Today, we’re diving headfirst into the latest storm shaking the soap world—one centered on Gabi Hernandez, one of Salem’s most combustible icons, and the actress currently bringing her to life,

Cherie Jimenez. Recent whispers across fan forums and social media have suggested Jimenez might be preparing to exit the long-running NBC drama, potentially clearing the path

for the return of original fan-favorite Camila Banus. The speculation spread like wildfire—until Jimenez herself stepped forward and set the record straight with a declaration that has sent shockwaves through the fandom.

A Legacy Character at the Center of the Storm

Since its debut in 1965, Days of Our Lives has stood as a pillar of daytime television, weaving decades of intrigue around the Horton, Brady, DiMera, and Hernandez families. Few characters embody the show’s signature intensity quite like Gabi Hernandez. Introduced in 2009, Gabi evolved from a troubled teen into a formidable businesswoman, a fiercely loyal sister, and a woman whose passions often blaze out of control.

For more than a decade, Camila Banus defined the role with raw intensity. Her Gabi was sharp-edged yet vulnerable, ambitious yet emotionally reckless—a perfect storm of contradictions that made her endlessly watchable. When Banus stepped away in 2023 after 13 years, fans mourned the loss and questioned whether anyone could possibly fill Gabi’s stilettos.

Enter Cherie Jimenez.

A New Gabi, A New Era

Jimenez joined Days of Our Lives in June 2024, inheriting not only an iconic role but the weight of intense fan expectation. From the start, she brought a fresh energy—honoring Gabi’s fiery DNA while carving out a version that felt more introspective, more emotionally grounded. Her chemistry with castmates, particularly Brandon Barash’s Stefan DiMera and Casey Moss’s JJ Deveraux, quickly became a talking point.

But the transition was far from smooth.

Online reaction was deeply divided. While many praised Jimenez’s nuanced take, others—staunchly loyal to Banus—responded with harsh criticism that sometimes crossed into outright bullying. Jimenez later spoke candidly about the toll this took on her, admitting that the negativity reduced her to tears during her early months on the show.

Yet, much like Gabi herself, Jimenez refused to be broken. Backed by producers and colleagues who reassured her she was exceeding expectations, she chose to focus on the support rather than the hostility. The fanbase, she noted, was roughly split—but the love mattered more than the noise.

Rumors Reach a Fever Pitch

Fast-forward to late 2025, and speculation surrounding Jimenez’s future exploded. Posts on Facebook groups, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube hinted that she might be on her way out. Some claimed fan backlash had pushed her to leave. Others insisted Banus was poised for a triumphant return. Every Gabi storyline—her slow-burn connection with JJ, her involvement in the EJ DiMera shooting mystery, and her entanglement in the Rafe switch scandal—was scrutinized for “exit clues.”

The fandom fractured once again, nostalgia clashing with renewal.

Then came the moment that changed everything.

Jimenez Breaks Her Silence

In a must-watch interview with YouTuber Slueth Scott—known for deep dives into soap-world drama—Cherie Jimenez addressed the rumors head-on. Calm, confident, and resolute, she dismantled the speculation with surgical precision.

“There’s a rumor going around that I’m leaving Days,” she said plainly. “So I just want to squash that right now. I’m not going anywhere.”

Her words rippled across the fandom.

Jimenez went further, directly addressing the alleged feud with Camila Banus. According to online gossip, the two actresses were locked in a behind-the-scenes rivalry. Jimenez shut that narrative down entirely.

“There is no war. There is no animosity,” she stated. In fact, she revealed that the two have never even met or communicated—a detail that underscores just how unfounded the rumors were. In a moment of surprising warmth, Jimenez even suggested a joint photo as a symbolic olive branch to fans, a gesture that would silence the division once and for all.

A Team Player in a High-Stakes World

Perhaps most striking was Jimenez’s openness about the future. While firmly stating she is not leaving, she expressed a rare flexibility that speaks volumes about her professionalism.

“If Camila ever wanted to come back,” she mused, “I’d be open to whatever—twins, another character, anything. I’m just happy to be here.”

In an industry often fueled by ego and rivalry, Jimenez’s attitude stands out. She argued that rumors persist not because they’re true, but because they generate drama—an irony not lost on a show built on sensational twists.

Behind the Scenes: A Positive Reality

Contrary to the toxicity suggested online, Jimenez described her experience on Days of Our Lives as overwhelmingly positive. She praised the producers for fostering a respectful, inclusive environment and emphasized how welcomed she felt from day one.

“I was treated with so much respect and honor,” she shared. “They really treated me wonderfully.”

That supportive atmosphere allowed her to grow into the role without constant comparison—a rarity in soap recasting history. Inspired by legends like Deidre Hall and Suzanne Rogers, Jimenez sees Days not as a stepping stone, but a home.

Representation, Resilience, and Rebirth

Jimenez’s personal journey mirrors the themes she brings to Gabi. A Latina actress passionate about representation, she views the role as more than entertainment—it’s visibility. Her audition story, marked by the symbolic presence of a phoenix statue, feels almost mythic: rebirth, resilience, and rising stronger after adversity.

Off-screen, her real-life love story—married to actor Shane Faris since 2017—and her close friendships with castmates only deepen her connection to Salem.

What’s Next for Gabi Hernandez?

With Gabi Chic reclaimed and her CEO status restored, Gabi stands poised at the center of Salem’s power struggles. Upcoming episodes, including the highly anticipated 60th anniversary celebrations, promise major revelations—and Jimenez is front and center.

Romance, revenge, and reckoning all loom large.

One thing is certain: Cherie Jimenez isn’t going anywhere.

“I love this role,” she affirmed. And for now, at least, Gabi Hernandez’s fire continues to burn brightly in Salem.

So, are you thrilled she’s staying? We are. Share your thoughts in the comments, dive into our full video breakdown, and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to TV Drama Digest for all the latest Days of Our Lives updates. In Salem, the drama never ends—it only evolves.