🚨 Salem is buzzing — and not just because of the latest love triangle or secret paternity twist. The rumor mill is in overdrive, and Days of Our Lives fans are holding their breath. Could it be true? Has Mary Beth Evans, the beloved actress behind Dr. Kayla Brady, officially said her goodbyes to the show after nearly four decades?

Today on TV Days Drama Digest, we’re diving headfirst into the speculation that has rocked the soap opera community: Is this really the end of the road for Kayla Brady?

For loyal Days fans, the name Mary Beth Evans is synonymous with legacy. Since joining the show in 1986, Evans has portrayed Kayla with an unmatched emotional depth, bringing to life a woman who is as nurturing as she is strong, as vulnerable as she is courageous. Whether saving lives in the halls of Salem’s hospital or surviving some of daytime’s wildest storylines, Kayla has become a pillar of the show — and of soap opera history.

Her on-screen chemistry with Stephen Nichols (aka Steve “Patch” Johnson) made the duo a daytime supercouple, their rollercoaster romance keeping fans glued to their screens across generations. Together, they’ve survived kidnappings, comas, and international espionage, but this latest twist might be the most emotional one yet — because it’s happening off-screen.

🔥 The Rumor That Started It All

Whispers began after news broke that Mary Beth Evans had landed a major role in the upcoming Prime Video thriller series Countdown, a gritty 13-episode crime drama set to debut on June 25, 2025. The news spread like wildfire across fan forums, social media, and soap-focused publications — prompting one burning question: Does this mean Mary Beth Evans is leaving Days of our Lives for good?

Let’s break it down.

Countdown is already being hailed as one of 2025’s must-watch dramas. Produced by Amazon MGM Studios, the show stars Jensen Ackles (of Supernatural and The Boys fame) as Mark Meechum, a morally gray figure navigating a web of criminal conspiracies and personal demons. And guess who’s been cast in a key supporting role? That’s right — Mary Beth Evans.

Though the full details of her character remain a mystery, early reports suggest Evans may be playing the mother of one of the lead characters — perhaps even Meechum’s mother — a role that would put her at the emotional center of the series. It’s a far cry from the world of soap stethoscopes and hospital drama, and it marks a major pivot into high-stakes, prestige storytelling.

The Casting Shockwaves

For fans of Days of our Lives, Evans’ casting in Countdown sparked both excitement and dread. On one hand, this is an incredible opportunity for Evans to showcase her talent to a global streaming audience. On the other? The terrifying possibility that she might be walking away from the role that made her a household name.

While no official statement has confirmed her departure from DOOL, the timing has fans nervous. Is this simply a side project? Or is Evans turning the page for good?

Industry insiders point out that many soap actors take on outside roles thanks to the flexible filming schedule of daytime television. It’s entirely possible that Evans filmed her Countdown scenes during a hiatus or break from Days, and may continue to juggle both. But given the prestige and commitment likely required by Countdown, others fear this could mark the beginning of a permanent shift away from Salem.

🧠 What We Know About Countdown

• Premiere Date: June 25, 2025
• Platform: Prime Video
• Format: 13 episodes, with the first 3 dropping at launch
• Genre: Crime thriller with intense emotional depth and character-driven storytelling
• Cast:
  • Jensen Ackles
  • Jessica Camacho (The Flash)
  • Eric Dane (Grey’s Anatomy)
  • Violet Beane (The Flash)
  • Elliot Knight (The Equalizer)
  • Uli Latukefu (Young Rock)
  • Merrick McCartha (The Rookie)
  • And, of course, Mary Beth Evans

With such a high-profile cast, the show is expected to be one of the biggest streaming hits of the summer. Evans’ inclusion has already gained attention outside the soap community, and many Prime Video fans are excited to see her shine in a brand-new light.

💬 Fan Reactions: Torn Between Pride and Panic

The online fanbase is split. On one side, longtime Days viewers are devastated at the thought of Kayla Brady leaving Salem — and possibly Steve Johnson behind. One fan on X (formerly Twitter) wrote:

“Mary Beth Evans in a Prime Video thriller? YES! But please don’t leave Days. We NEED Kayla!”

Others are thrilled to see her talent recognized on a bigger stage:

“She’s a legend! About time the rest of the world sees what we’ve known for years.”

Even Countdown fans who may not follow Days are eager to see what Evans brings to the series, particularly if she shares scenes with Jensen Ackles. Some speculate that her role could be emotionally pivotal — the kind of part that earns awards buzz.

🎭 A Legacy Worth Celebrating

Whether or not Evans leaves Days, her impact on the soap world is undeniable. With a career spanning four decades, she’s proven time and again that she can handle everything from quiet emotional scenes to full-blown soap showdowns. In 2015, she won a Daytime Emmy for her role — and she’s remained one of the most respected actresses in daytime television.

Her move to Countdown isn’t just a career decision — it’s a statement. A declaration that daytime actors are every bit as skilled and versatile as their prime-time counterparts. And Evans is leading that charge.

🕰️ What’s Next for Kayla Brady?

As of now, Days of Our Lives has remained tight-lipped. There’s been no exit storyline for Kayla, no farewell tour, no ominous illness or kidnapping that typically precedes a character’s departure. Could this mean that Evans is only stepping away temporarily? Or is a dramatic send-off being written in secret?

Let’s not forget — Days loves a twist. If Kayla does leave Salem, it likely won’t be in a quiet or forgettable way. Expect emotion. Expect tears. Expect Steve and Kayla to share one last, unforgettable goodbye — if it comes to that.

But for now, we wait. The show must go on — and fans are watching every move with bated breath.

📅 Mark Your Calendars

Countdown premieres June 25, 2025. Whether or not you’re a Days loyalist, this series is shaping up to be a must-watch — and Evans is undoubtedly going to shine.

❤️‍🔥 Until then, keep your eyes on Salem. The sands may be shifting — and if Mary Beth Evans is leaving, you can bet her final scenes will be the stuff of soap legend.

Let us know in the comments:

• Are you excited for Countdown?
• Do you think Mary Beth Evans will leave Days for good?
• Who should take over the Brady family if Kayla leaves?

Stay tuned to TV Days Drama Digest for all the latest spoilers, casting news, and emotional exits. And don’t forget — as the hourglass turns, so do the rumors… ⏳✨