Greg is returning to Days of Our Lives this month and the shows Facebook just posted a video of Arianne Zucker welcoming him back. As well as interviewing him. Check it out below.

Greg was a guest on Steve Burton and Bradford Anderson’s Podcast That’s Awesome. You can listen to it here – https://www.stonecoldandthejackal.com/scj-podcast/awesome-7-22

Or you can watch it here

This week on NBC’s Days of our Lives Eric Brady (Greg Vaughan) meets up with an old flame when Serena Mason descends upon Salem. One Life to Live favorite Melissa Archer (Serena) has been brought in to play the world traveled journalist to spark up Eric’s messed up love life after his relationship with long time love, Nicole (Arianne Zucker) went south.

On-Air On-Soaps caught up with one of our favorite gents, Greg Vaughan to ask him what it has been like crafting and playing this new love story in front of the camera with a relationship that has never been heard of before by the viewing audience. Plus, Greg weigh-in on if he thinks there is still hope for a reconciliation for Eric and Nicole and he shares his thoughts on the embattled and always controversial Daytime Emmy process, and if he might be even be a contender when the Pre-Nominations are announced in 2015, and much more.

Melissa Archer just debuted as your new love-interest Serena Mason. Was it hard for you to create this never before spoken of relationship?
GREG: It was not hard. It was just to establish a quick relationship and back-story with someone who was Eric’s former love interest from years off the canvas, and that they kind of coexisted in a place that was third world and had a lot of turmoil in it, was a bit challenging. So Eric and Serena bonded back then and they created something. Was it quick and easy? Was it long and lasting? Is it kind of like oil and vinegar? These were questions to be answered.

Did Eric’s relationship with Serena ultimately lead him to turn to become a man of the cloth?
GREG: No. They, being in the same field of expertise with journalism and news, they were always fighting one another for the feature story …

… That means sex on the soaps!
GREG: Well, that came later. (Laughs) It was like passionate, and so when they had it, they had it. But once that Eric made the choice to go towards the missionary and the priesthood, I think that was a fine line he was walking.

Were you sad that the writers decided to pull apart Eric and Nicole’s (Arianne Zucker) love story?
GREG: Of course, I was sad. I don’t think the story is quite finished yet. I think it’s an unfinished story that will cross paths once again. You know, when you go through a hurdle, or have a big hill to climb to overcome, or what these characters went through which was a big mess … it’s going to take a lot to bring them back together. After some time, some separation, and some piece of mind, maybe we’ll come back together and maybe rekindle a flame. I don’t think the flame is going to die.

Link to Full interview

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After two years of portraying Salem priest Eric Brady, Days of Our Lives’ Greg Vaughan is moving on. The always candid and straightforward actor has mixed reviews about his character’s story direction. Below, Vaughan speaks out about frustrating and forced plot turns – past, present and future. Namely, the abrupt end of Eric and Nicole and rapid segue to the upcoming Eric and Serena relationship.

First of all, what are your thoughts about Eric’s days as a priest being over?

It’s a love/hate thing. I’m sad. I loved the journey. It was a great ride… better than what I anticipated it to be. It opened a lot of doors and channels to new things. It’s been an experience. I’m looking forward to what’s to come next.

Eric and Nicole are over and there’s a new woman (Melissa Archer’s Serena) coming into his life. How do you feel about this new story turn?

I will let the fans [decide]… I think that there are a lot of elements that… You know when you lift the rug, sweep a bunch of sh*@*t under it, cover it up, and leave it alone? Unfortunately, in this situation, that’s kind of what happened with Eric and Nicole. Then, there’s a new element… I think they’re forcing something before allowing it to evolve.

Like allowing Eric to truly get over Nicole before he moves onto a new relationship with another woman?

Yeah. I think Eric needed to go on a journey alone. [This new relationship] is kind of forced… How they were playing Eric and Nicole, when Eric came back to the canvas was nice. The formula really helped move it along. They stretched it out for a long period of time, where you either rooted for them or were bored to death. But you were waiting for something. Sometimes [the process] can be too long. People really want [resolution] fast. This [story] is the polar opposite.

What’s it been like working with a different leading lady?

