‘Days Of Our Lives’ 2016 Spoilers: When Will Eric Brady Come Back? Greg Vaughn Sets Return Date

Someone is coming back to Salem. “Days of Our Lives” fans can expect Eric Brady to make another appearance on the show. Greg Vaughn announced Monday that he’ll reprise his role on the NBC soap opera.

“I’ve always been proud of my time and the work I contributed to ‘Days,’ and I was excited at the opportunity to reunite with the cast and crew,” Vaughn told Entertainment Weekly. “I feel my job as an actor is about more than just stepping on stage and taking a role. I’m trying to create a presence that resonates for myself and the core of Eric Brady. I feel Eric’s journey will have a huge and impactful return!”

The actor left “DOOL” in April. He pursued other acting gigs on Fox’s “Lucifer” and OWN’s “Queen Sugar.” His character Eric, however, has not been as successful. Eric was last seen being sentenced to five years in prison for drunk driving. Will he get out early? Or will “Days of Our Lives” have a storyline set in prison? Viewers will have to tune in next year to find out. Vaughn’s comeback will kick off on Jan. 17, 2017.

This is a short hiatus for Eric Brady fans. The character previously disappeared for 12 years after “Supernatural” star Jensen Ackles left the role. He was recast in 2012.

Vaughn previously admitted that although he moved on to other roles, he continued to wonder about Eric. “I liked the way things all came together in a downward spiral for Eric,” he told the print issue of Soaps in Depth earlier this month. “I think there’s still a lot more untold story [for the character]… Prison life is going to completely affect him.”

Eric Brady isn’t the only familiar face heading back to Salem. Soap Opera Digest reports that Austin Peck and Christie Clark are set to reprise their roles as Austin and Carrie, respectively. Both had significantly longer hiatuses than Vaughn. They haven’t been seen on “Days” since 2012.

“Days of Our Lives” airs weekdays on NBC. Check your local listings for times.