Days of our lives spoilers:HOT Arianne Zucker returns as Nicole after reaching a new deal with DOOL
At the center of this storm is Arianne Zucker, the Emmy-nominated actress who has portrayed the iconic Nicole Walker since 1998.
Her departure from the show—and the explosive lawsuit that followed—have sent shockwaves through the soap community, leaving fans yearning for answers, justice, and perhaps even her triumphant return to Salem.
Let’s unravel the layers of this dramatic saga, separating fact from rumor, and explore what the future might hold for Zucker and her character.
For over 25 years, Arianne Zucker has been a cornerstone of Days of Our Lives, breathing life into the fiery, complex, and unforgettable Nicole Walker.
Since her debut in February 1998, Zucker has captured hearts with her portrayal of Nicole’s emotional depth, sharp wit, and tangled love stories. Her performances earned her three Daytime Emmy nominations—for Outstanding Supporting Actress (2010, 2013) and Outstanding Lead Actress (2020).
Nicole’s journey has been a rollercoaster—from torrid romances with Eric Brady, EJ DiMera, and Rafe Hernandez, to devastating losses in motherhood and fierce battles for happiness.
Zucker’s nuanced performances and sizzling on-screen chemistry created unforgettable moments. But while Salem thrived on fictional drama, a real-life firestorm was building behind the scenes.
In February 2024, Zucker dropped a bombshell lawsuit against Corday Productions (the company behind Days), executive producer Ken Corday, and former co-executive producer/director Albert Alarr.
Alleging discrimination, harassment, retaliation, negligent supervision, and wrongful termination, Zucker’s claims painted a disturbing picture of a toxic workplace culture.
Court documents revealed accusations of pervasive sexual harassment by Alarr, who had worked on the show since 2003. Zucker described deeply uncomfortable incidents, including inappropriate physical contact and suggestive comments during scene blocking.
She wasn’t alone—multiple female employees were allegedly targeted, with some losing airtime or being dismissed.
Zucker claimed that complaints about Alarr were well known but ignored by Corday Productions and Sony Pictures Television. In March 2023, she brought her concerns directly to Ken Corday and was redirected to Sony’s HR department—because Corday Productions had none. Even as Sony launched a nine-week investigation involving 30 witnesses, Alarr remained on set.
He was finally terminated in August 2023, but only after media reports and a cast petition triggered public outrage. Zucker’s lawsuit contends that the firing was a face-saving move—years too late.
In June 2023, Zucker’s character was written off the show—temporarily, but with ominous undertones. She alleged that after speaking out, her pay was cut and her travel budget discontinued. When her contract expired in January 2024, Corday Productions offered what she described as a substandard “take-it-or-leave-it” deal. She refused—and was effectively gone.
Corday Productions denies wrongdoing, insisting she was offered a raise and claiming the rejection of her counteroffer was not retaliation. Alarr’s lawyer dismissed the lawsuit as meritless and accused Zucker of playing into stereotypes—claims her team strongly refuted.
In a tearful press conference, Zucker spoke out: “After my loyalty to Days for 25 years and working to my highest ability, standing up for myself and others is clearly what got me pushed out of my longtime career.”
In August 2024, Zucker scored a key legal win: a judge ruled that she could pursue a judicial order to bar Alarr from future harassment in California workplaces. Her attorney declared, “Miss Zucker wants to ensure that no other woman can be harmed by Alarr again.”
The next hearing is set for October 2025. While the outcome remains uncertain, the case has already raised important questions about accountability in the entertainment industry.
In the midst of legal drama, fans have ignited rumors about Zucker’s possible return. As of now, there’s no official confirmation from Peacock or Corday Productions. But fans remain hopeful. Zucker’s last on-screen appearance was in summer 2024, following Nicole’s departure to Italy.
Any return likely hinges on the lawsuit’s outcome—and a meaningful reconciliation between Zucker and the producers. Given the show’s history of dramatic returns, fans cling to hope that Nicole might rise again.
Fans have rallied behind Zucker, praising her courage and criticizing the alleged mishandling of her complaints. Many took to social media to express their admiration and demand her return:
“I’ve loved Arianne’s work for decades. I won’t watch until she’s back.”
“No one should be treated this way. She deserves better.”
At a fan event in 2024, Zucker thanked supporters, calling their encouragement “bittersweet” amid her departure. Her bond with viewers remains unbreakable.
Zucker’s strength isn’t new. She was also thrust into the spotlight in 2016, when the infamous Access Hollywood tape surfaced featuring Donald Trump. Zucker, unaware she was being recorded at the time, responded with grace and called for dignity and respect—values she continues to champion.
As Zucker’s lawsuit moves forward, the soap world watches closely. A settlement or resolution could open the door for her return. Or this could mark the end of Nicole Walker’s journey entirely.
Either way, Zucker’s bravery has sparked an important conversation about how women are treated behind the scenes.
Do you believe Arianne Zucker will return to Days of Our Lives? Should Corday Productions reconcile and bring back Nicole Walker? What are your thoughts on the lawsuit?
Comment below, join us on social media, and subscribe to TV’s Drama Digest for the latest updates.
Until next time—keep your hearts in Salem and your eyes on justice.