It’s new. It’s a new journey. I think I’m easy to work with. I’m always curious about what [a new actor is] bringing to the table emotionally, physically… I’ve been fortunate to have worked with Ari (Zucker, Nicole). We have a great cast.

What can you share about Eric and Serena’s storyline?

This is part of Eric’s past, while he was away from Salem. While he was gone, he was in a relationship with this girl. This is a past girlfriend, a relationship he was involved with off camera. It’s part of Eric’s journey before he was a priest.

Are you enjoying the story so far?

It’s very early in the game. It’s still a journey.

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Days of our Lives star Greg Vaughan (Eric Brady) was in Toronto this past weekend to meet with fans along with his co-stars at a fan event for Stars Canada Events, where a portion of the proceeds benefited Three to Be.

Greg took some time to discuss his role on DAYS (he joined the cast in November 2012), his past as Lucky Spencer on General Hospital and this week’s DAYS storyline which sees him confront his fiancée Nicole (Arianne Zucker) for withholding the proof that linked Dr. Chyka (Michael Benyaer) to Kristen DiMera (Eileen Davidson), the woman who drugged and seduced him.

Eric found out from Jennifer (Melissa Reeves) that Nicole destroyed the evidence that linked Dr. Chyka to Kristen. He confronts her this week. That’s going to be quite the showdown, isn’t it?

Things are coming out! [Nicole withheld] the evidence that could have given Eric the option to return to the priesthood, something very near and dear to Eric’s heart or follow his heart [and be with Nicole]. Without the evidence, he had been completely committed to moving forward with is life and followed his heart. He was free to be in love with the women he has always loved. It was a leap of faith, but at the same time, it’s also been a roller coaster ride.

Nicole will make one final plea before he walks out on her for good. What do you think it will take Eric to forgive Nicole? Has the trust between these two been completely lost?

It’s been heavily damaged. It’s betrayal.

For me, I look at it being contradictory since Eric has betrayed Nicole [when he accused her of the rape]. He was pointing the finger at her and had quite a harsh reaction towards her [while she mainted her innocence].

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Since they are both no longer on shelves, here are the two articles. One article is from CBS SID and the other is from ABC SID. (Will gladly take them down if asked.)

Soaptown: How did the role of Eric come about for you?
Greg Vaughan: I was just one of the many that were fighting for a job. I got a call, asking if I wanted to come in to read. I said I was interested and what’s the role. They gave me a breakdown, but they didn’t give me a name or anything. But there was a few things I needed to understand (about the character) before moving forward. It was a good time and a good character and what made it even more of a decision for me was the challenge of the priesthood! It’s against every role I’ve ever done – I would’ve never anticipated me being that guy! The journey already has been so rewarding and I know that the decision was right.

Soaptown: On screen the transition seemed very smooth. It felt like you’ve belonged here in Salem all along. How was in for you in real life?
Vaughan: It’s been fun, it really has. There’s an exciting energy there and a great amount of people that really take pride in their work. It’s a blessing and I’ve always felt that in any work I’ve ever done in life. But to see that reciprocated on the same level, and everybody coming in and performing and having fun and laughing. Everyone really took me in so hopefully that is what made it translate on screen better. Everybody was very, very welcome.

Soaptown: Are you concerned that Eric being in the priesthood might limit his story potential?
Vaughan: I think it just adds more to the fire!

Soaptown: Right now, he’s just counseling everybody, but you know, some of them need it!
Vaughan: I need it! (laughs) I’m looking for Father Matt and wondering, hey where is my time?

Soaptown: Why should fans tune in to Days?
Vaughan: I understand there’s a great fan base, and those that have seen my journey and my career, I hope they come on board too. I’m excited to be a part of this and the journey every day is new for me too. I don’t know what is coming down the pipeline. I don’t ask questions. But what they’ve been putting in front of me is fun and I’m enjoying it. So I keep trying to paint a nice beautiful picture.

Soaptown: What would you like to see ahead for Eric?
Vaughan: It’s too early for me to have a personal take on what I would like to see different. I am involved with so many people right out of the gate and what’s coming down the pipeline for others as well as myself – they have really mapped out a nice little arc for me and it’s been really good. I’m just really holding the torch loud and proud for the moment!

