Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Jen Lilley on Upcoming Theresa Replacement: “Be Kind to Her. She’s a Stellar Performer and Being a Recast is Super Hard.”
This week, Jen Lilley returned to Days of our Lives as Theresa Donovan returns for Victor Kiriakis (the late John Aniston) memorial service and more. Thus far, Theresa has run into her ex Brady (Eric Martsolf) and shared scenes with him.
In addition, Theresa has shared some snarky scenes with Xander (Paul Telfer). Needless to say, Theresa’s arrival in Salem has not been met with, after all the machinations she pulled through the years.
As previously revealed by Lilley herself, she wound up taping 12 episodes or so, for this return. After that, and to continue the story, the DAYS powers-that-be made the decision to recast the part, something Lilley was originally unaware of, in order to fulfill the amount of episodes that were written for the show. Jen had let the soap opera know she was only available for 3 or 4 weeks.
Photo: JPI
Taking to her Instagram, Lilley shared some pics with Eric Martsolf and Paul Telfer and shared: “Ha! I’m cracking up because I saw this first press photo and had to confirm with @ericmartsolf that this was us between takes quickly judging and absorbing some redirection we didn’t seem to agree with . I think it was something like, just remember they don’t like each other that much Swipe. So happy to share the screen again with this powerhouse actor for a dozen or so #Days episodes. You’re a treasure sir! And I had to throw in a screen cap of me and my buddy @paultelfer because I distinctly remember us not making eye contact in fear we’d burst out laughing at the horrible things our characters say to each other.”
Jen also added, “Excited for all my #DOOL episodes this week and very happy for the lady taking over the role of Theresa. Be kind to her. She’s a stellar performer and being a recast is super hard. We’re all family and I got nothing but love for all my @dayspeacock people.”
Being concerned for her recast stems from Lilley’s experience when she stepped- n for Kirsten Storms as Maxie Jones on General Hospital and was not treated well by fans. Lilley replaced Storms for almost year from September 2011 to August 2012, before joining Days of our Lives as Theresa in July of 2013.
While we get to see Lilley’s deliciously portrayed antics as troublemaking Theresa, one can’t help but wonder, just who is coming in to take over the role on screen in a few weeks? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section, and if you are enjoying seeing Jen back on DAYS.
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I’ve seen rumors on another site (one not exactly known for accurate spoilers & predictions) about who the recast is. I don’t believe it, so I won’t bother saying who they claim it is… but let’s just say it would be another “Ben turns into Alex” situation.
And if that’s the case, it wasn’t worth the trouble of bringing Theresa back at all, if they’re just using Jen Lilley as a bait & switch to bring back the character in an unneccesary recast form.
Except, that’s not exactly true. Jen Lilley reached out to TPTB with the idea of Theresa returning for Victor’s memorial… and they returned to her with the idea of a twelve-week stint that had been written. She told them she couldn’t do twelve weeks, but three. So, they said they’d have to recast, so she wrote a letter to TPTB (via her agent’s delivery) that she wished the role to not be recast and if they did, she’d like to talk to them, knowing how it feels to be a recast (Maxie on General Hospital). So, some time passed, and they came to Lilley would the idea of filming twelve weeks of material within a three-week period. Even cast were told this was happening. So, she gave them four weeks of time, and by the second weeks, scripts had paused, and she went to the former co-EP, and he informed her they had recast the role to complete the storyline.
This is the problem with taping your show 6 months (or more) in advance…
Albert Alarr screws up the show 666 ways from Sunday and you still have to work through the damage he’s done, long after he’s gone.
Mhmm.
She pretty much said that. What are you on about?
Bottom line Jen lilley was a great recast I watched the show then she was great ! KS has issues i have not watched the show in four years who is playing Maxie ? I asked they said KS and I don’t recognize her and if you start your crap with fat shaming I’m done she has gained a lot of weight and that’s dangerous it is from the medication and I know that ! But if you think this is healthy ??? Talk to a cardiologist
Bella – KS HAD BRAIN SURGERY in 2021 and the medications she needed to take resulted in weight gain. AND a cardiologist is always consulted when these drugs are given to a patient after brain surgery. Anything to say now!
Judgmental much? Would hate to be in your circle of people or your orbit. I bet you’re the perfect of health and body image, yes?
I’m really confused. I thought Jen always played THERESA.
They were referring to Lily’s stint on GH where she was a recast of Maxie Jones. As for this switcheroo, rumor has it that the actress playing Gwen will throw on a wig and take over the role. Emily is an amazing actress but I actually like Gwen!
The recast of Theresa is coming in about a month. Jen has always played Theresa.
Not a month; Jen Lilley filmed two-weeks worth of material in two-weeks. A total of twelve weeks of Theresa were written.
She did play Theresa and came back to reprise the role but she cannot do more than a few episodes so someone will take on the role of Theresa, Hope that clears this up for you.
