Days of Our Lives confirms when soap icon’s last episode will air after death and fans ‘aren’t ready to say goodbye’

DAYS of Our Lives confirmed when soap legend Bill Hayes’ final episode will air following his sad death earlier this year.

As viewers prepare for Bill’s final time on the big screen, fans have expressed that they are “not ready to say goodbye.”

5

5

Bill has played Doug Williams iconically since the 70s, winning the hearts of many.

Seven months after the soap star’s death, Days of Our Lives has confirmed that its final episode will premiere on July 11 on Soap opera summary.

Ironically, his final scene marks the same day his widow, Susan Seaforth Hayes, was born.

In addition to their real-life romance, Susan also played Bill’s on-screen wife.

After details of Bill’s final episode emerged, fans took to social media to say they weren’t ready to say goodbye.

“I’m not ready to say goodbye to Bill Hayes,” said one social media user.

“Even though we’ve had months to prepare for Doug’s (Bill Hayes) last day of work and his death on TV, I’m going to cry a lot and for a long time,” said another.

A third wrote: “So glad Mr Hayes lived to act out scenes as Doug on the newly rebuilt Horton House set.

“A fitting tribute to a wonderful artist. His character’s upcoming funeral will be MUST SEE TV.”

One fan said they were happy to get a week’s notice as they “will have my tissues on hand… How lucky we are to have enjoyed their on-screen romance.”

SAD LOSS

Bill’s final episode takes place seven months after the soap star’s death, on January 12, 2024.

Deadline reported the actor’s passing with a statement from the show’s executive producer, Ken Corday.

“I’ve known Bill for almost my entire life and he personified the heart and soul of Days of Our Lives,” said Ken.

“While we mourn and miss him, Bill’s indelible legacy will live on in our hearts and in the stories we tell, on and off the screen.”

Following his death, head writer Rob Carlivati ​​said they plan to honor Bill in his 15,000th episode, which takes place in November.

“People are aware that Bill Hayes passed away and that we were ultimately going to write Doug Williams’ death into the series and I decided to center our 15,000th episode around that,” said Rob.

“We worked hard to honor Bill and Dough and also use it as a way to celebrate the show and commemorate this milestone.”

LONG TIME LOVE

Bill Hayes is survived by his longtime wife, Susan.

The two married in real life on October 12, 1974.

Susan, who plays Julie Williams, began her stint on the show two years before her future husband.

Over the years, Days of Our Lives fans have watched the two fall in love on screen while nursing their real-life romance.

Viewers captured the couple getting married on the show in 1976.

Before marrying Susan, Bill had five children with his ex-wife, Mary Hobbs.

5

5