DAYS BOMBSHELL: STEPHANIE JOHNSON’S STALKER NIGHTMARE BEGINS AS SALEM GOES DARK
TL;DR: On Days of Our Lives, Stephanie Johnson is being stalked by someone holding her romance novel, with Jeremy Horton strongly suspected as the culprit, while a Salem blackout creates the perfect conditions for danger.
The nightmare Stephanie Johnson has been dreading is finally here on Days of Our Lives! After weeks of anxiety about her steamy romance novel One Stormy Night potentially triggering her abusive ex, someone is now actively stalking her through Salem — and they’re carrying a copy of her book like a twisted calling card.
What Happens to Stephanie Johnson During the Salem Blackout?
Stephanie Johnson faces immediate danger as Salem plunges into darkness on September 26. The citywide power outage creates the perfect cover for her stalker to make their first major move. According to confirmed spoilers, this isn’t just paranoia anymore — Stephanie is being actively followed by someone who’s been watching her every move, and the darkness gives them the advantage they’ve been waiting for.
The timing couldn’t be worse. Just as Stephanie and Alex Kiriakis (Robert Scott Wilson) were finding stability in their relationship, this threat from her past emerges to shatter their peace. Alex now faces his biggest test yet: Can the man viewers have dubbed an “arrogant man child” step up when it matters most?
Is Jeremy Horton Really Back After 18 Years?
While not officially confirmed, all signs point to Jeremy Horton being Stephanie’s stalker. The evidence is overwhelming — Stephanie has repeatedly expressed specific fears about Jeremy recognizing himself in her book’s villain. Her father Steve “Patch” Johnson (Stephen Nichols) has started mentioning Jeremy’s name after nearly two decades of silence. And now a stalker appears clutching the very book that exposed their toxic past.
For those who don’t remember, Jeremy Horton — son of the respected Dr. Mike Horton — terrorized Stephanie back in 2007. He nearly drowned her in a hot tub during a violent rage, then immediately covered it with declarations of love. He also ran a fraudulent children’s cancer charity before leaving Salem to supposedly “set his life on the right track.” Given his narcissistic personality, being exposed as a villain in Stephanie’s bestselling novel would be the ultimate humiliation demanding revenge.
Will Alex Kiriakis Protect Stephanie or Fail Her?
Alex faces a make-or-break moment in his relationship with Stephanie. His track record isn’t promising — viewers have consistently criticized him for being immature, self-absorbed, and prone to letting his ego interfere with good judgment. His ongoing rivalries at Titan Industries with cousins like Xander Cook and Philip Kiriakis often spill into his personal life, creating additional complications.
Could this mean Alex will bungle the rescue attempt with his typical bravado? Don’t be surprised if his first instinct is to handle things himself rather than working with Steve Johnson, Salem’s most experienced investigator. Given Alex’s history, this crisis could easily expose him as inadequate, sending Stephanie running back to her father for real protection.
What’s Next for Stephanie and Alex?
The stalker’s campaign of terror will likely follow a predictable but terrifying pattern. Phase one involves psychological warfare — leaving objects or messages only Stephanie would understand from their shared past. The blackout provides perfect cover for these initial mind games. Phase two brings direct contact, with Jeremy potentially trying to manipulate Stephanie by claiming he’s changed or that he’s the real victim of her book. Phase three inevitably leads to physical confrontation where lives hang in the balance.
This has all the makings of a major November sweeps climax. Could this mean Stephanie ends up in genuine mortal danger? Don’t be surprised if Steve has to go full “Patch” mode to save his daughter when Alex inevitably drops the ball. Given viewer dissatisfaction with the Alex/Stephanie pairing, this storyline might be designed to either redeem Alex once and for all or destroy the relationship permanently.
Actor Michael Roark is strongly rumored to be taking over the role of Jeremy, with an expected October debut that aligns perfectly with this timeline. If true, expect the psychological games to escalate quickly into something far more dangerous.
Quick Answers for Days of Our Lives Fans
Q: Has Jeremy Horton been officially confirmed as the stalker? A: No official confirmation yet, but narrative evidence strongly suggests it’s him.
Q: Is the actor playing Jeremy being recast? A: Trevor Donovan played him in 2007; Michael Roark is rumored for the current storyline.
Q: Will this break up Alex and Stephanie? A: It’s designed as their ultimate test — success or failure depends on Alex’s actions.
Catch all the must-know Days of Our Lives spoilers and updates here.
