Fans of NBC's Days of our Lives have been taken on quite a casting roller coaster in recent months, and the dramatic ride has just taken another startling turn: Kate Mansi is exiting the role of Abigail Deveraux.
Mansi took to Instagram to confirm her exit from the NBC soap after news of her departure leaked earlier in the week.
"I've kept quiet as long as I could, but since it seems news has leaked, I feel I owe it to you all to set the record straight. Alright... here it is: After much thought, I've decided the timing was right for me to set sail from Salem," Mansi shared. "I must say that I have thoroughly enjoyed every single beautiful and messy moment of being Abigail, and will always treasure our time together. I want to be very clear in saying that this was not a decision I took lightly. It was important for me to see Abigail through the most recent storyline, as well as through the show's historic 50th anniversary celebration. I can confidently say that I poured everything I had into Abigail, especially this last year, and cannot wait for you to see what's coming! I also want to express how very proud I am to have had the privilege of being a part of this incredibly hard-working daytime community for the past five years. I am grateful beyond measure to the DOOL family, which I feel extends beyond our set, to you, the amazing, and unwavering fans. I thank you for all the support and love you've shown Abigail and me. Oh -- and one more thing... STA?Y TUNED!?? I PROMISE you, you won't want to miss what's coming?!?
Over the past several months, Abigail has seen her fair share of drama. First, she was held hostage by her serial killer boyfriend, Ben (Robert Scott Wilson), and this week she faces Chad (Billy Flynn) with the emotional reveal that her son, Thomas, belongs to him.
So how will Mansi's upcoming exit impact the lovers' story? It looks like fans will have to wait and find out, as a DAYS rep was unavailable for comment regarding the status of the actress. There have been reports that Mansi, who took on the role of Jennifer's (Melissa Reeves) daughter in 2011, will be replaced by another actress who previously appeared on DAYS.
Mansi has already finished taping her last scenes and, due to DAYS' production schedule, will depart the canvas in May.
What do you think about Mansi leaving DAYS? How do you think her story will play out in the months ahead? We want to hear from you -- so drop your comments in the Comments section below, tweet about it on Twitter, share it on Facebook, or chat about it on our Message Boards.
