Peter Reckell and Stephen Nichols Returning to 'Days of our Lives'

Peter Reckell, Stephen Nichols

Two longtime favorites are returning to Days of our Lives for the show's 50th anniversary. According to Soap Opera Digest, Stephen Nichols (Steve Johnson) and Peter Reckell (Bo Brady) are returning to Salem

“Stephen Nichols and Peter Reckell have signed deals to come back for the 50th anniversary,” Executive Producer Ken Corday tells Digest. “They represent two of the most popular characters in the history of the show.”

Days of our Lives will turn 50 on November 8, but the actors will pop up on screen well before then.

Reckell first appeared on Days in May 1983 as the rebellious Bo Brady, who quickly the captured the heart of spunky Hope Williams (Kristian Alfonso). The couple was married in 1985, and have been on and off every since. With Bo absent since October 2012, Hope has moved on with Aiden Jennings (Daniel Cosgrove).

Nichols joined Days in 1985 as Steve "Patch" Johnson. Steve fell in love with Kayla Brady (Mary Beth Evans) and the couple was married in 1988. When Nichols left the show in 1990, Steve was presumed dead, but the character turned up alive in 2006. Nichols last appeared on Days in 2009. Steve and Kayla were divorced in 2012.