Days Recap: Days of our Lives Recap August 3: Philip Plays Unlikely Matchmaker for Xander and Sarah

In today's Days of our Lives recap for August 3, 2026, one trip gets delayed while another gets an additional traveler, and EJ’s planned trip for Kristen goes awry.

Hello, Alamainia

At the Hernandez home, Rafe updated Cat on the discovery that Dimitri, not EJ, had presumably kidnapped Gwen. He concurred with Cat’s assessment that Leo going it alone to Alamainia wasn’t the best idea…so Rafe would be on the next plane, too. Cat wished she could tag along as well and don a disguise, but both she and Rafe agreed that her time would be better spent keeping an eye on EJ. Rafe acknowledged Cat had done a good job entrapping the DiMera, and he planned to put in a good word for her with the higher-ups. He also apologized for his frequent challenges to her judgment.

Rafe intended to free Gwen from Dimitri and then use their evidence against her as leverage. Ideally, she would flip on EJ to save herself, and he could bring down his long-time nemesis once and for all. Even though EJ hadn’t been responsible for Gwen’s current predicament, he still bore responsibility for a host of other misdeeds, including playing God with Lexie’s life.

Arrivederci, Italy

Chad and Belle decided to keep their romance local | Image: JPI

At Small Bar, Chad began his date with Belle with bad news: he couldn’t go with her to Italy. Jack and Jennifer would be bringing the kids home early, and Charlotte’s heart was set on an upcoming daddy-daughter dance that would be happening at the same time as the planned Italy trip. Belle fully understood. Chad suggested they reschedule, but Belle didn’t think she could because of her imminent busy schedule as Salem’s DA.

Belle thought the cancellation might have been the universe’s way of telling her continuing with the mystery was a bad idea. To her surprise, it was Chad this time who wanted to go forward. A part of him needed to know what his father had up his sleeve and how the family’s legacy might be impacted.

Later, Chad and Belle continued their date with a stroll through Horton Town Square. They had a brief run-in with Cat, who greeted them and commented on their happy demeanor. Cat watched wistfully as the couple walked away, hand-in-hand.

When they took their seats on a bench, Chad mused about how that had been the spot where he had first made his dating profile. Belle jokingly suggested they give the app that had brought them together a review. Chad was more interested in giving their current date a review. He deemed it five stars and sealed his verdict with a kiss.

Dying Wish

EJ and Rita couldn't believe their eyes | Image: JPI

At the DiMera mansion, Rita brought EJ alarming news: the jet had taken off, but without Kristen on it. The assistant explained to her irate boss that Chad had given Leo use of the jet. As far as she knew, Kristen was still in the shipping container at the loading area.

EJ and Rita made their way to the area, where they met up with EJ’s apologetic henchman. As the henchman prepared to open the container, EJ instructed Rita to brace herself because Kristen was likely to charge them. Rita had her taser on-hand and ready to go. But when the container was opened and EJ stepped inside, he found a shocking site: a sickly but awake Lexie, covered in a blanket.

EJ gathered his composure and asked Lexie what had happened. Lexie outlined her and Kristen’s plan, which she confirmed they had concocted after Lexie had overheard EJ’s own plans for Kristen. Rita was sympathetic to Lexie, but EJ lashed out at his sister for deceiving him. Lexie in turn blasted EJ for his intentions to harm to a member of their family.

Lexie expressed her desire to proceed with going to the island, but EJ shot it down. She couldn’t believe her brother would deny her a dying wish — not to subject her family to a repeat of her previous death. EJ had a counter-proposal…let him take Lexie back to the mansion and take care of her himself, so she wouldn’t be alone. He promised not to tell anyone. After EJ extended his hand, an emotional Lexie accepted it, and EJ led her away.

Later, back at the mansion, EJ took Lexie into the tunnels so he could prepare her room. While he was gone, Cat stopped by, only to find Rita staring back at her. Rita subtly side-eyed Cat’s late-hours visit and declared EJ unavailable. With a strained smile, Cat chanced a glance at the tunnel entrance.

Parent-Trapped in the Cellar

Philip seized an opportunity with Sarah and Xander | Image: Peacock

At the Kiriakis mansion, Philip did another happy dance when he got off the phone. He announced to Xander that the loan payment was officially in transit. Xander marveled at the delicious irony of EJ being paid back with his own family’s money.

Sarah joined the festivities, so Philip filled her in on Titan’s salvation. He suggested Sarah take Maggie’s place in their celebration and likewise suggested they cap off said celebration with a toast. In fact, Philip had the perfect bottle of wine for the occasion…but it was in the wine cellar.

After he coaxed Xander into retrieving the bottle, with Sarah’s assistance, Philip put on some music and thought back to a previous conversation he’d had with Xander about Sarah and Victoria. When Kate later arrived, she couldn’t help but notice that Philip seemed very pleased with himself. Philip admitted he was pleased about more than just the loan payment. He had set up some forced alone time with Xander and Sarah, and it had worked.

Kate chastised Philip for his interference. Most of all, she was still angry at Xander for what he’d done to Philip…and she wasn’t buying any claims that Xander hadn’t beaten her son nearly to death. Philip defended his brother and confessed he felt responsible for Xander and Sarah’s break-up. He wanted to make things right. After Kate brought up Brady, Philip brushed it off and said Brady had set himself up for failure: anyone with eyes could see that Sarah belonged with Xander.

Meanwhile, down in the wine cellar, Sarah offered to make a game out of who could find the wine first. Xander lightly prodded his ex about her habit of misplacing things, but a victorious Sarah showed him up by locating the bottle. Xander proposed she take the first sip for her winnings. When the duo went to open the cellar door, though, they found it jammed.

Following a few failed attempts to get the door open and to get cell service, Sarah and Xander gave up and decided to wait for Philip to realize they were missing. They cracked open the wine bottle and shared warm stories about Victoria. Sarah also opened up about how much what Xander had done for Holly meant to her. He had believed in her niece when no one else had, and because of him they now knew the truth. The heartfelt chat took a turn after Xander spotted a large mouse behind Sarah.

Sarah reluctantly looked, saw the mouse, and immediately yelped and pounced into Xander’s lap. She babbled about her hatred and fear of mice before noticing how close in proximity she was to Xander…and his lips. Just as the exes were about to kiss, Philip opened the door. Sarah and Xander jumped up and apart, caught in the act. Grinning at the sight before him, Philip commented on what had taken his brother so long.

Does Philip have a new career ahead of him at Salem’s matchmaking service? Will all of the Salemites make it back from Alamainia? And will EJ’s latest secret room remain secret for long? Sound off in the comments.