Days of our Lives Recap, January 1, 2026: A panicked Leo goes missing before his wedding

Here is your Days of our Lives recap for Thursday, January 1, 2026.

What happened on Days of our Lives

Rafe congratulated Cat on a job well done. He believed her investigative skills led him and Jada to the crypt to rescue the DiMeras, but the DiMeras had already rescued themselves, and Rafe and Jada never made it to the crypt. Cat was flattered that Rafe thought she saved the day. However, he made Cat promise to always use proper protocol moving forward.

Cat admitted that she regretted going as far as to drug EJ and pump him for information, since he was clearly not the one who kidnapped his siblings. However, Rafe was ready to get back to work, figuring out what EJ was really up to in the clinic.

Cat told Rafe that she'd be able to do more digging while EJ was out of town visiting Sydney. Rafe was concerned about Sydney, which confused Cat until Rafe reminded her that Sydney had been his stepdaughter at one time. Rafe admitted how hard it was to lose Sydney and all the other children he had cared for.

Rafe decided it was time to get back to work, so Cat showed him a copy of Stefan's death certificate, signed by Vivian herself. Rafe found it odd that she had just filed it when he had allegedly died in October. "I do find it suspicious that Stefan's heart gave out around the same time his siblings were kidnapped," Rafe noted. "Definitely a possibility that he faked his own death and was helping Peter. But for my sister's sake, I sincerely hope that Stefan DiMera is dead."

They then started talking about the bones in the crypt. The lab found that the bones belonged to a male who had been dead for anywhere from one to 10 years. Rafe had no idea who the remains belonged to. Cat asked if they could have belonged to Stefano. Rafe didn't think so. He also ended the meeting so he could get ready for the wedding.

A pensive Gabi arrived at the DiMera mansion to talk to a festive Gwen, who offered her a drink because she was thrilled to have been invited to Leo and Javi's wedding. However, Gabi had to break the news that she wasn't able to finish Gwen's dress in time.

Gabi explained that she had planned to stay up all night and work on the dress, but the news about Stefan's alleged death unnerved her. Gwen said she understood why she never ran into Stefan in Alamania. Gwen wasn't even sure that Gabi should take Vivian's word that Stefan was dead, but Gabi said all the signs pointed to it being true.

Gwen noted that it was Jake's heart that had given out. "When Stefan died, Jake's heart went with him," Gabi sighed. Gwen admitted that she loved Jake. "I thought I'd moved on from him long ago, but it suddenly feels like I'm mourning him all over again," Gwen said.

Gwen composed herself and coldly told Gabi to leave so she could find a dress to wear for the wedding.

Javi and Leo woke on their wedding day, ready for the big night. They discussed wedding plans and the fact that Gwen said they shouldn't see each other before the ceremony. Leo wondered if Gwen was really happy for them or if it was just an act. Javi was not sure, but realized he needed to calm his fiancée. Leo was a nervous wreck before leaving to see Marlena at The Brady Pub.

Marlena was happy to run into Ari at The Brady Pub. She also thanked Roman for cheering her up the day before. Marlena asked Ari why she wasn't getting ready for the wedding. Ari admitted that she was dreading it. Marlena sat Ari down to discuss her distaste for Leo.

Ari was upset that Marlena seemed to have forgotten everything that Leo had put Will and Sonny through several years back. "I haven't forgotten. I've forgiven him because I've been able to see the man he has become, and perhaps I have a little bit of perspective," Marlena said.

Ari noted that Roman and her dads had forgiven Leo, but she just couldn't. Lucas appeared and interrupted their chat, telling Ari and Marlena that he was headed back to Europe. When Ari walked Lucas out, he told her that Leo wasn't one of his favorite people either, but Ari should let go of her anger.

Ari returned to her table with Marlena in time for Leo to walk in, also wanting to see Marlena. Ari promptly left, with Marlena explaining to Leo that Ari was still holding onto a grudge. Leo wondered if Ari was right to hold a grudge, as he feared he would screw everything up and revert to his old self.

"There's not a single life I haven't ruined simply by being in it. I don't want that for Javi," Leo said in a panic. "I wonder if I can show him how much I love him by not marrying him."

Marlena asked Leo to calm down and assured him it was normal to be nervous like this before walking down the aisle. She admitted to being a wreck all before marrying John all five times. "My theory is that you are never more vulnerable than when you open your heart to someone. And you, my friend, you have opened your heart to Javi," Marlena smiled. That calmed Leo down enough to work on his vows.

When Leo began panicking again, Roman brought him a drink, prompting Leo to walk outside for fresh air and a moment of zen. Roman sat down with Marlena, as she admitted that she would be emotional when the clock struck midnight. "The beginning of a whole new year without John in it," she said.

Back at the Hernandez house, Javi made breakfast alone and spoke to the spirit of his late mother, telling her that he had found love. "I hope you approve of me wearing your ring," he said. "Cause love is love, right? And I love Leo." When Ari returned home, she assured Javi she would be at the wedding, despite her feelings about Leo.

Soon, Gabi arrived and gave Javi his old, new, borrowed, and blue items. She presented Javi with an old photo of their family in Mexico. She also gave Javi a new and blue handkerchief, as well as a borrowed pumpkin empanada recipe.

Johnny and Chanel weren't sure how to comfort a teething Trey, but Chanel seemed to be in even more distress than the baby. She snapped at Johnny that she didn't want to go to Javi and Leo's wedding. She was tired and suggested that Johnny go to the wedding by himself.

Johnny said he would stay home, but Chanel insisted he had to go. Johnny then wondered if Chanel didn't want to be around him. Chanel admitted that maybe she didn't. She was upset with Johnny for not immediately suggesting they stay home when he saw that Trey was fussy. "You're not putting him first," she lamented.

Chanel finally admitted the real reason she was angry at Johnny. "I know you're not happy that I'm pregnant," she said. Johnny returned to the conversation from the day before. He reiterated that he was happy, but he worried about Chanel's health.

Chanel acknowledged the situation wasn't ideal, but she was thrilled about the life growing inside of her. "That warms my heart and I wish that it could warm yours too. It feels like it's meant to be," Chanel cried. "What if it's not?" Johnny asked. He pointed out that they already had a baby who needed her.

"If it were up to me, I wouldn't go ahead with the pregnancy," Johnny told a shocked and appalled Chanel. "We should listen to the doctors and explore all of our options. If there is even the slightest chance that your cancer could come back undetected, then no, this pregnancy is not worth it. Not to Trey and not to me."

"This is my body, Johnny, my choice," Chanel insisted. Johnny only wanted to listen to what the doctors had to say. Chanel made it clear that she wasn't going to budge. She asked Johnny to go to the wedding to give her some space.

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In Horton Town Square, the guests gathered for the wedding. Javi was a wreck, but Rafe calmed his cousin down. Johnny called and informed Javi that they wouldn't be at the wedding. Javi was disappointed, but understood. When Marlena arrived, she wondered where Leo was. She wondered if he would even show

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