Exclusive! Jen Lilley Previews Theresa’s Return To Days of Our Lives

Jen Lilley’s return as Theresa on Days of Our Lives (DOOL) isn’t happening until May, but it’s going to be worth the wait!

As viewers recall, Theresa selflessly left Salem with drug lord Mateo (Andoni Gracia) to save the lives of Brady (Eric Martsolf) and little Tate.

The actress can’t give away specifics of her return, but she does say that Theresa doing a noble thing is going to be honored and remembered and possibly revealed!

“When I left the show I said there are no ‘goodbyes’ in daytime,” Lilley tells Soap Hub. “I was always open to coming back.”

What was important to the actress was that the show’s new writing team pick up where Theresa had left off.

“I have a history with Ron Carlivati [DAYS’ top scribe, who was head writer on General Hospital when Lilley played Maxie]. I was able to chat with him on the phone and, because he knows I’m trustworthy, he asked me how much of the story I wanted to know. I said I want every detail!”

DAYS viewers recall that Theresa has an unlikely ally in Salem who knows exactly why she broke Brady’s heart — Victor.

“Victor and Theresa always hated each other, but they had this amazing exit scene,” Lilley says. “Victor said something to Theresa in Greek. She asked what it meant. He said, ‘Come back to us.’ It was brilliant.”

Theresa’s exit story not only took its toll on Brady and Theresa’s relationship but also on Lilley’s voice due to the high stakes.

“I was in vocal rehab for six months,” Lilley says. “I had to put my album on hold for a year.”

The unlikely Eve/Brady pairing will make Theresa’s return even more powerful. “Ron said that’s why he put them together because [he was hoping] I would come back to the show.”

As for working with her co-stars once more, Lilley raves, “Kassie [DePaiva, Eve] and Eric are two of my favorite people on the planet and are also, dare I say it, even better co-stars. They are powerhouse performers.

“When I act with them it’s so easy for me to cry. I stayed in touch with them while I was not on the show. We’re friends both on and off set.”

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