Soap fans have been left in shock this morning, with confirmation that Days of our Lives power couple Sonny Kiriakis (Freddie Smith) and Will Horton (Chandler Massey) have been unceremoniously axed from the legendary but increasingly troubled show.
In a year that has already seen strong rumours the drama may soon be cancelled due to declining ratings and a general collapse in the popularity of daytime soaps, the dumping of the beloved characters has left not only fans stunned – but also the actors.
WATCH: Days of Our Lives fires Freddie Smith and Chandler Massey
Taking to his YouTube channel, Freddie confirmed the news in brutally honest style before it could leak all over the soap opera press and fan forums – the usual venues for shows to surreptitiously release their bad news.
‘Chandler and I were released from our contracts, so we will not be filming any more episodes after this week,’ he confirmed – immediately sparking devastated Tweets from fans.
‘Well, depending on schedules, the next couple of weeks. I wanted to let everyone know, rip the Band-Aid off with this video.’
After the show went on hiatus and staff were released from contracts amid expectations of a possible axing, Freddie confesses that work instability has been on many staff members minds. It was when he read his storylines upon returning to work that he knew the gig was up.
‘As the scripts started coming in, we started talking more. I just go, “Man, this doesn’t look good. This doesn’t look like we are going to be signed onto a contract.”
‘Without giving it away, I obviously can’t give away spoilers. What I will say is our last day is going to be September 18, 2020.’
Chandler confirmed the news, tweeting, ‘Wish it weren’t coming to an end, but I will be forever grateful to everyone who went on this journey with us.’
Freddie added, ‘I will miss Salem so much!! Thank you all for the incredible love and support throughout the years. I really feel we told a love story that will live on forever.’
Freddie wants fans to know the axing was not the actors’ choice, and he wishes he could continue his ground breaking storyline.
The actor admitted no death or departure is ever completely guaranteed to be for forever on Days, but indicated that fans should not pin their hopes on a miraculous return.
‘I’d be super surprised if we don’t have at least six months off before something may happen,’ he said. ‘But things could always change.’
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