Fan favourite Eileen Davidson returns to NBC's "Days of Our Lives" for a powerful Kristen DiMera story. The actress also plays Ashley Abbott on CBS's "The Young and the Restless" and has just left "Days" in July of 2013 because she needed more personal time, according to TV Guide.

Now, Davidson is back to work and will start shooting for "DOOL" in March, hitting the air in summer. "The writers have some great things cooking for Kristen and we can't wait for the fans to see what this will mean for Salem. Must-watch TV at its best! Stay tuned!," says co-executive producer, Greg Meng.

This announcement comes on the heels of a thrilling 2-year pickup NBC stated less than a week ago. In 2013, Kristen DiMera's character had been a driving force behind some of the most provocative and engaging storylines that left critics and fans alike wanting more and excited for the return of their favourite villainess.

The news comes in hot just after Alison Sweeney announced that she is leaving the show when her contract ends this spring and that "One Life to Live" fan favourite, Kassie DePaiva, is also coming to the show as a re-cast Even Donovan. With these recent cast changes and the news that "Days of our Lives" has been renewed for another year, the remaining NBC soap has definitely made it to the headlines recently.

Davidson's return appears to coincide with Sweeney's exit, so could it be that Kristen will be part of Sami's exit from the show? Kristen was last seen being busted at her wedding for allegedly having sex with a priest. The scandal was all caught on tape and since then she has been on the lam. There are no details on Davidson's new storyline yet, but Kristen sure has some explaining to do. Kristen's return to Salem will surely be as sensational as her last, but fans should know not to expect Eileen's face to return on the screen right away because "Days of Our Lives" shoots months ahead of schedule and Davidson's first air date is not anticipated to air until sometime in the summer.