Cherie Jimenez’s Comments About Leaving DOOL Have Shocked Fans | Days of Our Lives Spoilers

The passionate, no-holds-barred team at Days Drama Digest knows one thing for sure: if you’re a Days of Our Lives fan, Salem has had you completely under its spell. Every episode feels like an emotional roller coaster, packed with betrayals, shocking confessions, long-buried secrets, and explosive confrontations. Salem isn’t merely a fictional town—it’s an emotional battleground where love turns to jealousy in a heartbeat, loyalty fractures without warning, and characters are forever reborn from the ashes of past mistakes.

Today, that whirlwind of drama has spilled far beyond the screen, igniting intense speculation around one of Salem’s most fiery and polarizing figures: Gabi Hernandez. Brought to life by actress Cherie Jimenez, Gabi has once again become the center of attention—not because of a shocking storyline, but due to real-life rumors suggesting Jimenez might be exiting Days of Our Lives. Whispers of her departure, paired with speculation about a possible return of original Gabi portrayer Camila Banus, have set the fandom ablaze.

But just when the rumors reached a fever pitch, Cherie Jimenez stepped forward with statements so powerful they sent shockwaves through the soap world. And what she revealed has completely flipped the narrative.

To truly understand why this moment matters, we need to rewind and look at Gabi Hernandez’s legacy within Days of Our Lives. Since its debut in 1965, the show has become a cornerstone of daytime television, weaving decades of drama around iconic families like the Hortons, Bradys, and DiMeras. Gabi entered this world in 2009 and quickly carved out her place as a force to be reckoned with. She wasn’t just another troublemaker—she was ambitious, sharp-tongued, fiercely loyal, and unapologetically passionate.

For more than a decade, Camila Banus embodied Gabi with electric intensity. Her portrayal showcased Gabi’s vulnerability beneath her tough exterior, her relentless pursuit of success through Gabi Chic, and her stormy romantic entanglements that kept viewers glued to their screens. When Banus chose to step away from the role in 2023 after 13 unforgettable years, fans were left stunned. Salem felt the loss deeply, and many wondered whether anyone could ever truly fill Gabi’s designer heels.

That’s when Cherie Jimenez entered the picture.

In June 2024, Jimenez officially took over the role, bringing a fresh yet respectful interpretation of Gabi Hernandez. From the start, her performance sparked strong reactions. Many viewers praised her chemistry with castmates, including Stefan DiMera and JJ Deveraux, applauding her ability to balance Gabi’s scheming nature with raw emotional depth. Others, however, struggled to accept the change, unleashing harsh criticism that quickly crossed into online bullying.

Jimenez later spoke openly about how deeply the negativity affected her. She admitted the backlash brought her to tears, describing it as a painful introduction to the soap spotlight. Yet, much like Gabi herself, Jimenez refused to be defeated. She leaned on the support of the show’s producers and her fellow cast members, who reassured her that she was not only meeting expectations—but exceeding them. Choosing to focus on encouragement rather than cruelty, Jimenez pushed forward with resilience and determination.

Fast forward to December 2025, and the situation took another dramatic turn.

Rumors began circulating across social media platforms—especially Facebook groups and X (formerly Twitter)—claiming Jimenez was preparing to leave Days of Our Lives. Some fans speculated the relentless criticism had driven her away. Others insisted insider sources confirmed Camila Banus was returning to reclaim the role of Gabi. YouTube videos with sensational titles fueled the frenzy, while fan forums dissected every storyline for clues.

Was Gabi’s slow-burning romance with JJ a setup for an exit? Did her involvement in the EJ DiMera shooting mystery signal a looming departure? Were the writers quietly preparing to write her out?

As the fandom fractured into opposing camps, the drama intensified both on-screen and off. But amid the chaos, Cherie Jimenez finally broke her silence—and what she said left fans stunned.

In a candid and widely discussed interview with YouTuber Slueth Scotty, Jimenez addressed the rumors head-on. Calm, confident, and unwavering, she wasted no time shutting them down.

“There’s a rumor going around that I’m leaving Days, and I just want to squash that right now,” she said plainly. “I’m not going anywhere. I love playing Gabi, and I love everyone at Days of Our Lives.”

Those words alone were enough to send relief rippling through the fandom—but Jimenez didn’t stop there. She tackled one of the most persistent rumors of all: the supposed feud between herself and Camila Banus.

With remarkable clarity, Jimenez dismissed the idea entirely. She emphasized that there is no animosity, no rivalry, and no behind-the-scenes drama between them. In fact, she revealed that the two actresses have never even met or communicated. The feud, she explained, exists only in the imagination of fans hungry for conflict.

In a moment that felt perfectly suited to Salem’s dramatic spirit, Jimenez even floated the idea of taking a photo with Banus someday to put the rumors to rest once and for all. The suggestion alone was enough to excite viewers, who imagined the symbolic power of such a moment.

When asked directly about her future on the show, Jimenez was crystal clear: she is staying. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to portray Gabi and spoke passionately about how welcomed and respected she has felt since day one. According to Jimenez, Days of Our Lives provided a supportive, professional environment that allowed her to grow as an actress without constant comparison to her predecessor.

She also addressed the nature of soap rumors themselves, explaining that speculation thrives not because it’s accurate, but because drama sells. In a genre built on scandal and surprise, even off-screen narratives are often exaggerated for clicks and attention.

What truly resonated with fans, however, was Jimenez’s genuine appreciation for her time on the show. She praised the producers, the cast, and the overall atmosphere, describing her transition into the role as smooth and empowering. Rather than feeling overshadowed by the past, she was encouraged to make Gabi her own.

Jimenez also reflected on her personal journey to Salem, which feels almost as scripted as a soap storyline itself. She originally auditioned under a different character name, unaware she was being considered for Gabi. During her screen test, she noticed a phoenix statue—a symbol of rebirth that holds deep personal meaning for her. That moment sealed her connection to the role.

As a Latina actress, Jimenez has spoken proudly about what Gabi represents in terms of visibility and representation. Her real-life love story with her husband, actor Sean Faris, and her strong friendships on set have only deepened fans’ admiration for her.

Since her comments went public, fan reactions have poured in from all sides. Supporters applauded her honesty and talent, with many expressing relief that she’s staying. Even some longtime fans who were initially skeptical admitted they’ve grown to appreciate her take on Gabi. Of course, nostalgia-driven critics remain—but that push and pull is part of what keeps soap fandom so passionately alive.

Looking ahead, Gabi Hernandez’s future in Salem promises plenty of fireworks. With Gabi Chic back under her control and major mysteries still unfolding, Jimenez’s Gabi is poised to remain at the center of the action—especially as the show approaches its milestone 60th anniversary episodes.

In the end, Cherie Jimenez’s message couldn’t be clearer. She isn’t leaving. She isn’t backing down. And she’s fully committed to continuing Gabi Hernandez’s legacy with passion, strength, and authenticity.

In Salem, drama never truly ends—it simply transforms. And with Cherie Jimenez firmly planted in the role, Gabi Hernandez’s story is far from over.