Among the most unforgettable characters of the 2010s stands Theresa Donovan: rebellious, complicated, infuriating, charming, and utterly magnetic. Played by Jen Lilley from 2013 to 2018, with a short yet emotional return in 2023, Theresa became a chaotic force of nature who ran on adrenaline, manipulation, and a surprising depth of vulnerability.

Theresa—born Jeannie Theresa Donovan, daughter of Shane Donovan and Kimberly Brady—came to Salem ready to blow it up. From her early scandals with JJ Deveraux (the chemistry nearly set screens on fire), to her passionate, heartbreaking, self-destructive romance with Brady Black, she was the center of some of the decade’s most addictive storylines.

Addiction battles. Custody wars. Faked miscarriages. Fiery confrontations. Schemes gone wrong. Love gone toxic. Redemption arcs undone by relapse.

Jen Lilley played every emotion with razor-sharp precision.

The Real-Life Drama Behind Jen Lilley’s Days Exit

Lilley’s journey with DOOL was a story of its own. After her 2013 audition, fresh from appearances on General Hospital and Hallmark films, Lilley transformed into a darker, more dangerous, more layered character than she’d ever played.

But in 2018, her departure stunned fans. The reasoning was vague—officially she wanted to focus on her growing family and new opportunities—but behind the scenes, rumors swirled of:

• Contract disputes

• Scheduling conflicts

• Story direction disagreements

• A clash between DOOL’s fast-paced shooting schedule and her rising Hallmark demand

Lilley never threw shade. She remained gracious. Yet the mystery lingered.

Then came her 2023 surprise return for the emotional memorial of Victor Kiriakis. It was brief, meaningful, and made fans ache for more. But no sooner had she graced Salem again than Emily O’Brien stepped into the role—a recast that instantly split the fanbase.

Some praised O’Brien’s fresh interpretation. Others refused to accept anyone but Lilley.

2025: The Year Jen Lilley Spoke Her Truth

Now we arrive at the juicy part.

Throughout 2025, Jen Lilley has given a series of revealing interviews with Parade, Soap She Knows, Rewind Magazine, and more—interviews that cracked open the vault of her Days experience more than ever before.

While promoting:

• Her new self-help memoir Embracing Chaos: A Mother’s Guide to Balance

• Her holiday mystery film Christmas Tree

• A feature film already stirring Oscar buzz

…the inevitable question surfaced:

Would she return to Days of Our Lives?

Her answer?
A warm, emotional, dramatic: “Definitely… but.”

The Misunderstandings, The Heartbreak, and the Hollywood Truth

Lilley finally spoke openly about the “crazy” and “weird” circumstances surrounding her 2018 exit. Miscommunications. Timing issues. Conflicting schedules. A swirl of Hollywood chaos that left her walking away from a character she loved deeply.

Yet she made it clear:

No grudges.
No resentment.
Just unfinished emotional business.

Rumors quietly claim the conflicts involved:

• Salary negotiations

• Creative direction for Theresa

• DOOL’s six-months-ahead taping schedule interfering with her Hallmark commitments

But Lilley turned the focus back to what matters: Theresa.

“I always loved Theresa. She was my favorite character ever.”

Her passion was palpable. Her affection genuine. Her longing unmistakable.

Lilley’s Life Now: Full, Beautiful, Chaotic, and Packed

Part of the reason she can’t return full-time?

Her real life is a whirlwind.

Jen Lilley is a hands-on mom of four—two biological sons and two daughters adopted from foster care. Mornings are chaos. Nights are chaos. Career, advocacy, family—it’s a constant balancing act.

Her nonprofit Christmas Is Not Cancelled continues to support foster families. She remains active in adoption advocacy. She continues writing, acting, producing, and speaking.

And she’s honest:
A full-time DOOL schedule doesn’t fit her life.

But a limited return?
A cameo?
A special arc?

Absolutely yes.

What a Return Could Look Like

Fans have already fired up their theory engines:

• Theresa returning to shake up Brady’s world

• Theresa stirring up Tate’s teenage drama

• Theresa confronting Emily O’Brien’s version in a shocking face-off

• Theresa coming back for the show’s 60th anniversary

• Theresa returning for a custody battle, a kidnapping, or a funeral

• A dream sequence

• A redemption arc

• A villain arc

The possibilities are endless. And Lilley knows it.

She even teased her ideal comeback:
Once her kids are older, she’d love a limited run to finish Theresa’s story right.

The 2023 Recast Drama and Lilley’s Reaction

Of course, no conversation about her return is complete without addressing the elephant in the room: Emily O’Brien’s recast.

Lilley handled it with total class:

“Emily’s done an amazing job. It’s not easy stepping into someone else’s shoes.”

But she also hinted—very gently—that Theresa’s story is not finished. And who better to finish it than the actress who carved her into soap-opera legend?

Fans Are Divided—and Loud About It

2025 social media has been a battleground:

• “Bring back Jen Lilley!”

• “Emily O’Brien deserves a full run!”

• “Let’s have BOTH and make it messy!”

On X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, Facebook groups, and fan forums, the debate rages on. And with DOOL celebrating its massive 60th anniversary, fans are convinced:

A surprise Lilley appearance feels destiny-level inevitable.

The Final Answer: Will Jen Lilley Return?

In Jen Lilley’s own words:

“I’d be back in a heartbeat… when the time is right.”

Her kids come first. Her commitments matter. But her love for Theresa remains fierce and alive.

In other words:

The door is open.
The torch still burns.
The comeback is possible—maybe even probable.

And in the world of soaps?

No goodbye is ever final. Ever.

What Do YOU Think?

Do you want Jen Lilley back as Theresa?

Should Emily O’Brien continue carrying the torch?

Or is the ultimate drama having both versions collide in true Salem fashion?

Drop your thoughts below—we’re dying to hear your theories.

Until next time, stay tuned to TV’s Drama Digest, where the drama never sleeps, the rumors never die, and the comebacks are always just one twist away.

Keep the drama alive.