Shocking ‘Days of Our Lives’ Casting Shakeup: Prepare to be Mind-Blown!

Jen Lilley. Archuleta/Getty Images

Jen Lilley, a longtime star on Days of Our Lives, was taken aback by the unexpected casting change, and fans are in shock over the choice of her replacement. In the credits of Peacock's Monday, October 2, episode of the soap opera, it was revealed that Emily O'Brien would be assuming the role of Theresa Donovan for the rest of the season.

Dedicated viewers are already familiar with O'Brien, aged 38, who has been playing the role of Gwen Rizczech (now von Leuschner) on Days since 2020. On the other hand, Lilley, aged 39, has been intermittently portraying Theresa since 2013.

In August, Lilley expressed her dissatisfaction with the way the recasting was handled, stating, "From top to bottom, it was mishandled. I found out I had been recast while on set, and it left everyone feeling deceived and angry."

Lilley, who made her last appearance on the soap opera in 2018, described the experience as "terrible," stating that she contacted former co-executive producer Albert Alarr to discuss returning to the show this season. (Alarr has since been dismissed following a separate internal investigation into allegations of misconduct, which lasted for nine weeks.)

According to Lilley, she proposed bringing her character Theresa back to Days for the funeral of Victor Kiriakis (portrayed by the late John Aniston). Lilley negotiated a deal to film 12 weeks' worth of scenes in just four weeks. However, while filming, she began to realize that something was not right.

Lilley claimed to have had a conversation with Alarr, 67, where she expressed her concern about not receiving the scripts for the tasks mentioned by Alarr. She mentioned that she only had one more script for Monday, and her time on set was limited to two weeks.

Reportedly, Alarr responded by reassuring Lilley that Theresa would still be responsible for those tasks but with a different person playing the role. Lilley recalled being informed by Alarr that O'Brien would be taking over the scenes, and they planned to transform her into the iconic character by having her wear a wig.

Emily O’Brien. Chris Haston/NBC

Lilley admitted to Soaps.com that she strongly believed that the network was not being truthful when they claimed to have created a 12-week storyline for her. She mentioned that O’Brien's casting as Theresa only served to confirm her doubts, as she was prepared to shoot all 12 weeks of scenes within her available four weeks.

Despite feeling disappointed about the change, Lilley clarified that she holds no ill will towards O’Brien.

"That poor girl had to endure conversations with me on set, knowing she was going to replace me. How terrible she must have felt!" Lilley expressed to the outlet.

Reflecting on her time as Theresa a month later, the actress from The Christmas Waltz shared, "It was the last week of me bringing this character's antics to life on screen. Portraying Jeanne Theresa Donovan on and off for the past decade has taught me a great deal about empathy and grace," Lilley posted on Instagram on September 19. "I have cherished every moment of her witty sass and fierce determination, complemented by her vulnerability. To the cast and crew at @dayspeacock, you will always hold a special place in my heart. You are my family."

She concluded, "To the most amazing fans a girl could ever ask for, please always remember that no matter how dark the situation may seem, God's love will always find you. There is no point of despair where you cannot be reached by His love. You are never beyond redemption. You are chosen by grace and cherished with love. Thank you for your unwavering support throughout this incredible ten-year journey. #Days #RIPJohnAniston #ripvictorkiriakis #DOOL."