“I loved my job” Days of Our Lives star Arianne Zucker pens an emotional note to bid goodbye as Nicole Walker

Arianne Zucker's final episode on Days of Our Lives aired on July 29, as her character, Nicole Walker, was written out. Arianne Zucker departed the soap under acrimonious circumstances following her accusations of s*xual harassment against Executive Producer Albert Alarr.

Arianne Zucker proceeded to sue Corday Productions, Ken Corday, and Albert Alarr for wrongful termination after her contract wasn't renewed. While Arianne already left the show a while ago, due to NBC's schedule, her final episodes hadn't stopped airing until now.

Arianne commemorated her departure by posting a statement on her Instagram. In the statement, she said, in part:

"I loved my job. I loved my friends. I loved my co-workers, but most of all I love all of you. When someone says you are irreplaceable…maybe, but the heart of an individual is not. I gave all my heart and always will.

Both fans and fellow actors thanked Arianne for her time on Days of Our Lives and wished her well for the future. One fan even claimed she'd stop tuning into the soap because of Arianne's departure.

Fans were supportive of Arianne's departure. (Image via Instagram)

As for her co-stars, Paul Telfer said:

"Love working with you Ari. Thanks especially for the kindness and support you gave me when I first started on the show ❤️"

Dan Feuerriegel, whose character EJ DiMera had a complicated history with Arianne's character, Nicole, also posted:

"Love you Ari"

Arianne's co-stars also showed their support. (Image via Instagram)

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Why did Arianne have to depart Days of Our Lives?

Arianne has alleged that Corday Productions retaliated against her for accusing Executive Producer Albert Alarr of s*xual harassment. While Alarr was fired in August 2023, Arianne accused the move of being an insincere attempt to save face and claimed that the producers had tried to strong-arm her with a "take it or leave it" contract that she couldn't negotiate on.

As a result of refusing the terms offered by Corday Productions, Arianne left Days of Our Lives, with her character Nicole Walker being retired as well. While her legal case against Corday Productions and Albert Alarr is ongoing, Arianne has received kind words and support from her fans and co-stars on Days of Our Lives.

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Who is Nicole Walker on Days of Our Lives?

Nicole Walker was introduced to Days of Our Lives in 1998, and Arianne Zucker played the character throughout all her appearances. Nicole's character arcs were defined by her struggle with past traumas and her search for the true love she never found in her childhood.

Nicole's early story arcs followed her romance with Eric Brady, her pursuit of a modeling career, and being stalked by her ex-boyfriend, Jay. Nicole's character was put on hiatus in 2006 when she left Salem for Los Angeles.

The character made her return in 2008, and her story arc focused on her complicated relationship with EJ DiMera, a divorce lawyer she hires to sort through her messy marriage history. EJ develops feelings for Nicole as his relationship with Sami Brady withers, and the two get intimate after Sami leaves him.

By 2020, Nicole falls back into love with her old flame, Eric Brady, who she marries at Brady's Pub.

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Nicole Walker's final episode aired on July 29. Days of Our Lives is available for streaming on Peacock.