Despite published reports that he'd decided to walk, James Scott (E.J. DiMera) has decided to stick around Salem for a little longer. The Emmy-nominated star has signed a new contract that will keep him on Days of our Lives through April 2013.

Soap Opera Digest reported last week that Scott had opted to leave DAYS when his contracted expired. Citing show sources, the magazine stated that Scott and show executives "were unable to come to terms on a new deal."

Shortly after that initial report, however, Scott has issued a statement indicating that contract talks are continuing.

"It has always been my wish to continue working with Days of our Lives, and in light of recent reassurances given, I am optimistic of my future here at DAYS!" Scott said in the statement.

Late last year, Scott indicated that he was at the very least thinking about exiting the world of daytime. The actor hinted that his decision would ultimately be made by considering where he wanted to live.

"I think I'm going to stay here for a little bit longer," Scott told TVGuide Canada. "We got the pickup [for Days of our Lives' renewal] and my contract is for a little longer. Then I'm going to wait to see what happens after that. I'm not sure if I will continue to act, which is very likely. These are things I'm thinking in my head," Scott added. "A lot of this depends on where I'd like to live next."

Scott admitted that he has mulled the idea of moving out of the United States -- possibly to New Zealand or France -- and retiring from acting.

James Scott joined Days of our Lives in 2006. Prior to that, the actor appeared for two years as Ethan Cambias on All My Children.

Scott's daytime work on DAYS earned him two consecutive Outstanding Lead Actor nominations.