Stephen Nichols Leaving 'Days of our Lives' as Steve Johnson

Stephen Nichols has been a favorite of Days of our Lives fans since he first appeared as Steve "Patch" Johnson in 1985, and many fans rooted for his return during the times he was off the canvas. Viewers are about to have enter another Patch-less period in Salem as the actor is leaving the NBC soap opera once again.

In a new Instagram post, Nichols says, “Days of Our Lives is home and I want to be there,” but he indicates that the current writing regime let him (as well as Patch/Kayla fans) down.

“I’ve been in this business long enough to understand the rotation of stories, and I get that we can’t always be at the forefront,” writes the veteran actor, “and despite my disappointment in the lack of story this past year, I’ve always worked hard and we’ve always tried to find the moments in whatever we’ve been given. I think we did that.”

Nichols goes on to hint that although he has parted ways with Days and is reportedly set to last appear on-screen in September, he is open to again sporting an eye patch, under the right circumstances.

“I know that there are still years of Steve and Kayla’s story left to be told,” he writes. “I hope we get to tell that story.”

For me, Days of Our Lives is home and I want to be there … I love the people, I love Steven Earl Johnson and I love what Mary Beth and I have been able to create together. I was excited to see what this new team would bring for us and for all of Salem. I’ve been in this business long enough to understand the rotation of stories, and I get that we can’t always be at the forefront. And despite my disappointment in the lack of story this past year, I’ve always worked hard and we’ve always tried to find the moments in whatever we’ve been given. I think we did that. Whenever I see a scene or montage you guys post, I am so touched and I remember just how much story we told for so many years and how rich it was. I’m so grateful for that. And I know that there are still years of Steve and Kayla’s story left to be told. I hope we get to tell that story. Your unwavering support tells me you hope that too. Thank you and much love, Stephen #Days @marybeth.evans #patchandkaylaforever

A post shared by Stephen Nichols (@stephen_e_nichols) on Jun 28, 2018 at 4:57pm PDT

Nichols has been a wonderful ambassador for Days so it's sad to see him go. If NBC canceled the soap tomorrow, hiring him back would be a top priority as the iconic series came to a close. But like many a casting decision before, production companies don't always give fans what they want until it's too late. History will determine how this move is looked upon down the road.

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