After watching (and rewatching) their scenes on May 21, we couldn’t pick one Days of Our Lives Performer of the Month for May. So we chose two. Please congratulate Linsey Godfrey and Paul Telfer for their winning and heartbreaking performances as Xander confronted Sarah about lying to him about Philip’s forged letter.
May 2025 Performers of the Month
Sarah frustratingly kept Philip’s (John-Paul Lavoisier) forgery crime from Xander for months. And then, once her husband finally found out, he still had no idea that Sarah was in on the secret. However, it was clear that once he pieced that particular part of the puzzle together, there would be fireworks. And DAYS fans weren’t disappointed.
While Godfrey and Telfer always deliver, on May 21, they transcended with their confrontation scenes. The scenes were so intense and mesmerizing that we wished the entire hour had been devoted to the crumbling of the Xander/Sarah marriage.
What was heartbreaking was that Xander always saved his anger and the more volatile parts of his personality for other people. But in this episode, Sarah got the full force of Xander 1.0: the sarcasm, the vitriol, everything. She couldn’t even believe what she was hearing.
And as a result, she expressed validation for what she did. She stated how she knew what she did was wrong, but she did it for the right reasons. History backed her up, and she listed his recent past: 1) Going after Brady (Eric Martsolf) with a baseball bat. 2) Plotting to murder him. And 3) Pointing a gun (that he didn’t know wasn’t loaded) at Philip’s head and pulling the trigger.
And, of course, it all culminated with Xander beating Philip to a pulp after his actions threatened the hospital deal. But that didn’t matter to Xander. He didn’t quite fess up to the beatdown. But he clearly wasn’t remorseful about Philip fighting for his life.
The Top Spot
Godfrey and Telfer gave us Emmy-worthy scenes as Xander and Sarah’s marriage devolved and their bond (hopefully temporarily) disintegrated before our very eyes. That’s why they are both Soap Hub’s Performers of the Month for May.
Those May 21 scenes were painful, emotional, heartbreaking, and beyond sad. Xander and Sarah are a great couple who continually have to battle Xander’s demons and troubled past. Sarah sees the light in him, but sometimes, his darkness comes out to play and overshadows that light.
In addition, Godfrey was heartbreaking as Sarah broke down in the wake of such a devastating conversation. Even exhibiting such coldness and vile behavior, Telfer had us feeling sorry for Xander. That may have had something to do with how difficult it was to see Xander say goodbye to Victoria, the only person in the world he can count on now that his relationship with his wife is in shambles.
The Power Duo Taking Salem by Storm
Soap operas thrive on drama, emotion, and unforgettable performances—and this May, Days of Our Lives fans were treated to all three in spades. The credit? Linsey Godfrey and Paul Telfer. Their stunning portrayals as Sarah Horton and Xander Cook left viewers breathless and begging for more. This wasn’t just acting—it was storytelling at its most raw and riveting.
Meet the Performers of the Month
Linsey Godfrey—Unapologetically Brilliant
Linsey Godfrey has always been a force on Days, but May 2025 showcased her in a league of her own. Her emotional depth, fiery resilience, and natural vulnerability as Sarah pulled fans into every scene. She wasn’t just playing a character; she became Sarah.
Paul Telfer—A Masterclass in Emotional Complexity
As Xander Cook, Paul Telfer walked a tightrope between menace and heartache. His nuanced performance proved that even the most flawed characters can capture our empathy. He brought layers to Xander that made fans root for him, cry with him, and sometimes scream at the screen in frustration.
What Made May 2025 So Special?
A Script Worthy of Awards
Great acting needs a great script, and May delivered both. Sarah and Xander’s emotionally fraught storyline offered both actors the kind of material that allows for truly memorable performances.
A Perfect Storm of Emotion
From betrayal to redemption, heartbreak to hope, Godfrey and Telfer navigated a rollercoaster of emotions that felt all too real. You didn’t just watch them—you felt everything with them.
Scene-Stealers of Salem
The Hospital Breakdown
Remember the hospital scene? That raw, gut-wrenching confrontation between Sarah and Xander was pure television gold. Godfrey’s trembling voice, Telfer’s haunted expressions—pure perfection.
The Rooftop Confession
When Xander finally spilled his truth, it was more than dialogue—it was an emotional landslide. Telfer gave everything in that moment. You could see the years of pain unravel in one breath.
Social Media’s Reaction
Fans Couldn’t Stop Talking
Twitter blew up. Instagram reels, TikTok edits, and fan threads exploded with praise. Hashtags like #XarahForever and #GodfreyTelferReign trended throughout the month.
Critics Joined the Chorus
Even veteran soap critics chimed in, applauding the depth and sincerity in the duo’s performances. Some even called it “the best acting the show has seen in years.”
The Power of Chemistry
Not Just Acting—Real Connection
Linsey and Paul’s on-screen chemistry is electric. Whether fighting or falling into each other’s arms, they make every scene feel authentic.
Years in the Making
Their character arcs have been building toward this crescendo for years. Watching it all come together felt like payoff for longtime fans.
Behind-the-Scenes Brilliance
Trust and Teamwork
In interviews, both actors emphasized the importance of trust. Their collaborative energy off-screen reflects directly in their performances.
Director and Writer Collaboration
It wasn’t just the actors—behind every epic scene was a team of writers and directors who trusted them to bring it home.
The Impact on the Show
Ratings Spike
Not surprisingly, May saw a noticeable uptick in viewership. These performances didn’t just move fans emotionally—they brought eyeballs back to Days.
Renewed Audience Interest
Even casual viewers tuned in, thanks to the social media buzz. These two turned Days into must-see TV again.
What’s Next for Sarah and Xander?
A Rocky Road Ahead
Don’t expect smooth sailing. The showrunners love to keep things spicy. But with these two leading the charge, viewers are here for the ride.
More Awards on the Horizon?
If there’s justice in the soap world, both Godfrey and Telfer are looking at Emmy nods next year. Honestly, they’ve earned it.
Why This Month Mattered
May 2025 will go down as one of the most memorable periods in Days history—not just because of the plot, but because of the heart-stopping performances of its stars. Godfrey and Telfer reminded us why we watch soaps in the first place: for the emotional truth that lives beneath the drama.
Conclusion
In a genre known for melodrama and cliffhangers, Linsey Godfrey and Paul Telfer gave us something more—they gave us honesty. They stripped their characters down to the emotional bone and showed us love, loss, forgiveness, and fury in its most human form. Their performances weren’t just the best of May—they might be the best of the year.
