Paul Telfer Wins Lead Actor Emmy for 'Days of Our Lives' and Honors Late Mom Who Loved Villains

Playgirl writes: Congratulations @paultelfer, Playgirl cover star, winner of the 2025 Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series! 🏆

Photo: @katielevinephoto

#playgirl #playgirlmagazine #daysofourlives #paultelfar #emmyawards #emmywinner #dool

Move over, soap hunks -- there’s a new leading man in town, and his name is Paul Telfer. The Scottish-born stud snagged Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series at the 52nd Daytime Emmy Awards in Pasadena on October 17, finally taking home the gold for his smoldering role as Xander Kiriakis on "Days of Our Lives."

Looking sharp and charming as ever, Telfer gave an emotional acceptance speech that melted hearts faster than a shirtless Xander scene. “I just really would love to thank my wife, Carmen Cusack, who can’t be here tonight,” he said, before giving a heartfelt shout-out to his Days family and fellow nominees -- Dominic Zamprogna, Eric Martsolf, Greg Rikaart, and Peter Bergman. 

In a sweet twist, Telfer revealed that his win had special meaning for his family. “The last thing I ever expected was for my 80-year-old father to become a fan of soap operas,” he said with a grin. “My mum always loved soaps — especially the villains — so to win this for playing one feels wonderful.” Excuse us while we cry and swoon.

At 45, Telfer was the youngest nominee in his category -- and with more than 700 Days episodes under his belt since joining in 2015, he’s earned every bit of that Emmy. On Instagram, he called the nomination an “absolutely lovely surprise,” adding that he’s “forever grateful” to work with such talented costars.

And because he’s a class act, he even took the time to congratulate his fellow nominees Martsolf and Rikaart, writing, “Just an honor to be nominated alongside you both.”

So raise your champagne (or your mimosa -- it is daytime) to Paul Telfer, our newly crowned soap-opera king. Long may he reign -- and may Xander never find a shirt he doesn’t want to rip off.