Days Of Our Lives
Jen Lilley on Days of our Lives’ Theresa Recast Decision: “It’s a Little Befuddling, But I Still Am Really Grateful That I Got to Go Back.”
Now that the word is out that Days of our Lives star, Emily O’Brien, will be taking over the role of Theresa Donovan from Jen Lilley, fans of the Peacock streaming soap opera are wondering just how the show plans to unveil O’Brien as the recast Theresa, and how she will exit her current role as Gwen.
Meanwhile, Jen Lilley, who had appeared on DAYS as Theresa on and off since 2013, has been speaking to media outlets about what went down behind the scenes in the turn of events that led her part to be recast midstream of her most recent story arc.
Speaking with PEOPLE, Lilley shared that she was under the impression that DAYS was going to fit 12 weeks of episodes into the 4 weeks she gave the show for her availability to be back at the soap opera. Jen wanted to return to film scenes relating to the memorial service of Victor Kiriakis, because of her close bond with the late, John Aniston.

Photo: JPI
Jen noted that she went to then co-executive producer, Albert Alarr, and asked why she received less scripts than expected. That is when she learned someone else was going to be taking over the role. She asked, “You told me Theresa’s going to do X, Y, and Z, but I just got the schedule for Monday, and it’s only this one script. Is Theresa still going to do that?”
Lilley says that Alarr responded with, “Theresa’s still going to do all of that. It’s just we’re going to go ahead and do it with another actress.’ That’s how I found out.”
It was at that time, according to Lilley, she asked who would be replacing her and learned it was DAYS cast member, Emily O’Brien. Alarr informed her it would be Emily moving over from her role as Gwen Rizczech. Jen shared she was further confused because they wanted Theresa to be blonde and Emily is a brunette. That was addressed, when she learned O’Brien would be donning a blonde wig for the part.

Photo: JPI
In wrapping up her time on DAYS, Jen said, “I think Emily drew the shortest straw, honestly. I was like, ‘That is the worst thing you could possibly do to a recast is be like, we’re going to wig you and make you just walk through fire for eight weeks.’ I don’t know whether it was a budgetary thing or a scheduling thing where they just couldn’t work the schedule out so everybody could do it. I don’t know their reasoning. It’s a little befuddling, but I still am really grateful that I got to go back.”
Now it remains to be seen, just how long O’Brien will play Gwen. Is it for the short planned arc of Theresa? Will it be longer? Will Lilley be back? All we can say is, play close attention to the Friday, October 6th and Monday, October 9th episodes of Days of our Lives.
What do you think about the sentiments shared by Lilley on recasting Theresa with Emily O’Brien? Comment below.
I loved Jen Lilley when she replaced Kirsten Storms as Maxie for a bit on GH and for the brief time that I’ve been watching Days so this is disappointing.
Probably the wrongdoing of Albert Alaar! This is not right! This character belongs to Jen Lilley. All I can say is you are irreplaceable and thank you for the time you gave us with your return to the show!
This is ridiculous!
She is right: it is not cool they went ahead of the recast, despite telling Jen Lilley & the rest of cast she was filming twelve-weeks of material in four-weeks. That is f**ked! Yet another case of *lb*rt *l*rr showing how crass and fucked up they are in a position of power. I am just happy Lilley came back for the time she was able to, and it also seems like the door is open for her return (I doubt she ever will, though).
Very strange
Why did Days of our Lives go to Peacock and still be on the show on another channel?
It was drawing enough ratings or making profits for NBC.
Huh?
At this long point with Days being on Peacock, why are you asking this question? Google is your friend.
Enough is enough. She contacted the show and asked them to return. She couldn’t committ to the shows schedule so they recast her. It happens a zillion times on a soap. This i been done wrong drama is ridiculous. Its not like Jen Lilley was never a recast on a different soap or that her soap character of Theresa is so iconic it can’t be played by someone else.
It is befuddling. Just use Jen for as long as she could be on Days.
Although I like Emily O’Brien, I’ve never been a fan of Gwen, so her exit is very welcomed. But wow, this whole situation is such a mess. I feel bad for both actresses, but mostly for the fans, who have to accept such a ludicrous recast midway through a front-burner story. Not as bad as the Molly debacle on GH, though…
I like gwen ! Hoping they could of kept her story line going
I thought Albert Alarr was fired. Guess I haven’t been keeping up…
He was. But Days tapes at least 6 months ahead, so the damage done by Alarr will still be reflected on screen through the rest of 2023.
Clearly there was miscommunication between the actress and the producer. But asking Days to change or adjust its notorious tight production schedule to accommodate her shooting demands was was not feasible.
I am very upset about recast foe a strr Theresa.I love Jen Lilley and was happy to hear she would continue her part. I never carried for Gwen’s character I do however like the actress none the less she is definitely Theresa. This is going to be a stretch. Very sad fan.
I can understand why they fired Alarr. I have watched this soap for years and this thing with the part of Theresa is truly one of the most bizarre
Love Emily so much more and it was hilarious when she turned the corner as Gwen and came on as Teresa classic soap opera! Classic DAYS! Love her
Ridiculous
I think making Gwen Theresa was not a good move at all.
Not realistic for me anywat
The recasting of Theresa with Gwen is enough to have me say GOODBYE! I have had enough. I guess it is time to visit Genoa City again. And say goodbye to Salem. Stupid writers!!!
Me too
BRING back Lilley. BRING HER BACK. That was a stupid move. Leave as one a 2 hours later you playing another person on the same show. WHAT. Doing it once is enough. Stop the madness
I hate the recast for Theresa. She looks too much like Gwen because it is Gwen in a blonde wig. Poor decision. She isn’t really a good actress for this part. Need to hire someone new.
Beyond the Gates
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actress Drama Series

