Arianne Zucker On Her Soap Opera Exit: I Didn’t Realize How Important Nicole Was To Fans

Arianne Zucker is no longer filming Days Of Our Lives, but the character of Nicole Walker will still be seen for a few more months. In the latest issue of Soap Opera Digest, the actress talks about leaving the NBC series. She admits that she had no idea that her character was so important to viewers. Also, find out what other projects she has lined up.

Once news hit that Zucker was leaving the soap opera, fans were upset. Arianne knew viewers might be shocked, but never anticipated them being so vocal.

“I didn’t realize how important this character was to people. I really didn’t. I go to work and then I go home and be mom and do that whole thing. I guess as someone in somewhat of the limelight, you go, ‘I know I have a responsibility toward fans and bringing the story to touch people’s lives.’ But I don’t think I really realized it until I started reading some of how the fans felt, how important Nicole was in telling those certain stories.”

Since then, Zucker is aware of how important the characters she plays are to fans and that the stories really do affect people. She talked about how she hopes to inspire people because she has had so much inspiration in her own life.

Between her last interview and now, Arianne has filmed two movies and done a thriller. One is called Lost Girls and another is titled Eyewitness, both of which are Lifetime movies. The thriller is named We Still Say Grace. The actress was not sure where it was going to be released, but described it as more of a Sundance type of film.

Even though fans would love for Nicole to stay in Salem, it just is not happening. Not once has she regretted her decision or had second thoughts about leaving. To put it simply, it was just time to go and do other things.

Aloha! Last day at work! Making it colorful! @Ali_Sweeney @galengering @ChandlerMassey pic.twitter.com/E3mNM0ioKV

— Arianne Zucker (@Ari_Zucker) June 14, 2017

For Days Of Our Lives fans wanting to know how Nicole’s story ends, she couldn’t reveal too much information. However, Zucker did give a few clues.

“I think the whole process of where Nicole’s going, getting her baby back, there is some wonderful story that is told with some characters that I know fans have been wanting to see. It’s painful, but what I like about the story is that it’s a little more real. I know that Days can be kinda ‘out there’ sometimes, but I like the fact that the story has some history to it and hopefully, the fans will like that, too.”

Regarding filming her final DOOL scenes, Arianne Zucker said it was emotional. She tried hard not to cry and talked about the wonderful relationships she has with the cast and crew. However, the actress was not the one getting emotional. She said everyone else was too when it was time to say goodbye.

As for if she will ever return to Days Of Our Lives as Nicole Walker, the actress said yes. However, she does not want to be on a contract and that was “the biggest thing.”

What do you think of what Arianne Zucker said about leaving the NBC soap opera?

[Featured Image by Earl Gibson III/Getty Images]