In an unexpected twist that has shaken the soap opera landscape, fans of Days of Our Lives may not have seen the last of Billy Flynn just yet. Despite previous announcements confirming his exit from the long-running soap to join The Young and the Restless, new rumors suggest Flynn could be pulling off a storyline shocker of his own—by staying in Salem and stepping into Genoa City. Could the man who brought Chad DiMera to life for over a decade really be taking on a dual role in two rival soaps?

Back in March 2025, the Days of Our Lives fandom was left reeling after news broke that Billy Flynn would be departing the series. His portrayal of Chad DiMera—originally played by Casey Deidrick—had become one of the show’s most iconic roles since Flynn took over in 2014. Over the years, viewers were captivated by Chad’s rollercoaster journey, marked by powerful family drama, complicated romance, and the heart-wrenching death of his beloved Abigail Deveraux. For many, Flynn was Chad, and the thought of Salem without him was heartbreaking.

Flynn himself confirmed the news with a heartfelt goodbye, expressing his deep appreciation for the show that shaped his career and changed his life. “It’s been over a decade of telling one of the greatest love stories in daytime television,” Flynn told TV Insider. Fans took to social media to share their sorrow and memories of the character’s most impactful moments—from corporate wars to personal tragedies—especially those intense scenes following Abigail’s death.

But just as viewers were beginning to come to terms with his departure, a fresh wave of speculation has reignited hope. According to circulating rumors, Flynn may have negotiated a groundbreaking deal that would allow him to remain a presence in Salem while simultaneously appearing on The Young and the Restless. Yes, you heard that right—two roles, two towns, and one very busy actor.

The possibility sounds like a soap dream, but the logistics might actually make it feasible. Thanks to DOOL‘s unusual production schedule—filming episodes nine months in advance—Flynn will remain on-air in Salem through most of 2026. Meanwhile, his debut on Y&R is already confirmed for this spring. While juggling roles on two major daytime dramas is practically unheard of, the advanced taping at Days could make it manageable.

Whispers about Flynn’s dual role have sparked debate across social media. Some fans are excited at the idea of seeing their favorite actor in two very different storylines, while others worry about the potential dilution of his legacy as Chad. One fan compared this potential power move to Laura Wright’s iconic switch from Guiding Light to General Hospital, calling it a savvy career decision that could offer Flynn both stability and creative challenge. Another viewer shared concern about Y&R’s direction, hoping Flynn’s talent wouldn’t be wasted in a poorly written arc.

The chatter only intensified after Flynn shared insights in an interview with Variety, suggesting that working on both shows could be a reality. “It might be a little hard for fans to suspend disbelief,” Flynn admitted, acknowledging the tricky overlap of seeing him on both shows at once. Still, he hinted at the possibility, praising DOOL’s training and suggesting he was more than ready to take on the demanding schedule.

So what exactly could this mean for the future of Chad DiMera? According to the rumor mill, several scenarios are on the table. One theory suggests that Flynn’s Y&R role might be a limited arc, allowing him to return to Salem in full force afterward. Another possibility is that he remains on DOOL in a recurring capacity—popping in for dramatic guest appearances while exploring a new storyline on Y&R. Given the genre’s love of surprise twists, an unexpected return or sudden reappearance wouldn’t be out of the ordinary. After all, Days of Our Lives has never shied away from pulling someone back from the brink—or even from beyond the grave. 

Meanwhile, Flynn’s new venture on The Young and the Restless is already generating major buzz. He’s set to play a new character whose details remain under wraps, but speculation is running wild. Some fans suspect he may portray a mysterious businessman tied to the powerful Newman family, or perhaps a rogue agent with a vendetta. What’s certain is that executive producer Josh Griffith—who worked with Flynn during DOOL’s chilling Necktie Killer storyline—is thrilled to bring him on board. “He’s going to be a phenomenal addition to our cast,” Griffith told TV Insider.

Flynn himself seems energized by the challenge. “After ten years of playing Chad, I’m excited to test myself in new ways,” he told Variety. He also noted the difference in pace between the two productions, saying Y&R‘s slower filming allows more time for creative depth, compared to DOOL‘s lightning-fast pace.

But despite the fresh energy surrounding his move, the door to Salem may not be completely closed. DOOL executive producer Ken Corday offered a carefully worded statement following the initial exit news, praising Flynn’s work and saying he would be “greatly missed,” yet notably stopping short of calling it a permanent goodbye.

Could a master plan be unfolding behind the scenes? Could Salem see Chad DiMera walk back through the mansion doors just when viewers least expect it?

For now, fans are holding onto hope. Whether Flynn becomes a full-time fixture in Genoa City or eventually makes a triumphant return to Salem, one thing is certain: he has cemented his place as one of daytime television’s brightest stars. His dual appearance—should it come to fruition—would be a landmark moment for the genre, showcasing not just Flynn’s versatility, but also the evolving nature of modern soap storytelling.

So stay tuned, because in the world of soaps, anything can happen. And right now, it seems Billy Flynn is at the center of the next great twist.