A leading lady’s sudden departure is always huge daytime news. Future storyline plans are turned upside down. Fans are in a frenzy and justifiably upset. Major decisions need to be made about the character’s fate. That’s why Days of our Lives faces a big dilemma with Arianne Zucker’s exit as Nicole Walker.
Miss Popularity
Zucker has emerged as a major player on the show’s cast since premiering as Nicole in 1998. Over the years, her character has transformed from a gold-digging manipulator into a beloved heroine who’s constantly at the center of and driving major plots. Suddenly removing a character of her magnitude and importance from the canvas, either by killing or writing her off, would be jolting and disheartening to fans, who have loved and watched her for over two decades. And it would leave a huge void on the show.
The Talent Factor
Of course, there’s another option: recasting. But it won’t be easy. Zucker’s a consummate actress. She’s received five Daytime Emmy nominations for her portrayal of Nicole Walker. Plus, she’s become synonymous with the character after 25 years of playing her. Fans won’t likely take kindly to switch given their allegiance to and affection for Zucker.
DAYS has had good luck with recasting before. Marci Miller effortlessly stepped in as Abigail Deveraux after Kate Mansi left the show, and Billy Flynn totally made Chad DiMera his own after replacing Casey Deidrick. However, those success stories are few and far between.
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Chemistry 101
Arianne Zucker also finds herself at the center of two popular couples, each with its own rooting factor. There’s a big group of fans who adore her pairing with Dan Feuerriegel and the freshness and solidity of Nicole and EJ’s current relationship. Yet, there’s another group of fans who continue to pull for Nicole’s reunion with her first love, Eric, and feel nothing compares to Zucker’s connection with Greg Vaughan.
Would a new actress have the same chemistry with both actors? It’s highly doubtful. Hence, it would take something significant away from each coupling.
Bad Timing
The timing of Zucker’s exit is off for the above reasons and more, including the fact that the soap recently brought in Ashley Puzemis to play her teenage daughter, Holly. Their mother-daughter bond has been phenomenal. Imagining that suddenly disappearing is another big letdown.
What About Jude?
One thing DAYS viewers should be grateful for is that Zucker has already filmed the scenes where Nicole is finally reunited with Jude, the son she was led to believe had died, and that Sloan (Jessica Serfaty) and Eric adopted. So that long-awaited payoff moment will feature Zucker crying Nicole’s tears of happiness when she finds out her baby boy is alive and holds him in her arms again. As to what happens to Nicole after that, only time will tell.
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