Days Of Our Lives
Jen Lilley Reveals Shortened DAYS Return and Recast: “The Girl Coming Back as Theresa is a Brunette”
This week on Days of our Lives, several key returns come to Salem for Victor’s (the late John Aniston) memorial and the aftermath of the story arc, which includes Jen Lilley in the role of Theresa Donovan.
Lilley’s comeback begins on the Friday, September 1st episode of the Peacock streaming soap opera. The actress, who has become a major lead in Hallmark Channel and then Great American Family movies and other projects, played the role of DAYS mischievous Theresa from 2013-2016 and made a return visit to the soap in 2018.
However, in a newly-released video interview with Soaps.com’s Kristyn Burtt, Lilley shares the back-story of how she reached out to then Days of our Lives co-executive producer, Albert Alarr, expressing her interest to reprise the role of Theresa, so she could be included in Victor’s memorial episodes. Since Lilley loved working with John Aniston, she was hoping there would be some way to work things out to pave the way for her to be a part of it.
Jen shared that she made herself available for 3 to 4 weeks, but the soap said they had story planned for Theresa for 12. After a back and forth, she was led to believe they were putting 12 weeks of episodes into 3 to 4 weeks to accommodate Lilley’s availability, which she noted, “is so gracious.”
Later, when Jen wasn’t receiving the amount of scripts she thought she would be given, she felt something was up. That’s when she found out and realized, that DAYS had recast the role of Theresa with another actress to play out the longer run of episodes after confronting Alarr.
Photo: JPI
According to Lilley, she said, “Listen, you told me Theresa’s going to do X, Y and Z, and I haven’t gotten the scripts. I only have one more for Monday, and I have two weeks left (on set).” At that point, Alarr informed Jen that the remainder of the episodes would be in the hands of another actress.
Lilley shared on her recast: “The girl coming back as Theresa is a brunette, and when I was ready to come back, I was ready to cut my hair and dye it brown to play Theresa again. I said, ‘I’ll do whatever you guys need, I’m so grateful.”
The actress reports that while she was working at DAYS, the other actress was already at the set, but Jen had no idea that she was the Theresa recast. Lilley shared, “Albert said on the replacement, ‘She’s known for three weeks.'” That’s when, Lilley detailed they were going to put the other actress in a wig.
Finding herself in a very awkward situation, Lilley went to the actress and said, “I am so sorry. I just found out, that must be so awkward for you.” Jen also shared to her replacement, how brutal it was for her with GH fans when she was a recast as Maxie Jones.
In the end, Lilley expressed, on the time she received to come back to play Theresa: “I was still super grateful to go back for the two weeks and one day. I am happy that the story of Brady (Eric Martsolf) and Theresa can continue on.” Jen also noted that the door seems to be open for her to return as Theresa down the road.
So, what do you think about DAYS replacing Jen Lilley during upcoming episodes as Theresa? Who do you think will take on the role? Comment below.
I’m disgusted!!
Jen’s portrayal of Theresa was a favorite to watch at least for me.
This show is becoming more and more discombobulated.
I agree…Peacock is ruining the Days that I loved!!!
Peacock has nothing to do with it.
It’s not Peacock that was ruining Days it was Alan Alarrs doing that caused so many issues! Now that he is gone things will be so much better! Peacock has already renewed Days for another 2 years!!
Then FIRE Alan…Or Rather More Reduce To Mopping Floors And Cleaning The Restrooms…
I beg to differ with you. Peacock is doing a fantastic job.
Not Only That…It’s Quite Stupid That We Have To Go To Peacock And Pay To Watch The Show…I’ve Missed Almost 1 Years Of It Now Since The Last Episode Aired On NBC September 9Th/2022…
The choice was likely Peacock or cancellation. For some not willing or able to subscribe to Peacock, it might feel like cancellation anyway.
Peacock IS NBC! They are ruining Days, it would have been the same script, even if they didn’t go to Peacock!!!
Truly it is. Must be Alarr’s fault.
Peacock IS NBC!!! Don’t you remember the colorful Peacock that they use to show, everything I show started on channel 3, which was NBC in Nevada anyway. How people can think that Peacock ruined Days of Our Lives are wrong! The show would have been the same either way. Which is not as bad as people are saying! If you don’t like it, then STOP watching it instead of complaining about it!!!!
It stinks
I am shocked but not shocked at the same time, given what was happening on that set during this time. I think it’s shameful they wanted twelve-weeks and she told them she could not, so they told her they would do those twelve-weeks in a four-week timeframe. And then after two weeks & one day, they told her⏤at her request⏤ they would continue the ten additional weeks without her, despite telling everyone she would do doing the filming within a four-week period of time. It’s insanely unprofessional, especially given she was willing and able to put the time in, and they did not even give her a fair fighting chance.
