When Melissa Reeves (Jennifer Horton) returns to Days of our Lives next month, the actress will be sticking around longer than originally expected. A lot longer.

In July, Soap Central first reported that Reeves would follow up her brief return to DAYS for the show's farewell to Alice Horton with another short-term storyline to coincide with the November Sweeps. Now, Reeves has revealed that she's signed a long-term contract with the NBC soap -- and the actress hints that it wouldn't have been possible without the fans.

"I think the fact that I am back is because of the fans. They are so vocal about who they want to see and they're so connected to the Horton family. I signed a contract about a month ago," Reeves told Soap Opera Digest and Soap Opera Weekly. "[My husband] Scott is here [in Los Angeles]. I thought, 'Well I don't want to sit around every day. This is what I want now. I know DAYS. It feels like home. I'm really excited. It just feels right being back."

The details of Reeves' contract have not been released, though the actress has stated that she'll be with Days of our Lives for at least a year.

Reeves, who has been reporting to work since September, will first air on November 12.