'Days Of Our Lives' spoilers for Jan. 9: The search for Stefano begins; Hope makes a bold move

An exciting episode welcomes fans of “Days Of Our Lives” (“DOOL”) as the long-running soap returns for a brand new week. On Monday, four Salemites head off and begin their manhunt for Stefano (Joseph Mascolo), who is still very much alive, according to recent reports that have surfaced.

Determined to clear Hope's (Kristian Alfonso) name, Rafe (Galen Gering), Steve (Stephen Nichols), Marlena (Deidre Hall) and Paul (Christopher Sean) turn up in Prague to search for Stefano. Spoilers suggest that Marlena runs into a familiar face, who apparently has the same mission. Other “Days Of Our Lives” characters who will figure prominently on the Jan. 9 installment include Joey (James Lastovic) and Jade (Paige Searcy).

Spoiler alert! This update contains more "Days of Our Lives" spoilers. Read on at your own risk if you have not watched the latest episode.

"Days Of Our Lives" soap opera spoilers

TV Guide reports that on Monday’s run of “DOOL,” Steve, Marlena, Rafe and Paul reach Prague to start looking for Stefano. There, Marlena bumps into someone she knows. Joey, on the other hand, consoles Jade after her miscarriage. Meanwhile, Hattie tries to tell Hope how to handle her enemies in prison, but Hope wants to do things her way.

The “Days Of Our Lives” website posted sneak peek photos of the cast for the Jan. 9 episode. Shown here are Steve, Marlena, Rafe and Paul, who are in a hot pursuit for Stefano in Prague. Click here to see Joey, who makes an attempt to cheer up Jade.

"Days Of Our Lives" soap recap

In the previous episode, Chad (Billy Flynn), Abby (Marci Miller) spent some time with their baby at the square. They were having fun until she realised she had missed so much memories. Ciara (Vivian Jovanni) arrived and hugged Abby, who thanked her cousin for helping with Thomas. When Ciara left, Gabi (Camila Banus) arrived and things became awkward. Chad wanted to talk to Gabi alone and Abby agreed, heading home.

Later, Andre (Thaoo Penghlis) showed up at the DiMera mansion and looked for Chad. Andre noticed that Abby didn’t look right. Abby revealed that she feels upset that Chad is talking to Gabi at that moment. While Chad may want to have closure with Gabi, Abby worried that he might change his mind and choose Gabi. Andre assured Abby that it won’t happen. Meanwhile at the park, Chad and Gabi talked about their relationship and agreed that while they had feelings for each other, everything’s different now. The two hugged before saying goodbye. Chad then went home and told Abby that he's ready to be committed to their family. However, he said they have a long way to go before things go back to normal.

Find out what happens next to “Days Of Our Lives,” which airs weekdays in Australia on 12:45 p.m. on Foxtel’s Arena channel. In the US, “DOOL” airs at 1 p.m. on NBC.