Matthew Ashford's return to "Days of Our Lives" has been confirmed. TV Insider reports that the actor is coming back to Salem and will be reprising his role as Jack Deveraux.
Ashford was last seen in the daytime soap opera in 2012, when his character was tragically killed in an elevator crash while trying to save his daughter Abigail (Kate Mansi). In the series, Jack was a notorious villain but one who was a fierce family man. He formed one of the show's most loved couples, together with Jennifer Horton (Melissa Reeves).
However, fans may not see a revival of the famous love team, as reports state that Ashford's contract is only for a five-episode return. And while nothing is ever impossible in the world of soap operas, Ashford's return may not signal Jack's resurrection.
"DOOL" executive producer Ken Corday has reportedly sworn off the resurrection storylines. This led to fans' speculations that Ashford will be playing as Jack in spirit form. According to Celebrity Dirty Laundry, Jack's ghost could either comfort Jennifer during a trying time, or give "fatherly guidance" to daughter Abigail.
As previously reported, Ashford has hinted before that he's open to coming back to the soap.
"You have to keep knocking on the door every now and then and say, 'What's up?' It gives them time," he told Soap Opera Digest.
Since his character's death, die-hard Jack fans have launched an online campaign, asking "DOOL" to revive him using the hashtag "#BringBackJack."
Ashford has played the role on and off from 1987 to 2012. He is currently starring in the soap web series "The Bay."
NBC has remained tight-lipped about the Ashford's comeback, but the 55-year-old actor has begun filming this week. His scenes are slated to air in spring 2016.