That’s not entirely true, Ginger. She was only able to take three weeks off to film for them; she ended up taking four, and they were planning on shooting twelve weeks worth of material in that one-month of time. However, after two-weeks, Albert Alarr and co. decided to no longer use Jen Lilley and forge with a recast for the final weeks of filming.
I don’t like this and don’t know why Days is doing this.
Days is like a bargain basement show. They are constantly switching actors and laying off actors for long periods of time to save money but make more money in the long run. And sometimes the bait and switch backfires on them. Example I loved Ben but can’t stand Alex. They should either commit to high quality programming or give it up
Gwen is taking the role of Theresa I can’t see it don’t like Gwen for the role she is leaving days and coming back as Theresa poor decision Days writers never going to pull it off
I can’t even WATCH a Hallmark movie she’s in! She talks through her teeth, and you can’t understand a word she’s saying through that constant smile. No thank you
It’s rumored that Emily o Brian will assume the role of there’s
Theresa
Who is that?
She currently plays Gwen
I love Jen Lilley as Teresa! Can’t imagine anyone else in that he role.
I concur!
I read Jens comments on this and think it’s BS what days did.
Jen Lilley could only commit to do a certain amount or shows because of her contract with Great America Country Channel. Many of us really like the actress that plays Gwen but unfortunately that writer that was fired, had written the Gwen, Leo, Dimitri storyline there was no where for Gwen to go afterwards but leave Salem. I think Emily 0’brien will do an amazing job playing Teresa! I’d rather her play this role than to leave all together….
Do not bring her back please as Theresa that aweful.
They need to bring Days back to prime time good old fashioned TV !! Have not seen an episode since they went to peacock !! They should realize who their audience is and it’s not “the younger” generation…they don’t follow anything… btw..Jen was great as Theresa back in the day…watch her on Hallmark TV now.
Days was renewed for another 2 years and the ratings have been so good on peacock so the writers are obviously doing something right! If you don’t watch and support the show why are you even commenting??
I wish they were able to keep her. I remember when she started also. I also remember she was the recast on DOOL the original girl was a skinny brunette very tiny. She plays in movies now haven’t seen her in a soap since she left, but this Teresa took over and she did an awesome job. I was happy to see your come back too bad she’s not sticking around.
Love her doesn’t matter what show she is on ,but I think she belongs to her movies.and if they are going to try and replace her, with the one laying Gwen wrong thing to do ,she will never be accepted,
People love Emily O’Brian and will be happy she will still be on Days! Her current storyline had her character backed into a wall with no where to go but leave Salmen! She’s too good of an actress to loose! Days needs her. I’m looking forward to the direction she will go with Teresa!!! @goteamEmily!
Emily should grab Greg Rickart and go back to Y&R and become the original couple they played there. It’s no more far fetched than what they’re suggesting here.
So true!!
Emily O’Brien is a great actress but the Theresa character sucks.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of Our Lives’ Alums and ‘Veronica & Julian’ Stars Nadia Bjorlin and Kyler Pettis Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
Two Days of Our Lives favorites, Nadia Bjorlin (ex-Chloe Lane) and Kyler Pettis (ex-Theo Carver) are starring in the new indie feature Veronica & Julian and now on Monday, August 31 beginning at 3pm ET/12pm PT, they will visit You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel for a livestream chat to discuss their film roles and time in Salem and much more.
Kyler Pettis appeared on Days of Our Lives as the grown-up autistic son of Abe (James Reynolds) and Lexie Carver (Renee Jones and more recently Nikki Crawford) from 2015-2018. He won a Daytime Emmy for his work on DAYS in 2019 in the Outstanding Younger Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.
Nadia Bjorlin is best known for her role as Chloe Lane. Bjorlin appeared in multiple runs on the show from 1999-2023. In addition, she has been featured in Crystal Chappell’s Venice the Series since 2009 in the role of Lara.
Photo: VeronicaandJulian
VERONICA & JULIAN CONFRONTS MODERN ROMANCE
Now in 2026, the two are featured in the romantic drama of Veronica & Julian. In story, a confident and successful marketing executive (Bjorlin) winds up falling for a younger aspiring architect (Pettis).
From there, a journey of desire and self-discovery is set against the backdrop of present-day New York City. with obstacles along the way. Does it work? Does love conquer all, or do they go their separate ways? Veronica & Julian examines what happens when an unexpected romance forces the characters to confront the realities of age, timing, and love.
The cast also includes: Blake Jenner (ex-Glee), Erin Cummings, Chrystee Pharris (ex-Simone Russell, Passions and Queens of Drama), Robert Lee Leng, Mark Famiglietti and Jennafer Newberry. Look for Veronica & Julian to be released later in the fall.
The films director Otoja Abit shared this statement: “Veronica & Julian is about the right people who have a chance meeting at the wrong time. It’s a look at two people who don’t grow apart—they just grow up. This film is an authentic exploration of an imminent ending and how two people deeply in love got there. It aims to be quiet while telling a relatable story about modern-day relationships.”
