Days Of Our Lives
Jen Lilley Issues Statement And Confirms Her Exit From Days of our Lives!

Photo Credit: Brad Everett Young
On Monday morning, Jen Lilley took to her Instagram account to offer up her side of the story and confirm she is no longer with NBC’s Days of our Lives. Here is what Jen offered up in her statement below on how DAYS and her parted company, and the reasons why.
Jen Lilley statement: “It is with bittersweet sentiment that I find myself making this statement 6 months too soon. First, I would like to say your comments, support, and well wishes regarding my recent departure from the iconic daytime drama, Days of Our Lives, have melted my heart. Second, I have never enjoyed playing a character so much. I absolutely love Theresa, and the idea of not playing her pains me. I once found a quote that perfectly describes her, ‘She’s a mess of gorgeous chaos, you can see it in her eyes.’ Exploring Theresa, from her insecurities to her strengths, from her tendency to deflect emotional anguish with comedy to her firecracker spirit has been pure joy.
I hate to dissatisfy our love for black and white explanations, but there’s no one to point your finger at here. Days of Our Lives and I are parting company on the best of terms. It came down to time and the sacrifices required to keep Theresa on the front burner. Given the demanding production schedule a soap requires, that just wasn’t possible with the other commitments and opportunities I wanted to pursue. As we all know in the world of soaps, good bye for now isn’t always good bye forever, who knows what the future has in store for Theresa.
I am taking time right now to be with my family, advance the charitable causes I believe in, and pursue additional career opportunities. While I’ve missed so many moments in my family’s lives back east, I have built a west coast family at Days of Our Lives, and they haven’t seen the last of me! I’ll be stopping by the set from time to time with baked goods and bear hugs.
Lastly, cheer up! There are 6 more wonderful months of Theresa to enjoy. And I can honestly say that each month, the storyline gets better! My exit will have you on the edge of your seat, laughing, crying, cheering, screaming, clapping, and bewildered. And to the Theresa’s out there: I love you, I love you, I love you. You are not alone. You are beautiful and worthy of love and happiness and joy and success! May my storyline over the next six months inspire you.”
So, what did you think of Jen’s statement? Sad to see her go? What do you think Theresa’s exit storyline will be? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
Good luck to her, she made Theresa an interesting character. However, I found her relationship with Brady to be a bit unbelievable at times. It seemed highly unlikely that Theresa could wack John over the head with a fireplace poker landing him in the hospital and then Brady married her anyway even though John is his father. Then again, of course, it IS a soap.
Will they re-cast the character of Theresa or just write her out somehow? What about the baby that she and Brady share?
So sad to see her go, I wish her luck on her future projects
She’s a beautiful and talented actress–loved her singing also. Hope she gets to fulfill her dreams and goals.
I am sorry but< I have never read anything like this before. The girl is full of herself. I think she reads her own press.And believes it. Sorry.
Seriously? Jen Lilley is one of the best actors on DOOL. What she has brought to the show has for the most part kept it going. I’m not sure she is 100% truthful in why she has chosen to leave because I believe she is smart enough to see a sinking ship. Watching Theresa grow has been fun and Jen brought her to life. She may be many things but “full of herself” is not one. I suspect you are confused with reel and real.
I know, really!
I don’t mean to sound like suzy skeptical, but if you have to point out that there’s no one to blame, there’s probably someone to blame. Given that Theresa is a Brady and a legacy character and not a Hernandez, I’m going to guess the person to blame’s name rhymes with Pena Piglely.
🙂
For all the people predicting the death of Theresa…The statement from Jen Lilley indicates something different. Theresa will most likely move away. I predict Theresa will be recast unless JL agrees to a return.
If there is a more ‘nefarious’ reason (lol), Jen is being very diplomatic. I sooo admire that in a person. Obviously, she does not want to burn any bridges.
Good fortune to you, Jen. I will miss you so!!!! Follow your brain, girl!!
I really dont know what to think at the moment…sounds like she wanted to leave and it also sounds like she didnt…would have liked to had seen her with Chad…well, she could come back but will the show be with us a year from now?…show needs better lighting, taping 6 months in advance is absurd…brighten up the stories a bit…characters like Deimos, Philip and Summer should leave not Shaun and Belle…i have no problem with Rafe’s family but the show should never loose focus on the Hortons…Bill and Laura or Jen and Jack shouldve been the shows Matriarch and patriarch…Lucas is a Horton and should be featured if we are not going to ever again see Mike…Kayla and the Aussie doc-feels like Jen and Danial all over again-ugh!!!
Basically it’s the same as any other actor/actress. They want to be able to do other outside projects, and the PTB don’t want to give them the time off. So that’s where the no one to blame comes from.
