It's the end of days! Days of Our Lives actress Kate Mansi is leaving the NBC soap opera, she announced in an Instagram post on Wednesday, January 6.
The 28-year-old actress, whose final episode will air in May, has played Abigail Deveraux on the long-running daytime series since 2011. The character was first played as babies in October 1992 by twins Meghan and Michael Nelson, with twins Paige and Ryanne Kettner taking over in December 1994. Megan Coletto started playing Abigail in January 2001, Jillian Clare took over in August 2003, and Pretty Little Liars star Ashley Benson inhabited the role from November 2004 to May 2007.
In her Instagram post, Mansi said she had tried to keep the news quiet but decided to go public after rumors had begun to spread about her departure.
"After much thought, I’ve decided the timing was right for me to set sail from Salem," Mansi wrote. "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," she continued. "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’ve kept quiet as long as I could, but since it seems news has leaked, I feel I owe it to you… https://t.co/H7tmFx8Epq
— Kate Mansi (@KateMansi) January 6, 2016
NBC declined to comment on whether the role would again be recast.
Days of Our Lives airs weekdays on NBC.
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