Days of our Lives' Alison Sweeney opens up about her future plans for the role of Sami Brady and why she loves head writer Ron Carlivati's perception of the iconic character.
Days of our Lives fans are thrilled to have Alison Sweeney back in the fold, both in the series' standalone Christmas film, where Sami is involved in a "what-if" alternate reality version of life in Salem, as well as on the network version of the soap, where Sami is currently in a love triangle of sorts with E.J. (Dan Feuerriegel) and Lucas (Bryan Dattilo). But will she continue to be a part of the DAYS brand, perhaps once again in a full-time capacity?
In an interview with People, Sweeney enthuses that she's just as thrilled as fans are to see Sami back in action, particularly under the direction of the soap's current head writer, Ron Carlivati.
"I love Ron and his perception of this character. Just when you think she's going to zig, she zags," the actress says. "She definitely has an unusual way of looking at life. So, for this Christmas special, he really came at me with a different, fresh perspective, and it was just such a fun twist on the character, and on the situation, on her, and what the fans want to see. So, I really loved this idea from the get-go."
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However, as much as Sweeney enjoyed her recent participation in DAYS' Christmas film and currently being back in Salem as Sami, she admits that she prefers to keep the visits short and sweet.
"I love playing Sami but no, full-time is not the plan for me," she reveals, explaining that being on contract at DAYS wouldn't allow her to work on other projects that she loves. "I produce and develop content for Hallmark, and for other streaming services, and I love getting to do my own projects; I love producing. It's really been such a joy, and such a new, fresh, fun challenge for me."
She continues, "I do feel so blessed to be able to have the best of both worlds. The opportunity to go back to DAYS, it feels like going home again, to be honest with you. It's like visiting my family during the holidays. I get to see everyone. I get to play Sami. I get to go home. But then I get to go out and develop these projects and do other things, and expand myself, and push myself."
One of those projects is the Hallmark movie trilogy Wedding Veil, which is set to release its first installment on Saturday, January 8, and stars Sweeney alongside Autumn Reeser and All My Children alum Lacey Chabert (ex-Bianca Montgomery).
"I'm working on the third movie now, where my character's sort of the featured love story," says Sweeney. "It's so fun. I can't tell you what a joy it's been to work with Autumn and Lacey, and to develop this story and these characters. It's amazing to support other strong women and to tell these really beautiful stories. I just have really enjoyed it."
For Sweeney's full interview with People, click here.
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