QUESTIONS FOR THE DAYS ALUMS
If you have a question for Nadia and Kyler, make sure to join us in the live chat and we might just ask it during the live broadcast. If you can’t be with us live and can catch the repla, but have something you would like posed to our guests, you can drop it in the comment section here.
Now, check out the official Veronica & Julian trailer below.
So, intrigued by the story of Veronica & Julian? Do you miss seeing Nadia and Kyler on Days of Our Lives? Let us know in the comment section too.
Daytime Emmy winner and Gold Circle Honors Inductee, Suzanne Rogers will be on your screens this week on Days of Our Lives, when Maggie Kiriakis is back in action beginning with the Monday, August 31 episode. Previously, Maggie was written-off the canvas in April of this year when she left Salem to visit her daughter, Melissa.
Back in October of 2025, it was revealed that Rogers was battling stage II colorectal cancer. Then in November 2025, Suzanne told PEOPLE that she was now in remission.
Suzanne shared, “I’m feeling so much better. I mean, my summer was rough. I had cancer removed, radiation, that was tough. But I didn’t lose my hair. I guess I got it early. I was stage two, and it was a certain kind of chemo that they gave me, it was pills and the radiation, and it didn’t affect it so that was good.”
Photo: JPI
SUZANNE ROGERS JOURNEY BACK TO DAYS OF OUR LIVES
Now, official Days of Our Lives spoilers indicate that Julie (Susan Seaforth Hayes) will reach out to Maggie on the Tuesday, September 1, 2026. Due to Days of Our Lives’ advance taping schedule of 10-11 months in advance of streaming new episodes on Peacock, Suzanne’s reintroduction to the story will play out this fall.
In a interview with TV Insider last year, Rogers shared that as of July 31 2025, she had completed cancer treatment and was headed back to work to continue the story of Maggie Horton.
Rogers explained, “I start back to work next week, so we’ll see how that goes. Now, I’m feeling anxious like I do any time I get scripts because I want to do my very best and you don’t want to hold up anybody.”
As Days of Our Lives fans know, Rogers has been with the soap opera as of last week for 53 years having debuted back on August 20, 1973. Then in 1979, Suzanne became the first actress ever to win the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Daytime Drama Series at the Daytime Emmy Awards.
In 2024, Rogers was honored with induction into the Emmys’ Gold Circle by The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. This award recognizes individuals who have made a significant and lasting impact on television for 50 years or more.
Before her recent health scare, Rogers has battled myasthenia gravis starting in 1984, which also has gone in remission.
So, happy to know Suzanne is back as Maggie this week on all-new episodes of Days of Our Lives? Have you missed seeing this Salem staple for the past many months? Let us know via the comment section.
Days Of Our Lives
Brandon Butler, Who Once Played Zack Brady, Returns to ‘Days of Our Lives’ in New Role
Days of Our Lives has revealed another addition to the cast of the Peacock streaming soap opera; only this time his face is familiar to fans of the soap opera. Brandon Butler is taking on the new role of Mason Whitfield, but he previously played Bo (Peter Reckell) and Hope’s (Kristian Alfonso) deceased son, Zack Brady for a stint back in 2025!
In a post on Thursday, August 27 on the official DAYS Instagram account, they shared a video of Butler telling 5 interesting things about himself caption with, “Get to know Brandon Butler, who will be playing Mason Whitfield! Here are five fun facts about the newest addition to the Days of our Lives cast before his first episode on September 1.”
That means that viewers will see Butler’s debut as Mason next Tuesday! When Brandon named his fifth fun fact, he shared, “Last but definitely not least for me: Days of Our Lives was my late mother’s favorite show. So this one’s for you, Mom. Love you.”
Photos: Peacock
Previously on DAYS, Butler took over the role of Zack Brady from Scott Shilstone, who last played the adult version of Bo and Hope’s son back in 2022 during the Peacock limited series, Days of Our Lives: Beyond Salem Chapter Two. Fast-forward to the June 2, 2025 episode on Days of Our Lives.
In story, as Bo Brady finally comes out of his coma after receiving the critical dose of Versavix, thanks to the late John Black (Drake Hogestyn), he is visited by his deceased son, Zack in heaven and he helps push his dad to return to the land of the living.
Brandon’s previous TV credits include roles on: 13 Reasons Why, Hysteria!, Trinkets, and Seal Team, to name but a few. He also appeared on General Hospital back in 2016 for one episode.
It should be noted that also heading to Salem on-screen in September is actress Sydney Malakeh who as previously reported is starting her run in a ‘mystery role.’ Malakeh’s first airdate is September 9. Does this mean that Butler’s Mason will cross paths with Malakeh’s Salem alter-ego? Stay tuned.
So, intrigued to see Brandon Butler back on DAYS in the new role of Mason Whitfield? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section.
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