Days of our Lives fans better have lots of Kleenex on hand, because another fan favorite is leaving the NBC soap opera. Hot on the heels of the news that Kate Mansi will soon be exiting as Abigail Deveraux comes news that Stacy Haiduk's time as Kristen DiMera is coming to an end, as well.
Soap Opera Digest reports that the actress, who joined the series as a recast for Eileen Davidson in 2016, is exiting DAYS next week. The magazine teases that Kristen finally tracks down Sarah (Linsey Godfrey) and Rachel, but as she's unable to go back to Salem due to having stabbed Victor (John Aniston), Brady (Eric Martsolf) convinces her to go on the run -- and take baby Rachel with her.
News of Haiduk's exit comes as a surprise to many fans, because the show has spent a lot of time fleshing out the character in recent months, showing Kristen work to redeem herself after years of bad behavior.
The bad girl character was originally played by Eileen Davidson from 1993 to 1998 and in various short stints after that. Haiduk, who soap fans also know as The Young and the Restless' Patty Williams, took over the role in 2017. With Kristen going on the run, the door seems open for the character's return in the future -- so fans will have to keep tuning in to DAYS to find out what happens!
UPDATE (May 7, 2020): Shortly after news of her exit from DAYS made the rounds, Stacy Haiduk took to social media with the tease, "So yesterday you all read that I was leaving Days!!! But let’s not write Kristen Dimera off quite yet! Is anyone really gone in Salem. After all I am the Phoenix!"
However, the actress also thanks fans and shares some heartfelt goodbyes in her post -- which presumably means that while there is a chance that Kristen may return at some point in the future, she’s riding off into the sunset for the foreseeable future.
"This heartfelt journey of Kristen, Brady [Eric Martsolf] and baby Rachel has been so amazing!" Haiduk shares. "These two characters have worked so hard this past year to be together! From the pages of the writers to us actors, I am truly blessed and grateful to all you fans who came on this journey! I love your support and your enthusiasm! Thank you so much!! Love & Light!"
What do you think about Stacy Haiduk exiting DAYS? Are you surprised that the show is writing the character off? How do you feel about the way the Mickey/Rachel baby swap is ending? We want to hear from you -- so drop your comments in the Comments section below, tweet about it on Twitter, share it on Facebook, or chat about it on our Message Boards.
