IS DAYS RECASTING?
Will Lisa Rinna and
Patrick Muldoon return?
Now that DAYS OF OUR LIVES has confirmed the departure of Krista Allen (Billie) from the show, rumors are circulating that the character's original portrayer Lisa Rinna will reprise the part.
     A show spokesperson states that there are no plans to recast the character of Billie at this time. However, should fan favorite Rinna express a desire to play the part once more, the show would likely give her strong consideration. "I want to go out there and try my hand," Rinna confided in the spring of 1995 when she readied herself to leave DAYS. She hung around until late summer, during which time Peter Reckell (Bo) returned to the show to reclaim his popular role from his replacement Robert Kelker-Kelly.
     When Rinna was playing Billie, on-screen brother Austin was played by the equally popular Patrick Muldoon. After Muldoon left DAYS, he was replaced by Austin Peck. Peck has his own loyal following, but with his contract up in April, setsiders are whispering if Peck's needs aren't met, the show may look to Muldoon.
     That famed Reed brother/sister combo had dynamic chemistry with each other - and with their audience. Rinna's Billie was the drug addict with a heart of gold, who always had her brother Austin looking out for her. DAYS' new headwriter Tom Langan helmed the show as executive producer during their runs, so he knows firsthand how valuable an asset these stars could be.
     While both went on to star on MELROSE PLACE, they never worked together after DAYS. Both have achieved success outside the soap medium, and DAYS has said it's not recasting Billie, but things can change overnight.
     No one wants Peck to depart, but it wouldn't be impossible to keep Peck and still hire Muldoon. DAYS has rehired actors who have appeared on the show once before to assume a new role. Think Josh Taylor (once Chris Kositchek, now Roman Brady) and Renee Jones. In the early '80s, Jones played Nikki Wade before becoming Lexie, Abe's wife.
     Muldoon or Rinna returning to DAYS seems like a long shot, but soap fans have learned it's best to never say never. Or as DAYS insiders are whispering, "Anything is possible." After all, Deidre Hall fans thought a return to Salem for Marlena after Hall's primetime success on OUR HOUSE would never happen! Her return made a legion of fans deliriously happy!