The soap opera world is abuzz with speculation and shock. A beloved actress, known for her iconic role on one of the

longest-running daytime dramas, has left the show after over two decades. Fans are reeling, and the news has sent ripples

through the soap opera community, even reaching the cast of “Days of Our Lives.

“Days” Stars React to the Unexpected Departure

“That’s the hard thing about soaps, you get used to being a regular person, and you forget that most actors don’t work this long, this consistently,” Martha Madison, who plays Belle on “Days,” revealed at the “Day of Days” fan event in Los Angeles.

“I think as actors, you have to remember you’re supposed to be unemployed at certain parts.”

Madison, speaking about the sudden departure of a fellow soap opera star, went on to say, “She’s so wildly talented, and I don’t know any of the reasons as to why she’s not on that show anymore, but definitely someone’s gonna scoop her up.

A “Days” Reunion for Kelly Monaco?

Who is this talented actress that has “Days” stars buzzing? It’s none other than Kelly Monaco, who left “General Hospital” after 21 years. Fans have been campaigning for her return to the show, but it seems the “Days” cast is also eager to welcome her to Salem.

“I would love to have her on ‘Days of Our Lives,’” Madison shared. “Her fanbase is tried and true, and any show would be lucky to have them and her!”

“Days” Cast Reflects on Monaco’s Legacy and the Power of Soap Opera Fans

Other “Days” stars also weighed in on Monaco’s departure, acknowledging her immense talent and the passion of her fans.

“I think Kelly’s amazing, and she’s going to go on to another thing,” said Billy Flynn, who plays Chad DiMera on “Days.” “I think when you see these people who are incredible that we’ve lost [off shows], and the outpouring of love that comes with, I think that gives you a testament of what the daytime fans [are] all about.

Susan Hayes, who plays Julie Williams on “Days,” reflected on the powerful connection between soap opera fans and their favorite actors. “You can’t spend so much time following someone that you don’t feel the connection coming through the television set,” Hayes said. “Opportunities to meet the fans live are always very rewarding to the actors.

We’ve never had an interface with the fans that didn’t send us back to the studio a little jazzed up like, ‘I’m not alone in a room. I got a million people that care as much as I do.’ It’s a great affirmation.”

The Power of Soap Opera Fandom: “Days” Stars Acknowledge the Connection with Fans

Several “Days” stars mentioned the unique bond between soap opera actors and their viewers, particularly in light of Monaco’s departure.

Judi Evans, who plays Adrienne Kiriakis on “Days,” acknowledged the passionate response from fans to Monaco’s exit.

“If a character goes that so many people love and cherish, it’s almost unfathomable to [fans],” Evans said. “That’s the good thing about Salem. You never really die.”

Wally Kurth, who plays Justin Kiriakis on “Days,” shared a story about the passionate fan reaction to Monaco’s departure, highlighting the power of soap opera fandom.

“She was there for 20-something years,” Kurth said. “I work at GH sometimes too, and I drove into the studio and there was a sign with LCD lights that said, ‘Kelly Monaco, bring her back,’ and it was like outside our studio, just flashing lights for like a week, and that was from fans.

A Look Ahead: “Days” Celebrates Season 60

While the “Days” cast acknowledged the impact of Monaco’s departure on the “General Hospital” family, they also celebrated the start of their own milestone season 60. New episodes of “Days of Our Lives” stream weekday mornings on Peacock.