Soap Opera Digest is reporting that Daytime Emmy Award-winning actress Leann Hunley is returning to DAYS for a few episodes as Anna DiMera. The show has been keeping her return a secret, and shockingly enough, Anna will be revealed as Sydney's kidnapper. Anna was the woman who was pushing Sydney in her stroller on Thursday, December 10, then we saw the back of Anna on Friday, December 11. Viewers will get to see her face again on Friday, December 18.

As the actress explains to Digest, "It was one of those, 'Would you be interested in coming back for a few days and then we'll see what happens.'" So Leann could possibly stay on for longer than a few episodes at this point.

Fans recall that Leann portrayed Anna Fredericks Brady DiMera from 1982 until 1986, then returned in June of 2007 after a twenty-one year absence. Anna was reunited with her true love Tony and had a brief advertising competition storyline with him in early 2008. Many fans felt cheated that same year when Tony and Anna got married and had their honeymoon - offscreen. Tony and Anna had a brief storyline together during the hospital seventh floor lockdown in August of 2008, but Anna was barely seen afterwards. Leann was unfortunately let go earlier this year and was last seen as Anna DiMera on the April 2, 2009 episode when Anna showed up at the DiMera mansion and slapped Stefano after Tony's death.

How do you feel about Sydney's kidnapper being Anna? Many fans are shocked, but it's definitely an interesting twist. Anna is the last person many of us would've suspected. Welcome back Anna!

Pictured: Leann Hunley as Anna DiMera

Mitchell Haaseth / Copyright 2008 NBC Universal

Former DAYS star Ashley Benson (ex-Abby) is joining the cast of the ABC Family pilot Pretty Little Liars, according to The Hollywood Reporter and her official website. The show is based on author Sara Shepard's teen series of novels, which revolve around four teenage girls who receive mysterious text messages. Ashley plays the role of Hannah. The former DAYS star posted on her official forum November 23 that she would be filming the pilot in Vancouver, Canada for three weeks.

Melrose Place alum Laura Leighton plays the role of Hannah's mother. Shay Mitchell, Jean Louisa Kelly and Nia Peeples also star in Pretty Little Liars.

DAYS fans recall that Ashley portrayed Abigail "Abby" Devereaux, Jack and Jennifer's daughter, from November 2004 until May 2007, when her character departed for London to be with her parents.

Ashley has been quite busy since leaving DAYS. She starred in the 2007 film Bring It On: In It to Win It. Last year she played the role of mean-spirited cheerleader Brooke in the Lifetime Original Movie Fab Five: The Texas Cheerleader Scandal. The actress recently played the role of Mia Torcoletti in the ABC series Eastwick, which was cancelled last month.

Best of luck to Ashley in her new role on Pretty Little Liars!

Pictured: Ashley Benson (ex-Abby Devereaux)

Frazer Harrison / 2009 Getty Images

Soap Opera Digest is reporting that the role of Will Horton is being recast. Dylan Patton, who has portrayed Will since February of this year, has been let go and is being replaced by Chandler Massey. An insider tells Digest that "They needed to make a change with the story coming up."

Dylan Patton is the fifth actor to play Will Horton, Lucas and Sami's son. Will went by the surname of Roberts until Lucas changed his last name to Horton in order to distance himself from his meddling mother Kate. Will was born in 1995, and aged to a 16-year-old earlier this year when he returned home from Switzerland.

Chandler Massey has guest-starred on Army Wives and One Tree Hill. No official word as to when his first airdate as Will Horton will be.

I'm sad to see Dylan Patton go as Will, but I trust that The Powers That Be made this recast decision for the right reasons. I did have the pleasure of meeting Dylan at the 'Day of Days' fan event in November, and he was a very nice young man. Best of luck to Dylan in his future endeavors.

Pictured: Dylan Patton as Will Horton

Mitchell Haaseth / Copyright 2009 NBC Universal

What a year it's been in Salem, with beloved favorites leaving the show, Grace's death, baby-switching drama, murderous plots, and old favorites returning. I must admit that I was not at all crazy about this baby-switching storyline from the beginning, but it undoubtedly gave some top performers on DAYS to showcase some Emmy-worthy scenes. During this whole saga, all the actors involved in this storyline have been top-notch, but James Scott and Arianne Zucker (E.J. and Nicole) are the two who particularly stand out as best actor and best actress in my mind for 2009. (Read more).

Pictured: Arianne Zucker and James Scott as Nicole and E.J.

Trae Patton / Copyright 2009 NBC Universal

Carly heads back to Bo's house after her plan to move into Maggie's doesn't work out. Hope answers the door and makes it known that she's not happy to see Bo's ex. Justin witnesses a close moment between Bo and Carly and accuses her of still being in love with Bo. Maggie also confronts Carly about her feelings for Bo. Does Carly still want Bo? Who could blame her if she does? Hope had better watch her back and fight for her man! More spoilers for next week include:

• Vivian asks Victor to help her get revenge on Carly.
  
• Nicole is arrested and hauled off to jail.
  
• E.J. and Roman tell Fay the truth about Sydney.
  
• Melanie encourages Arianna to fight for Brady.

