Salem is never short on drama, but this week, the stakes are higher than ever. A fan favorite is saying goodbye, and a bullet is about to change everything.
Buckle up, Days fans, because we’re breaking down the explosive exit of Ava Vitali and the chilling mystery behind EJ Deare’s shooting.
Tamara Braun, the Emmy-winning actress known for bringing intensity and vulnerability to the role of Ava Vitali, has officially confirmed her departure from Days of Our Lives. And no, this isn’t a twist from the writers’ room or a fake-out for ratings. It’s real. It’s happening. And it’s happening now.
In an emotional Instagram post, Tamara delivered the news directly to her fans, writing:
“I wish this was an April Fool’s joke, but it’s not.”
And with that, the countdown began. Ava’s final appearance airs on April 3rd.
Now, that date isn’t just significant because it marks the end of Ava’s latest run in Salem. It also happens to be the same day EJ Deare gets shot. A coincidence? Or part of a carefully planned exit that will keep fans guessing long after the credits roll?
Tamara revealed that she actually wrapped filming way back in July of last year due to the show’s production schedule being months ahead. So while fans have continued seeing Ava on-screen, in reality, she’s been gone from the set for quite some time.
In her farewell message, Tamara reflected on her time with the cast, describing the Days team as “a really kind, caring group of people” and admitting that being around them was “a joy.”
That warmth and sincerity behind the scenes have clearly carried over into the work we’ve seen on-screen, because Ava has been nothing short of unforgettable.
Ava Vitali: A Complex Legacy
Let’s not forget—Ava Vitali has always been one of Salem’s most complex women. She’s been a villain, a victim, a mother, a lover, and a survivor. Her storylines have brought danger, heartbreak, and a whole lot of unpredictability to Days of Our Lives. And now, she’s walking away.
Or is she?
Because in Salem, exits are rarely permanent. Graves get reopened. Goodbyes often turn into “see you laters.” And no matter how final something may seem, we’ve all learned that no one’s ever truly gone.
So as Ava prepares to take her last bow—for now—one thing’s for certain: Her story is ending with a bang. Literally.
A Mystery Wrapped in a Goodbye
Let’s dig into the details because Ava’s departure isn’t your typical Salem sendoff.
There’s no tearful ride off into the sunset. No peaceful goodbye.
Instead, we’re getting a mystery—and a weapon.
In the latest preview clips, Ava is seen disposing of a gun, tossing it away like she’s trying to bury the past… or maybe hide a crime.
This isn’t just any gun. It could be the very one Melinda Trask gave her—a detail that’s raised eyebrows among fans.
Melinda doesn’t hand out firearms for fun. She’s calculated. She’s dangerous. And she clearly had a reason for putting a weapon in Ava’s hands.
The question is: What was that reason?
Was Ava being used? Was she being armed—or framed?
Now, add this into the mix: April 3rd.
Ava’s last appearance also happens to be the episode where EJ Deare is shot. The very same day.
Let that sink in.
That’s no ordinary overlap. That’s a setup. Or a misdirection. Because Ava and EJ have been on a collision course for months.
She’s been pulled deeper into the shadows of Salem’s underworld—linked to figures like Clyde Weston and pressured by people like Trask. Every move she’s made recently has felt like a chess piece in someone else’s game.
And if there’s one thing we know about Ava Vitali? She doesn’t like being used.
Who Pulled the Trigger?
Was this Ava’s way out—one last desperate act before leaving town?
Or has she been caught in a trap from the very beginning?
When she discards that gun, it’s not just symbolic. It’s evidence.
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The kind police will chase.
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The kind fans will freeze-frame.
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The kind that turns a goodbye into a full-blown whodunit.
Let’s remember: Ava is capable of a lot. But she’s also a survivor.
If she pulled that trigger, it was for a reason.
And if she didn’t? Someone clearly wanted to make it look like she did.
With her exit aligning perfectly with EJ’s shooting, Ava leaves Salem under a storm cloud of suspicion.
And that’s exactly the kind of ending that keeps the door wide open for a comeback—or a twist reveal down the line.
A Bigger Game at Play
Because this isn’t just the end of Ava’s arc.
It might be the beginning of a murder investigation.
And the woman with the most to lose… may have already vanished.
EJ Deare has always had enemies. But on April 3rd, one of them takes a shot—literally.
The episode confirms that EJ is wounded in a shooting, and the fallout promises to be explosive.
Ava Vitali is front and center as a suspect. But this is far from an open-and-shut case.
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The weapon? Hand-delivered to her by none other than Melinda Trask. That alone raises serious questions.
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Melinda’s goal? Was she setting Ava up? Pushing her to act? Or simply putting a dangerous piece on the board to see how things play out?
It’s just as likely Ava didn’t pull the trigger at all.
Maybe she was in the wrong place at the wrong time and ended up holding a gun she didn’t fire. A setup? A frame job? Could be.
And let’s not forget the broader suspect pool:
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Gabi has every reason to want EJ gone.
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Rafe has had clashes with him for years.
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Jada has been circling shady DiMera dealings.
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Belle—she has her own complicated history.
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Paulina—after everything with Chanel, she’s no fan of EJ either.
This isn’t just about who shot EJ. It’s about why.
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Was it a crime of passion?
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A calculated takedown?
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Someone acting on orders?
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Or part of a bigger plan still unfolding?
And if Ava was part of that plan… was she its architect?
Or just the first domino to fall?
Tamara Braun’s Exit—Is It Really Goodbye?
Now, let’s talk about the other big headline: Tamara Braun’s exit.
First off, it doesn’t feel final.
In her own words, “Ava’s story is ending for now.”
That’s important.
In the world of Days, exits like that are often temporary—especially when the character is tied to a major storyline like a lead getting shot.
Second, the timing.
Ava’s exit happens right as EJ is gunned down.
That’s no coincidence. It either makes her look very guilty… or it’s a deliberate red herring. A classic soap twist designed to mislead viewers and keep the real culprit in the shadows—at least for now.
Finally, the behind-the-scenes content speaks volumes.
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The farewell photos.
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The emotional goodbyes.
That kind of backstage energy? It’s not the vibe of someone walking away for good. It feels more like a pause—not a wrap.
What Happens Next?
One thing’s clear: Ava’s story is far from over.
Whether she’s guilty, innocent, or somewhere in between, Salem hasn’t seen the last of Ava Vitali.
And with EJ’s shooting investigation about to rip through Salem, expect:
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Interrogations
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Alliances to crack
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Secrets to spill
Ava’s exit might feel like the end of her storyline… but let’s be real.
This smells more like a calculated disappearance than a conclusion.
Because in Salem? Nothing stays buried forever.
