It's just a bit of dress-up: Emily O'Brien opens up on the DAYS Theresa recast

It was a hair-raising behind-the-scenes twist that Days of our Lives fans were not expecting. Now, Emily O'Brien is speaking out about taking over the role of Theresa Donovan from Jen Lilley.

It's been a few weeks since fans learned that Emily O'Brien would be taking over the role of Theresa Donovan on Days of our Lives. Last week, the actress had her first scenes as the "new" character.

Now, O'Brien has taken to social media to address the leopard print-wearing elephant in the room.

"Don't worry, I am sure Gwen is still smirking somewhere...I want to take a small respite from the current events of the world to show my utmost gratitude for the opportunity to have portrayed such a beautifully layered character for the past 4 years," O'Brien said in addressing the character that she previously played on DAYS, Gwen Rizczech. "She has taken me through such a delicious discovery of who she is, and what she ultimately always yearned for -- despite all her pain, vengeance and deceit. To be loved. Perhaps someday, somewhere away from Salem, she can finally find it."

O'Brien was unexpectedly thrust into her new role when DAYS opted to recast the role of Theresa because actress Jen Lilley was unavailable to play out the character's entire story arc. Lilley reportedly found out on-set that she was being replaced and that the show was planning to slap a wig on another actress and move forward.

"Now as for me, a new page turns from a different story... One that I am excited to explore," O'Brien continued. "So, as I step into the shoes (and wig) of a very different role, I hope that you can keep an open mind, have fun with my interpretation, and enjoy the ride. After all, it's just a bit of dress up and make believe, really."

Lilley responded to O'Brien's post with a message of praise. "YOU'RE DOING A WONDERFUL JOB," Lilley enthusiastically replied.

Greg Rikaart, who has played opposite O'Brien on both DAYS and The Young and the Restless, also heaped praise on the actress. "You are the GOAT, @emroya. I've thought that since our first day together at Y&R. You show up, you SLAY whatever is given to you, you keep your focus on what's important. You are a class act and we could all learn a thing or two from you."

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O'Brien's run as Gwen began on June 5, 2020. Her last appearance -- at least for now -- was October 6, 2023.

What do you think about the Theresa recast? Do you miss Gwen? We want to hear from you -- so drop your comments in the Comments section below, tweet about it on Twitter, share it on Facebook, or chat about it on our Message Boards.

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