Coming Up:

• E.J. and Sami grow closer.
  
• Brady and Arianna share a kiss.

Pictured: Crystal Chappell as Dr. Carly Manning

Mitchell Haaseth / Copyright 2009 NBC Universal

It's been a while since Victor Kiriakis has had a woman in his life. Caroline has always been the one who has been able to bring out his softer side, and he's had quite a tumultuous relationship with Kate over the years. Now that Vivian's back, she's a breath of fresh air that could possibly get the powerful business mogul to lighten up a bit. Take a moment to vote for which woman you'd like to see Victor with.

Pictured: John Aniston as Victor Kiriakis

Mitchell Haaseth / Copyright 2009 NBC Universal

It's already December, and several DAYS stars are celebrating this month, including the beloved Frances Reid, (Alice Horton), who is sorely missed on the show. Those stars celebrating in December include:

• December 9, 1914: Frances Reid (Alice Horton)
• December 12, 1946: Gloria Loring (ex-Liz Chandler Curtis)
• December 13, 1973: Christie Clark (ex-Carrie Brady Roberts Reed)
• December 15, 1945: Thaao Penghlis (ex-Andre/Anthony "Tony" DiMera)
• December 18, 1989: Ashley Benson (ex-Abby Devereaux)
• December 18, 1965: Shawn Christian (Dr. Daniel Jonas)
• December 24, 1964: Mark Valley (ex-Jack Devereaux)

I don't believe I mentioned this before, but at the 'Day of Days' event on November 7, Bill and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Doug and Julie Williams) revealed during the Q & A session that Frances Reid was in a care facility. We will continue to keep her in our thoughts and prayers, and of course wish her well. Happy Birthday to all of the DAYS stars!

Pictured: Shawn Christian as Dr. Daniel Jonas

Trae Patton / Copyright 2009 NBC Universal

Celebrity mom, host of NBC's The Biggest Loser, and DAYS's own Alison Sweeney (Sami), along with Hallmark, recently hosted the Celebri-Tree Holiday Auction in her Hollywood home to support Feeding America, the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity and one the actress is especially passionate about.

I was introduced to Feeding America through Biggest Loser, and I've been lucky and so proud to work with them. It's such a great organization and they show what a big difference we can all make in people's lives just with our time," said Alison in a TV Guide interview.

During the Saturday, November 14 event, celebrity guests and their families personalized Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments, Recordable Cards, DVD Greetings, and Hallmark's new Recordable Storybook The Night Before Christmas, which the celebrities got to do a voice greeting on. The Recordable Storybook is also Alison's favorite, as she explains to Hallmark. A selection of the items are available for purchase at Clothes Off Our Back. All proceeds from the sales will go towards Feeding America. The online auction will end on Tuesday, December 15 at 7:00 p.m. CST.

Celebrity guests at Alison's home included Galen Gering (Rafe), former DAYS star Lisa Rinna (ex-Billie Reed), Denise Richards, Nancy O'Dell, Samantha Harris, Greg Vaughan (ex-Lucky, General Hospital), country artist Seven Williams and his wife McKenzie Westmore (ex-Sheridan, Passions), Ali Vincent, and Jerry Penacoli. Other stars who weren't able to attend, including Austin Peck (ex-Austin Reed), brought personalized items for the auction as well.

Alison took several of the Recordable Storybooks to the DAYS set for the cast members to sign. Additionally, everyone who participated in the event brought dry goods for Feeding America. Kudos once again to Alison for her dedication and committment in helping out Feeding America this holiday season.

More on Alison Sweeney

• Alison Sweeney Partners With Crest Glide Floss to Benefit Feeding America
• Alison Sweeney Partners With Tiny Prints for the Second Annual Holiday Card Collection
• Alison Sweeney Co-Hosts the 44th Annual Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon
• Alison Sweeney Partners With California Raisons to Raise Awareness for Feeding America

Pictured: Alison Sweeney (Sami)

Trae Patton / Copyright 2009 NBC Universal

The search for Nicole continues this week, and Salem's best liar seeks help from her mother, Fay Walker. Nicole lays a guilt trip on her mom, and Fay agrees to help her daughter leave the country. By week's end, E.J., Sami, Rafe, and Brady head to Cleveland in search of Nicole, who ends up in the hospital. But the question is, where is Sydney? More spoilers for next week include:

• Rafe witnesses the bond between Sami and E.J.
• Lucas returns home from rehab.
• Carly moves out of Bo's house.
• Philip tells Melanie he loves her.

Coming Up

• Nicole ends up in jail.
• Justin confronts Bo over the Carly situation.

Pictured: Arianne Zucker as Nicole Walker DiMera

Mitchell Haaseth / Copyright 2008 NBC Universal

NBC has released more 'Day of Days' event photos, taken at CityWalk Universal Studios in Los Angeles on November 7, 2009. The stars took the time to greet fans, sign autographs, and talk to reporters on this fun-filled day. These photos have been added to the 2nd Annual Day of Days Fan Event Photo Gallery. Enjoy!

Pictured: Wally Kurth (Justin), Nadia Bjorlin (Chloe), and James Scott (E.J.)

Chris Haston / Copyright 2009 NBC Universal