I’m certain that some soap fans being how some soap fans can be, were looking for someone to blame on social media, which necessitated the statement. I didn’t see anything wrong with the statement at all, it was straight and to the point that they are parting on good terms, but there are always going to be people that look for a problem where there is none.
I wish her lots of luck, and if the character is needed that much that she couldn’t be given the time off that she needs, then I expect it will be recast.
Good Luck to Jen, wish her the best.
To me it says a lot when talented actors leave a show. There is chaos happening at DAYS as far as the writing and production of the show. The stories are either lost in the 80’s or so boring that no one cares WHAT happens. Theresa Donovan was a spark in this show. She was catty, bitchy, funny and tender all at the same time. She added life but when they paired her with Brady they killed all of the spark. Then she became a sap. The whole story with her competing against Summer was a joke because the character of Summer was awful and ridiculous. Exactly how many babies did Maggie have that she forgot about? Next thing we know we will hear about how Maggie was a teenager and kidnapped by the Manson family and forced to be impregnated with all of his family’s future children. They already have the commune with Joey there. Watch him bring back half a dozen of Maggie’s forgotten “children”. I will miss Theresa as a good character with a lot of talent from Jen Lilley. I hope she finds work somewhere that she can show off her acting chops. DAYS is shooting straight towards cancellation with their current stories. They can bring back all the old characters they want and try to make Jack come back from the dead and have Bo whisper in ghost form to Hope and Patch ride a motorcycle to take Kayla to the Flock Of Seagulls concert at the club but it will still be a bad experience. This show is proof positive that you can not live in the past. I don’t know anything about Ms Higley’s direction for story but I do know that what she is sending forth now is embarrassing. If I hear John mumble any more about how rough his upbringing was I will puke. He is nearly seventy, time to move on and drink his metamucil.
My thought of the article and Jen was ” What a beautiful Soul.” There have been rumors since last year that JL wanted to leave DOOL to pursue other projects. Thus her leaving was no surprise to me. Did the Head Writer hasten the exit? Maybe so. I don’t watch the show with regularity so I am not invested.
I’m a fan of JL from her filling in for Kirsten Storms on GH. I wish she was available to do the same this time around. However, I can understand if JL needs downtime with her real family back east. Good luck to Jen Lilley. She is truly talented.
Too bad! She made a great Teresa, and a great Maxie on GH! If the GH production team waited one more day, she would have return as Maxie. Meanwhile, Molly will do a good job!
I’m sorry to see her go. She should pursue a career in comedies. She was hilarious on the old MTV series, Disaster Date.
I am going to miss Theresa. Jen made the character a blast to watch so I will miss the actress as well. I hope to see her in something else soon.
good lucky jen Lilly theresa was the best part of days if it wasn’t for you i would of stop watching long ago you did a great job i will miss you where every you go i wish you well many will follow you were ever you go next come back and see us know and then you had more fans following you then you know bye bye !
Perhaps she could be the temporary replacement “Maxie Jones” on GH, she’s done it before and quite successfully I might add.
I am very sorry to see Jen Lilley leave DOOL. She has been a solid bright spot in her role since day 1. My favorite dynamic was her interactions with Anne Milbauer. There haven’t been enough of them. They are terrific together!
Best of luck to you, Jen!
Oh, I agree, James. Those two should be on stage as a comedic duo. Anne and Jen are magic together.
Thanks, Celia! You’re right about them being on stage as a comedic duo. At least we have their rap video…
You can’t blame Jen Lilley, like so many beloved actors she’s leaving for greener pastures. Days is back to being a mess again, they hired Dena Higley back, and she is a disaster. And Days’ ratings are at an ALL TIME LOW, the future of Days is not looking good.
Best of luck to one of daytime’s most beautiful performers.
GH needs to quietly maintain some form of a relationship with JL in case KS ever decides to leave in a few years. JL was a very good as Temp Maxie for a full year on GH, despite fan outrage that she sadly decided to read, and honestly I was sad to see JL leave. I have always loved KS as Maxie and was happy to see her back but it was bittersweet feeling. JL did a solid job on the show as Temp Maxie so I never understood the insane amount hate on the internet that she said lead to to crying herself to sleep.
I am so going to miss Jen Lilley. Loved her character in her scenes with Ann Milbauer or Jennifer Horton most of all. Theresa and Chad would have been a great duo. Hope she returns at some point.
Wishing you all the best, Jen. You have a bright future ahead of you!
Lovely actress who is a joy to watch. She’s a shining light in the noir village of Salem these days. I hope the exit storyline is everything Jen believes it to be. And hope beyond hope that the writing team finds some sort of solid footing – and soon!
I never saw any chemistry between Brady and Theresa and IMO, Theresa ruined Brady. But, I do want to wish Jen Lilley the best!
Breaking News
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.
The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.
Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).

