For over a decade, Days of Our Lives fans knew him as the suave yet complicated Chad DiMera — the devoted husband, protective father, and reluctant heir to one of

Salem’s most infamous dynasties. But in a move that sent shockwaves through the daytime television world, Billy Flynn made the bold leap from NBC’s Days to CBS’s The Young and the Restless,

stepping into the shoes of another fan-favorite character: Cane Ashby. The transition wasn’t just a professional shift — it was a deeply personal one, filled with bittersweet goodbyes,

new challenges, and a heavy weight of expectation. In a recent behind-the-scenes video, Flynn candidly opened up about the emotional rollercoaster of leaving behind a role that defined much of his career and diving headfirst into a new chapter in Genoa City.

Saying Goodbye to Chad DiMera

When Flynn first took on the role of Chad in 2014, he was met with the cautious eyes of a devoted fanbase still adjusting to a recast. But within months, his layered performance won audiences over. He transformed Chad into one of the most beloved leading men in Salem — a character who could be charming one moment and emotionally raw the next.

Leaving Chad behind was no easy feat. “It’s like saying goodbye to a piece of yourself,” Flynn admitted. “Chad’s storylines — his love for Abigail, his fierce loyalty to his family, even his battles with the DiMera legacy — they became part of my DNA.”

Fans were equally emotional. Social media lit up with heartfelt messages when news broke of his departure. One viewer lamented, “Nooooo! What’s Thomas and Charlotte gonna do without their dad?!” while another confessed, “He’ll always be Chad DiMera to me.”

The Challenge of Becoming Cane Ashby

If taking over Chad once felt like a challenge, stepping into the role of Cane Ashby was a whole new level of pressure. Daniel Goddard had portrayed Cane for over a decade, building a loyal following that was fiercely protective of the character. Flynn knew that winning over Genoa City’s fans wouldn’t happen overnight.

“It’s intimidating,” Flynn shared. “You’re walking into a room full of people who have known and loved Cane for years. You can’t replace that history, but you can honor it and bring something fresh to the table.”

Flynn prepared intensely for the role, diving into Cane’s backstory — from his early days as a mysterious newcomer with a murky past to his complicated love story with Lily Winters. But while research was essential, Flynn also knew he needed to make Cane his own.

“I didn’t want to mimic Daniel,” he explained. “I wanted to respect the character’s history while exploring new shades of who Cane is today.”

Behind-the-Scenes Moments and Fan Reactions

The actor’s transition hasn’t been without its lighter moments. Flynn recounted one particularly funny day on set when he accidentally called a character by their Days name instead of their Y&R one. “Old habits die hard,” he laughed. “Thankfully, the cast has been incredibly welcoming — they’ve made me feel like part of the family from day one.”

Fan reactions, as expected, have been mixed. Some are eager to see what Flynn brings to Genoa City, with one viewer praising, “I like him as Cane — very good at what he does.” Others remain loyal to his Days alter ego, declaring, “Always be Chad. Doesn’t seem to fit the Cane character.”

Flynn takes it all in stride. “Soap fans are passionate — and that’s what makes this genre so special,” he said. “It means the characters matter. The stories matter.”

From Salem to Genoa City: A Different World

Switching from Days to Y&R meant more than just changing scripts. The pace, tone, and energy of the two shows are distinct.

“Days has this high-drama, almost gothic undercurrent because of the DiMera legacy,” Flynn reflected. “With Y&R, there’s this elegance to the storytelling — it’s corporate rivalries, complex relationships, and a deep sense of family legacy. Both are rich worlds, but they’re different kinds of challenges.”

In Genoa City, Flynn’s Cane steps back into a world of tangled alliances and unfinished business. From navigating complicated family dynamics to rekindling — or resisting — old flames, his storyline promises to test the limits of Flynn’s versatility.

The Personal Side of the Transition

While Flynn’s professional life has been full of change, he also acknowledged the personal toll of leaving Days. “You spend years with the same people. They’re not just co-stars; they’re family,” he said. “Leaving that behind, even for something exciting, is hard.”

The actor recalled his final day on the Days set. “We wrapped the scene, and I just stood there for a moment. I looked around at the sets — Chad’s house, the DiMera mansion — and it hit me. I wasn’t going to walk into those rooms again. That was tough.”

But he’s quick to add that the Y&R cast has been nothing short of welcoming. “They’ve been incredible,” he said. “It’s like being adopted into a new family while still keeping your old one in your heart.”

What’s Next for Billy Flynn

Now fully immersed in Genoa City, Flynn is focused on making Cane’s next chapter compelling and unpredictable. He teases that upcoming episodes will explore layers of Cane’s personality viewers haven’t seen before — vulnerabilities, regrets, and maybe even a few secrets.

As for whether he sees himself returning to Days someday, Flynn keeps the door open. “Never say never,” he said with a smile. “Chad will always be a part of me. But right now, I’m giving Cane everything I’ve got.”

A Legacy in Two Worlds

Few actors get the opportunity to make a mark on two iconic soap operas, but Flynn is determined to honor both legacies. Whether fans remember him as Chad DiMera or embrace him as Cane Ashby, there’s no denying his dedication to the craft — and his deep respect for the genre that gave him both roles.

For now, Flynn is embracing the uncertainty, the excitement, and the inevitable comparisons. “If people are talking — whether they love it or hate it — it means they care,” he said. “And that’s the heartbeat of daytime TV.”