EXCLUSIVE: Stephen Nichols On The REAL Reason He Left DAYS…And Why He May Be Back

Fan favorite Stephen Nichols is set to air for the last time on Days of Our Lives next week. According to published reports, the actor’s absence will be explained when Steve is arrested off-camera.

Now, the Emmy-nominated actor shares exclusively with Soap Hub his thoughts on his Salem exit and addresses the possibility of his return!

Nichols says that the outpouring of support on social media from Steve and Kayla (Mary Beth Evans) fans have meant the world to him.

“These wonderful souls mean to so much to me, and yes, particularly at this time,” Nichols tells Soap Hub. “There is a core group of Steve and Kayla fans whom I consider friends. These special people — men and women, young and old — some of whom have been with us since the very beginning, are the heart of our support system.”

Nichols said these fans go above and beyond when it comes to loyalty.

“They fight for us, inspire us and give us very astute feedback,” he says. “They create beautiful video montages from the very early days in 1985 to the present, start petitions, attend events, and gather in side groups (like the S&K Twitter Group)… all to share in the love of these characters. Mary Beth’s and my fans are the absolute best and I am so grateful to them.”

The actor says he wants these viewers to know how much they mean to him.

“You have followed and supported me, throughout my many daytime journeys,” says the actor, who has also appeared on General Hospital as Stefan and on The Young and the Restless as Tucker. “You have been loyal through my entire career, and I thank you so much. Know that I am reaching out from my heart and hugging you all at once.”

Nichols also addresses the misconceptions that may be out there over what led to his exit and reveals whether or not he’ll be back.

“When, my contract was up and a new offer was made, it was clear that …continue reading on the next page —>

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“When my contract was up and a new offer was made, it was clear that support for our characters had waned,” he tells Soap Hub.

“I was disappointed and tried to negotiate, to no avail, and when I did agree to their deal they told my representation that the writers had already written me out, but that ‘Steve is an iconic character and we don’t want to lose Stephen. He will be back, probably in four to twelve weeks. We hope sooner rather than later.’

“So I decided to cool my heels and not make any statements. We’re coming up on 20 weeks now and no word.

“This last return in 2015 was such a thrill and so rewarding for me, and I know for Mary Beth as well,” he says.

“We love going to work and having rich material to dig into. I liked feeling like we were a part of the engine of the show. That has not been the case this past year, but I recommitted again and again. That is our job, after all.

“I have given my heart and soul to Days of Our Lives, and when you have a 30 plus year relationship with a company, it does feel very personal. That’s something I have been grappling with; it’s not a good feeling.”

Nonetheless, there is hope that Nichols will be back in Salem at some point.

“I have the utmost respect for the difficult work that goes into making Days of Our Lives,” he concludes. ” I love and respect my peers, the directors, and the crew. You have no idea how I miss you all.”

Do you want to see Nichols back on DAYS? Sound off in the comments section below!

Days of Our Lives airs weekdays on NBC. Check local listings for airtimes.