KRISTIAN ALFONSO OFF DAYS!

DAYS has announced plans to return to production on September 1, but one star who will no longer be a part of its cast is Kristian Alfonso (Hope). The actress, who joined the show in 1983 and catapulted to soap super-stardom, revealed that she has already filmed her last episode.

“DAYS OF OUR LIVES has been a vital part of both my personal and professional journey,” she began in a statement. “I am forever grateful to NBC and the late [Executive Producer] Betty Corday, who took a chance on me many years ago and changed my life. I have built some lifelong friendships with my extraordinarily talented castmates. DAYS has one of the hardest working crews in all of television, many of whom have become part of my extended family. I feel blessed and honored to have been invited into people’s homes for over three decades. However, it is now time for me to write my next chapter. I will not be returning to DAYS when it resumes production in September. I’ve already filmed my last episode several months ago. Finally — to the incredibly loyal fans of DAYS many of you have been with me on this journey from the beginning. I cannot thank you enough for your generosity, love and support. I could not have done it without YOU!!!”

After the announcement broke online, stars flocked to her Instagram page to leave their well-wishes. Here’s what they had to say:

Alison Sweeney (Sami): “So much love and respect for you @kristianalfonso!”

Freddie Smith (Sonny): “It was an absolute pleasure to share the stage with you @kristianalfonso - your professionalism, talent and work ethic has inspired me so much!