If you’ve been watching Days of Our Lives lately, you know Xander Cook—or Xander Kiriakis, depending on which day of the week it is—is basically the human equivalent of a complicated espresso. He’s dark, he’s bitter, he’s got a kick that might ruin your life, but for some reason, the citizens of Salem (and we the viewers) just keep coming back for another cup.
Honestly, the guy has been through the absolute ringer in the last few months. By the time we hit early 2026, Xander is navigating a landscape that would make even the most seasoned soap villain want to take a permanent vacation to a private island.
The Shocking Paternity Reveal That Changed Everything
For years, we all operated under the assumption that Xander was the black sheep nephew of the legendary Victor Kiriakis. He was the guy Victor sent to do the dirty work, the one who lived in the shadow of "golden boys" like Brady Black. But the writers dropped a massive bomb: Xander isn't the nephew. He’s the son.
Victor Kiriakis is Xander’s biological father.
Paul Telfer, who has played Xander with a mix of terrifying intensity and surprising vulnerability since 2015, recently called this reveal "bittersweet." It’s tough because the great John Aniston passed away before this could play out on screen between the father and son. Imagine the scenes we could have had! Instead, Xander has had to grapple with this legacy while battling his half-brother, Philip Kiriakis, for control of Titan Industries.
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Xander and Sarah: Are They Done for Good?
If there is one thing Xander fans care about more than his shirt-off count, it’s his relationship with Sarah Horton. This pairing—often dubbed "Xarah"—has been the emotional heartbeat of his character's redemption arc.
But things are... well, they're messy.
By the start of 2026, the two are in a dark place. Sarah has been struggling with Xander's violent streak. Remember when he went after Philip? Sarah didn't just find it "concerning"; she found it deal-breaking. She’s been keeping him away from their daughter, Victoria, which is basically the one thing that can truly break Xander's heart.
What’s even more wild? Brady Black is now moving in on Sarah. Yeah, the same Brady who has been Xander’s rival for years. Seeing Brady comfort Sarah while Xander watches from the sidelines is the kind of drama that keeps us glued to Peacock. There’s a lot of talk in the fan community right now about whether Sarah is being a hypocrite. She’s forgiven Xander for literal kidnappings in the past, but a bar fight with Philip is where she draws the line? It feels like the writers are pushing them apart just to see if they can find their way back by the 2026 holiday season.
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The Titan Power Struggle
Xander isn't just a lover; he’s a businessman (well, a "businessman"). Currently, he’s teaming up with the legendary Kate Roberts to save Titan from ruin. It’s an unlikely alliance, but honestly, Kate and Xander together have enough devious energy to power the entire Midwest.
- The Philip Factor: Philip Kiriakis is back and he’s not making things easy.
- The Mother Trouble: Xander’s mother, Fiona Cook, has been a thorn in his side, bringing up all that old childhood trauma that explains why he’s so... Xander.
- The Emmy Win: It’s worth noting that Paul Telfer actually won the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in 2025 for this specific storyline. The guy is killing it.
What Most People Get Wrong About Xander
A lot of casual viewers think Xander is just a "reformed bad boy." That’s a bit of a simplification. He’s not "reformed" in the sense that he’s now a boy scout. He still has that Scottish temper. He still thinks the shortest distance between two points is a well-placed threat.
The real magic of Xander on Days of Our Lives is that he tries to be good for the people he loves, but he constantly trips over his own nature. He’s a guy who wants a family more than anything but doesn't quite know how to exist in one without burning the house down.
What’s Next for Xander in 2026?
As we move further into the year, keep an eye on his therapy sessions with Marlena. Yes, even the most dangerous man in Salem needs a couch to cry on sometimes. If he wants Sarah back—and he definitely does—he’s going to have to prove he can control the "beast" inside.
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Also, watch out for Gwen Rizczech. She’s always lurking, and her alliance with EJ DiMera could throw a massive wrench into Xander’s plans for Titan.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
If you want to stay ahead of the curve on Xander’s journey, pay close attention to the dialogue regarding Victor’s will. There are still lingering questions about how much Victor actually knew and when he knew it. Also, check out Paul Telfer’s social media—he often shares "behind-the-scenes" tidbits about Xander's mindset that don't always make it into the final edit.
Whether you love him or hate him, Salem is a whole lot more interesting when Xander Cook Kiriakis is in the middle of the chaos.
Next Steps for Your Daily Dose of Salem:
- Watch the latest episodes on Peacock to see the fallout of Sarah and Brady's growing "friendship."
- Monitor the Titan Industries storyline specifically for Kate Roberts’ involvement, as she usually signals a major plot shift.
- Follow the 2026 Casting News as new actors taking over roles like Chad and Rachel might change the dynamic of Xander's social circle.