Monday on Entertainment Tonight, the second set of nominations for the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards were announced which included the highly-coveted Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actress and Outstanding Daytime Talk Series.
ET followed suit after Extra announced the nominees, as previously reported, in the Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actor and Outstanding Daytime Talk Host.
Now, five leading ladies of the soaps are vying for the gold for Lead Actress and the category marked the first-ever nominations for CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates when two actresses made the final cut. Only General Hospital is not represented among the actresses this year after Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis) took home the trophy last year.

Photo: NATAS
THE FIVE LEADING LADIES OF THE SOAPS ARE …
The 2026 Lead Actress nominees are: Stacy Haiduk (Kristen DiMera), Days of Our Lives, Karla Mosley (Dani Dupree), Beyond the Gates, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers), The Young and the Restless, Heather Tom (Katie Logan), The Bold and the Beautiful, and Tamara Tunie (Anita Dupree), Beyond the Gates.
This marks the first Daytime Emmy nominations for Karla Mosley and Tamara Tunie. In addition, this marks the first-time in her career that Stacy Haiduk had received a Lead Actress nod after two Supporting Actress nominations.
Meanwhile, Michelle Stafford had previously won 3 Emmys – 2 for Lead Actress and 1 for Supporting, but this recognition makes it her 11th overall nomination.
Heather Tom currently is tied for the most all-time Daytime Emmy wins with One Life to Live alum and General Hospital guest star, Erika Slezak. The B&B star has 19 nominations throughout her career.

Photo: ABC
DAYTIME TALK SERIES
In the Outstanding Daytime Talk Series category, the nominees are: 3rd Hour of Today, The Drew Barrymore Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Live with Kelly and Mark, Today with Jenna and Friends and The View.
“We’re proud to honor the extraordinary talent and creative teams whose work continues to define and elevate daytime television,” NATAS president and CEO Adam Sharp said in a statement on the nominations. “As the Daytime landscape evolves and new forms of storytelling emerge, we remain committed to recognizing the innovation happening across the industry.”
The rest of the nominations will be revealed tomorrow on Tuesday July 14 starting on The View and then the full list of nominees in both the main and creative arts will be released by NATAS. The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards are slated for October 30th in Hollywood, California.
So, what do you think about the women who are vying for the Lead Actress Daytime Emmy? Happy with who got in? Who do you feel got snubbed? What do you think of the nominees for Daytime Talk Series? Weigh-in via the comment section.
Beyond the Gates
‘Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026’ Live on the Michael Fairman Channel

