In the ever-turbulent world of Days of Our Lives (DOOL), fans have grown accustomed to jaw-dropping twists, emotional heartbreak, and shocking returns. Yet nothing could have prepared viewers for the latest revelation shaking the soap opera community: Tamara Braun, one of daytime television’s most celebrated and beloved stars, is making an epic return to Salem—but in a surprising new role that no one saw coming.

For decades, Tamara Braun has captivated audiences with her powerful performances across multiple daytime dramas. Many still remember her fiery debut as Carly Corinthos on General Hospital, a role that established her as a force of nature on the soap opera stage. Her journey didn’t stop there. From her ambitious turn as Reese Williams on All My Children to her unforgettable portrayal of the dangerous yet vulnerable Ava Vitali on Days of Our Lives, Braun has proven time and again that she is capable of bringing a unique intensity and depth to every role she inhabits.

Now, in a move that has reignited fan enthusiasm across social media, Tamara Braun is confirmed to be returning to DOOL this fall. But here’s the twist: she isn’t stepping back into Ava Vitali’s shoes. Instead, the actress is set to debut as an entirely new character—one who promises to shake the foundations of Salem in ways fans could never have imagined.

Tamara’s Journey Through Daytime Drama

Tamara Braun’s career is a testament to resilience, versatility, and reinvention. Raised in Evanston, Illinois, Braun didn’t initially set her sights on soap stardom. Yet her natural magnetism and emotional depth propelled her into one of daytime’s most iconic roles: Carly Corinthos. Taking over from Sarah Brown in 2001, Tamara faced the daunting task of making Carly her own. She succeeded spectacularly, portraying a fierce, passionate woman caught between love, betrayal, and power struggles.

Her ability to breathe new life into Carly not only won critical acclaim but also earned her legions of devoted fans. Braun’s interpretation of Carly was fiery, unpredictable, and deeply human—qualities that became her signature as she moved through her soap opera journey.

After General Hospital, Tamara reinvented herself yet again as Reese Williams on All My Children, a wealthy and ambitious architect who tangled in love and intrigue. That role showcased her ability to craft complex, emotionally layered characters, further cementing her reputation as a powerhouse performer.

Then came her most iconic DOOL role—Ava Vitali, the volatile, passionate, and endlessly unpredictable member of the Vitali crime family. First introduced in 2008, Ava became a whirlwind of passion, danger, and tragedy. Tamara infused Ava with both ferocity and vulnerability, making her a villainess audiences couldn’t help but sympathize with. Her performance was so compelling that Ava quickly became a fan-favorite character, leading to multiple returns over the years, including major runs between 2017–2020 and a short but impactful reappearance in 2024.

A Shocking Exit from Salem

In April 2025, the soap opera world was blindsided when it was announced that Tamara Braun would once again be leaving DOOL. Fans were heartbroken. Ava Vitali’s storylines had become a staple of Salem’s chaos, ranging from mob wars to forbidden romances. Her abrupt exit left a void in the show’s landscape.

Social media erupted with grief and outrage. Fans tweeted sentiments like, “Tamara Braun IS Ava Vitali. DOOL without her doesn’t feel the same,” while another wrote, “I can’t believe they’re letting Ava go again. She’s the spark of Salem.”

Behind-the-scenes reasons remained mysterious, with speculation ranging from storyline shifts to Braun’s desire for new opportunities. For many, the loss of Ava felt permanent. Little did they know, Tamara Braun had something much bigger planned.

The Epic Comeback – A New Role in Salem

Now, just months after her shocking departure, the DOOL team has pulled off one of the most talked-about twists of the year: Tamara Braun is returning, but not as Ava. Instead, she will embody a brand-new character, and producers are keeping the details tightly under wraps.

This bombshell announcement has sent fans into a frenzy. Could she be playing a mysterious new DiMera relative with secrets that threaten the entire family? A cunning lawyer with ties to past Salem scandals? Or perhaps a woman hiding a shocking connection to legacy characters like Marlena, John, or even Hope Brady?

Executive producer Ken Corday teased in a recent interview, “Tamara is one of the most versatile talents we’ve ever had on the show. Her new role will surprise fans in the best way possible and take Salem into uncharted territory.”

Head writer Ron Carlivati echoed the excitement, hinting that her character is set to “turn multiple storylines upside down while creating brand-new conflicts and alliances.”

Fan Reactions – Salem Can’t Contain the Buzz

Within minutes of the announcement, DOOL fans took to X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram to celebrate Braun’s comeback. Hashtags like #TamaraReturns and #DOOLShocker began trending. One fan wrote, “She’s back! Tamara’s return is the best news of 2025. I don’t care who she’s playing—Salem just got a whole lot more exciting.”

Another added, “The fact that she’s not coming back as Ava makes this even juicier. A fresh role? Endless possibilities!”

Even her fellow soap stars joined the celebration. Billy Flynn (Chad DiMera) congratulated his former co-star, posting, “Tamara is pure magic. Salem’s about to feel the fire again.”

What Could Her New Role Mean for Salem?

The possibilities for Braun’s mysterious new role are endless—and DOOL fans are speculating nonstop. Some believe she could arrive as a high-powered businesswoman who threatens to topple Titan Industries and DiMera Enterprises in one swoop. Others theorize she’ll be tied to Salem’s criminal underworld, perhaps sparking a dangerous new mob war.

Romance is also on the table. Could Braun’s new character find herself entangled with iconic DOOL men like EJ DiMera, Rafe Hernandez, or even Brady Black? With Tamara’s history of chemistry-driven performances, any pairing could instantly catch fire.

What’s certain is that her arrival will shake up Salem’s delicate balance of love, loyalty, and betrayal. Longtime fans know that wherever Tamara Braun goes, chaos follows—and hearts break.

Tamara’s Legacy and the Road Ahead

Tamara Braun’s career has always been defined by her ability to reinvent herself while staying true to the raw emotional power that first made audiences fall in love with her. She’s a two-time Emmy winner whose portrayals consistently blur the line between villain and heroine, making her characters unforgettable.

Her return to DOOL is not just another casting change—it’s a statement. It proves that even after decades in daytime, Braun still has the power to surprise, excite, and deliver moments that keep fans glued to their screens.

As fall approaches and her debut inches closer, the anticipation continues to grow. Will her new character ally with Salem’s power players—or tear them apart from the inside? Will she become a force of redemption or unleash destruction on the town?

One thing is clear: Tamara Braun’s epic return is about to change Days of Our Lives forever.

🔥 Final Takeaway: Tamara Braun is back, Salem fans—and her new role promises to deliver shocking twists, unforgettable drama, and a whole new reason to keep tuning in. Whether you loved her as Ava Vitali or admired her work across other soaps, this comeback is one of the most exciting DOOL moments in recent history.

So buckle up, because Salem is about to get wild.