Days of our Lives Recap, May 25-29: Therapy, exes, health, and justice

Days of our Lives
Days of our Lives' Johnny and Chanel | Image: Peacock

On Days of our Lives for the week of May 25 to 29, 2026, Xander made progress in therapy, Philip gave Gabi the cold shoulder, Gabi confronted Theo about his feelings, EJ failed to recover new memories, Javi invited his boyfriend to move to Salem, the Chois mourned Sophia, Belle refused to press charges against Holly, Eli returned, and Chanel asked Johnny not to prioritize her health over their baby.

Moving in and out

Sarah was shocked when Xander moved in | Image: Peacock
Sarah was shocked when Xander moved in | Image: Peacock

Sarah objected to Xander’s decision to temporarily move back into the mansion after his apartment suffered water damage. Sarah packed for the night to stay with Brady and made a big show of her affection with her new boyfriend in front of Xander.

Philip told Brady about Gabi’s betrayal and how she had continued to steer money toward Titan out of guilt. Brady encouraged Philip to take some time to get over his anger, but Philip said he could not forgive Gabi. When Philip ran into Gabi, he argued that she was disloyal and he was done with her.

A disappointed Ari blamed Gabi when Liam ghosted her and moved out of town. Gabi did not confess to how she had bribed Liam to leave, but she did remind her daughter that Ari did not know much about Liam. Gabi told Ari about her break-up, and she blamed Theo.

Theo thanked Paulina for her selfless act. Paulina explained that everyone knew that Lexie was the love of Abe’s life, and she wanted to spare herself the pain of dragging things out. Theo thanked Paulina for being a part of his family.

Family ties

EJ and Lexie had a visit | Image: Peacock
EJ and Lexie had a visit | Image: Peacock

When Gabi confronted Theo, he stressed he had not told Philip the truth. Gabi said she knew that Theo had a crush on her because she had read his journal. Angry, Theo asked Gabi to leave. Theo opened up to Abe about his anger and frustration at everything going on in his life. As the two men started to prep the house for Lexie’s arrival, Abe was reluctant to take down photos of Paulina. Abe placed Lexie’s photo back on the mantel.

Over drinks, Gabi told Gwen about her break-up. Gwen confessed about her affair with Xander, and how he had pushed her away when she started to get feelings for him again. Gwen also told Gabi about her conversation with Jack and her hope for a better relationship this time.

JJ talked to Shawn about his next steps. JJ told his parents not to worry about him, because he had not been dealing with depression like he had after Theo’s shooting. JJ announced that he had gotten recertified as an EMT and would work with the fire department. Jack told Jen about his conversation with Gwen. Jennifer said she understood why Jack wanted a relationship with his daughter. Jennifer talked about how much she missed having a daughter.

EJ visited Lexie and asked her to draw blood for Rolf. When Lexie complained about Paulina, EJ told her that she was showing her DiMera side. EJ promised to intervene if Paulina got in Lexie’s way. When EJ met with Marlena for hypnotherapy, he delivered Stefano’s chess set gift for Marlena in her office. EJ failed to recover any new memories, so he asked Cat to undergo hypnosis.

Jada told Amy that the search and recovery operation for Sophia had ended. Jada told Amy about the gun they found in the river and that it has Sophia’s fingerprints and Johnny’s blood on it. Amy asked Philip how he had survived the river, and he told her the truth about his deception. Amy lamented that Amy had not gotten the right mental health treatment like Philip.

In sickness and health

Johnny vowed to support Chanel | Image: Peacock
Johnny vowed to support Chanel | Image: Peacock

The Chois held a memorial service for Sophia. Aaron and Gabi paid their respects at the wake. Ari comforted Aaron after the service, and she reminded him that Sophia’s fate had not been his fault. Tate paid his respects at the wake on his own when Holly had been able to work up the courage to go after the memorial. Amy was insulted that Holly had skipped the wake, and that Tate had defended her.

Julie told Holly a tragic story from her past to encourage her not to blame herself for Sophia’s actions. After Julie’s talk with Holly, Foster asked Julie out to dinner. Amy announced that she would press charges against Holly for manslaughter as Holly arrived at the wake and overheard. Overcome with anxiety, Holly talked to Sarah. Sarah referred Holly to a psychiatrist.

When Amy demanded that Belle press charges against Holly, Belle refused. Belle explained that there was not enough evidence to charge Holly, and that the evidence of Sophia’s crimes would be exposed in a court case.

Leo and Javi talked about Sophia’s memorial and Tesoro. Javi confirmed he had not been suspended from his job. After the two parted ways, Leo saw Javi with his boyfriend, Gustavo. Javi asked Gus to move to Salem.

Johnny and Chanel agreed to think positively about her cancer, but Chanel also wanted to remain realistic. Chanel made Johnny promise that he would not put her life above their baby’s life. Eli returned to Salem, and Lani confided in him about Chanel’s diagnosis. Eli and Lani agreed that divine intervention and steered them back to Salem at the right moment.

The one year anniversary of John’s death arrived, and Marlena, Belle, and Brady made plans to have a family dinner together to celebrate John. Marlena was unable to throw out Stefano’s chess set, so Brady agreed to find a home for it. When Brady and Belle put together the set, they noticed a pawn was missing from the set. Marlena visited John’s grave and found a penny that she believed he had sent for her.

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Edited by Hope Campbell