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Alison Sweeney talks 'Days of Our Lives' exit, reveals if she could return

After 21 years on "Days of Our Lives," Alison Sweeney will exit the long-running soap this season. Before she says goodbye to Salem and Sami Brady, the actress stopped by TODAY to talk about the beginning of the end — and whether it's really the end at all."I have a lot of complicated reasons (for leaving the show), but you know, I'm excited to try new adventures," Sweeney told Hoda Kotb and Kat

After 21 years on "Days of Our Lives," Alison Sweeney will exit the long-running soap this season. Before she says goodbye to Salem and Sami Brady, the actress stopped by TODAY to talk about the beginning of the end — and whether it's really the end at all.

"I have a lot of complicated reasons (for leaving the show), but you know, I'm excited to try new adventures," Sweeney told Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford.

The details of the star's exit — including its precise timing — remain a mystery for viewers, but faithful fans offered up some ideas of their own about how it could go down.

@klgandhoda+@Ali_Sweeney+@nbcdays+she+will+take+blame+for+shooting+Nick+to+save+Will+&+will+go+to+prison+for+life.+So+sad+she's+leaving!!

—+stefanie+(@steffboic)+May+30,+2014+

@klgandhoda+@Ali_Sweeney+@nbcdays+shes+been+on+there+FOREVER.+they+will+kill+her+off.+its+the+only+way.but+she+could+come+back.+a+bad+murder

—+TP+(@curbmyattitude)+May+30,+2014+

@klgandhoda+@Ali_Sweeney+@nbcdays+I+grew+up+w+Sami+Bradi,+i+hope+she+ends+up+w+Lucas+on+an+island+somewhere+#HappilyEverAfter+#alisonTODAY

—+Kristeenah+♡+(@kristeenahBEA)+May+30,+2014+

Alas, none of those theories match up with what's really to come, according to Sweeney.

"Those were fantastic ideas (though)," she smiled. 

No matter how the story ends for Sami, it might not be as final as it seems. When Kotb and Gifford asked if the door would be left open for Sweeney to return to "Days" in the future, the actress said there was an "easy answer" to that.

"Yes, because including murder, nothing would close that door all the way," she explained.

It is a soap opera, after all.

"Days of Our Lives" airs weekdays on NBC.  

Alison Sweeney's new book, "Scared Scriptless," comes out June 3. 

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