The Days of Our Lives fandom is buzzing with joy and pride this week as long-time star Paul Telfer (who plays Xander Cook) delivers a

stunning surprise that no one saw coming. After years of loyal dedication to the NBC/Peacock daytime drama, Telfer has not only won the

hearts of fans but has also achieved a career milestone that proves why he’s one of Salem’s most beloved — and underrated — leading men.

So what exactly did Paul Telfer do to deserve the outpouring of love and congratulations flooding social media? The answer combines hard work, emotional storytelling, and a very special surprise that left fans in tears of joy.

Paul Telfer’s Big Announcement

In a heartfelt video posted on his Instagram, Paul Telfer shocked fans by revealing that he’s been honored with a special recognition award for Outstanding Performance in a Daytime Drama Series — an accolade that many feel is long overdue.

Telfer’s message was humble yet moving:

“It’s been an incredible journey. Playing Xander has changed my life. I owe everything to our amazing fans and the people behind Days of Our Lives who believed in me, even when my character was causing chaos in Salem.”

The announcement immediately set social media ablaze, with thousands of comments from DOOL fans around the world celebrating the actor’s achievement.

“So well-deserved! You’ve carried so many emotional storylines!” wrote one fan.
“Xander is one of the best complex characters in Salem — congratulations, Paul!” added another.

Xander’s Journey: From Villain to Fan Favorite

Telfer’s portrayal of Xander Cook has been nothing short of a masterclass in character evolution. When he first appeared in Salem, Xander was a dangerous, manipulative criminal who’d stop at nothing to get what he wanted. But over the years, viewers have watched the character slowly transform into a man battling his own demons and searching for redemption.

His recent storylines with Sarah Horton (Linsey Godfrey) — filled with love, betrayal, and heartbreak — have been among the show’s most emotional arcs. Fans have praised Telfer’s ability to shift seamlessly between ruthless intensity and raw vulnerability, making Xander one of the most layered characters in Days of Our Lives history.

And it seems that both the industry and audiences are finally giving Paul the recognition he deserves.

The Surprise for Fans

But Paul Telfer’s announcement didn’t stop with his award. In the same post, he dropped a second bombshell: he’s been secretly working on a behind-the-scenes DOOL documentary with the production team — set to air later this year on Peacock.

The special will give fans an exclusive look into the making of Days of Our Lives, with rare interviews, bloopers, and personal reflections from the cast. Telfer described it as “a love letter to the fans who’ve kept Salem alive for over five decades.”

In one touching moment from the preview, Telfer says:

“We film so many emotional scenes, but what makes it special is knowing that people feel something real when they watch. That’s the magic of DOOL.”

Fans immediately expressed excitement over the project, calling it “the surprise of the year.” Many praised Telfer for being more than just an actor — but a true ambassador for the Days community.

The Cast Reacts

Fellow cast members wasted no time sharing their joy over Telfer’s double surprise.

Deidre Hall (Marlena Evans) wrote,

“Couldn’t be happier for Paul. He brings such heart to everything he does — on and off screen.”

Meanwhile, Linsey Godfrey (Sarah Horton) posted a behind-the-scenes photo of the two during one of their emotional scenes, captioned:

“Proud doesn’t even begin to cover it. You earned every bit of this, my friend.”

Even Days executive producer Ken Corday chimed in, praising Telfer’s work ethic and charisma:

“Paul has the rare ability to make viewers love and hate his character at the same time — that’s what makes him exceptional.”

A Bright Future Ahead

As Days of Our Lives continues to evolve, it’s clear that Paul Telfer will remain one of the show’s shining stars. His complex portrayal of Xander promises more shocking twists ahead — and Days spoilers tease that a major storyline involving Xander, Sarah, and a dangerous new threat will explode in late October.

According to inside reports, Xander’s dark past will resurface in a way that tests everything he’s built. Could it tie into the mysterious figure following Sarah? Or will it force Xander to choose between love and survival once again?

Whatever happens next, fans are certain that Telfer will deliver another unforgettable performance.

Fans Celebrate Online

On X (formerly Twitter), fans rallied around the actor with hashtags like #CongratsPaulTelfer and #XanderForever, turning his name into a trending topic within hours. One fan summed it up perfectly:

“He’s carried so many storylines, and finally he’s getting the recognition he deserves. Paul Telfer is Days of Our Lives’ heartbeat right now.”