It’s Daytime Emmy nomination week, and as previously reported things kick-off on Monday, July 13 when Entertainment Tonight (7pm ET) will announce the nominees for Lead Actress category and Daytime Talk Series for the upcoming 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards. In addition on Monday, Extra (7pm ET) will reveal the nominees for Lead Actor and Daytime Talk Host.
On Tuesday, The View (11am ET) starts things off with their announcement of Daytime Drama, Entertainment News program and Outstanding Daytime Personality-Daily. That is followed by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) full reveal of all the categories beginning at 12noon ET/9am PT on their website and their official social handles on X and Instagram.
Then, Tuesday night at 8pm ET/5pm PT join Michael Fairman as he hosts his 12th annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026 live on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel where he will chat with some of the just announced nominees as we celebrate the hard work of the men and women in front of the camera who will be going for gold.
WHEN ARE THE DAYTIME EMMYS?
This year, the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be handed out on October 30 in ceremonies in Hollywood, California (Venue yet to be revealed). At that time, as like last year, both the major categories and creative arts will be presented. There is no word yet on a broadcast partner for the annual celebration of daytime programming, or if it will soley be streamed on NATAS’ watch.theemmys.tv and various apps and platforms.
WHO WILL BE APPEARING ON THE DAYTIME EMMY NOMINATIONS SPECIAL 2026?
Throughout Tuesday, keep an eye on Michael Fairman TV’s social media handles on X, Facebook and Instagram, for updates of who will be expected to appear on our live show.
If you have a question or comment for one of the nominees, or on the nominations, we can encourage you to join us in the live chat on Tuesday night.
So, who are you hoping lands a nomination from Beyond the Gates, General Hospital, Days of Our Lives, The Bay, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless? Let us know via the comment section. More Tuesday!
Breaking News
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards: ‘The View’, ‘Extra’ and ‘Entertainment Tonight’ to Reveal Major Categories in Early Nominations Rollout

As has been standard over the last several years, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, will get a early start on revealing the nominations for the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, next Monday July 13 and into the official nomination release today on Tuesday, July 14.
First up on Monday, July 13, Entertainment Tonight will announce the nominees in the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series category and the Outstanding Daytime Talk Series.
Entertainment Tonight airs in New York at 7:00pm ET (WCBS-TV) and in Los Angeles – 7:30pm PT (KCBS-TV), you can also check out local listings in your area here.
Next up, also on Monday, July 13, Extra will reveal the nominations in the categories of Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series and Outstanding Daytime Talk Host.
Extra airs on New York at 7:00pm ET (WNYW) and in Los Angeles – 7:00pm PT (KTTV). Of note: some East Coast affiliates begin airing at 4:00pm ET. To check your local listings for when Extra airs in your market, click here.
Then, its on to the official 53rd annual Daytime Emmy nominations day on Tuesday, July 14 which will kick-off with the ladies of ABC’s The View revealing the nominee in the categories of Outstanding Daytime Drama Series, Outstanding Entertainment News Series, and Outstanding Daytime Personality – Daily.
The View airs in New York City and the east coast market – 11:00am ET, while on the West Coast and Los Angeles – 10:00am PT.
After that, on Tuesday, July 14, all eyes will be on the lookout for the announcement of all the remaining categories via the NATAS social channels beginning at 12pm noon ET/9am PT.
You will be able find the nominations at the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Daytime Emmys website: TheEmmys.tv/Daytime Instagram: Instagram.com/theemmys.tv and on X: X.com/TheEmmys .
Michael Fairman TV will also reveal the full list of nominations when they become available.
So, what do you think about Entertainment Tonight, Extra and The View set to reveal nominations in Lead Actor, Actress, Daytime Drama, and key talk show categories ahead of the full list of nominees? Weigh-in via the comment section, and let us know who you think will be announced as a nominee in the categories listed above.
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