DOOL Spoilers: Belle And Paul’s Return, How Will Show Explain Drake Hogestyn’s Absence?

Days of Our Lives (DOOL) spoilers and updates reveal Belle Black (Martha Madison) and Paul Narita’s (Christopher Sean) return for a special anniversary.

They’ll be in Salem for Marlena Evans’ (Deidre Hall) and John Black (Drake Hogestyn) anniversary-but how will the show explain John’s on-screen absence?

Days Of Our Lives Spoilers – November 8 Is The 59th Anniversary Of The Show

November 8 is set to be a significant day, as it not only marks the 59th anniversary of the show but also provides multiple reasons for celebration.

Fans will be thrilled to see Belle and Paul return, yet there may be questions regarding John’s onscreen absence, since it’s also John and Marlena’s wedding anniversary.

Sadly, Drake Hogestyn passed away from pancreatic cancer in September, which meant he had already stepped away from the Days studio during his health struggles when these anniversary scenes were filmed.

With Hogestyn’s final episode already aired, it’s clear that John won’t be part of this family gathering, and there must be some explanation.

This absence will need to be addressed, prompting speculation on how the writers of Days have written about John’s missing presence-remember, they have already filmed this a few months back.

DOOL Spoilers – John Can Be Involved Through Offscreen Mentions

The show has been finding ways to keep John off-screen, such as his recent trip to the farm with Timothy Robicheaux (Dick Van Dyke).

However, there’s a chance he could return to Salem to celebrate his anniversary with Marlena-it just has to have been written to explain his absence.

It would be easy to stage the main celebration off-screen and suggest that John is enjoying time with the grandkids afterward, or something like that.

Alternatively, he might be indulging in dessert at The Bistro or enjoying some quality time with Timothy at his facility. It shouldn’t be too challenging to navigate John’s absence while still honoring his character.

Days Of Our Lives Spoilers – Reminiscing Flashbacks

Marlena will more than likely take a moment to reflect with Belle and Paul, sharing memories that are sure to include some romantic flashbacks of John and Marlena.

Their love story will be front and center during this special time; this approach mirrors what was done after John Aniston’s passing, where past scenes were showcased in a tribute episode.

While Drake will eventually receive his own tribute, the focus will first shift to Doug Williams, following the loss of Bill Hayes almost a year ago.

Once Belle and Paul are back, Marlena will have the opportunity to celebrate with them and reminisce about the beautiful years she shared with John.

It will serve as a heartfelt mini tribute to Drake Hogestyn until a more fitting acknowledgment of his legacy can take place in the future.

Be sure to catch up on everything happening with DOOL right now. Come back here often for Days Of Our Lives spoilers, news, and updates.