Actress Cheri Jimenez originally auditioned for the role of Gabi Hernandez DiMera on Days of Our Lives back in 2009, but she ultimately lost out to Camila Banus, who became a fan favorite until she left the role and the show in 2023.

And then, almost 15 years later, Jimenez was given a second chance when she was cast as Banus’s replacement, taking on the role of Gabi… to the chagrin of DOOL fans.

“For this to come back around 15-plus years later is such a wild experience. I cried in gratitude, and it’s changed my life. I’ve been there for almost a year, and I love it,” Jimenez told Woman’s World magazine, but she explained that though it was a role of a lifetime and she originally cried tears of joy, fans brought her to tears of sadness when they relentlessly harassed her because she isn’t Banus.

“I’m not going to sugarcoat it,” Jimenez said. “I cried a bunch in the beginning. The fan base was basically bullying me. People miss Camila and even though I tried to bring elements of her to the role, I’m not Camila.”

She continued, “I was getting ripped apart in so many different ways—and people were reaching out to do it. It really hurt.”

“Bullying is not okay, in any form,” she added. “And I choose to change the narrative and what I acknowledge. My life is very full. I’m blessed. I’m so thankful.”

And the feedback hasn’t all been negative. Jimenez said, “My producers and bosses let me know that I have exceeded their expectations, and now, I have some fans. I’d say it’s 50/50, so I’m focusing on the viewers that are giving me a chance and showing me love.”

Days of Our Lives airs daily on Peacock.