They likely knew they’d be replacing her whether she returned or not, and we do know (via spoilers) that Emily O’Brien will be finishing the ten additional weeks worth of material (wearing a blonde wig). I am incredibly disappointed in what’s been done. It was poorly handled to all involved.
“We do know via spoilers…”
I’ve seen the spoilers you are referring to, and I’ve only seen them in one place, which is notorious for making up random dragonshit rumors about 99.9% of the time. And if you are familiar with that site, you have probably seen me over there throwing their dumb rumors right back at them.
In either case, ANY recast of Theresa, halfway through a short run, would be ridiculous. Swapping her out for Gwen would be 666 times more so. Sadly not unprecedented though, given the fairly recent example where they wrote out Serial Killer Ben and the next day, brought in Justin Kiriakis’s long lost son, who looked exactly like him. And then proceded to make “Alex” a cartoon character, just so nobody could confuse him with Ben.
Not surprised to read this was Alarr’s doing. Given Days 6 months ahead taping schedule, Hell only knows how many more ways he’s already damaged the show, that we have yet to experience before the shows made without him make it to the screen next January.
I totally agree with you Scott!
They should have kept her I’m the role
Jen is the one and only Theresa !!!!
I agree she is devil hardy harthat she is in a good way!! Jen is the one&ONLY Theresa Donavan!<-right?
I’m not offended at all that you compared Theresa to me, but Jen Lilley might be, as her religious beliefs are well known.
Bad move to recast Jen Lilley!!!!!! Especially when it’s going to be Gwen!!!!!!!
Agree on that
I cannot and will not think of Gwen as Theresa. Uck
I’m not or have ever been a Theresa fan after she tried to kill John – 3 times- and ran Melanie out of town. If it hadn’t been for Melanie,there would be no Tate. Fine way to thank Melanie.
Not cool! There is no one that can replace Jen as Theresa!
Seems like a pretty sh*tty thing to do. Was this just another one of AA’s rotten deeds? One has to wonder.
Still, I’m glad Jen will be back for a while and I hope people are kind to the recast, as it’s not her fault this is happening.
So – Jen comes up with the idea of Theresa coming back, says she can work 4 wks and she’s told the writers came up with 12 wks of material? What? If you weren’t planning on it to begin with, and the actor brings the idea up – how do you hear they are available for 4 wks so lets write 12 wks of story – that just a short while ago, you didn’t even have in the first place?? So stupid in planning and execution.
Jen Lilley brought the idea up to bring Theresa back and never gave a timeline. In response to her idea, they said they had a twelve-week run available and, she told them (via her agent), she was only available for three weeks, given her home life and other obligations. So, she wrote her agent an email to forward to TPTB at Days of Our Lives detailing that she did not want them to recast Theresa, and was willing to come in for four weeks to film whatever they wanted for that time. In response, they decided to bring her in for those four weeks and film the twelve weeks worth of material they said they had. According to Lilley’s telling of the situation, she never outlined how long she would be available when she presented the offer of bringing Theresa back; they assumed it’d be an extended stay like she’s done prior, and then claimed to have twelve weeks worth of material completely done involving Theresa.
After watching Days since the begining, it still disappoints that NBC moved it to Peacock where one needs to PAY to watch it. I have not been able to watch since
It’s the name of the game, unfortunately. Streaming *is* the future of media.
Disgusted hearing this!
Nobody better at playing that role than Jen Lilley…NOBODY! Get your heads out of your rear Days, KEEP JEN!!! The story of Theresa and Brady needs
to have them end up together somehow, and it needs to be Jen Lilley.
I liked Jen Lilly! She should be the one staying.
Keep Jen Lilley As Theresa’s. The shows needs someone like her to make the show more interesting.
Its been getting nothing new, same old thing, people getting a little bored of same story lines,
lasting forever like the devil storyline
I love this Teresa!!! Keep her
Not cool, bad way to treat such a loyal talent. Boo to Alarr
I think it was an unfortunate idea to recast the roll of Theresa with an actress currently on the show – it does not appear to be working.
Alison Sweeney (Sami Brady, Days of our Lives) is jumping head first into the celebrity podcast rage with the launch of hers entitled, Between Takes with Alison Sweeney.
In between her busy schedule of Hallmark Channel movies, features, TV appearances and returns to Days of our Lives, Sweeney will now feature special guests each episode as previewed in her Instagram video clip announcing the new podcast series.