Photo: NATAS
In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year, A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.
The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).
The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”
Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.
So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of our Lives’ Reveals Kyle Pryor Cast as Dominic Marino

For months now, Days of our Lives has teased the character of Dominic Marino. In recent weeks, viewers learned that Marino is on the down low working with Sami Brady’s (Alison Sweeney) apparent fiancé ‘Dante Vitali (Franco LoPresti), and that he is the never-before-heard-of child of Stefano DiMera (the late Joseph Mascolo) and Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall)!
Up until now, the Peacock streaming soap opera has never revealed his face, but that all seemed to change on the Tuesday, October 2o episode of DAYS. In story, Dante met Sami’s parents for the first time, Roman (Josh Taylor) and Marlena.
He shows them a photo of Dominic, which he happened to have on his own phone and even commented he kind of looked like he could be Marlena’s son. The photo, which has quickly made it around Soap Twitter/X, revealed that British-born actor Kyle Pryor is the man in the photo and eagle-eyed viewers actually located said photo on Pryor’s Instagram.

Photo: Peacock
Deadline revealed Pryor started taping at the end of 2025 and will first be seen in the role, on air Monday, November 2. In addition, Days will celebrate its 61st Anniversary with two special episodes featuring Dominic’s arrival, as well the returns of Tony and Anna DiMera, played respectively by Thaao Penghlis and Leann Hunley, on Friday, November 6 and Monday, November 9.
Those in the know, are are that Pryor previously held series regular roles on Australia’s Home and Away, and the UK’s Hollyoaks and guest starred on Emmerdale. In an ironic twist, Pryor appeared in the series Spartacus: Blood and Sand which is the same action series his apparent TV brother, Dan Feuerriegel (EJ DiMera), once appeared in before coming to DAYS.
So excited to see Kyle Pryor take on the role of Dominic Marino as Days of our Lives sets its anniversary story to kick-off with is arrival in Salem? Share your thoughts in the comment section. And in case you missed our latest conversation with Conner Floyd (Chad DiMera) he weighs-in on how Dominic’s appearance will shake things up in Salem. You can check that out below.
Days Of Our Lives
Days of our Lives’ Conner Floyd Talks Dominic Marino Mystery, Chad and Belle, and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Exclusive)

Fasten your seat belts Days of our Lives fans, as the mystery of Dominic Marino continues to unravel on all-new episodes of the Peacock streaming soap opera. Last week, Chad DiMera (Conner Floyd) learned that he may have a half-brother, who may be the biological child of his father, the late Stefano DiMera (the late Joseph Mascolo) and Dr. Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall), giving him great pause, because he knows Stefano had kidnapped Marlena for four years back in the late 80s and early 90s.
Chad has already been hunting down clues with his current girlfriend Belle Black (Martha Madison) in Italy and Salem, which revealed a photo of a young boy with Stefano with the date 1992 on the back of it, hidden inside Stefano’s chess set. So, what’s next?
Conner Floyd chatted on the Michael Fairman Channel in a new virtual interview released on Sunday, October 18, where he spoke on what the new addition to the DiMera family could do to the already dangerous sibling rivalries, the state of Chad’s relationship with Belle and much more.

