— Kate Mansi confirmed on Instagram that she is leaving the role as Abigail Deveraux on Days of our Lives.
“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 through, I’ve decided the timing was right for me to set sail from Salem. 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 part of this incredibly hard-working daytime community for the past five years. I am grateful behind measure to the DOOL family, which I feel extends beyond our set, to you, the amazing, and unwavering fans. I thank you all for the support and love you’ve shown Abigail and me. Oh, and one more thing… STAY TUNED! I promise you, you won’t want to miss what’s coming! XO KM”
Serial Scoop first announced the news of Mansi’s exit on Monday after teasing it earlier as a blind item. The actress assumed the role in March 2011. Pretty Little Liars star Ashley Benson portrayed the role from 2004-2007. While Mansi has finished taping, look for the actress to continue appearing onscreen until May. Could Mansi’s exit be the story that bring back Matthew Ashford (Jack) to the show for a limited run?
— Look for Jason Thompson to make his debut as Billy Abbott on The Young and the Restless next week! The actor takes over the role on the episode airing Tuesday, Jan. 12 in Canada (airs on Jan. 13 in the U.S.). As for his General Hospital character, Patrick will re-marry Robin (Kimberly McCullough) this week and the supercouple will leave Port Charles for California by the end of the week along with their daughter Emma (Brooklyn Rae Silzer). Both McCullough and Silzer could pop back up on the show from time to time as Robin and Emma would visit Anna (Finola Hughes).
— The Bold and the Beautiful’s Heather Tom (Katie) made her directorial debut by directing the soap’s Jan. 5th episode.
— Coming up next week on Days of our Lives: Chad (Billy Flynn) proposes to Abigail (Kate Mansi). Nicole (Arianne Zucker) angrily rips into Eric (Greg Vaughan), blaming him for Daniel’s (Shawn Christian) death. Steve (Stephen Nichols) is stunned when Ava (Tamara Braun) reveals the story behind the baby pictures. Melanie (Molly Burnett) returns on Wednesday, Jan. 13 to help plan her father’s funeral. Eric is wracked with guilt over his actions. Eric and Brady (Eric Martsolf) have an intense confrontation the following day.
— Coming up next week on The Bold and the Beautiful: Zende (Rome Flynn) finds success as a fashion photographer thanks to a new muse. Liam (Scott Clifton) makes a decision about his future with Steffy (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood). Sasha (Felisha Cooper) receives a job offer from Rick (Jacob Young) at Forrester Creations. Brooke (Katherine Kelly Lang) sets boundaries for herself while working with Bill (Don Diamont) at Spencer Publications.
— Coming up next week on General Hospital: Liz (Rebecca Herbst) and Jason (Billy Miller) realize that someone is trying to scare them. Maxie (Kirsten Storms) is concerned about Lulu’s (Emme Rylan) visitor. Nikolas (Tyler Christopher) plans something romantic for Hayden (Rebecca Budig). Anna (FInola Hughes) confesses to Jordan (Vinessa Antoine) that she believes Paul (Richard Burgi) is responsible for covering up Carlos’ (Jeffrey Vincent Parise) “death.” Anna looks to Robert (Tristan Rogers) for help. Johnny’s (Brandon Barash) plan for Valerie (Brytni Sarpy) puts her life in jeopardy.
