Days of our Lives will soon be without one of its most popular stars. Eileen Davidson (Kristen DiMera), who returned to the NBC soap last year after a 14-year absence, is out.

Soap Opera Digest revealed the news of Davidson's exit and noted that the actress isn't just leaving the show -- she's already left. Davidson taped her final scenes on July 16. Due to DAYS' production schedule, the show tapes episodes several months ahead of time. That means Davidson's final on-screen appearance won't air until the end of 2013.

"The Kristen story wrap-up is just fantastic; she was just glorious," executive producer Ken Corday told Digest.

Corday added that Davidson is "not going to another show," which may come as a blow to fans of another soap; viewers of The Young and the Restless have been clamoring for Davidson to reprise the role of Ashley Abbott ever since the CBS soap let her go in May 2012.

After Digest broke the news of Davidson's departure, Davidson took to social media to confirm the news to fans.

"I just wanted to confirm that I have indeed left [Days of our Lives]. My last day was July 16 but I will be airing until November," Davidson shared on Facebook. "I'm taking some time off to enjoy my family however I am not retiring. Not really sure what's next for me work wise. But I am looking forward to figuring it out! Thanks to all of you for your support and love. I've had an incredible time on DOOL this year."

Davidson made her DAYS debut as Kristen Blake in 1993. Three years after that, she began paying a second character, Susan Banks. Later, Davidson played Susan's three siblings, Sister Mary Moira Banks, Thomas Banks, and Penelope Kent. The actress left DAYS in 1998.

UPDATE

In an interview with TV Guide's Michael Logan, Davidson stated that her departure was "nothing financial" and that she's known she'd be exiting since March."

Davidson also reiterated her desire to return to work at some point, but she stopped short of saying where she'd land.

"The characters I play there have a very short shelf life. How can you have Kristen keep doing her shenanigans year after year without it getting old?" Davidson also hinted that DAYS had asked her to consider returning for short-term stories in the future.

"I am honestly so moved by the outpouring of support and love from you all. Thank you," Davidson wrote to her fans on Twitter. "As actors we dream of affecting people on some level."