Greg Vaughan returns to Days of Our Lives TV series on NBC as Eric Brady. (Photo by: Benjamin Cohen/NBC.)

Salem’s prayers have been answered. Greg Vaughan, who plays defrocked priest Eric Brady, is returning to the Days of Our Lives TV show on NBC. In mid-April 2016, the character was sent to prison for a drunk driving accident which resulted in the death of his best friend, Dr. Daniel Jonas (Shawn Christian). EW reports Vaughan’s first airdate is slated for January 17, 2017. In his off time, the actor played Calvin in the Queen Sugar TV series on OWN.

Vaughan’s Eric joins the steady stream of characters returning to The Peacock Network’s sole surviving soap opera. Valerie Grant, an important character from the ’70s and ’80s is also returning to Days. Vanessa Williams has been cast and will first appear October 25th. Like Vaughan, Christie Clark and Austin Peck’s Carrie Brady and Austin Reed will be back on the scene in early 2017.

Vaughan tells EW:

“After coming toward the completion of Queen Sugar, I had the opportunity to speak with the executives and head writers at Days of our Lives,” said Vaughan in a statement. “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. 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!”

There is no word on how long Vaughan will stay at Days, or if he will return for the second season of Queen Sugar. The drama was renewed for a second season, back in August. It premiered September 6th and is currently midway through its first season run.

Vaughan has filled the role of Eric Brady, Sami Brady’s (Alison Sweeney) twin brother, since 2012. He is the only actor to do so, since Supernatural‘s Jensen Ackles left the daytime drama, back in 2000. Vaughan’s other soap opera work includes playing Lucky Spencer on General Hospital — a role originated by Nashville‘s Jonathan Jackson.

What do you think? Are you a fan of Greg Vaughan’s Eric Brady? What kind of storyline would you like to see him involved in, when he returns to DOOL?