Alison Sweeney Shares What It Was Like for Son, 18, to Work on Her Latest Hallmark Movie Set (Exclusive)

Allison Sweeney and son Ben.Photo:Hallmark Hallmark Alison Sweeney’s son is all grown up! The actress, 47, tells PEOPLE that the making of her latest Hallmark film,A Zest for Death: A Hannah Swensen Mystery, was extra special because she got to work with sonBen, 18, who served in a number of different roles as he got a hands-on lesson in film production. “As a parent, I always strive to teach my kids new life skills.

Alison Sweeney Talks 'Days of Our Lives ' Christmas Special — and Why She Won't Return 'Full-Time'

Photo: Paul Archuleta/Getty Alison Sweeneyis happy to return to her fan-favoriteDays of Our Livescharacter Sami Brady as often as possible. Audiences can see her again in the role very soon in theholiday-themed specialDays of Our Lives: A Very Salem Christmas(streaming on Peacock Dec. 16), which Sweeney, 45, says involves “a fun twist on the character.” “I love playing the role of Sami,” Sweeney tells PEOPLE in the latest issue. “For me, what I love about the character and what keeps me coming back for more is just how she’s the kind of woman who… she’s crazy, right?

Alison Sweeney to Reprise Role as Sami Brady in 'Days of our Lives: A Very Salem Christmas' Film

Photo: Chris Haston/NBC Sami Brady is back — and she’s feeling the holiday cheer. Alison Sweeneyhas joined the cast ofDays of our Lives: A Very Salem Christmas, PEOPLE can exclusively reveal. Sweeney will reprise her iconic role as Sami for the show’sfirst-ever Christmas film. While there are no details as to what her character will be up to in the holiday film, Sweeney starred as the fan-favorite troublemaker for more than two decades before announcing her exit fromDays of our Livesin August.

Alison Victoria Opens Up About Her HGTV Star Group Chat and the Challenges of 'Windy City Rehab'

The four design pros are serious about winning, but when the cameras stop rolling, it’s a different dynamic all together. Monday’s premiere episode saw Ford, 38, walk away with the win for the master suites round, but Victoria harbors no ill will. In fact, she says. “I’ve always coveted Leanne’s designs. So to be able to see what she did, and also what the other girls did, it’s very, very cool.

Alison Victoria Says New Season of 'Windy City Rehab' Is a 'Fresh Start' After Split from Costar (Exclusive)

Alison Victoriais turning a new page after a drama-filled few years. “For me, it’s such a fresh start after going through so much and feeling…this breath of fresh air,” she tells PEOPLE, adding that she and her former business partner no longer speak. “I was at a place where I didn’t know if I even wanted to do this anymore. I felt myself flipping and reevaluating things to say like, ‘Do I really even want to be in this business anymore?