CONFIRMED: Stephen Nichols OFF Days of Our Lives!

The long-held rumors have finally been confirmed: Stephen Nichols is hanging up his patch and leaving Days of Our Lives (DOOL).

We’ve seen speculation on social media for weeks now that Nichols, who first stepped foot in Salem 33 years ago, was on his way out.

Soap Hub addressed this previously, but now published reports confirm the news and say Nichols stopped filming in April after contract negotiations broke down. He will keep airing into the fall, thanks to the advanced taping schedule of the show.

His walking away from negotiations apparently surprised the show, who had already planned more story for Steve and Kayla (Mary Beth Evans).

This caused the show to have to juggle some things around to explain his character’s absence from the canvas.

Nichols returned back in 2015 after having left the show the previous time back in 2009. During his time away from DAYS, the actor created some other memorable soap roles.

On General Hospital, he portrayed Stefan Casssadine, uncle to Nikols (played by current DAYS co-star Tyler Christopher), from 1997-2003. On The Young and the Restless, he took over the role of Tucker McCall from 2010-2013. The time could be ripe for a return to either of those shows.

While fans will be devastated to lose one of half of the most enduring supercouples ever to hit Salem, the show is reportedly leaving the door open for a return, which is certainly welcomed news.

It will be interesting to see how the show addresses it and how his leaving will affect wife Kayla and son, Tripp (Lucas Adams).

Days of our Lives (DOOL) airs weekdays on NBC. Check your local listings for airtimes.