This week will be an emotional one for Days of our Lives fans, as Freddie Smith and his alter ego, Sonny Kiriakis, are leaving the canvas.

Having decided to walk away from his Emmy-winning soap role to explore new acting options, Smith will take his final bow on Tuesday, August 18, in a story that will see Sonny leaving for Europe to work for his great uncle, Victor (John Aniston).

Smith won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Younger Actor this year for his portrayal of Sonny, which he admitted gave him conflicting thoughts about leaving the role he began in 2011. "It's a great reminder of what a great family I had and what I learned, but it's also pushing me into the future, letting me spread my wings and go on and just see what else is out [there] for me," he said. "So it represents a lot of things -- the future and the past, if you will."

Meanwhile, as Sonny prepares to leave town, rumors are swirling that his on-screen husband, Will (Guy Wilson), will soon be following in his footsteps. But is it true? When fans began asking on Twitter if Wilson planned to leave the show, the actor responded to one inquiry with the reassurance, "Don't worry I'm not going anywhere!"

How do you feel about Smith's DAYS exit? Would you be open to the show recasting the character, or do you feel Smith is the only actor who could play him well? What do you think about Wilson staying put as Will? Share your thoughts in the Comments section below, on our message boards, or by submitting Feedback.

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