Cherie Jimenez on Brandon Barash Returning to Days of Our Lives

Will Brandon Barash be back on Days of Our Lives any time soon? His costar Cherie Jimenez is “hopeful” for a major return of Stefan DiMera.

“We’ll just see what happens. The writers know what they’re doing,” Jimenez, 37, told Us Weekly exclusively at the “Day of Days” fan event at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater on Saturday, November 2. “They just bring the drama and they just give us the scripts, and we play and have fun.”

The actress noted that “people come and go” on Days of Our Lives, which “creates more drama” for the viewers.

“Anything can happen,” she added. “Characters do come back so I’m hopeful, and we’re just gonna leave it at that and whatever happens, happens.”

Jimenez took on the role of Gabi Hernandez Dimerao on Days of Our Lives earlier this year following the departure of Camila Banus. Her character, Gabi, has been in a years-long love story with Barash’s Stefan, who made his final appearance on the show late last month.

“I believe Gabi and Stefan are end game. They have gone through so much that if they make it through this, I believe that they are meant to be,” Jimenez told Us. “Now, unfortunately, we have gone through a divorce. He cheated on me while I was in prison with the mafia queen, and then I slept with his brother for revenge. It’s just been a tit for tat, and unfortunately, it hasn’t led us in the right direction.”

However, Jimenez said that Gabi is “going to fight for him.” But Stefan’s mother, who has kidnapped him, is the biggest obstacle standing in her way.

“Gabi is going to be left with herself and all the choices she has made,” Jimenez teased. “I’m always going to root for Gabi and Stephan and the ship name is Stabby, as they call them.”

Despite what happens on screen, Jimenez spoke highly of Barash, 45, as a costar and friend.

“I started this whole experience with Brandon, my screen test with him, my first day, everything,” she gushed. “He has been such an incredible friend. I loved every moment of working with him. I think he’s one of the most talented actors I’ve ever worked with.”

Jimenez’s costar Al Calderon, who debuted as her cousin Javi last month, agreed with his onscreen family member.

“The way that you talk about your relationship is honestly – although there’s some crazy things, it wouldn’t be Salem without it – I’m rooting for you,” Calderon, 30, told Us. “I come in rooting for you. Fight for your man.”

New episodes of Days of Our Lives stream weekday mornings on Peacock.

With reporting by Mike Vulpo