Accompanying her video, Sweeney expressed, “Trying something new! Check out my new podcast. Just fun casual chats with my friends. Links are in my bio.”
Photo: Hallmark
The first episode features former DAYS star and Hallmark Channel mainstay, Victor Webster (ex-Nicholas Alamain). It was back from 1999-2000 that Victor first appeared on the then NBC soap opera.
As previously reported, Sweeney will be reprising her role of Sami on Days of our Lives, next summer in June when she returns along with several fan favorites for a story arc.
During Alison’s premiere of “Between Takes,” Webster shares stories of his time on DAYS, being a proud dog dad, and globetrotter, plus working on action scenes and for Victor, taking over from The Rock in the the Scorpion King franchise appearing in Scorpion King 3: Battle For Redemption. Alison and Victor also chat about their time on sets.
You can listen to Between Takes with Alison Sweeney on all major podcast streaming platforms; including Apple Podcasts here.
So, will you be checking out Alison’s podcast as it continues to grow? Intrigued who from Days of our Lives and the soaps might chat it up with her in future episodes? Let us know in the comment section.
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Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of our Lives’ Fall Preview Reveals Sofia Mattsson as Chloe Lane and New Storyline Twists!
On Monday, November 2 Peacock released Days of our Lives extended fall preview promo that always coincides with the series anniversary where this year it will turn 61 on November 8.
Within it, the long-running soap opera finally revealed that General Hospital alum Sofia Mattsson (ex-Sasha Gilmore) is playing a recast Chloe Lane, when in a sexy moment, nuChloe is seen with Brady (Eric Martsolf) saying, “I’ve missed you so much,” and the two share a passionate kiss!
Since DAYS confirmed Mattsson was hired by the show back in March of this year, up until now who she was playing was kept under wraps, but smart viewers were betting on a Chloe recast, or perhaps a very much alive, Abigail Deveraux.
Photo: JPI
A NEW CHLOE
Back in August of 2026, Nadia Bjorlin confirmed during a livestream interview on the Michael Fairman Channel alongside Kyle Pettis about their new film, Veronica and Julian that she was asked back to Days of our Lives to reprise the role of Chloe. However, she now lives in Ireland with her husband and children, and not in Los Angeles where DAYS tapes all-new episodes.
Bjorlin clarified why she turned down a return, “Logistically, it just didn’t make sense,” as well as it not making sense for her financially given the long distance and the budgets these days with the soaps.
In an emotional moment the actress shared that, “It hurt my heart to have to say no. So, I guess I can confirm that it will not be me playing Chloe if there’s a Chloe that comes back.”
The character of Chloe Lane first came on to the canvas back in 1999 and was played by Bjorlin for various runs up until 2023 when Chloe was once again written off the canvas.
THE STORY OF DOMINIC MARINO
In other stories this fall, front and center in the preview is the arrival of Dominic Marino played by Kyle Pryor who debuted on today’s Monday November 2 episode on Peacock.
Now the twists begin as if he will be proven to be the true biological son of Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall) and Stefano DiMera, with the shocking ending where Marlena’s enemy, Orpheus (George DelHoyo) is back with some intel on the true story of Dominic and more!
Courtesy/Peacock
COMINGS AND GOINGS
Also, things look like they are about to wrap up for Chanel (Raven Bowens) and Johnny (Carson Boatman) as she suggest they leave Salem. We know that Carson Boatman and Raven Bowens have been gone from the show since January of 2026 when they were left go. The timing would seem right that soon they will exit the show.
In addition, lives are on the line this fall as Xander (Paul Telfer) and Sarah (Linsey Godfrey) reunite, only to have him in the middle of more danger, while Leo (Greg Rikaart) is in peril drawing Javi (Jacob Martinez) back into his feelings for his ex. Is this the turning point to reunite the two? Stay tuned.
Take a look at the Days of our Lives Fall Sizzle below and then let us know what you thought of it and if you are happy that Sofia Mattsson is playing Chloe Lane, or were you hoping she would turn out to be playing someone else? Let us know in the comment section below.
The 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards red carpet arrivals featured many a leading man from your favorite soaps, plus the younger stars and veteran actors you’ve come to love.
The gents were definitely about the bowties this year, plus fashion-forward trends, classic suit and tux looks, or sport jacket and no tie. There were a myriad of fashion choices on display from the one thing the soaps are usually known for, ‘hot’ guys.
This year for the first time the red carpet featured the cast of Beyond the Gates who were eligible for Daytime Emmy competition for the first time in their young history, bringing fresh faces and new vibes to the festivities.
