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One time personal fitting model for Georgio Armani, and veteran soap opera actor, Ian Buchanan, heads to Days of our Lives starting Thursday, February 9, 2012 as the character of Ian MacAlister to cause a bit of havoc among the denizens of Salem.

Soap opera fans will remember the Scottish-born Buchanan from his myriad roles on The Bold and the Beautiful (James Warwick), General Hospital (Duke Lavery) , All My Children (Greg Madden) and even a previous stint on Days of our Lives as Lord Sheraton. His primetime continuing drama credits include Twin Peaks (Dick Tremayne), It's Gary Shandling's Show (Ian McFyfer), and Justice League (the voice of Ultra-Humanite).

His last few soap opera roles were playing the deliciously devious Dr. Greg Madden on All My Children, and the kinder, gentler Dr. James Warwick on The Bold and the Beautiful.

Since his absence from soaps, Buchanan has been a working member of the ensemble cabaret troupe The Citizens Band. They've performed all over New York. And this Spring, fans of South by Southwest (SXSW) can see Buchanan and The Citizens Band March 13, 14, and 15 at the music festival.

Along with singing cabaret, Buchanan worked on a few films (Make the Yuletide Gay and Trainwreck: My Life as an Idiot), and performed in a few theatrical productions, one in Los Angeles last summer.

But of all his soap opera roles to date (not including his new role as Ian MacAlister on Days) his favorite role was Dr. James Warwick on the Bold and the Beautiful. We had to know why.

"I very much liked Dr. James Warrick on The Bold and the Beautiful. He was a very decent character," Buchanan shared. "He had integrity. I liked playing him. He had a very warm heart and soul."

However, playing the good guy has not been Buchanan's primary focus. "I also like playing wicked people. I prefer it actually."

Which brings us to his new role as Ian MacAlister. We asked Buchanan what makes playing Ian on Days exciting for him.

"I like the dynamic to the character. He dresses really well. He's got a certain wit. He is fairly suave. He's got an edge that I quite like to play and you're not sure where he is going to go and I like that. I enjoy playing that. If I could do that in my own life it would be great. 'This is a problem, okay I will fix it. We will sort it out.'"

Ian MacAlister hits Salem today, and surprises the heck out of Madison, which is going to also hit Brady very hard. Buchanan fills us in on the reasons why.

"Madison and Ian are romantically involved. They met when she was much younger. At that time, she was struggling at what she was doing. He became her mentor and 'created' her -- in that good old friend kind of way."

So, why did she leave Ian and head to Salem?

Buchanan laughed. "I've asked that question, too. I am not sure."

We are going to tune in and see. "Me too!" bellowed Buchanan.

However, it's obvious that MacAlister holds power over Madison.

"He knows her weaknesses. He knows her secrets. He knows where she came from and what she did to get where she is. And what she did before he met her."

Bradison fans prepare yourselves. Ian's arrival in Salem could affect Madison's relationship with Brady.

"It will definitely change it," revealed Buchanan. "He is going to play with it." And Brady is going to be more than upset.

Could the hidden relationship between Madison and Ian include marriage? Again, we will have to tune in and see.

In the meantime, Buchanan has hopes that Ian MacAlister will develop nicely as a character.

"(I hope) he becomes a little more involved and stable in Salem. I think he is laying the groundwork for him to be there for a while. Not make too many enemies."

Well, we can immediately see a few frenimees at least. Buchanan laughed. "Yes, he will probably be considered more of a villain. However, he can appear to be a good guy. He will rope people in."

Salem denizens beware. Even though MacAlaister's first impact will be with Madison and Bracy, perhaps Stefano may find he has a new force to reckon with as well. Stay tuned.

Meantime, Soapdom's Tweet Peeps want to know: Do you like working on Days? @DevosJoke

"I am loving it. From the first moment I got there."

Loved his past stories on GH. How was it working with Tristan Rogers and Finola Hughes? @JesusLuvU2

"Great. Wonderful. I loved working with them. They are both back there now. It's like (we are living) parallel lives. I am sure they will talk about me on the show. They better. Duke Lavery may be dead but not forgotten."

Unfortunately, Buchanan is not on Twitter, nor does he have a Facebook Fan Page. Not yet, anyway. "I like to fly under the radar, but I am feeling like I am going to get roped into it," he enthused.

However, he has only the nicest things to say about his fans. "They have been so supportive and wonderful. I am very grateful for their following me around all these years. Hope they will be just as amused and delighted with Ian MacAlister.

Ian Buchanan begins airing on Days of our Lives on Thursday, February 9th when he surprises Madison in her hotel room. But who will be more shocked by his arrival? Madison or Brady?

Keep your eyes peeled on Days of our Lives and find out.

 

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