For nearly six decades, Days of Our Lives has captivated audiences with its gripping storytelling, unforgettable romances, and jaw-dropping twists. But nothing shakes

the foundations of Salem quite like whispers that two of its most beloved stars — Judi Evans and Wally Kurth — may soon bid farewell. Fans are abuzz with speculation:

are Bonnie Lockhart and Justin Kiriakis really on the verge of disappearing from our screens? Or is this just another stormy chapter in the soap world’s ever-spinning cycle of rumor and revelation?

This week, we dive headfirst into the frenzy surrounding Evans and Kurth’s rumored exit, examine their storied legacies, and explore why the thought of losing them has left Salem devotees in a state of panic.

The Rumor That Shook Salem

The speculation began subtly enough. Longtime viewers noticed a marked dip in screen time for Bonnie and Justin, once staples of the show’s most emotional and comedic storylines. In a universe where absence often signals impending departure, panic spread quickly.

On social media, the Days fandom voiced their fears. X (formerly Twitter) lit up with hashtags like #SaveJustinAndBonnie and #WeLoveYouJudi, with fans demanding answers. Some wondered whether Evans and Kurth had quietly been written out, while others suspected a creative reshuffle as the show pivots toward its younger generation of stars.

The fear is not unfounded. Days of Our Lives has a long history of shocking exits — Adrienne’s tragic death in 2020, Bo’s heartbreaking passing, and countless other gut-wrenching departures still haunt viewers. Could history be repeating itself with two of Salem’s most treasured performers?

Judi Evans: The Heart of Salem

To understand why the thought of losing Judi Evans stings so deeply, we must revisit her extraordinary journey. Evans first entered the soap world in 1983 as Beth Raines on Guiding Light, a performance so powerful that she won a Daytime Emmy at just 19 years old. Three years later, she arrived in Salem as Adrienne Johnson — a character whose resilience and vulnerability instantly resonated with viewers.

Adrienne’s relationship with Justin Kiriakis blossomed into one of daytime’s great love stories. From their tempestuous beginnings to their iconic Greek Orthodox wedding, Adrienne and Justin embodied both passion and endurance. But Evans’ versatility extended beyond Adrienne. Her portrayal of Adrienne’s lookalike — the brash, scheming Bonnie Lockhart — gave fans a wildly different side of her talent.

The duality of Adrienne and Bonnie became Evans’ legacy: the grounded emotional center of Salem on one hand, and the unpredictable, comedic spark on the other. Even when Adrienne was tragically killed off in 2020, fans clung to Evans through Bonnie, grateful that the actress’s presence endured.

For many, Judi Evans is Salem — her laughter, her tears, her courage etched into the DNA of the show.

Wally Kurth: Salem’s Steadfast Anchor

Wally Kurth has been equally vital to Salem’s saga. Since debuting in 1987 as Justin Kiriakis, he has remained a central figure in the powerful Kiriakis dynasty. Justin was ambitious yet principled, charming yet deeply devoted to Adrienne.

Kurth’s charisma gave Justin depth beyond the courtroom or boardroom. His romance with Adrienne defined an era, and his complicated entanglements with family — from Victor’s stern shadow to the challenges of fatherhood — showcased the actor’s range.

Kurth’s career is also unique: for decades, he has balanced his role on Days of Our Lives with another iconic soap gig as Ned Quartermaine on General Hospital. This rare feat only elevated his stature, proving his adaptability and commitment to the daytime drama world.

Even more remarkable is Kurth’s chemistry with Evans. Whether paired romantically as Adrienne and Justin or comedically as Justin and Bonnie, their dynamic has remained irresistible. Fans who once resisted Justin’s romance with Bonnie now celebrate it, thanks to the actors’ warmth and playful timing.

Why the Rumors Sting So Deeply

The panic surrounding these rumors speaks volumes about Evans and Kurth’s importance. They are not just actors — they are emotional touchstones for fans who have grown up with their characters.

Adrienne and Justin weathered decades of heartbreak, betrayal, and redemption. When Adrienne was killed off, Justin’s grief mirrored viewers’ own. And when Bonnie reemerged, the unlikely pairing became a balm for fans who needed laughter after so much loss.

Losing them now would feel like reopening old wounds — a betrayal after so many hard-fought victories. Salem without Justin’s grounded presence or Bonnie’s offbeat humor feels unimaginable.

Separating Fact from Fiction

Here’s the truth: as of now, there has been no official confirmation that Judi Evans or Wally Kurth are leaving Days of Our Lives. NBC, Peacock, and the actors themselves have remained silent on the matter.

In fact, recent developments suggest the opposite. Evans has been delighting fans in the quirky Body and Soul “soap within a soap” storyline, where she plays the flamboyant Cassandra. Her presence has been central to the show’s meta-drama, proving she remains a vital player.

Kurth, meanwhile, continues to balance his dual soap roles. His commitment to Justin has not wavered, and his playful interviews about enjoying Justin’s surprising romance with Bonnie suggest he is invested in where the story goes next.

Moreover, both Evans and Kurth appeared at the Day of Days fan event in late 2024, where their participation was celebrated by fans and producers alike. If a departure was looming, such a showcase appearance would be highly unlikely.

What Lies Ahead for Justin and Bonnie?

So what’s next for Salem’s beloved duo? Speculation points to the ongoing Body and Soul storyline, which has opened doors for both characters. Bonnie’s eccentricity thrives in the soap-within-a-soap arc, while Justin’s pragmatic nature provides a foil for the chaos.

There are also whispers that the show may explore Justin and Bonnie’s potential move to Los Angeles, offering fresh drama as they weigh Hollywood dreams against Salem loyalty. Such a storyline could reinvigorate their narrative, blending humor, romance, and conflict in classic Days fashion.

For Justin, family drama will always beckon. As a Kiriakis, his ties to legacy characters ensure he remains central to Salem’s power struggles. For Bonnie, her unpredictable antics guarantee that chaos — and comedy — are never far behind.

The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters

Ultimately, the swirling rumors reflect more than just uncertainty about two actors. They highlight the passion of the Days of Our Lives fan base, a community fiercely protective of its legacy characters.

Since 1965, Days has endured by honoring its history while pushing forward into bold new directions. Evans and Kurth embody that balance perfectly — seasoned veterans who bring both gravitas and levity to every scene. Their rumored exit has stirred such panic precisely because their absence would leave a gaping hole in Salem’s heart.

Conclusion: Not Goodbye — Not Yet

As the sands of the hourglass continue to fall, one thing is certain: Judi Evans and Wally Kurth remain integral to the fabric of Days of Our Lives. The rumors of their exit, though dramatic, appear unfounded — for now.

Fans can exhale, at least temporarily. Salem’s Bonnie and Justin are still here, still navigating love, laughter, and chaos in equal measure. And if Days has taught us anything, it’s that every supposed ending is just the beginning of another twist.