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.

Another talk show is on its way back and finally set to kick off its fifth season. The Daytime Emmy Award-winning Kelly Clarkson Show will return on Monday October 16th.

Clarkson’s talker becomes the latest to return following the resolutions of the writers strike.  In order, Sherri returned in September, with The Jennifer Hudson Show back on October 2nd and the highly-anticipated season debut of CBS’ The Talk, this coming Monday October 9th.

In an update, The Drew Barrymore Show is also returning on the same date as Clarkson on October 16th. The premiere was just revealed. As of earlier on Wednesday, Barrymore had not announced a season debut date, following the massive pushback she received for her original stance to restart production ahead of the ending of the writers strike.

Photo: CBS

Season 5 of The Kelly Clarkson Show makes its debut in New York City after four seasons in Los Angeles.

The series will start-up taping on October 10th from NBC Studios, shooting in 30 Rock in Studio 6A, which is the former home to Late Night which featured multiple hosts over the years including: David Letterman, Conan O’Brien and Jimmy Fallon.

In a statement, Kelly shared on the new season: “I’m so excited to start our fifth season at the iconic 30 Rock. There is such a unique energy and creative spirit that comes with filming in New York City. Y’all ready?”

Photo: NBCUniversal

Alex Duda, the talk show’s executive producer, teased: “We can’t wait to welcome a vibrant audience to join us in studio. There will be lots of surprises and plenty of giveaways. Kellyoke fans can expect to see Kelly and her band perform impromptu duets with our 30 Rock neighbors and talent from Broadway, plus more Songs & Stories episodes with artists such as P!nk, Garth Brooks and Chris Martin. We’ll also do our signature Good Neighbor segment, highlighting everyday people doing extraordinary things in their communities.”

Check out the season 5 premiere promo for Kelly’s new season below.

Now let us know, are you happy that all-new episodes of The Kelly Clarkson Show are on the way? Intrigued that the show is coming your way via the Big Apple instead of Los Angeles? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

It’s just the second episode of the season, and Covid strikes again! On tonight’s all-new Dancing with the Stars (8 pm ET, ABC), The Bachelorette‘s Charity Lawson will team with substitute dance troupe partner, Ezra Sousa.

Lawson’s full-time dance pro, Artem Chigvintsev, is out this week due to Covid. Coming into tonight’s competition, Charity and Artem were at the top of the leaderboard after night one of the competition, scoring 22 out of 30.

On the show’s official Instagram account, they shared: “Artem will not be dancing tonight due to COVID. Wishing him a quick recovery! ❤️ Charity will perform with Ezra for #LatinNight. #DWTS”

Since the outbreaks of Covid-19, Dancing with the Stars had been hard hit with cases revealed both during the 2021 and 2022 season.

Former Dancing with the Stars pro standout, Cheryl Burke, and her then celebrity partner Cody Rigsby, had both tested positive and even had to perform one of their numbers via zoom and from separate locations to remain in the competition.

Artem is married to former WWE wrestler and diva, Nikki Bella. However, both Nikki and her sister Brie, are know going under the last name of Garcia.

Courtesy/ABC

The dance pro and Garcia first met when they were paired together during season 25 and the 2017 season of Dancing with the Stars.  They later went on to marry in 2022.

So, what do you think of Charity’s chances to remain atop of the leaderboard on tonight’s Dancing with the Stars with Artem out and Ezra standing in for him? Comment below.