As viewers of the Days spin-off SALEM FANTASIES know, Hope Brady has terminal cancer. "Hope will die," says executive producer and headwriter Boobsie McGee. "And there will be no miracle cures. She's really going to her grave. There is so much drama to be showcased by Hope's death. I think people were getting tired of Hope and Bo's breakup-makeup cycle. I know I was bored watching it."

But what about the question on everyone's lips: Was Kristian Alfonso fired?

"No," McGee says. "Definitely not. We know how important Hope and Kristian are to the show. She has a massive fanbase and we adore her. We were planning to keep Hope alive. She was never supposed to die but Kristian wanted out of her contract. She said she wanted to be a 'full-time' mom, which I understand [though I don't have children off my own]. I also think she felt boxed in by the 'Bope belong together' mentality."

"We will miss Kristian around the set but we will be happy to know she is doing what she wants. We wish her the best of luck."