Very Shocking Update: Days of our lives spoilers: BIG RUMOR – Judi Evans and Wally Kurth were fired long ago
In a move that’s sent shockwaves through the soap opera universe, Days of Our Lives is once again at the center of a swirling storm of speculation.
Longtime stars Judi Evans (Adrienne Kiriakis/Bonnie Lockhart) and Wally Kurth (Justin Kiriakis) are now the focus of a fiery rumor that suggests both actors
were quietly fired from the show months ago—without so much as a formal send-off. If true, this behind-the-scenes shake-up marks a turning point not just for
the beloved characters, but for the very soul of the Kiriakis legacy in Salem.
A Rumor Too Big to Ignore
The rumor began quietly circulating through soap opera fan forums and social media, but it didn’t stay quiet for long. As the whispers grew louder, the outrage followed. According to anonymous insiders, Evans and Kurth were allegedly let go quite some time ago. And yet, their disappearance from front-burner storylines was never addressed on-air or through official announcements—leaving fans confused, heartbroken, and, above all, furious.
Judi Evans, who made her Days debut in 1983 as Adrienne Kiriakis, has long been a pillar of strength, warmth, and emotional complexity. Her dual portrayal of both Adrienne and the unpredictable Bonnie Lockhart gave the actress a unique legacy within the show, blending grounded drama with moments of chaotic comedy.
Wally Kurth, meanwhile, has portrayed Justin Kiriakis with equal parts charm and gravitas since the late 1980s. His chemistry with Evans has remained one of the show’s most cherished dynamics, showcasing decades of love, loss, and loyalty within the Kiriakis clan. Together, Evans and Kurth represented one of the last links to the show’s golden era.
The Kiriakis Family: Suddenly Silent?
One of the most alarming aspects of the rumor is the absence of any meaningful exit storyline. With the recent death of Victor Kiriakis (John Aniston), fans expected a resurgence in Kiriakis-centered storylines. Instead, Adrienne, Bonnie, and Justin faded quietly from the canvas—with no emotional tribute, no confrontation, and no resolution.
Given how deeply the Kiriakis family has shaped the show’s identity—with its business intrigue, complicated love stories, and dramatic family rifts—the absence of Evans and Kurth is especially striking. Could the writers truly have written them off without acknowledging their contributions or crafting a send-off worthy of their history?
Theories and Speculation: What’s Really Going On?
While neither the Days of Our Lives production team nor the actors have publicly confirmed the rumor, behind-the-scenes speculation offers several theories.
Some believe the departures are tied to budgetary constraints. In today’s rapidly evolving entertainment landscape, even legacy soap operas are grappling with reduced network support and declining daytime viewership. Could the decision to quietly drop two veteran actors have been a financial one?
Others suspect a shift in creative direction. With Days constantly reinventing itself to remain relevant, it’s possible that the current writing team sees less room for the Kiriakis family in their evolving narrative focus. If true, this would be a bold—and potentially risky—creative gamble.
Another possibility? The door is still open for their return. Soap operas are notorious for strategic hiatuses, where characters vanish temporarily only to return in shocking fashion months later. Could this be a case of “wait and see”?
Fans Speak Out: “This Is a Disgrace”
As the rumor spreads, fan response has been swift and passionate. Longtime viewers have taken to X (formerly Twitter), Facebook groups, and Reddit threads to express their heartbreak and frustration. Many are demanding clarity and transparency from the showrunners, while others are already mourning the apparent end of an era.
“What they’ve done to Judi and Wally is unforgivable,” one fan posted on a popular DOOL forum. “They carried this show on their backs for years. The least they deserve is a proper goodbye.”
Another echoed the sentiment: “First we lose Victor, now possibly Justin and Bonnie too? The Kiriakis family is being erased, and it’s devastating.”
Others have pointed out that even temporary exits deserve acknowledgment. “They didn’t even show Justin mourning Victor on-screen. That’s a glaring red flag. It feels like they’re erasing history.”
The Fallout: What Could This Mean for DOOL’s Future?
If the rumor holds true, Days of Our Lives may face more than just creative backlash—it could also see a dip in loyalty from longtime viewers. The soap’s staying power has long hinged on its ability to balance new storylines with its rich character history. Cutting ties with characters like Justin and Bonnie, especially in such an abrupt and silent fashion, threatens to sever that connection.
The departure of both characters would also leave a narrative gap. Bonnie Lockhart’s eccentricity brought levity to Salem, while Justin Kiriakis provided a moral compass within the turbulent Kiriakis family. Removing them risks throwing off the show’s delicate balance between chaos and cohesion.
Could They Still Return?
The glimmer of hope lies in the soap opera world’s favorite trope: the comeback. Evans and Kurth are not only talented but beloved within the Days community. If enough fan momentum builds, there’s always a chance producers may reconsider—or reveal that the characters were only temporarily sidelined.
After all, Days of Our Lives is known for its surprises. Characters return from the dead, marriages implode without warning, and alliances shift overnight. In this genre, nothing is ever truly final—until it is.
A Waiting Game
For now, all eyes are on Salem. Will Judi Evans and Wally Kurth return for a final arc? Will the show provide clarity and closure? Or will this controversy continue to simmer, leaving fans feeling betrayed and nostalgic for the days when the Kiriakis family ruled Salem?
