Deidre Hall (Marlena Evans Black) and Drake Hogestyn (John Black) Reprise Roles on Days of Our Lives

Two of Days of our Lives biggest stars, Deidre Hall and Drake Hogestyn (John and Marlena) who were let go at the end of 2008 in budget cuts, are set to return to Salem, for what may only be a short-term run. John and Marlena last appeared onscreen on January 24, 2009 before heading to Switzerland in a bid to restore John's memory.

Joining Crystal Chappell (Carly Manning) in the departure lounge however is Louise Sorel whose portrayal of Vivian Alamain has brought both a devious villainess and some comic relief to Salem.

Add to this swathe of comings and goings reported over the past weeks: Matthew Ashford returning as Jack Devereaux , two new head writers, Marlene McPherson and Darrel Ray Thomas who are rewriting scripts left behind by fired head writer Dena Higley, and you have more drama off-screen than there is onscreen.

Ted Corday has promised for months, front burner storylines featuring fan favorite characters and seems to be delivering. In an interview with Soap Opera Digest, Corday promised the departure of up to 6 characters and the reintroduction of almost as many, leading up to an exciting September on Days of our Lives. He also said the show would be focused on a tight ensemble of around 15 characters, rather than the 30 currently on the canvas.

Which leaves fans to speculate, just who else may be returning, and which of the more minor characters may be leaving Days of our Lives. After all, as Louise Sorel (Vivian Alamain) speculated, in an industry that is now driven by the numbers, bringing back big hitters (in the ratings game) like Drake Hogestyn, Deidre Hall and Matthew Ashford, will have budget impacts.

Who other than Carly and Vivian will be traded to bring back John and Marlena?

One likely victim could be newcomer Quinn (Bren Foster), given that with Vivian's departure he losses all ties to Salem. Quinn was recently revealed to be Vivian's son in a rewriting on Vivian's backstory that has left fans puzzled.

And if Quinn goes, what happens to Chloe (Nadia Bjorlin). So far the Quinn and Chloe story arc has contributed little other than a few gratuitous hot sexcapades, between the aesthetically advantaged duo. Perhaps there is a happy ending for her in Chicago with Philip and Parker after all?

Regardless of who else is coming, or going, one thing is certain. Ted Corday's assertion that he is throwing everything he has at preventing Days of our Lives cancellation cannot be disputed.

Let's just hope that it all translates into ratings magic.

Tune into Days of our Lives on NBC at 1pm weekdays (most markets).

Related Articles:

Could Quinn Really Be Vivian's Son?

Matthew Ashford returns to Days of our Lives as Jack Devereaux

Days of our Lives lets Crystal Chappell (Carly Manning) Go!