In February 2016, "Daytime Confidential" reported that contract negotiations between Herbst and the show had reached a stalemate, also that "Days of Our Lives" has expressed interest in hiring Herbst possibly as the potential replacement for Kate Mansi, who had vacated the role of Abigail Deveraux. One month later in March 2016, it was revealed that Herbst will remain with the show. However, the character took a brief hiatus from the show, facilitating the absence in which Herbst had her contract talks, she briefly departed on April 5, 2016 and made her onscreen return on May 4, 2016.