Days of Our Lives star Alison Sweeney (Sami) opened up to Soap Opera Digest about the recent departure of her co-star and friend Bryan Dattilo (Lucas). She has made it known that she's very upset about the decision, and apparently didn't even know they shot their last scenes together. Not only did she post on Twitter that she was "seriously devastated," but she told Digest the following:

"I am so upset, not just for me, and the cast, crew and DAYS fans who will miss him tremendously, but for Sami, too. I have no idea how they'll explain his absence, but it will, without question, be a major void in Sami's life."

Kudos for Alison for speaking out on the sad news of Bryan Dattilo being let go. My heart also goes out to all the Lucas and Sami fans, or "Lumi" fans out there who still had hope for their couple to eventually reunite. May the memories of Lumi live on in our hearts, and of course good luck to Bryan in his future projects.

Pictured: Alison Sweeney as Sami Brady

Trae Patton / Copyright 2009 NBC Universal

Happy holidays to all the Days of Our Lives fans out there. Just about every year, DAYS is pre-empted on New Year's Day, and this year is no exception. No need to set your DVRs on Friday, January 1, since DAYS will not be seen that day. Rest assured, since no episodes will be missed.

Unfortunately, Frances Reid (Alice) will not be seen this holiday season as the beloved matriarch Alice Horton. Grandma Alice, or "Gran" as Hope calls her, is still mentioned occasionally. Many already are aware that Frances Reid is living in a care facility, as revealed by Bill and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Doug and Julie Williams) at the 'Day of Days' event. We miss her and wish her well!

Hockey fans will be happy to know that the 2010 NHL Winter Classic of the Boston Bruins versus the Philadelphia Flyers will air instead on NBC on New Year's Day beginning at 1 p.m. ET. The game will take place at Fenway Park in Boston. Happy holidays to all!

Photo courtesy of NBC Universal

Soap Opera Digest is reporting that Bryan Dattilo (Lucas) is out and has already taped his last episode. His contract expires in February 2010, and the show opted not to renew it. No official word yet as to what his exit storyline will be.

Fans recall that Bryan first joined the cast of DAYS back in 1993 as Lucas Roberts, who was thrust into a quadrangle with Carrie, Austin, and Sami. Bryan was off the canvas for a year in 2001 after Lucas was badly burned in the fire at the Kiriakis mansion. After a tumultuous love/hate relationship for many years with Sami, Lucas and Sami fans, or "Lumi" fans were elated when their couple was finally married in a lavish green wedding ceremony in May 2007. Unfortunately, their union came to an end that same year thanks to the DiMera vendetta against the Brady family. Bryan was also off the canvas for three months in early 2008 after Lucas went to prison for shooting E.J. Lucas changed his last name from Roberts to Horton last year since he was trying to distance himself from his meddling mom Kate.

This comes as sad news to many fans. I am one who will miss Lucas terribly, but best of luck to Bryan Dattilo in his future endeavors. DAYS's loss will surely be another show's gain.

Updated December 23:

Read Bryan's exclusive interview with Star magazine, in which he admits he's looking forward to new opportunities.

Pictured: Bryan Dattilo (Lucas)

Mitchell Haaseth / Copyright 2007 NBC Universal

Philip surprises Melanie this week when he brings her to an inn decorated for Christmas and proposes marriage. She happily accepts, and Philip heads home to share the news of his engagement. I am one who is very surprised by this, since Philip and Melanie have only dated for about five minutes. Will they eventually walk down the aisle or will Nathan and Stephanie come between them? More spoilers for next week include:

• Carly admits to Bo she's falling in love with him.
• Chad and Will confront Mia over agreeing to go to the winter dance with both of them.
• Sami and E.J. make a public plea for the return of Sydney.
• Nathan and Stephanie kiss under the mistletoe, which Melanie sees.

Coming Up:

• E.J. sends Sami a text and asks her to meet with him secretly.
• Bo and Carly share an intimate moment.

Pictured: Jay Kenneth Johnson and Molly Burnett (Philip and Melanie)

Mitchell Haaseth / Copyright 2009 NBC Universal