Salem is bracing for dramatic transformations as Days of Our Lives announces the departure of four key cast members: Carson Boatman (Johnny DiMera), Raven Bowens (Chanel Dupree DiMera), Leo Howard (Tate Black), and Ashley Puzemis (Holly Jonas). This move comes alongside ongoing recasts, signaling major narrative shifts and high-stakes drama on the horizon for 2026.

The Departing Stars

Carson Boatman and Raven Bowens, who brought charm and emotional depth to Johnny and Chanel, will be leaving the show. Similarly, Leo Howard and Ashley Puzemis, portraying the next-generation Black siblings Tate and Holly, are also exiting. These departures mark a turning point for Salem, as the show readjusts its focus and prepares for new arcs while honoring its storied past.

Timing and On-Screen Impact

Though the news seems abrupt, DAYS films nearly a year in advance, meaning these actors will remain on-screen through late 2026 or even into early 2027. Fans can expect their ongoing storylines—Johnny and Chanel navigating her high-risk pregnancy, and Holly and Tate confronting academic and personal challenges—to continue intensifying until their final scenes air.

Creative Strategy Behind the Shakeup

A DAYS spokesperson emphasized that these decisions are rooted in long-term storytelling rather than dissatisfaction with talent. “Our goal is to balance the show’s rich history with where we’re headed creatively,” the statement read. The exits allow the writers to pivot narratives, introduce new faces, and escalate conflicts within Salem, setting the stage for a dramatic, suspense-filled year.

Ripple Effects Across Salem

With these exits, alliances, rivalries, and family dynamics are poised for upheaval. Johnny and Chanel’s romance faces uncertainty, while Tate and Holly’s personal growth and familial bonds will be tested as the new episodes unfold. Meanwhile, Salem veterans and newly recast characters will step into storylines shaped by these departures, promising unpredictable twists and escalating stakes.