As Days of Our Lives inches closer to its monumental 60th anniversary, fans are buzzing with excitement—and questions. Chief among them: Will Nicole Walker make a comeback? And with Eric Brady’s return on the horizon, the speculation has reached a fever pitch. While there’s been no official word from the network, several recent developments strongly hint that Nicole could soon re-enter the Salem scene in dramatic fashion.
A Historic Milestone Brings Big Possibilities
The upcoming 60th anniversary of Days isn’t just a celebration—it’s a golden opportunity to reconnect with the show’s rich legacy. Longtime viewers know that DOOL has thrived on intense family sagas, jaw-dropping twists, and unforgettable characters. The return of beloved characters like Eric Brady, Will Horton, Jack and Jennifer, and even Bo and Hope Brady signals a shift toward honoring that legacy.
In fact, producers have teased an extravagant hospital gala later this year—an event that will serve as a crossroads for many of Salem’s most cherished storylines. And if you know anything about Days, you know that galas aren’t just about elegant dresses and polite toasts. They’re breeding grounds for drama, confessions, surprise returns, and emotional reunions.
Eric’s Return: A Ticking Time Bomb
Eric Brady’s homecoming is already set to shake things up, especially considering his complicated past. But it’s not just about Eric—it’s about who isn’t there when he arrives. Nicole Walker. Their love story has captivated fans for decades, filled with heartbreak, hope, betrayal, and longing. Even when they’re apart, their connection lingers. Eric’s presence in Salem practically begs for Nicole to return, if only to resolve their tangled emotional history.
The showrunners seem to understand that too. By bringing Eric back now—just as the anniversary approaches—it feels like they’re setting the stage for a powerful, emotional reunion.
A Quiet Clue: Nicole’s Name Surfaces
Though Nicole hasn’t been seen on screen lately, she hasn’t been forgotten. In a recent episode tied to the EJ DiMera shooting arc, her daughter Holly tried to contact her. Nicole’s name briefly flashed on-screen when Holly placed a call—but Nicole didn’t answer. That subtle moment was a deliberate move, a narrative breadcrumb dropped by the writers. Why mention Nicole at all, unless there’s more to come?
In the soap world, such a name-drop is rarely accidental. It often means a character’s return is being quietly set up.
Why Nicole’s Return Makes Perfect Sense
Let’s not forget who Nicole Walker is. Played brilliantly by Arianne Zucker, Nicole has been at the center of Salem drama for over 20 years. She’s been a villain, a heroine, a grieving mother, a survivor, and a fighter. Her journey has been anything but linear—which is exactly what makes her story so compelling.
Nicole is deeply embedded in Salem’s fabric, with ties to multiple core families including the Walkers, DiMeras, Bradys, and Kiriakises. Her absence has left a noticeable void—not just in the show, but emotionally, for viewers and for characters like Eric.
Given Days’ renewed focus on legacy and character-driven storytelling, bringing Nicole back is not only likely—it’s almost necessary.
Possible Storylines for Nicole’s Return
So how could Nicole reappear? There are several juicy options, all worthy of DOOL’s legendary drama:
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A Surprise Gala Entrance
Imagine the camera panning to Eric as he scans the room… and then freezes. Nicole is standing there in a stunning gown, Holly by her side. The entire room goes silent. Emotions boil over. Cue the fireworks. -
A Desperate Mother’s Return
If Holly were to go missing or get into danger, it would make perfect sense for Nicole to drop everything and race back to Salem. Her fierce maternal instincts could drive an emotional, action-packed arc. -
Drawn Back by Eric
Perhaps Nicole has been silently keeping tabs on Eric’s movements. His return might push her over the edge. She can’t stay away any longer. Even if it’s just to confront him—or say goodbye. -
Nicole’s Pregnant Twist
This is Days of Our Lives, after all. What if Nicole returns pregnant? And the father? Could be Eric… or EJ… or a mysterious third option. Classic soap opera gold. 
Will Arianne Zucker Return?
As of now, there’s no official confirmation from NBC or the actress herself. But the clues are stacking up. The show’s shift toward heartfelt, legacy-driven narratives fits Nicole like a glove. She’s a character who thrives in emotionally layered stories—and with Eric back in town, her return feels inevitable.
Let’s also not forget that Zucker has made comebacks before, often stepping away briefly before returning for major story arcs. This could simply be another strategic hiatus to build suspense and give her re-entry the impact it deserves.
The Big Picture
As the show builds toward its 60th anniversary, fans should brace for twists, emotional gut punches, and nostalgic callbacks. Nicole’s story isn’t finished—not even close. Whether she bursts through the hospital doors, arrives with a secret, or quietly slips into a church pew during a ceremony, her return would be a defining moment.
After all, Nicole Walker isn’t just a character—she’s part of Days of Our Lives’ very DNA. And with Eric back, Holly in need of her mother, and Salem spinning into chaos, the stage is perfectly set.
