What Cherie Jimenez Really Thinks About Brandon Barash Leaving Days of Our Lives

Stefan and Gabi’s marriage ended on Days of Our Lives because his mother Vivian and her henchman Ivan kidnapped him and made it look like he wanted to divorce Gabi and leave Salem. Cherie Jimenez, who took over the part of Gabi in June, was blindsided by the abrupt ending of their relationship. The actress took some time to discuss their heartbreaking split both on-screen and in real life.

A Heartbreaking Farewell

Jimenez was disappointed when the romance between Stefan (Brandon Barash) and Gabi abruptly ended when Barash left the show. “We didn’t get a chance to really grow, you know?” she explained to Soap Opera Digest, adding, “I was looking forward to this relationship flourishing and seeing [where it would go]. That was definitely an emotional day on and off camera.” She enjoyed the chemistry she and Barash had, which was different from his and Gabi’s former portrayer, Camila Banus. 

She had initially screen-tested with Barash on the DiMera mansion set and noted that the location was where they had their final scene together. “The scene broke my heart,” she lamented, observing that the day was melancholy and full of emotions. When they finally parted ways, she remarked, “I thanked him for everything that he did, and I wished him well.”

READ THIS: Take a peek at what’s going to happen next in Salem.

Until They Meet Again

However, Jimenez wasn’t completely distraught as she knew there was always the possibility that he could return because of how Stefan exited. “[Brandon] being gone is tough because I miss him. I loved working with him so much, but you never know what’s going to happen within this soap world, and they obviously left the door open.”

Jimenez felt that even if they never got the chance to rekindle Stefan and Gabi’s romance in the future, it was good for Barash to continue pursuing his career. Jimenez and Barash continue to stay in touch, and she stated that she enjoys seeing his and his family’s exploits as he posts them on social media. (Learn how luck helped Jimenez get the part of Gabi.)