'Days of Our Lives' Cast News: Greg Vaughan OUT As Eric Brady—Will Role Be Recast With New Actor? [PHOTO]
Another shocking departure from Days of Our Lives cast has been revealed.
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Greg Vaughan, who has portrayed Eric Brady since 2012, is leaving the show following a decision to write out his character, whose tumultuous storylines in recent years--involving being expelled from the priesthood after being sexually assaulted by Kristen DiMera, as well as rocky relationships with Nicole Walker (Arianne Zucker) and Serena Mason (Melissa Archer)--have somewhat fizzled.
Serial Scoop learned the exclusive news from Vaughan himself: his contract renewal back in August was only a short-term extension in order to wrap up his character's story arc, and he it was not his choice or decision to leave the show.
Kate Mansi Leaving 'DOOL' Because Of Contract Issues?
No exit date has been revealed, but the news of his departure comes as a shock following the planned departure of Dr. Daniel Jonas (Shawn Christian) in a few months, who elected to leave the show. That character, who is engaged to Nicole, is expected to be killed off. With his death, Nicole would once again be single, giving Eric a chance to once again reunite with her.
The two characters grew closer prior to Nicole's engagement to Daniel when they were locked in a furnace and left for dead by a jealous and possessive Xander (Paul Tefler). However, following the incident, which saw them confess the feelings they still had for one another, Nicole opted to have a future with Daniel, which drove Eric to drinking. His problems only grew after Serena became the first victim of the Necktie killer.
The soap has seen several shocking departures in the past year of major characters. James Scott and Allison Sweeney both opted out of their legacy roles as EJ DiMera and Sami Brady in 2014, and the past year has also seen the shocking exits of Freddie Smith (Sonny Kiriakis), Guy Wilson (Will Horton), and Peter Reckell (Bo Brady). Both Will and Bo died in recent months, with Will the victim of the same Necktie killer who murdered Serena and Paige (True O'Brien), and Bo succumbing to a brain tumor not long after his triumphant return to Salem. Other characters who have left throughout the year have included Aiden Jennings (Daniel Cosgrove), Brendan Coughlin (Tad 'T' Stevens), James Reade (Clyde Weston) and Chrishell Stause (Jordan Ridgeway).
In addition to the planned departure of Dr. Jonas in the fairly near future, Ben Weston (Robert Scott Wilson), who is the real Necktie Killer, and Kassie DePaiva (Eve Donovan), are also leaving.
Rumors have also surfaced that Kate Mansi (Abigail Devereaux) has opted not to renew her contract and is leaving the show despite being the center of several juicy storylines in recent years. Those rumors have also escalated to news of the character being recast.
It is unclear if a recast will be done for the role of Eric in the future, or if Vaughan will be asked to once again reprise him should he be brought back onto the canvas.
Days of Our Lives airs Monday-Friday at 1 p.m. on NBC.
