THE LEGENDARY MICKEY HORTON LEAVES DAYS!!!

John Clarke's DAYS are sadly done...this time for good.

Original Days cast member John Clarke is leaving Days of our Lives. The actor, who returned in May for a limited run to tie up loose ends after John Ingle (who replaced Clarke in the role) left, is out. The show decided to write out the character permanently and brought Clarke back to close things out. It is said that this is also being done to free up the character of Maggie (Suzanne Rogers) for a new storyline in the works which is rumored to be story with Victor Kiriakis (John Aniston) and Caroline Brady (Peggy McKay). Clarke retired from the show previously in 2004 and the character of Mickey has been a presence on the show since it began in 1965. Mickey appeared dead during the shows latest "dead are alive" ruse last month but reappeared again late last month. "It was always short term and John knew about the ruse and that his character would be dying for real when all was said and done," says executive producer Ned Yadroc. "He said he wanted something memorable but not a long drawn out death scene. Just something sweet and dramatic to remember him by and he was very happy with it as it turned out and so were we." There are also hints that a return to alcoholism story may be in the works for Maggie. "We will see. All the fans should know is Suzanne has killer story coming up. It's weird but Mickey's death will reawaken the Horton's in a way. We feel the Horton's have not been prominent enough in recent years and have given way to the Brady's This death will begin to change all that as the Horton's will have huge roles coming up, especially Maggie." Clarke last aired on July 26 but there are rumors that he may return as a ghost in visits to Maggie in the near future. "Again, we will see," says Yadroc. "It is a great idea so the fans should keep an eye out," notes Yadroc.