The beloved pairing of Stella Kidd and Kelly Severide, affectionately dubbed “Stellaride,” has been a cornerstone of Chicago Fire for years. Their journey from a simmering attraction to a rock-solid marriage has captivated audiences. However, recent developments in Season 13 have left some fans on edge, sparking rumors and theories that Stella Kidd, portrayed by the talented Miranda Rae Mayo, might be headed for an exit from Firehouse 51.
Unsettling Clues: What’s Making Fans Anxious?
While the Season 13 finale brought a surprising and significant development for “Stellaride” – Stella’s pregnancy – the path leading up to it, and some lingering plot threads, have fueled speculation about her long-term future.
- Growing Independence and New Ventures: Throughout Season 13, Stella has continued to build on her leadership, especially with the “Girls on Fire” program. Her absences from Firehouse 51 for program-related trips and classes have become more frequent. While these have always been explained by the show, a sustained focus on her independent ventures outside of Firehouse 51 can sometimes signal a character being phased out or having their storyline adjusted to accommodate an actor’s potential departure.
- The Nuances of Pregnancy: While the pregnancy announcement is a huge and exciting development, it also opens up new possibilities for Stella’s role. Some fans speculate that a new baby could lead to Stella taking a more administrative role, or even a leave of absence from active firefighting duty, which could reduce her on-screen presence.
- Severide’s OFI Arc: Severide’s recurring pull towards the Office of Fire Investigation (OFI) has consistently caused tension in their relationship. While Stella has supported him in recent instances, the underlying conflict of his intense focus on arson investigations potentially putting a strain on their home life could be revisited, especially with a new baby on the way. If Severide’s OFI duties continue to pull him away, it could potentially leave Stella feeling isolated or lead to difficult choices about their family’s future, possibly paving the way for a change in her role.
Behind the Scenes Whispers and Miranda’s Comments
Actor contract negotiations are a regular part of long-running television series, and they often spark rumors about cast changes. While details of Miranda Rae Mayo’s specific contract terms are not publicly disclosed beyond reports of her per-episode salary for seasons 11, 12, and 13, any perceived ambiguity or extended periods of a character’s absence can fuel fan concern.
Miranda Rae Mayo herself has generally expressed gratitude and enthusiasm for her role on Chicago Fire. In past interviews, she has spoken about how much she enjoys playing Stella and being part of the “One Chicago” family. She has often spoken about the “exciting” things to come for Stella. However, actors in long-running shows may also look for new challenges or opportunities over time, and any subtle hint of change in an actor’s tone or future aspirations can be amplified by an anxious fanbase.
It’s worth noting that absences, especially for established characters, are often a way to accommodate an actor’s other projects or personal time while keeping their character connected to the show. The showrunners have a history of navigating these situations.
Fan Reaction: A “Stellaride” Separation Would Be Devastating
The “Stellaride” coupling is arguably the most beloved and stable romantic relationship on Chicago Fire. Fans have invested years in their journey, celebrating their triumphs and rooting for them through their struggles. The prospect of Stella Kidd leaving, or even a permanent separation from Severide, would be met with widespread disappointment and potentially significant backlash from the fanbase.
- Emotional Impact: For many viewers, “Stellaride” represents a beacon of hope and stability in the often chaotic and dangerous world of firefighting. Their bond signifies enduring love and partnership.
- Narrative Void: Stella Kidd, beyond her relationship with Severide, has grown into a strong, independent leader at Firehouse 51. Her mentorship of the “Girls on Fire” program and her role as a lieutenant have made her an integral part of the team. Her departure would leave a significant void in the ensemble and the show’s narrative.
- Fear of History Repeating: Chicago Fire has seen its fair share of beloved characters leave over the years, and fans are understandably wary of losing another central figure, especially one half of such a popular couple.
While the pregnancy announcement at the end of Season 13 suggests a new and exciting chapter for Stella and Severide, the anxieties surrounding Stella’s future highlight how deeply invested fans are in her journey and her relationship with Severide. Whether these concerns will translate into actual plot developments or simply remain fan speculation remains to be seen in the upcoming season.
