NEW UPDATE! Not only Al Calderon, Greg Rikaart also left DOOL Days of our lives spoilers

Days of Our Lives Shockwaves: Are Leo Stark and Javi Hernandez Leaving Salem Together?

Hello, drama lovers! Welcome back to TV Days Drama Digest — your go-to destination for the biggest twists, heartbreaks, and jaw-dropping surprises from the world of daytime television. And today, we’re diving into one of the hottest questions electrifying the Days of Our Lives fandom: Are Leo Stark and Javi Hernandez really saying goodbye to Salem?

This potential double exit has fans buzzing with speculation, heartbreak, and hope — especially as Al Calderon (Javi) has just confirmed his departure, and rumors swirl that Greg Rikaart (Leo) might be next.

A Romance That Defied Salem’s Odds

Leo Stark, brought to life by the incomparable Greg Rikaart, has long been one of Salem’s most deliciously unpredictable figures — a con artist with razor-sharp wit, biting humor, and, more recently, a surprisingly tender heart. From his ill-fated marriage to Sonny Kiriakis to his countless schemes, Leo has danced through chaos with style and sarcasm. But it was his romance with Javi Hernandez, played by the charismatic Al Calderon, that truly transformed him.

Javi entered the canvas as a mysterious newcomer with a magnetic charm and a complicated past. Together, Leo and Javi formed one of DOOL’s most dynamic and passionate pairings — a love story rooted in redemption, risk, and vulnerability. Their chemistry quickly became a fan-favorite, with many calling them one of Salem’s most compelling modern couples.

Gwen’s Dangerous Proposal — and the Temptation to Leave

The latest storyline fueling the exit rumors centers on Gwen Rizczech, portrayed with cunning brilliance by Emily O’Brien. In a tense confrontation that had fans holding their breath, Gwen cornered Leo and offered him a tantalizing deal: crucial information about Dimitri von Leuschner’s secret past — in exchange for Leo leaving Salem for good and abandoning his investigation into her shady dealings with EJ DiMera.

Picture it: a dimly lit room, tension thick as fog, Gwen’s eyes flashing with both desperation and deceit as she whispers her offer. For Leo, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Stay in Salem and risk everything — or take the clues, escape the chaos, and maybe start a new life with Javi by his side.

Could this be the perfect set-up for their joint exit?

Leo’s Dilemma: Love or Loyalty to Salem?

Leo’s trademark self-preservation instinct has always clashed with his hidden desire for connection. Javi, earnest and loyal, has become Leo’s grounding force amid the madness. If Leo takes Gwen’s offer, it might be out of love — a chance to protect Javi from danger. Or it could be pure curiosity, that irresistible urge to chase one last mystery.

Either way, the emotional fallout promises to be explosive. Imagine tearful goodbyes at the Salem airport, lingering glances back toward the town square, and whispered promises of return. Classic Days of Our Lives through and through.

But what if Leo refuses Gwen’s deal entirely? Then Salem’s underbelly could erupt — with Javi dragged into a dangerous web involving EJ’s lab secrets, corporate espionage, and Dimitri’s long-buried family scandals.

Behind the Scenes: Al Calderon Confirms Exit, Greg Rikaart’s Future in Question

Adding to the drama is what’s happening off-screen. Al Calderon recently confirmed his Days of Our Lives exit on social media, posting a heartfelt message of gratitude to the cast and fans. “It’s been an incredible ride,” he wrote, sharing behind-the-scenes photos that captured the warmth of the Salem set. “Salem will always have a piece of my heart.”

The announcement hit fans hard — especially those who had come to adore Javi’s energy, humor, and emotional depth. Many wondered if his storyline was being cut short, or if there’s more to the story waiting down the line.

And now, with rumors swirling that Greg Rikaart’s time as Leo may also be coming to an end, viewers are bracing for what could be one of DOOL’s most emotional farewells in years. Rikaart, a daytime legend who has masterfully balanced Leo’s comedic timing with genuine vulnerability, has not publicly confirmed an exit — but fans are on edge.

The Web of Secrets: Gwen, EJ, and Dimitri’s Entangled Schemes

To fully understand the stakes, let’s step back and trace the tangled threads connecting these characters. Gwen’s alliance with EJ DiMera has long been steeped in manipulation and mistrust. EJ’s mysterious “lab” has been a quiet source of intrigue — rumored to hide everything from illegal research to blackmail evidence. Meanwhile, Dimitri von Leuschner’s name keeps surfacing, tied to fake marriages, stolen inheritances, and betrayal.

Leo’s digging into this mess threatens to expose the entire network. Gwen’s attempt to push him out of Salem might be the only way to protect her own secrets — or her life.

Fan Theories and Wild Speculation

Across social media, the DOOL fandom is ablaze with theories. On Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #SaveLeoAndJavi and #DoolDrama are trending as fans debate how this arc will unfold.

Some believe Leo and Javi’s exit will lead to a Beyond Salem spinoff — a romantic, globe-trotting adventure filled with danger, redemption, and intrigue. Others predict a “fake-out” departure: perhaps a staged disappearance or even an amnesia storyline that sets the stage for an eventual return.

A few more dramatic fan predictions? Gwen’s offer is a trap, leading to Leo’s kidnapping — or a shocking betrayal that forces both men out of Salem under threat.

Three Possible Futures for Leo and Javi

1. The Lovers’ Escape:
   Leo accepts Gwen’s offer, Javi follows, and the two embark on a high-stakes adventure. Think European hideouts, cryptic letters, and secret missions — a soap-style blend of romance and espionage.

2. The Heartbroken Separation:
   Leo stays behind, unable to let go of Salem, while Javi leaves, shattered. Their love story becomes the kind of slow-burn tragedy DOOL is known for — one that keeps the door open for emotional reunions.

3. The Ultimate Betrayal:
   Gwen’s proposal turns out to be a deadly trap. Leo and Javi vanish, presumed dead, only to resurface later — scarred but alive, with a shocking story to tell.

Why This Exit Matters

The potential loss of Leo and Javi goes beyond a single storyline. Their relationship has been a cornerstone of representation and emotional authenticity in modern Days of Our Lives storytelling. If they truly depart, it marks the end of an era — but also a reminder of how deeply these characters have resonated with fans.

And yet, in Salem, no goodbye is ever forever. Just ask Stefano DiMera.

Final Thoughts

Whether Leo and Javi leave hand in hand or get torn apart by deceit, their impact on Salem — and on viewers — is undeniable. Their story has been one of love, redemption, and self-discovery, wrapped in the classic chaos that defines Days of Our Lives.

So, what do you think, Drama Digest family?
Will Leo and Javi ride off into the sunset together, or are we being set up for one of the show’s trademark twists?

Drop your theories in the comments below, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more deep dives into the soap world’s most emotional showdowns.

Because in Salem… the sand in the hourglass never stops turning.