Kristian Alfonso Reflects on Hope’s Comeback, Doug’s Passing, and an Emotional Reunion with Susan Seaforth Hayes
Kristian Alfonso Reflects on Hope’s Comeback, Doug’s Passing, and an Emotional Reunion with Susan Seaforth Hayes
Days of our Lives enduring fan favorite, Kristian Alfonso (Hope) will be back on-screen on the Peacock streaming soap opera when Hope finds out that her dad, Doug Williams has died. The last time Alfonso appeared on an episode of DAYS was back in April 0f 2023. Now, she is a back not only to play out the scenes of Hope’s grief over the death of her father, but also for a man very dear to her heart, the late Bill Hayes, who passed away back in January at the age of 98.
Due to a scheduling issue between Alfonso and the soap opera, Hope’s arrival in Salem happens a bit later after she learns the news of her father’s passing. When Kristian did make it back to the studio, she shared highly-emotional on and off-screen moments with Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie Williams).
Speaking with Soap Opera Digest, Kristian recalled, “When Susan and I saw each other, we just kind of fell into each other’s arms.” She then spoke of how impressed she was of Susan to portray the scenes of Doug’s passing after mourning the death of her real life love, Bill Hayes.
“Susan is a true, beautiful warrior,” expressed Alfonso. “She really and truly is, to live this loss off camera, and then come to work and have to live it again on camera.” Speaking on Susan’s powerful performance in the story, Kristian noted, “It is a beautiful legacy and tribute to her incredible, amazing, loving husband.”
As to how Hope will grieve the loss of her dad, Alfonso said she decided that she wanted Hope to be strong for Julie when they saw each other. Kristian elaborated, “Julie is just powering through, and Hope, of course, doesn’t want to be falling apart, crying, because Julie’s (not). She’s like, ‘Okay, I’m going to meet you there, where you are emotionally.’ You know, we all cover up our pain sometimes until you are alone, and then you crumble, shared Alfonso.
Fans hoping for an update on Bo’s (Peter Reckell) condition after being shot by his son, Shawn (Brandon Beemer) and landing in a coma, may get their wish during Hope’s return. Alfonso teased the potential for a Bo update, only saying, “Possibly … with an exclamation point and a question mark!”
So, are you looking forward to Kristian’s return and her sharing scenes with Susan Seaforth Hayes as Hope and Julie grieve the death of Doug? Comment below.
