Soap Opera Digest is reporting that several beloved DAYS actors from the past are returning for Alice Horton's farewell, and some of them will appear in a few episodes rather than just a one-day guest appearance. The list of actors includes: Jaime Lyn Bauer (Laura Horton), Christie Clark (Carrie Brady Reed), Bryan Dattilo (Lucas Horton), Maree Cheatham (Marie Horton), Roark Critchlow (Dr. Mike Horton), Patsy Pease (Kimberly Brady), Lisa Trusel (Melissa Horton), Mary Beth Evans (Kayla Brady Johnson), and Melissa Reeves (Jennifer Horton Devereaux).

As fans recall, Frances Reid passed away on February 3 at the age of 95. Soon afterwards, Digest reported that the show had plans to bring back a few stars to give Alice Horton the tribute she deserves.

In other casting news, TV Guide Magazine is reporting that Charles Shaughnessy is reprising his role as Shane Donovan for about ten episodes in May, but it could possibly turn into more. He beings taping on Monday, March 22. Shaughnessy portrayed the dashing ISA agent Shane Donovan from 1984 until 1992. He briefly returned to the role in 2002 when Hope was kidnapped by Larry Welch. The actor went on to star opposite Fran Drescher in the popular comedy The Nanny from 1993 until 1999. He was also the voice of Dennis the fish in Playhouse Disney's animated series Stanley, a role which earned him a 2002 Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program.

More information about these wonderful returns will be posted as it becomes available. As previously reported, Arleen Sorkin is also returning to the show in May as the wacky Calliope Jones Bradford. Look for Alice's tribute to air in May.

Pictured: Bryan Dattilo (Lucas)

Mitchell Haaseth / Copyright 2007 NBC Universal

Welcome back Nicole! I can't help but admit how much I've missed Nicole since her Emmy-worthy portrayer, Arianne Zucker, has been on maternity leave. Life in Salem just hasn't been the same without her. It was great to see the tougher side of Nicole in prison and to see her finally remember who took Sydney. Knowing the way Nicole schemes and blackmails to get what she wants, she'll manage to get out of prison, thanks to Anna. What are you hoping she does next once she's out? Take a moment to vote.

Pictured: Arianne Zucker as Nicole Walker DiMera

Trae Patton / Copyright 2009 NBC Universal

If you want a chance to meet some of the stars from Days of Our Lives, Samantha's Friends will be hosting a charity event called Breakfast Wth Samantha's Friends on Saturday, June 5 at Henry's Hat near Universal Studios. Henry's Hat is a restaurant and bar owned by A.J. Gilbert and wife Martha Madison (ex-Belle).

Actors scheduled to attend include the following: Molly Burnett (Melanie), Crystal Chappell (Carly), Shawn Christian (Daniel), Patrika Darbo (ex-Nancy), Casey Deidrick (Chad), Judi Evans (Adrienne), Galen Gering (Rafe), Mark Hapka (Nathan), Ashlee Holland (ex-Crystal), Renee Jones (Lexie), Lauren Koslow (Kate), Wally Kurth (Justin), Rachel Melvin (ex-Chelsea), Gabriela Rodriguez (Gabi), and Eric Winter (ex-Rex). There will also be a very special guest appearance by Deidre Hall (ex-Marlena).

All proceeds from the event will benefit Samantha's Friends. The mission of Samatha's Friends is to help young people who have a catastropic illness gain independence with the assistance of a service canine.

Tickets are limited to the first 90 people at $100.00 per ticket, which includes full breakfast with cocktail. Please email Samantha at sammyb1978@aol.com for tickets or for more details. Special room rates are available at the Sportsmen's Lodge Hotel under Unique Soap Boutique. Please call 1-800-821-8511 for details.

Samantha's Friends 2010 Charity Fundraiser will take place on Sunday, September 19, 2010 at the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club. Actors scheduled to attend so far include Patrika Darbo (ex-Nancy), Martha Madison (ex-Belle), Kevin Spirtas (ex-Craig), and Walt Willey (Jackson, AMC).

Guests will enjoy a fabulous brunch, wonderful show, and entertainment during the day. A meet and greet and autographs will be on the balcony after the event.

General admission tickets are $75.00 and VIP tickets are $175.00, in which you sit with the star of your choice during the entire show. Call Samantha for tickets at (941) 448-8558 or email sammyb1978@aol.com.

Photo courtesy of NBC Universal

Nicole finally remembers Anna as the voice she heard when Sydney was kidnapped in Cleveland. Anna is on a plane headed to Costa Rica when Nicole summons her to the prison. Nicole confronts Anna over taking Sydney and tells her to ask Governor Ford (played by General Hospital alum Stuart Damon) for a pardon. Otherwise, Nicole will turn her in. How will Anna manage to get out of this one? More spoilers for next week include:

• Chad tells Gabi that he still has feelings for Mia.
• Daniel overhears Chloe lying about her therapy sessions.
• Melanie admits that her shooting was an accident.
• E.J. is alarmed when Theo tells him that he knows the secret about Sydney.

Coming Up:

• Anna blackmails Governor Ford.
• Bo issues Victor an ultimatum.

Pictured: Leann Hunley as Anna DiMera

Justin Lubin / Copyright 2010 NBC Universal