossible.
Flynn even hinted at this, telling Variety, “They move slower at Y&R, and there’s more time to do stuff. But I was trained like a warrior here at Days.”
The Legacy of Chad DiMera
Flynn’s portrayal of Chad has earned him three Daytime Emmy nominations and a dedicated following. His chemistry with on-screen love Abigail Deveraux (portrayed by Kate Mansi and Marci Miller) birthed the fan-favorite pairing “Chabby.”
Chad’s emotional arc—especially during Abigail’s 2022 death storyline—cemented Flynn’s place in soap history. The actor described that performance as “a love letter to my own kind of life,” showing just how much he poured into the role.
For fans, the idea of losing Chad for good is painful. One fan wrote on X, “Just when Days gets good writing, he leaves.” But a possible part-time return offers hope. Could Chad become a recurring force in Salem, stirring up drama during surprise visits?
A New Beginning in Genoa City
While Flynn’s role on Y&R remains under wraps, rumors abound. Some fans believe he could be playing Aristotle Dumas—a mysterious businessman connected to Victor Newman. Others think he may portray a secret operative set to shake up the Newman dynasty.
Flynn’s move reunites him with Y&R executive producer Josh Griffith, who previously worked with him on DOOL‘s Necktie Killer storyline. “He will be a wonderful addition to Y&R’s cast,” Griffith told TV Insider.
Flynn seems energized by the opportunity. “After a decade as Chad, I’m ready to test myself in a new way,” he said, praising the slower pace and creative potential of his new set.
Could This Be a Soap First?
The idea of a full-time actor simultaneously appearing on two major soaps on different networks is nearly unheard of. But there is some precedent—Eileen Davidson famously juggled roles on DOOL and Y&R over the years.
Flynn’s situation is unique due to the overlapping schedules. His final DOOL scenes are set to air through late 2026, and he’s already filming for Y&R. That means viewers will see him on both shows at the same time—a surreal experience for fans.
Some theorize DOOL could temporarily write Chad out, only to bring him back once Flynn’s commitments lighten. Soap storytelling allows for such flexibility—characters vanish and reappear all the time.
Flynn was recently seen at a DOOL anniversary photo shoot, alongside cast members Dan Feuerriegel and AnnaLynne McCord, fueling speculation that his departure might not be permanent.
Fan Reactions and Final Thoughts
To DOOL fans, Chad isn’t just another character—he’s a symbol of family, redemption, and enduring love. Many have voiced their heartbreak over his potential exit, while others are excited to follow Flynn to Y&R.
“I hope fans will support both shows,” Flynn said. “If someone new takes over Chad, give them the same love you gave me.”
Whether Flynn remains on DOOL, transitions fully to Y&R, or pulls off an unprecedented double duty, one thing is certain: he’s made a lasting impact.
And with soaps, anything is possible.
What’s Next?
As we wait for Flynn’s debut in Genoa City, the question remains: Is this a goodbye, or just the next chapter in Chad DiMera’s legacy?
