MICHAEL ROARK’S MYSTERY ROLE DEBUTS
TL;DR: The Young and the Restless alum Michael Roark is making his Days of Our Lives debut THIS WEEK (first week of October 2025), but the show is keeping his role TOP SECRET. The actor has already been taping scenes, and speculation is running wild about who he’s playing. Could he be Jeremy Horton? A DiMera connection? A mysterious new villain? We’re breaking down everything we know and what fans are predicting.
Michael Roark Is Officially Joining Salem
It’s confirmed: Michael Roark is heading to Salem! The casting news broke on June 30, 2025, when a DAYS spokesperson told Soap Opera Digest: “Yes, Michael Roark has been taping but won’t be seen on-air until the first week of October. No comment about the role he is playing nor the storyline in which he is involved. Stay tuned!”
That means we should see Roark’s debut ANY DAY NOW. The show has been incredibly tight-lipped about his character, which suggests this is either a major role, a returning character recast, or a plot twist they don’t want to spoil. Probably all three knowing DAYS.
For those who don’t remember Roark from his Y&R days, he played Travis Crawford in 2016—a bar owner who became romantically involved with Victoria Newman (Amelia Heinle). His time in Genoa City was relatively brief, but he made an impression. Now he’s bringing his soap opera experience to Peacock’s streaming hit.
The Jeremy Horton Theory
The hottest speculation? Roark might be playing Jeremy Horton, and honestly, it makes a LOT of sense. First, Roark bears a striking resemblance to Trevor Donovan, who previously played Jeremy. The physical similarity is uncanny.
Second, DAYS recently released a “summer and beyond” preview video that teased Mike Horton (Roark Critchlow) returning for the opening of the Dr. Tom Horton Center. If Mike’s coming back, bringing his son Jeremy along would make perfect narrative sense.
The Horton family has been underrepresented on DAYS in recent years, so adding a younger Horton to the canvas would help balance out all the DiMera and Kiriakis drama. Plus, Jeremy’s past includes running a modeling agency/escort service scheme, so there’s plenty of juicy history to mine for new storylines.
If Roark IS playing Jeremy, expect complicated family dynamics, potential romantic entanglements, and the possibility of redemption or regression depending on how the writers want to play it.
Other Possibilities
Of course, Roark might NOT be Jeremy Horton. DAYS loves surprises, so let’s explore other options:
A DiMera Connection: The DiMera family always has room for more chaos. Could Roark be a previously unknown DiMera relative? A business rival coming for EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) or Stefan (Brandon Barash)? Someone connected to Stefano’s past? The DiMeras have enough skeletons in their closet to justify almost any new family reveal.
A Love Interest: Several Salem ladies could use a fresh romantic option. Gabi (Cherie Jimenez), Stephanie (Abigail Klein), and Jada (Elia Cantu) might benefit from a new guy who isn’t connected to their complicated romantic histories. Roark has leading man looks and proven chemistry-building skills from his Y&R days.
A Villain: DAYS always needs good antagonists. Maybe Roark’s playing someone connected to Clyde Weston’s (James Read) operation? Or bringing his own brand of corporate villainy? The show does love a well-dressed businessman who’s secretly terrible.
A Completely New Character: Sometimes the simplest answer is right—Roark could be playing a brand-new character with no Salem history, dropped into town to shake things up and create new storylines unburdened by decades of backstory.
Why This Casting Matters
Fresh faces are essential for keeping soaps vibrant. While legacy characters and veteran actors provide continuity, new additions bring energy and opportunities for storytelling that don’t rely on thirty years of history.
Roark’s daytime experience means he knows the unique demands of soap opera production. He can memorize massive amounts of dialogue quickly, build chemistry with scene partners efficiently, and understand the fast-paced production schedule. DAYS is getting a professional who can hit the ground running.
The secrecy around his role suggests the show has plans for Roark to make an immediate impact rather than slowly integrating into the background. Debuting in the first week of October—sweeps season territory—means expect drama right out of the gate.
What Happens Next?
Since we’re IN the first week of October now, Roark’s debut is imminent. DAYS fans should keep their eyes peeled for a new face showing up in Salem, ready to cause trouble, fall in love, or reconnect with family—or possibly all three.
The show’s 60th anniversary is approaching (November 2025), so bringing in fresh talent while honoring legacy families like the Hortons would be the perfect way to celebrate. If Roark really is Jeremy, his arrival could be part of larger anniversary festivities.
Whatever role Roark’s playing, DAYS made a smart choice bringing him aboard. The show has been on fire lately with compelling storylines, strong performances, and the freedom that streaming provides. Adding talented actors like Roark to the mix only strengthens the canvas.
The Bottom Line
Michael Roark debuts on Days of Our Lives THIS WEEK in a mystery role that has fans buzzing with speculation. Whether he’s Jeremy Horton, a DiMera connection, a romantic lead, or something completely unexpected, his arrival promises to shake up Salem.
The secrecy surrounding his character suggests DAYS has something special planned. And with Roark’s soap opera experience and undeniable screen presence, whatever they’ve cooked up is bound to be entertaining.
Days of Our Lives streams weekdays on Peacock. Start watching NOW so you don’t miss Michael Roark’s debut!
What role do you think Michael Roark is playing? Jeremy Horton? Someone else? Drop your predictions in the comments!
Spotted a clue others missed? Share your soap theory at [email protected] for potential featuring!
