DOOL BOMBSHELL: Stacy Haiduk Quits DOOL, Return to The Young and the Restless!
The discusses exciting news for soap opera fans regarding actress Stacy Haiduk and her roles in two major daytime dramas: Days of Our Lives and The Young and the Restless.
Recently, rumors spread among viewers that Haiduk might be leaving Days of Our Lives, where she plays the iconic dual roles of Kristen DiMera and Susan Banks. However, the situation is more positive and interesting than many fans initially feared.
Stacy Haiduk joined Days of Our Lives in 2018, taking over the roles previously played by Eileen Davidson. Since then, she has become a standout performer on the show.
Her portrayal of Kristen DiMera presents a powerful and manipulative villain who is often involved in intense storylines, including revenge plots, emotional confrontations, and complicated relationships—especially with Brady Black.
In contrast, Susan Banks is portrayed as a quirky, deeply religious, and sometimes eccentric character who often provides comic relief. Haiduk’s ability to switch between these two very different personalities has impressed audiences and demonstrated her versatility as an actress.
Despite her popularity, rumors began circulating when both of her characters were temporarily written out of the storyline earlier this year. In soap operas, this often happens when the show shifts focus to other characters or plots.
When Haiduk finished filming her scenes in January, many fans worried that it might signal the end of her time in Salem. In an interview with TV Insider, Haiduk admitted that she was disappointed when her characters were put on pause because she genuinely loves the show and the roles she plays.
However, just as she was dealing with that disappointment, an unexpected opportunity arrived. Haiduk received a message from Josh Griffith, the executive producer and head writer of The Young and the Restless.
He invited her to return to the show to reprise her former role as Patty Williams, the troubled sister of Paul Williams.
Patty is known for her obsessive behavior and dramatic storylines, particularly her fixation on Jack Abbott. The character had been absent from the series for about ten years, so her return is a major development for longtime fans.
Haiduk described the timing as perfect. She had just completed her work on Days of Our Lives and was wondering what her next project would be when the invitation arrived. She expressed excitement about revisiting Patty Williams, a character that allows her to explore intense and dramatic storytelling once again.
Importantly, this new role does not mean Haiduk is leaving Days of Our Lives. Because the show films episodes many months in advance—sometimes up to ten months—viewers will continue to see Kristen and Susan on screen throughout much of 2026. This unique schedule makes it possible for Haiduk to appear in both shows at the same time.
For soap opera fans, this is the best possible outcome. Instead of losing one of their favorite performers, they get to watch Stacy Haiduk deliver powerful performances in two different soap worlds—bringing drama, chaos, and entertainment to both Salem and Genoa City.
