Days of Our Lives fans have been buzzing for some time now about the possibility that Kate Mansi was set to leave the role of Abigail Deveraux. Rumors have been swirling, but the actress has not addressed the talk. Now, however, reports indicate that Mansi is indeed leaving the show, and has wrapped filming her scenes.
The rumors about Kate Mansi’s Days of Our Lives departure have been gathering steam for a few months now, and this week, Serial Scoop confirmed that Mansi’s exit is in the works . In fact, the site indicates that Kate has already filmed her last scenes. While her final air date is not yet known, it sounds as if it will likely be mid-May or early June.
The character of Abigail Deveraux has been central to the show for months now, and there are still big things ahead for her. Viewers have not been happy with the current brainwashing storyline, but actor Billy Flynn teased that “Chabby” fans just needed to hang tight, and they would be pleased with what was coming.
Abby has now told Chad that Thomas is his baby, and while he was initially in disbelief, Days of Our Lives spoilers have teased that he quickly comes around and this will pave the way for the two to happily reunite. In fact, We Love Soaps teases that Chad will lie to Andre and Stefano on Thursday’s show. The buzz is that Chad and Abby will soon be getting engaged, squashing Andre’s determined plan to use Chad to ultimately find Sami and the DiMera fortune.
Just as “Chabby” fans were celebrating the news that Chad and Abby would get back together, and seemingly even get married, comes the apparent confirmation of Mansi’s exit. While some have been concerned that Kate may have been the latest cut as Days of Our Lives trims the cast, the word is that she is the one who decided to leave.
Of course, many now wonder what happens to the role of Abigail Deveraux. Will she just leave town, will the role be recast, or will Abby be killed? Some DOOL fans have been worrying about Abby’s fate since it was revealed that Matthew Ashford would be back on the show as Jack Deveraux for just a handful of episodes this spring.
Ashford’s return definitely could be tied to Mansi’s exit as Abby, though the show has not revealed anything of that nature yet. On the other hand, as We Love Soaps points out, there are some signs that indicate that a recast could be coming .
Abigail reveals her big secret. Do we foresee a #Chabby reunion on #DAYS ? https://t.co/ewlpSUEl0e pic.twitter.com/hBhtKjg2dG
— Days of our Lives (@DaysPeacock) January 5, 2016
Days of Our Lives has been looking for a new actress to add to the cast, to supposedly play the role of a 25-year-old woman named Val. The casting call went out in November, and that timing definitely could be seen as working with Mansi’s apparent exit.
Val is described as being someone who seems to have it all, but she is also vulnerable, fragile, sensitive, intelligent and passionate. While the description indicates that Val will blow into town in something of a whirlwind, many think that the actress the show is seeking could ultimately be sought as a replacement for Mansi.
Many actresses have played the role of Abigail Deveraux over the years, and some DOOL fans are even buzzing about trying to get Ashley Benson back into the role. Benson started in the role in November, 2004, and left in June, 2007.
Abigail & Jack at Chloe & Brady’s Wedding. #FatherDaughterDance @AshBenzo @matthew_ashford . #Days (2005) pic.twitter.com/FfFIJXT7Nx
— Pam (@pamhagy) August 17, 2014
While many would love to see Days of Our Lives lure Benson back to the role, she has been keeping pretty busy on Pretty Little Liars in the role of Hanna Marin. So, it seems that the show will need to look elsewhere if they are planning to recast.
What do you think the show should do with the character of Abigail Deveraux in the wake of Kate Mansi’s departure? Stay tuned for more Days of Our Lives spoilers as Abby’s storyline moves forward and details emerge about what comes next for the character.
[Photo by Paul Zimmerman/Getty Images]