Mark Hapka (Nathan) is back

Hapka returns! (NBC)A Horton returns.

Soaps.com sources tell us that Hapka's making a return to the show. He'll return from Baltimore a stronger person, persistent to get Melanie (Molly Burnett) away from Dario Hernandez (Francisco San Martin).

Mark Hapka portrayed Nathan Horton on "Days Of Our Lives" since June 16, 2009 and in January of 2010, the actor was unceremoniously let go. Soaps.com interviewed Hapka about the surprising twist, who told us, "It was creative differences and a "writers choice" for Nathan's "departure". Apparently the twist in the stretched out storyline of Melanie and Nathan's soul connection was that when finally given a chance to be together...somehow they don't."

Things can change and they're about to. Soaps.com will report on Mark's airdate as soon as information becomes available.

http://daytimeroyaltyonline.com/topic/8525958/1/

I can't say I'm really that excited about this. I wanted the returning Horton to be Lucas, but I think now that Gary Tomlin is fired he will be returning soon. We just have to wait and hope, and maybe send as many emails and calls as we possibly can.

I was surprised that he was the Horton to return, especially since Mark Hapka had a lot of negative things to say when he left the show.

I definitely see Lucas returning though. I really believe that he will be there for the Will storyline, so it makes sense that he will come back somewhat later, since they are slowing that storyline down.