‘Days Of Our Lives’ Spoilers: How Will ‘Steve’s’ Return Be Received?

His arrival at the New Year’s Party was unexpected, and now, “Steve’s” presence will begin to take its toll on those who are shocked by his return to Salem on the Thursday, Jan. 2 episode of “Days of Our Lives.”

“Steve,” who is really Stefano (Stephen Nicholls) with a new face, has been back in Salem and hiding out with Princess Gina, who is masquerading as Hope (Kristian Alfonso) for a while on the NBC soap, and has his eyes on getting Marlena (Deidre Hall) back. He has dropped small hints about his return and love for her, but so far, he has managed to stay mostly under the radar. The exception was his stint as the Santa at the hospital Christmas party, where Kayla (Mary Beth Evans) saw him and wondered if he was Steve. Now, after he showed up at the party, she and others will be stunned.

“Marlena, John (Drake Hogestyn) Kayla and Justin (Wally Kurth) are stunned by Steve’s return,” spoilers reveal.

Kayla, in particular, will be shocked to see her ex-husband there since he was the one who filed for divorce and never gave her a reason why. She will also be stunned since she moved on with Justin after Adrienne’s death, and she isn’t sure how Steve would handle the news that she is now dating her late sister-in-law's husband. However, his appearance could bring even more confusion if he doesn’t act the way she remembers Steve always being. Considering the premonition John got that said Stefano had a new face, it could bring more questions about who he really is and why he is there.

However, his appearance isn’t the only shocking one that is going to happen. Both Lani (Sal Stowers) and Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) have also made their return to town, and while Lani showing her face to Gabi (Camila Banus) will bring another level of drama, Kristen’s return will be the biggest one—especially as she continues to mistakenly assume that Brady (Eric Martsolf) is moving on with Nicole (Arianne Zucker).

“Kristen attacks Nicole,” spoilers state.

“Days of Our Lives” airs weekdays on NBC.