Days of Our Lives Comings and Goings brings fresh Salem news for Javi fans. After months away, the missing groom finally has a return date now. A new actor is stepping in, and Leo’s messy love story continues again. Salem will feel that shift soon.
Days of Our Lives Comings and Goings: Javi’s RETURN Puts Leo’s Love Life Back In TROUBLE
Days of Our Lives fans have been waiting for Javi Hernandez’s next chapter. The role was announced as a recast last August. Now, the new face joining Salem has finally been revealed. Jacob Martinez will take over the role of Javi Hernandez. He is scheduled to debut on Peacock on Tuesday, June 30. That episode should mark his first official Salem appearance.
The character was first introduced in October 2024. Javi was played by Al Calderon during his original run. Calderon later confirmed his exit after booking NBC’s Brilliant Minds. However, Javi’s story was not closed right away. Calderon returned in April to help continue the character’s arc. That return was planned before Martinez officially stepped into the role.
This recast also brings an interesting real-life detail. Martinez is a registered emergency medical technician. That detail lines up neatly with Javi’s career on the show. Martinez also has experience beyond daytime television. His credits include Memory Swim, In Pieces, and Dog Sees God. Days will now mark his official daytime debut.
What Happens After The Return?
Javi’s return comes at a complicated point in Salem. His marriage to Leo Stark was left in emotional chaos. Dimitri’s return interrupted everything and raised serious doubts. Although vows were exchanged, the wedding certificate was never filed. Javi could see Leo still had feelings for Dimitri. So, he chose distance instead of forcing a broken marriage.
Javi left town to care for his father after surgery. He also needed space from Leo’s confused heart. When he returned, their relationship remained tense and uncertain. The biggest twist came when Javi revealed he had moved on. Leo insisted that Javi was the one he truly loved. Still, Javi’s new romance changed the emotional stakes.
That means Martinez will enter Salem during major relationship drama. Javi is not returning to a quiet, simple storyline. Instead, he is walking back into heartbreak, secrets, and unfinished vows. For now, fans should keep watching this developing recast story. Days of Our Lives Comings and Goings has delivered a major Javi update. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more Salem casting news and goodbye.