Aketra Sevillian Would 'Love' To Return To Days Of Our Lives After Shock Firing

On "Days of Our Lives," Talia Hunter (Aketra Sevillian) originally came to Salem with her boyfriend, Colin Bedford (Jasper Newman), who sought revenge on Paulina Price (Jackée Harry) and Chanel Dupree (Raven Bowens), believing they were responsible for his mother's death. Because Colin abusively controlled Talia, she followed his orders and helped terrorize them. Eventually, the truth came out and Colin was sent up the river, exiting "Days" in the process. 

Talia tried redeeming herself, even getting a job as a doctor at the local hospital and starting up a romance with Chanel. However, after Chanel dumped Talia for her ex-husband, Johnny DiMera (Carson Boatman), she got drunk and impulsively slept with the very married (and also quite drunk) Shawn Brady (Brandon Beemer). Feeling all she'd done was cause chaos, Talia left town during the October 17, 2023, episode. This came as a surprise to fans because there was plenty of room for Talia's redemption arc considering she had been ruthlessly manipulated for so long. 

Sevillian, who thought things were going splendidly for her character, realized something was amiss when former co-executive producer, Albert Alarr — who was later fired for alleged harassment — called her into his office. She was nervous going in, likening it to passing a police car even if you're not speeding, and was shocked to be let go. "[Getting cut] was the last thing I thought was going to happen," the actor admitted to Soap Opera Digest. But Sevillian is trying to remain positive, and looking toward the future she happily confirmed, "I would love to come back."

The surprising exit of Aketra Sevillian from "Days of Our Lives" comes after the tumultuous news of fellow former star Jen Lilley's abrupt firing by Albert Alaar, and her being recast with current star Emily O'Brien (Gwen Rizcech). Despite Alarr's disgraced exit, Sevillian was kind, clarifying to Soap Opera Digest, "It was very respectful when he sat me down." She attributed her firing to budget cuts and since Talia Hunter wasn't killed off, felt there was a real possibility she could return if that changed down the line. 

The soap star reasoned, "I was the newest on the show, so I had to be let go. My story had to be let go at the moment." Sevillian also rationalized that Talia was, "Getting a little overwhelmed with what was happening in Salem. It was a lot for her to bear." She originated the role in March 2023, and in the short time Talia was on "Days," Sevillian acknowledged that she'd grown incredibly fond of the cast and crew, and bonded with many co-workers, noting that in her final scene, "Those were real tears about me leaving." 

She continued, "It was a bittersweet moment because I learned so much from the show and it was great." Feeling "Days" has opened new doors for her, Sevillian reiterated that she's not ruling out an eventual return, proclaiming, "If the opportunity presented itself, 1,000 percent I would love to be on 'Days' or any other soap opera."