Xander (Paul Telfer) is no stranger to trouble on Days of Our Lives. The Kiriakis heir has been wreaking havoc in Salem since he hit town. However, the character beating Philip (John-Paul Lavoisier) to near death has fans worried that Xander’s time in Salem might be up. After all, Jada (Elia Cantu) did arrest Xander for almost killing Philip, and Xander is guilty of it.
There’s good news for Xander fans as the character isn’t leaving daytime drama. Telfer has been part of the Days family since 2015 and has no plans to exit the show anytime soon.
Speaking with Soap Opera Digest, Telfer admitted he’s thrilled to be playing the downfall of Xander and watching him return to his bad boy roots.
“I’ve absolutely loved it. I was very concerned about the way this would all play out, because in my heart of hearts I didn’t really believe at first that the lie was big enough to be as shattering as it became. But by the time it all happened, because of all the people involved, the story that goes on, and the various complicating factors, I think it totally works,” he shared with the outlet. The actor has had a banner year on Days of Our Lives with the return of Xander’s mother, Fiona (Serena Scott Thomas), news that he was Victor’s (John Aniston) son, and Philip lying about his claim to Titan.
“I’m just really grateful to have had such a big emotional year on the show. If you think back to Fiona and the mother storyline, I’ve been very lucky the way they’ve pushed Xander into kind of a leading position. Those stories have been very enjoyable,” Telfer expressed.
Xander may be down, but he’s not out. Telfer promises more juicy moments are coming up for his alter ego as Days of Our Lives gears up to celebrate the show’s 60th Anniversary in November. The soap star confirmed he and Xander are part of that milestone celebration.
The Buzz Around Salem — What’s Going On With Xander?
If you’re a die-hard Days of Our Lives fan, then you’ve probably heard the whispers. Or, let’s be honest, the thunderous online chatter. Is Xander Cook really leaving Salem? Is this the end of one of the most intriguing, complicated, and oddly charming characters on daytime television?
Let’s dig into the facts, the rumors, and what it could all mean.
Who Is Xander Cook? A Quick Recap for the Uninitiated
Before we jump into the juicy details, let’s get everyone on the same page.
Xander’s Origins in Salem
Xander Kiriakis (often referred to as Xander Cook) is not just a pretty face with a shady past. Introduced as a distant relative of Victor Kiriakis, Xander came into Salem with all the makings of a classic soap villain — lies, schemes, and a dangerously charming smile.
The Evolution of a Complex Character
What made Xander stand out wasn’t just his bad-boy behavior. Over time, fans saw layers peel back: guilt, growth, and surprisingly deep love — especially in his relationship with Sarah Horton. Watching Xander transform has been nothing short of thrilling.
Why Are Fans Worried Xander Might Be Leaving?
Let’s get real — soap fans are always on edge about cast changes. But in Xander’s case, there’s smoke… and maybe even fire.
Social Media Hints and Actor Comments
Paul Telfer, the actor who plays Xander, recently shared some cryptic posts and took a noticeable step back from DOOL promotional content. Fans immediately read between the lines.
Sudden Plot Twists in Recent Episodes
In recent episodes, Xander has been pushed into corner after corner. His storyline with Sarah is once again in flux, and there’s talk of leaving town. Sound familiar? Soap writers love to foreshadow exits this way.
Behind the Scenes: Contract Negotiations and Actor Moves
Could this all come down to money, timing, or new opportunities?
Contract Renewals – Always a Soap Wildcard
Actors in daytime soaps often operate on short-term contracts. Renewal time? It’s always a gamble. And it’s not always personal — budgets, network demands, and even scheduling can shake things up.
Paul Telfer’s Career Outside of Days
Paul Telfer has been dipping his toes in other projects — guest roles, voice work, and even writing. If he’s looking to broaden his horizon, stepping away from Days might just be the next big leap.
Xander’s Most Memorable Moments on Days of Our Lives
Let’s take a quick walk down memory lane, just in case we are saying goodbye.
That Shirtless Debut
Come on — who could forget Xander’s entrance? Abs and all, he arrived like a storm, making waves from the start.
Kidnapping Shenanigans
Okay, not his proudest moments, but they were iconic. Xander’s darker days included kidnapping Nicole, blackmail, and everything in between.
Falling For Sarah
Xander’s love story with Sarah melted even the coldest fans. His transformation from villain to lover made viewers root for him — hard.
What Would Xander’s Exit Mean for the Show?
Let’s not sugarcoat it — Days of Our Lives without Xander feels… weird.
A Void in the “Reformed Bad Boy” Archetype
Every soap needs one. The charming ex-villain. The guy you love to hate and then just love. Without Xander, who fills that role?
Shifting Storylines for Sarah and the Kiriakis Family
His exit wouldn’t just affect fans — it would cause major ripples in the plot. Sarah’s character, for one, would be thrown into chaos. And what happens to Titan, the Kiriakis family legacy?
Could This Be a Temporary Exit?
All hope is not lost.
The Soap Opera Exit Playbook
In soaps, “leaving” doesn’t always mean gone for good. Characters “die” all the time — only to return in dramatic fashion. Xander might be out for a while, but a comeback? Never say never.
Fan Reactions Often Sway Decisions
Let’s not underestimate the power of fandom. If enough viewers raise their voices (and you know they will), the writers and producers might just bring him back — or never let him leave in the first place.
What the Fans Are Saying
Twitter Is Losing Its Mind
Scroll through X (formerly Twitter), and you’ll see a flood of reactions. Memes, tears, protest hashtags — it’s a movement.
Reddit Threads Full of Theories
Reddit’s Days sub is buzzing. Some think it’s a red herring. Others are convinced it’s a setup for a heroic redemption arc… or a shocking betrayal.
What Paul Telfer Has Said (or Not Said)
Radio Silence or Strategic Silence?
Telfer hasn’t confirmed anything directly. No official statements. No teary farewell. That silence is either super suspicious… or genius PR.
Previous Exits That Weren’t Final
Remember when he almost left in 2020? Fans panicked then, too. And yet — boom — he was back like nothing happened.
The Business of Soap Operas
Ratings, Storylines, and Shock Value
Sometimes, characters leave just to boost ratings. Shocking exits make headlines. But guess what? So do surprise returns.
Keeping the Show Fresh
While it hurts, switching up the cast sometimes breathes new life into long-running shows. Could that be the goal here?
What Could Be Next for Xander?
Let’s play writer for a second.
Redemption or Relapse?
Maybe he walks away to find himself. Maybe he gets pulled back into the dark side. Either way — there’s rich story potential.
A Return with a Twist?
Imagine this: Xander leaves… only to return six months later with a mysterious past, a secret child, or even a deadly enemy on his tail. Soap gold.
Conclusion: Is This Really the End for Xander?
We don’t have all the answers — yet. But here’s what we do know: Xander is one of the most beloved, complex, and essential characters on Days of Our Lives. Whether Paul Telfer is taking a break, moving on, or simply pulling a fast one — fans aren’t ready to say goodbye. And if soap history has taught us anything, it’s this: no goodbye is ever truly final.
