Is Jennifer Horton returning to Days of Our Lives? Character’s return explored

Days of Our Lives has announced that Jennifer Horton is set to return to the soap. Fans thought that long-standing actress Melissa Reeves would play the character, but that is not the case. This rendition of Jennifer will be essayed by Cady McClain this week.

While Reeves originally played the character, Jennifer was recast during COVID-19 since the actress did not want to risk coming on the Los Angeles set from her Tennesse home during the pandemic. Cady McClain was brought in during that time.

Jennifer is returning to Days of Our Lives for a storyline involving her daughter Abigail (Abby). She was presumed dead in 2022 after an explosion, but her body was never found. This has also led to speculation that Jennifer's return might have something to do with Abby's death, or even reveal that she is alive.

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Current plot dynamics for Jennifer Horton explored

Actress Cady McClain as Jennifer Horton in a still from the soap (Image via Peacock)

Jennifer's return to the soap might revolve around the possibility of her daughter Abigail being alive, or so fans believe. Last week, a mystery woman was seen on screen in Salem, making Days of Our Lives fans believe that Abigail (Abby) Devereaux might be alive.

While the character was involved in an explosion, her body was never found, which is usually the recipe for an unexpected plot twist on soaps. With the announcement of Jennifer Horton's return to the soap this week, the plot has thickened.

Abby's mother is returning to the show, which seems to be another sign that the character could be alive. It has been speculated that this mystery woman might just be Abby with her facial features a bit altered, and amnesia from the explosion. However, it remains to be seen what Jennifer's entry will entail.

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Which actresses have played Jennifer Horton on Days of Our Lives?

Melissa Reeves as Jennifer Horton (Image via Peacock)

Jennifer Horton is the daughter of Bill and Laura Horton, who made her debut on the soap in 1976. The actress Maren Stephenson was introduced as the character, followed quickly by Jennifer Peterson, who played the role till 1979.

In 1985, Melissa Reeves took on the role and is the one most associated with Jennifer Horton. Reeves remained on the soap till 1995 after which she had a contract issue with the production studios. Corday Productions even took the case to court and sued the actress for breach of contract.

The role was even recast in 1995 with Stephanie Cameron at the helm. Despite this, Reeves returned to the role in the year 2000. She has been playing the character on and off since then, till 2020.

During the pandemic, the role was given to Cady McClain, of All My Children fame. Despite a brief appearance from a new actress Marci Miller, McClain is set to return as Jennifer this week.

However, the two actresses (Reeves and McClain) appear as Jennifer Horton interchangeably now. There is also a possibility of Melissa Reeves reappearing in the role during a tribute episode in November 2024.

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Audiences can watch the newest episodes of Days of Our Lives streaming online on Peacock.