7 Soap Romance Predictions for 2026: A New Man for ‘GH’s Carly, ‘DAYS’ Reunion & More
Kicking off a new year with a kiss feels like the ultimate promise of what lies ahead, and on the soaps, romance is never far from the spotlight. As 2026 dawns, love is poised to take center stage for some of your favorite characters, with passion, temptation, and surprise pairings driving stories in directions no one could predict.
Old flames may reignite under unexpected circumstances, while new connections could spark at any moment, igniting drama and desire in equal measure. Relationships will likely be pushed to their limits, loyalties will be tested, and hearts will be torn between the past and present. Across the various canvases, subtle hints and stolen glances are already signaling that this could be a year of slow burn romances, shocking betrayals, and unforgettable reunions.
In Soapland, nothing is ever guaranteed, but where there’s chemistry, there’s always potential for fireworks. From lingering looks to clandestine encounters, 2026 promises to deliver the kind of love stories that keep viewers tuned in. With that in mind, here are seven romantic arcs across General Hospital, The Young and the Restless, Beyond the Gates, The Bold and the Beautiful, and Days of Our Lives that could very easily take shape in the year ahead.
Carly Spencer & Valentin Cassadine couple up, General Hospital,
When Carly (Laura Wright) traveled to Switzerland in October, disguised as a lawyer, to visit Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) at Steinmauer Prison, it was clear this was no casual check-in. Her proposition for him? Help her take down Jack Brennan, her current beau and the head of the ISA. Intrigued, Valentin quickly deduced the motive behind her desperation: Brennan had interfered with one of her children. She revealed it was Josslyn. Valentin then made a daring escape, eventually finding his way back to Port Charles, where he appeared on Carly’s doorstep, seeking refuge. Torn but unable to turn him away, Carly gave him the key to her shed, where he is now hiding out.
It’s the perfect recipe for romance: They’re bound by secrets, united by a common enemy, and already sharing intimate conversations about her failing relationship. Odds are high this alliance won’t stay strictly strategic for long, and that line between accomplices and something more is about to blur.
Bill Hamilton & Dani Dupree reunite, Beyond the Gates
Daytime’s newest soap kicked off in February with the fallout of Bill (Timon Kyle Durrett) and Dani’s (Karla Mosley) divorce, and his shocking remarriage to their daughter’s best friend, Hayley. Dani clearly never resolved her feelings for her ex, and over the past 10 months, it has become just as evident that Bill, despite his devotion to his much younger bride, never truly let go either. When Bill was hospitalized in late spring, Dani was among the first at his bedside. More recently, a shared drink led to a walk down memory lane, complete with newly created flashbacks that underscored how happy their life once was. Now that Hayley’s true agenda has come into focus — she wants Bill dead and his life insurance payout — the door may finally be opening for Bill and Dani to find their way back to each other.
Still, the path forward won’t be easy. Dani’s impulsive marriage to Andre has evolved into something unexpectedly real, meaning a reunion in 2026 could leave heartbreak all around.
Xander Kiriakis & Sarah Horton try again, Days of Our Lives
It hasn’t been the smoothest path to true romance for Xander (Paul Telfer) and Sarah (Linsey Godfrey), but that’s precisely what makes them so compelling. What began as a one-night stand in 2019 grew into a deep, enduring love — one where forgiveness has always been essential. Over the years, both have deceived each other in spectacular fashion, including him lying about beating up his brother Philip so badly it left him comatose, and her initially hiding the fact that he fathered their daughter, Victoria, and that Philip’s claim to the family fortune was false.
In other words, they’re perfectly matched. Despite countless betrayals and setbacks, they’ve constantly emerged as a united front. While Sarah might currently be finding a softer, more stable landing with Brady, her heart has never truly left Xander. Logic — and history — suggest this is simply another detour, and that these two are destined to find their way back to each other sometime in the new year.
Victoria Newman & Nate Hastings, Take 2, The Young and the Restless
Victoria (Amelia Heinle) and Nate’s (Sean Dominic) romance got off to a rocky start in 2023. Not only was Victoria his boss, but their undeniable spark led Nate to cheat on his then-girlfriend Elena, ultimately ending that relationship. Despite the messy beginning, Victoria and Nate’s connection quickly proved to be both passionate and powerful, especially as they worked side by side at Newman Enterprises. But things took a turn when Victor unretired, reclaimed the CEO position, and launched a secret scheme to root out a traitor at Newman. When suspicion fell on Nate, Victoria sided with her family over her lover, bringing their relationship to a painful end.
Now, with Victoria grieving Cole’s death and Nate newly single post-Audra, the two find themselves back in each other’s orbits as supportive friends, but the lingering chemistry is impossible to ignore. As the new year approaches, it feels like less of a question of it and more a matter of when these two will find their way back together.
Will Spencer has competition for Electra Forrester, The Bold and the Beautiful
Will (Crew Morrow) and Electra’s (Laneya Grace) budding romance spent most of 2025 under siege, thanks to the manipulations of an emotionally unstable Luna. Now that she’s seemingly out of the picture, it should finally be smooth sailing — at least for a moment. But B&B thrives on love triangles that can stretch for decades, making it hard to imagine a future where this pairing isn’t tested again and again. The most effective way to do that? Introduce a romantic rival for Will.
Brooke and Ridge’s long-absent son, R.J., would certainly be an intriguing match. (Ridge and RJ are technically Marones by blood, after all.) With the Forrester-Spencer rivalry heating up now that Katie and Bill have joined forces, it makes sense that the conflict will spill into the next generation, forcing these young lovers to choose sides and fight for their future together.
Phyllis finds love, The Young and the Restless
Phyllis (Michelle Stafford) has long functioned as a spark plug on the canvas — driving conflict and injecting energy whenever it’s needed — yet she’s rarely been allowed to anchor a fully realized relationship. While she’s shared significant history with Nick and Jack, it’s been way too long since Phyllis has had a true partner, someone who embraces her completely, flaws and all. She’s often positioned as Genoa City’s pariah, lingering on the sidelines while others are paired off, a fate that feels increasingly unjustified for such a vital character. In 2026, the show should correct that imbalance by introducing a new man specifically for Phyllis — not someone who merely tolerates her intensity, but someone who actively pursues her. Ideally, he’d be her equal in both the bedroom and the boardroom, capable of matching her ambition and intellect. A power pairing like that could reshape Genoa City’s dynamics and finally allow Phyllis to thrive with real support. For longtime viewers who’ve watched Phyllis challenged in the love department, 2026 feels like the moment for the show to finally prioritize her romantically and let her win.
Deacon Sharpe & Taylor Hayes get serious, The Bold and the Beautiful
It’s been a slow build toward a potential romance for these two. Deacon (Sean Kanan) initially began seeing Taylor (Rebecca Budig) in a professional capacity, seeking psychiatric help in the aftermath of uncovering Sheila’s lies. Along the way, however, these two have developed an unexpected sense of comfort and ease with each other, one that hints at something deeper than a standard doctor/patient dynamic. While Taylor has supported Deacon as he navigates the fallout from his marriage, Deacon has helped Taylor gain perspective on her complicated relationship with Ridge. Their growing bond was on full display during open mic night at Il Giardino, where stolen glances spoke volumes and Taylor fantasized about them sharing a romantic dance.
A pairing between Deacon and Taylor is rich with dramatic potential. Sheila’s emotional instability — and history of violence — would immediately put Taylor in danger, while Deacon’s daughter, Hope, and Taylor’s daughter, Steffy, have spent years fighting over their parents (and Liam). On top of that, the pairing would showcase the talents of Kanan and Budig, who deserve more front-burner storytelling.
