Charles Shaughnessy spies a return to DAYS

Charles Shaughnessy is returning to Days of our Lives. The actor, who played the role of Shane Donovan for more than eight years, is just one of nearly a dozen stars returning to the show in the weeks ahead. Among those returning is Shaughnessy's supercouple co-star, Patsy Pease.

The parade of returning veterans continues at Days of our Lives. The latest confirmed vet to return is Charles Shaughnessy, who will reprise the role of ISA super agent Shane Donovan.

While details of why Shane is returning to Salem and who he'll be interacting with are still under wraps, TVGuide Magazine's Michael Logan reports that Shaughnessy will have a longer run than most of the actors returning around the same time.

"[He] will appear on the soap for ten or so episodes, though that might expand," an NBC spokesperson shared with Logan.

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However, despite the length of his stay, many fans on soapcentral.com's message boards are eager to see if Shaughnessy and former co-star Patsy Pease (Kimberly Brady) will share screen time during the return. Pease will also be returning later this spring for the show's tribute to Alice Horton. Their alter-egos, Shane and Kimberly, were one of the '80s most popular supercouples. Still, fans found little satisfaction when the couple broke up and the actors left the show at different times.

Shaughnessy originated the role of Shane in 1984 and remained on contract until 1992, when his character left Salem and returned to England. He returned for a guest spot in 2002. Like his last return, Shaughnessy's stay this time will once again be short-term.

Shaughnessy reported to the set during the week of March 22, and his first airdate is scheduled for May 27, 2010.