Photo: JPI
DIMERA RIVALRY
After finding out from EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) that Dominic Marino could be the never-before-heard-of child of Stefano and Marlena, Conner Floyd explained, “I think it blows Chad’s mind a little bit. I think there’s a lot of things working there with old Chad. Obviously, bringing in another DiMera could cause some noise and the whole situation with Marlena’s a little awkward as well because he’s dating Belle, so this could cause a little tiff there. I think his head’s spinning and he does not know what to expect, but I also think he kind of expects that from Stefano, for sure.”
As to how this will change and color Chad’s relationship with EJ, Floyd responded, “Chad knows EJ’s not happy about it and I think he’s going to be real upset if this gets in his way of doing what he wants to do with the DiMera legacy and all that. However, for Chad, I think he’s just going to keep a sharp eye, see what this guy’s about, see if he’s here to cause some trouble or here to be a friend and kinda play it by ear.”

Photo: JPI
BELLE OF MY HEART
With Chad and Belle already being sleuths, Floyd says, you can look for the duo to continue getting to the truth. “I think Chad and Belle are committed to this. They’re going full National Treasure, Nicolas Cage,” says Conner. “They’re going to follow the clues. They’re going to get some answers.”
Since beginning in the role of Chad in June of 2025 and debuting on-screen back in April of 2026, the former Y&R star (where he played Chance Chancellor), says it was Madison who helped him get comfortable in his new surroundings.
“Martha is phenomenal. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to get tagged up with when I started here, just because she knows everybody,” shares Floyd. “She knows where to go, who to talk to. She’ll get the tea if you want, and so it was kind of cool. Martha took me under her wing, showed me the ropes. She’s a sweetheart. I love working with her too. She’s a great actress.”
But, is Chad in love with Belle after such a tortured past with his beloved Abigail Deveraux DiMera? Floyd thinks so! “I think he’s into it. They’re such good friends and they have such a rich history. I think he’s in for the ride. You know, it’s one of those things you probably overlook at first and then they reconnected, and it feels easy and they’re going on these fun adventures.”
MAKING CHAD HIS OWN
Conner had the arduous task of being the successor to Billy Flynn in the role of Chad.. Flynn had played the part for 12 years before deciding to exit and head to Y&R. So, how did Conner approach learning the ins and out of Chad? Floyd shared, “I really dove into Chad when I first got this job. I liked that he kind of walks this tightrope of DiMera and not DiMera, you know. He want to so honor his family roots and really do something for the DiMera family, but he doesn’t want to fall into that trap that all the other DiMera have found themselves in. Chad is a DiMera at heart. He’s got those demons, but he’s just trying to keep them contained.”

Photo: JPI
ICONIC
When Floyd got to DAYS, it was none other than Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie Williams) who most surprised him in the most delightful way, given that he knew Hayes was a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award winner and the current longest-running cast member on the canvas.
“I love working with Susan Hayes! I love her. She’s a sweetheart. Susan is one of the nicest people there. I just thought she was cool and it’s Susan Hayes, you know? We’ve had a lot of scenes together, which is nice,” explained Conner.
“We’ll go to her dressing room, we’ll run our scenes, and then we’ll spend about an hour just talking about life and she’ll tell me about a book she’s reading. She’s such a history buff, which blows my mind. She’ll start dropping all these historical facts on me. I learn something new by the time I walk out of her dressing room every time!”
Now below, check out the full conversation with Conner Floyd via the Michael Fairman Channel.
Weigh-in: Do you like Chad and Belle as couple? Do you think Chad will get to the bottom of the Dominic Marino mystery? If so, do you think Dominic is truly Stefano and Marlena’s son … and what about Rita (Maggie Carney) in all this? Let us know your theories in the comment section.
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