Days of Our Lives - NEWS ROOM

It was March 28 when Soaps.com reported that Peter Reckell (Bo Brady) and Kristian Alfonso (Hope Brady) were headed to Castle Hill, Australia, in order to host a meet and greet, at a local mall.

One of Soaps.com’s Australian readers, Soaps.com and Days of Our Lives fans promised a full account on what took place while at this event, and recounts the excitement of her day, below.

Mel Clayton says, "When I arrived about thirty minutes before the event, I was very surprised to see the really big crowd, given that it is out of the way. When the actors arrived to a cheering crowd, the first thing I noticed was how Tiny Kristian is, beautiful and elegant....but tiny! Even Peter looked smaller, but very fit. I guess the old saying is true about the camera adding weight. Peter looked very Bo like in his Leather Jacket which he took off later to reveal a t-shirt with a motorcycle picture on it. Kristian looked stunning despite her 15 hour flight the day before. I believe she was wearing one of her fabulous necklaces from her collection.

After discussing how many times Bo and Hope had rescued each other, an older viewer asked Kristian a question about a classic moment in Bope history. "How did it feel when Bo rode in on his bike to save her from marrying Larry?" Kristian laughed and replied, "Are you kidding me, it felt great! That's exactly what Hope wanted him to do!"

Another fan asked "Is it confusing when recycled actors return to the show as other characters...for example the old Roman?" Peter laughed and said, "We are glad to have them back but yes, it's confusing especially with Wayne. I couldn't get used to it." He then recalled "We had three old Romans at one time on the show together - Josh, Drake and Wayne!"

Someone else asked about John and Marlena, their exit and their firing. I couldn't hear the first part of Peters answer but I did hear him say that the show was a "Very different show now to the one currently airing in Australia." [We are about 10 1/2 months behind.]

Both Peter and Kristian said they hadn't had too much time to do anything since arriving the day before and their schedule was busy but they both want to return on a real visit with their families. This was Peter’s second publicity trip to Australia and Kristian’s first visit to Australia. They thanked the audience and indeed Australia for their support over the years.

Then it was autograph time. When it was my turn I kept a promise to two people to say hello for them while they signed my magazine. I did have my picture taken next to them at the desk but it will remain unseen as I crop myself out of the picture! Due to the massive skylight they were under I blinked and squinted at the wrong moment!" [Photo can be seen above and to the left.]

Soaps.com has learned from Mel that the duo had also flown to Melbourne, Australia, after this event, for the Logie Awards as guests of TV Week Magazine and Channel Nine, to take a walk up the red carpet, along with stars such as Annie Lennox, and to be interviewed along the way by the likes of Carson Kressley. The duo was said to be presenters at the awards show, and promised fans they’d be hitting the after awards party.

Peter and Kristian fly back to USA Monday, where fans hope they’ll then be seen much more often on canvas, recalling that Drake Hogysten (ex-John Black) and Deidre Hall (ex-Marlena Evans Black) took a similar press tour and were soon after let go. Just a coincidence, but has concerned several fans. Soaps.com is not sure if fans have a right to be nervous, considering reports that Kristian and Peter have reportedly taken a pay cut in order to stay on the show.

Special thanks to Mel Clayton, who provided Soaps.com with photos and blog report! We're glad you were able to meet Peter and Kristian and share your experience with others!

Please view a short video clip of Kristian and Peter on the red carpet at the Logies on our sister site, Soap Opera Fan.

- Christine Fix