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Greg Vaughan fought addiction as Lucky on “General Hospital,” faced off against Victor Newman as Diego on “The Young and the Restless” and has done his time on juicy primetime soaps like “Beverly Hills, 90210,” the new “90210” and “GCB.” Now, Vaughan is back in daytime as Father Eric Brady on “Days of Our Lives.” The soap vet talks about joining “Days of Our Lives,” whether or not the collar can keep Eric away from Nicole and transitioning from playing Alison Sweeney’s Hallmark love to her Salem twin.

MSN TV: You’ve done daytime at CBS and ABC and now you’re back in the game on NBC. How is life in Salem?

Greg Vaughan: I know, I’ve been hopping around! (laughs) I’m surrounded by a lot of beauty and talent, so I’m enjoying it. In this business, it’s a degree and a half of separation, so it’s nice to now stand opposite those that I’ve respected and appreciated. We’re having a lot of fun.

Was there anyone in particular you were excited to get onset with?

I just look forward to working with anybody and everybody. I go in and I’m like a kid in a candy store. I’ve seen a lot of great, young talented actors on this show. It’s nice to be recreating a new opportunity with them. I’m just getting familiar with a lot of them.

You’re recreating a Salem character that we haven’t seen in years. How has Eric changed since we last saw him, aside from the new collar and new actor?

Well, his love life is a little bit slow! (laughs) He’s by all means a lonely kind of guy, but he’s got a higher power that he speaks with. When you step out in the real world, you come back with all the tutelage and knowledge that I have applied to Eric’s character and the journey he’s been on. But I haven’t stood in front of the mirror and seen Eric’s reflection yet. I’m looking more at everyone else, trying to be the light at the end of the tunnel and the calm in anybody’s storm.

Can we expect some twists where he’s concerned?

Of course! That’s what it’s all about: Who’s doing what and who with? Right now, it’s about re-familiarizing himself with people and seeing how they’re accepting this personal choice. That going to come under question a lot.

When you heard he’d become a priest, did it change how you approached the role?

I wasn’t sure, at first. When the opportunity presented itself, I had a lot of questions. I wanted to know, Where has his journey been? Where is he coming from? And where is he going to go? They said, “Well, he’s a priest.” That was the first thing out of the gate. I was like, “Wow! Uh…” I think it was a state of shock. I don’t know that people are going to identify me, per say, as someone in a collar

But I also thought, “Wow, that could be really interesting,” especially the more I heard and after I spoke with Ari Zucker (Nicole). I wanted to know how she felt and I was happy to see that she was still an excited little girl. She was excited not just that I was coming on board, but she wanted someone who wanted to get in and dive into the work. Just hearing her passion about what she’s been doing for 15 years – you don’t know if somebody’s tired or wanting change after all that time. Talking to her reinvigorated me, so when the role came through, I knew I was going to have fun doing this.

As a hunk in a collar with a former lover in Salem, how many times have you heard references to “The Thorn Birds” since signing on?

I know. I’ve heard. It’s definitely been brought up. My parents, especially, were like, “Oh my god!” I had to re-familiarize myself with the movie. I’m old enough to know about “The Thorn Birds,” but I’ve had to explain it to a lot of the newer generation.

That leads to the big question: Is Eric really over Nicole?

That’s a good question. That’s a journey we’re all going to ride together. I don’t want to know and they’re not going to tell me. I like to go in not knowing. Let me create and see what journey I can take people on, but at the same time, I’m taking a journey with everyone else.

On Monday, Dec. 2, we finally got a hint that there’s something going on with Eric: How long will it take for us to learn what his demons are and what he’s hiding?

We’re going to start slowly tapping into where he’s actually been and what he’s been doing. The mirror hasn’t been turned yet. It’s been about helping others, but we’re going to see some stuff. I’m curious to see what people think and where it’s going to go.

Some fans are theorizing he’s in hiding and isn’t really a priest: What better way to get dish than to hide out as a priest!

Yeah! It’s between me and god. It’s confidentiality. (laughs) I’m getting a lot of information. I don’t know if I’m plotting… The mystery is still waiting to unveil itself. He’s absorbing it all. Things are going to unfold.