LEADING MEN, VETERAN STARS AND NEWCOMERS STRIKE A POSE
Many of this year’s nominees who went on to become eventual winners, previous Emmy winners, and more, took to the carpet to strike a pose for the paparazzi in attendance.
Some of the standout looks came from (pictured above): Steve Burton (Jason Morgan, General Hospital) in traditional black tux with a sheen, Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter Walton, The Bold and the Beautiful), Giovanni Mazza (Gio Palmieri), Jibre Hordges (Jacob Hawthorne, Beyond the Gates) and Michael Graziadei (Daniel Romalotti, The Young and the Restless), all wearing tuxes, suits or sportcoat and trousers with a bowtie, plus now two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Roger Howarth (Matt Clark, The Young and the Restless) who gave us that stellar jacket and more relaxed vibe for the carpet.
Now below, check out the other actors who made an impression with red carpet fashion at the Daytime Emmy Awards this past Friday night.
Photo: NATAS
Days of our Lives and Brilliant Minds alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez), a Daytime Emmy nominee in light green suit.
Photo: NATAS
Beyond the Gates’ Jaden Lucas Miller (Tyrell Richardson) had it put together from head to toe making his first appearance at a Daytime Emmy red carpet.
Photo: NATAS
The icon, Y&R’s Eric Braeden, a nominee this year for Lead Actor for his performances as Victor Newman took to the red carpet alongside his granddaughter, but took a moment to pose solo for the cameras.
Photo: NATAS
Alex Cheeks who plays Donnell McBride on Beyond the Gates took to the carpet in this blue suit with brooch.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Dominic Zamprogna (Dante Falconeri) entering the red carpet from the street stylin’ in blue jacket and white sneakers.
Photo: NATAS
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Harrison Cone (Deke Sharpe) bringing the on-trend fashion to the Emmys, as well as he would as the young fashion designer at Logan!
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Sawandi Wilson (Dr. Isaiah Gannon) in velvet red tuxedo stood out on the red carpet.
Photo: JPI
Last year’s Lead Actor Daytime Emmy winner, Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis, Days of our Lives) returned this year to present several awards on-stage and hit the red carpet in very stylish black kilt.
Photo: NATAS
Days of our Lives’ newest leading man, Kyle Pryor made his debut on the Daytime Emmy red carpet. He premieres tomorrow on the November 2nd episode of the Peacock streaming soap operas as Dominik Marino.
Photo: NATAS
Beyond the Gates star, Sean Freeman (Andre Richardson) always looks super cool. This time in white jacket and packets making a fashion statement on his first Daytime Emmys red carpet.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Crew Morrow (Will Spencer) opted for a jean jacket and black sheen jeans to take to the carpet, but still bringing the swag.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Days of our Lives alum Christopher Sean (Paul Narita), a nominee for Guest Performer in a Daytime Drama Series took to the red carpet in beautiful blue.
So, which men do you think were looking good? Did the actors bring it to the red carpet? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
Roger Howarth Reflects on Daytime Emmy Win, 32-Year Record Gap, and Embracing Matt Clark on ‘The Young and the Restless’ (Exclusive)
Y&R’s Bryton James and Christel Khalil Crossover to ‘Beyond the Gates’ (Sneak Peek)
DAYS Favorite Alison Sweeney Launches New Podcast ‘Between Takes’
‘Days of our Lives’ Fall Preview Reveals Sofia Mattsson as Chloe Lane and New Storyline Twists!
2026 Daytime Emmys Red Carpet: Dashing Duos – Who’s Got the Look? (Photos)
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Winners: ‘General Hospital’ Takes Drama Series, Tamara Tunie and Scott Clifton Top Acting Honors
Who Should Win Outstanding Lead Actor at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards? (Poll)
Could Justin Bruening Join ‘General Hospital’? Set Visit with Wife Alexa Havins Stirs Fan Hopes
Y&R’s Jason Thompson and Mark Grossman Deliver the ‘Power Performances of the Week’
Who Should Win Outstanding Daytime Drama at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards? (Poll)
Y&R’s Bryton James and Christel Khalil Crossover to ‘Beyond the Gates’ (Sneak Peek)
‘Days of our Lives’ Fall Preview Reveals Sofia Mattsson as Chloe Lane and New Storyline Twists!
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Brennan’s Body is Found, Heather Makes Her Reentry into Port Charles
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Heartfelt Speech He Had Planned If He Had Won Lead Actor at the Daytime Emmys
‘General Hospital’ Alum Jeff Kober Accepts His Daytime Emmy Award After Being Unable to Attend the Ceremony
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