Unsurprisingly, Kristian Alfonso, who's played heroine Hope Brady since 1983 on Days of Our Lives, says she and fellow castmates were shocked that long-time co-stars Drake Hogestyn and Deidre Hall were let go last week. 

"Everyone was aghast when we heard about Dee and Drake," the actress said. "Drake came up to me the other day and said, 'It's been so great working with you.' I said, 'Don't you dare say goodbye to me.' I felt tears starting to well."

At least Days of Our Lives will stay on the air until 2010.

"We are picked up for 18 months," said Alfonso. "I've heard there are going to be more financial cuts, and not just our show."

Indeed, NBC has said it will cut $500 million in operating expenses over the next year.

"It's happening everywhere. I'm thankful every day I walk through those doors. The economy is a disaster right now."

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.