You and Alison Sweeney (Sami) just finished shooting a romantic Hallmark movie together. What was it like to immediately transition into playing twins?

The movie’s called “Two In.” I think it’s coming out in February for Valentines. It’s a nice little romantic comedy. She’s a 911 operator: I’m a fireman. We communicate a lot. It’s a fun ride, but it was a shock. I had just tested [here] days before and got word I was hired. “Oh and by the way, you’re starting a movie tomorrow.” We were excited about what was to come [at “Days of Our Lives”], but we really focused on the movie. It was a new challenge for her to step out of her comfort zone. It was nice to see that transform and see what we created. Then when we got to work [here] and she starts punching me, pushing me and hitting me, it was like, “We’re in a whole ‘nother world now!” It’s night and day. 180 degrees. We had so much fun there. It was like a warm up before I came into Salem.

So fess up: Can we expect trouble from Eric?

Oh, how we all wish to know! I personally am looking for trouble for Eric, but it hasn’t hit me yet. We’ll see.

“Days of Our Lives” airs weekdays on NBC.

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“It wouldn’t look good on my character if he was already breaking vows and frolicking in the sheets quite yet.”

Eric Brady is back in Salem, complete with a priest collar and a sympathetic ear for Nicole Walker. And while actor Greg Vaughan acknowledges there is a past between the two, he is only interested in listening – for now. “You don’t want to start a book and go all the way to the end,” Vaughan said. Read on for more insight into where the two might be going and why the Daytime vet is glad to be back.

Soaps.com: You appear so comfortable on set with all of the other actors. What has it been like stepping into the shoes of Eric Brady?

Greg: Well, it has been a wonderful ride so far, a very interesting journey. But they are a very demanding group of actors I am working with. I didn’t realize how much I was going to get hazed and how everyone was going to treat me – they abuse me! They totally take advantage of me being a newbie. No – they have been great, honestly. I have a long history with Galen Gering, we have known each other for 20 years. I have known Ari (Zucker) and Allison (Sweeney) for over 15 and I have history with a few other familiar faces I have worked with on other shows. Everyone describes NBC and “Days of Our Lives” as a family and that is truly what it has been like and it truly has been great to be a part of that. It has been a fun place and a wonderful working environment that has been the cherry on the top.

Soaps.com: What has been the response from your fans now that you are back on Daytime?

Greg: I have to say that there are a very devout group of individuals, whether from my Facebook or Twitter. Everyone has embraced me and supported it and been over 100 percent enthusiastic about me coming on board. It warms my heart that I have a great supportive following. One thing about Daytime that no one understands unless you have been in this realm is that fans love you and they are with you, and you have a deeper personal connection with them than any other show I have ever done. This is an amazing group of people that I love and I am happy to be a part of the journey and I hope that we have many, many years to come and that I meet every one of them.

Soaps.com: Is Eric happy being a priest? Will Nicole affect that?

Greg: It is going to have its hardships but with anything in life, if you make a decision to do whatever you do in life, you better be strong on that decision. I think he made a choice in life for the right reason and he stuck to it and he is committed to that. And it would be devastating and contradictory to his profession, his occupation, if he broke a vow. It wouldn’t look good on the show, it wouldn’t look good on my character if he was already breaking vows and frolicking in the sheets quite yet. I like the mystique, the mystery, the buildup. You don’t want to start a book and go right the end. You just want to build it, build the excitement. It is like “Moonlighting” – connect the dots you idiot! And that is kind of how I look at things. I am an older gentleman and go back to older stories in shows that I greatly appreciated where you were like, “When are they going to connect?” It is kind of like “X-Files.” They just have something. But they do have history, which is great. They have this thing and he is there with purpose. In any kind of religious faith you follow the path that God has for everybody. Whether it is in the priesthood or being a minister or what have you. This is his calling and he is following that. It has brought him home, which I think is wonderful, and he has a lot of ties to clear up and relationships that were kind of left abandoned without any reason, so I think there is a lot of purpose behind him, not just his occupational choice.

Soaps.com: How does Eric think he can help Nicole right now?

