The soap world continues to buzz over one of daytime’s biggest casting swaps in recent memory—Billy Flynn exiting Days of Our Lives after more than a decade as Chad DiMera, while Conner Floyd steps into the role.
Now Flynn is speaking out in a candid interview with Soap Opera Digest, reflecting on the transition, his time working with Floyd, and why he believes the character is in great hands moving forward.
A Major Soap Swap That Changed Two Shows
Back in March 2025, it was confirmed that Flynn would be leaving Days of Our Lives after playing Chad DiMera since 2014 to join The Young and the Restless as Cane Ashby.
At the same time, Floyd—who had been portraying Chance Chancellor on Y&R since 2021—was announced as the actor stepping in to replace Flynn as Chad on Days.
The unexpected crossover immediately created buzz, and as Flynn explained the timing ended up making for a very unusual overlap.
“It Was Very Romantic” — Flynn Jokes About Their On-Screen Death Scene
Because Flynn began working on Y&R before Floyd officially exited, the two actors actually ended up sharing scenes together on-screen.
In a dramatic twist, Floyd’s character Chance ultimately dies in Cane’s arms—a moment Flynn described with humor.
“Very romantic,” he told Soap Opera Digest.
The surreal situation didn’t go unnoticed by Flynn, who admitted the timing of everything felt almost too coincidental.
Meeting His On-Screen Replacement Before Knowing It
Flynn also revealed that he was already aware Floyd would be taking over his role as Chad before they even filmed together.
“I knew before our first scene together. The day that I met him was when we shot our first scenes together, and I was basically like, ‘I hear congratulations are in order!’”
Flynn described the experience as unusual but entertaining, explaining that the situation felt “meta” in the best way.
“Like, I came to the show, and now this person just died in my arms, but he’s gonna be reborn as the old me. It was pretty interesting, but we got a kick out of it! He and I laughed about it.”
“He’s Like a Little Brother” — Flynn’s Praise for Floyd
Beyond the unusual timing, Flynn made it clear he formed a genuine bond with Floyd during their time working together.
“My only regret is that I didn’t get to work with him longer. He’s almost like a little brother. He sounds like me. He’s like a more handsome, taller version of me.”
He then added his full endorsement of Floyd stepping into Chad DiMera:
“I think he’s gonna do really great as Chad.”
Confidence in the Casting Process Behind Chad DiMera
Even before Floyd was officially announced, Flynn said he trusted the process and the show’s casting direction.
He credited longtime casting director Marnie Saitta for her instincts, recalling conversations about finding the next Chad before he even left the series.
“I remember having a conversation with Marnie when they were looking for the new Chad, because I was aware before I even left the show that they were going to recast me.”
He also shared Saitta’s reaction after meeting Floyd:
“She said, ‘I met this guy, but he almost reminds me too much of you.’”
Flynn added:
“It sounds pretty wonderful, if I may say so myself [laughs].”
According to Flynn, Saitta felt an emotional connection to the casting decision due to her long history with him on the show.
“She was like, ‘He sounds like you. It’s really eerie. I was getting emotional.’”
A New Era for Chad DiMera Begins in Salem
Conner Floyd officially debuted as Chad DiMera in the April 21 episode streaming on Peacock, marking the start of a new chapter for the iconic Salem character.
While fans are still adjusting to the change, Flynn’s enthusiastic support sets a positive tone for the recast—and suggests Chad DiMera is in steady hands moving forward.
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