Greg: I think it is just being a listening ear. If he went in with the intent to make a change and a difference then he would be less of a person I think. As I tell my own children, my oldest son, you have be as good of a listener as you are a talker, so you practice what you preach. I think in my own workshop of things, I try to apply that to my thoughts and into my doing. It is part of the challenge of why I took the role on because this was out of my comfort zone. The great thing about doing things as an actor, there are some things that are going to challenge you. And in some other shows things are a cake walk, doing it until the next real gig comes. The great thing about “Days,” from drug stories to really deep hearted issues in life, this was something that was out of my box. No one would think that I would and that is what makes it interesting. I want to know where they are going to journey this thing so I just jumped on board. I am enjoying the ride and am excited. From what I have seen of what we have done and what is coming down the forefront, it is going to be even more interesting.

Soaps.com: We know Eric is facing some demons of his own. Is that the reason why he came back to Salem?

Greg: No. I don’t think he wants to reveal those demons. Everybody has secrets. Sami always says that, everyone has secrets. I just think he is coming there and his own shock and surprise that certain things occur and happen, he mentally is in a much bigger place and a much stronger place to face them. And I don’t think he was foreseeing that he would have things that he would kind of compartmentalize and put on the shelf, put in the filing box. It is not like that in life, generally. You are going to have to deal with it eventually in life, whatever you have personally. And I think that is kind of the way Eric is right now. He dealt with something that was very personal. I think he dealt with it the best that he could, but you need that somebody to open up to because it has to come out and it heals you. I think for the time being a lot of things and colors are going to hit the canvas and unfold before our very eyes. I think right now he is focusing on everyone else and reconnecting. He is not bringing too much attention to the collar, but he is proud of how he is and where he has been and what he has achieved and what knowledge he has gained.

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Daytime fans have finally gotten to see the long-awaited debut of Greg Vaughan as Eric Brady on Days of our Lives. However, this time as Eric re-emerged in Salem (the character has not been seen for 12 years and was last played by Supernatural’s Jensen Ackles) he came back as a priest … a man of the cloth! Vaughan, who has been one of the most popular actors in the genre, is most notable for his work in daytime as Lucky Spencer on General Hospital, and also had appeared on The Young and the Restless, plus countless primetime roles.

On-Air On-Soaps caught up with Greg for a “quickie” chat to get his thoughts on: playing the priestly Brady, what will develop between former on-screen love Nicole (Arianne Zuker) and Eric, how he landed the part of the long MIA Eric, and who on earth thought it would be a good idea to put Vaughan, one of the hottest guys on soaps, into a stiff collar? Check out our fun interview with the talented Vaughan below!

Soaps fans are not used to seeing you all “buttoned up” in a collar instead of taking your shirt off gratuitously in scenes. So the big question is, are you going to be “buttoned up” much longer? (Laughs)

GREG: As long as I have an opinion about it, I will keep the collar all the way up to my chin if I have to, not that anybody wants to see somebody do that for long periods of time. But I did run around the Horton Square and I turned my back to the camera with my shirt off … that was good enough. I actually think that is some of the best work I have done in a long time. (Laughs)

That was tremendous work! (Laughs) Now because they have made Eric Brady a man of the cloth, I figure either: one, He is really not a man of the cloth, but has gone undercover, or two, Marlena is going to become possessed by the devil again and her son will exorcize her. Your thoughts?

GREG: Now that could be interesting and I will go with the latter. I think that would be quite cool! (Laughs) Especially since Ms. DiMera is in town, she can cause quite the havoc! You know, I am such a fan of that idea, because I was watching Eileen Davidson (Kristen) do her magic, and I am such a huge fan of what is happening between Marlena and Kristen. So anywhere I can get into the mix is good. I will referee, I will mediate, maybe, they both need my services. I think I need to get paid for this, because I have everybody coming in and repenting for everything in my little closet. (Laughs)

Now, what about Arianne …?

GREG: … Other than she is just fabulous? Other than that? There is nothing really that I haven’t said, or anyone else, but she is a delight and delicious, and so much fun.

Seems on the air, that Eric and Nicole are reconnecting!

GREG: Oh, it’s not going anywhere! She is just too much trouble!

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