General Hospital
CONFIRMED: Tonja Walker Returning To General Hospital!
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
After much speculation, it has been confirmed by General Hospital’s executive producer Frank Valentini on Friday, that Tonja Walker is set to return to the ABC daytime drama series for a prominent role beginning to air in early 2017.
In the statement the EP related: “We are very happy to be bringing Tonja back to GH. While we can’t share what role she’ll be playing, we can guarantee that she’ll be shaking things up in Port Charles.”
On GH, Walker played Olivia Jerome from 1988-1990, until the character was killed-off by her brother Julian! Savvy GH fans think they may know who Walker will play! The initiasl O and J may be very important since fans began speculating that the person Julian (William deVry) is speaking with and getting some directives from is named Oscar Jessup. But Sam (Kelly Monaco) and Jason (Billy Miller) discovered Jessup died in the early 90’s!
If Walker is reprising Olivia, it would provide great drama with her revenge on her brother and her past with Anna Devane (Finola Hughes). And, how might Ava Jerome (Maura West) feel about having Olivia actually alive and well? Stay tuned to see how this all plays itself out.
So, excited to hear Tonja is coming back to GH? Comment below!
Breaking News
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
For those who were holding out hope that Daytime Emmy winner and fan favorite, Nicholas Chavez would be returning to General Hospital after filming his leading role in Ryan Murphy’s Monsters anthology, it looks like those hopes have been dashed.
According to a report from TV Line, although unconfirmed from General Hospital or a representative for Chavez, the actor will not reprise his role as Spencer Cassadine on the long-running ABC soap opera and continue the love story of Sprina opposite Tabyana Ali (Trina, GH).
Chavez was cast as Lyle Menendez over the the summer of 2023 for the second season of Murphy’s limited Monsters series on Netflix. In the upcoming season, the series will focus on the the case of Lyle and Erik Menendez, the two well-to-do Beverly Hills brothers accused of murdering their parents in 1989.
Photo: ABC
After word from Chavez casting was revealed, GH fans were concerned over the fate of the Sprina story, a spokesperson for GH shared, “We support Nicholas’ endeavors and look forward to having him return to General Hospital once this project is wrapped.”
In story, the series “killed off” Spencer when he went overboard with Esme to the steely waters below after being injected with a drug, thanks to Esme and falling into the Seine River in France. However, his body was never recovered, and believed to have drowned or washed away. Thus, leaving an opening for Spencer to return in the form of Chavez or be recast down the line.
Photo: ABC
TV Line shared that ‘multiple sources’ are confirming that Chavez is not returning to the ABC soap opera, which is what many had suspected might be the case once he left for this major starring role in a Ryan Murphy project. Chavez has been relatively quiet on social media for months.
Photo: ABC
The Michael Fairman Channel spoke with Nicholas Chavez for a virtual interview when he first joined the show in 2021, and spoke to him right after when he won the Daytime Emmy in 2022 – you can see those below.
No word yet on when Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story will debut on Netflix, but it is assumed later this year.
So, what do you think about the news of Nicholas Chavez not returning to his role as Spencer Cassadine on General Hospital? Comment below.
General Hospital
Jack Wagner Open to Making an Appearance in ‘Melrose Place’ Reboot and Shares, “You Never Really Die on a Soap”
With the Melrose Place revival the talk of the town, now Jack Wagner (ex-Frisco, GH, ex-Nick, B&B and ex-Peter Burns, MP) has weighed-in on it and if he would show up in the new series if it should find a home.
Currently, CBS Studios is developing a reboot starring Heather Locklear, Daphne Zuniga and Laura Leighton. But what is Dr. Peter Burns were to show up alive?
As those who saw the end of the original MP know, Peter and Amanda (Locklear) faked their deaths and then tied the knot with Peter on a beach, supposedly in a “happily ever after” scenario.
Photo: Fox
Speaking with PEOPLE, Wagner expressed, what we all know who watch the soaps, that no one is never, ever really gone for good. Jack expressed, “You never really die on a soap, right? How they unfold those two characters (Peter and Amanda), it’d be fantastic how they sort of tell that story.”
Wagner added, “That was a great finale to be included in, especially with Heather. If I’m asked to come back, I’d absolutely entertain that.”
Photo: Fox
The original Melrose Place aired for seven seasons from 1992 to 1999. The story featured the residents of an apartment complex, whose lives were intertwined. Eventually Wagner and Heather Locklear dated fro 2007-2011.
As previously reported, the new Melrose Place share that some of original neighbors and friends reunite after a death. The loglines add, “The pressure cooker of a reunion soon uncovers old traumas, rekindles old romances, reignites old resentments, and reveals new secrets… throwing our characters into chaotic drama that’s reminiscent of the past, but with a much more modern perspective.”
So, would you like to see Jack Wagner return as Dr. Peter Burns on Melrose Place, or Frisco Jones on GH, or both? Comment below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Brook Lynn and Chase Have Their Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties
On General Hospital, Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) both were treated to Bachelorette and Bachelor parties to shake off any of those pre-wedding jitters. At The Savoy, the ladies have a touching and fun time with Brook Lynn.
The bride-to-be gives a speech to thank everyone for coming, while Lois lets everyone know to try the signature cocktail the “Brooklynn Chaser”, which gets everybody eventually and mostly, drunk.
When Tracy (Jane Elliot) questions Lois (Rena Sofer) as to why there is no music for the party, Lois realizes she forgot, and somehow, who does she call to the rescue? Spinelli (Bradford Anderson)! Saving the day, he winds up playing some tunes and later gets on the dance floor to ‘shake it off’ with the gals.
Photo: ABC
Lois makes a speech as the mother of the bride, and shares how proud she is of the woman Brook Lynn has become. Wedding games begin, including one of “hot potato” with a wedding bouquet.
When it’s time for the “Silly Poses” section of the party, Spinelli has now morphed from DJ to staff photographer taking memorable photos of the ladies to remember the evening by.
Photo: ABC
The best part of the event, was when Brook Lynn tries to get her grandmother Tracy out on the dance floor, which, at first, she refuses. After several of the guests bust a move, a tipsy Tracy joins the dance party after Joss mentions that if her grandmother Bobbie was here, she would dance. Tracy says “she agrees” and begins to cut a rug on the floor, much to the delight of the other women.
Photo: ABC
In the final moments, a tipsy Joss and Kristina (Kate Mansi) have a confrontation about Sonny, and Joss lets Kristina in more on Sonny’s behavior, which looks to have clued in Kristina a bit more as to how something is way off about her dad.
Photo: ABC
Across town at the Hatchett Bar, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) and the men with the exception of Anna (Finola Hughes) and Jordan (Tanisha Harper), all attend Chase’s Bachelor Party where throwing hatchets into a dart board for supremacy is the order of the day. Drew (Cameron Mathison) and Ned (Wally Kurth) get into some words over ELQ, while Dante makes a toast to his police partner, Chase.
Photo: ABC
Suddenly Dex (Evan Hofer) shows up. Chase thanks Dex for coming, but Dex gets some dirty looks from other cops on the force. Dante gives Chase his present, which is a signed baseball by the Boston Red Sox.
Ned (Wally Kurth) makes a speech that although no one is good enough for his daughter, Brook Lynn, Chase has come closer than anyone has, so welcome to the family. Running in at the end is Blaze (Jacqueline Grace Lopez), who just left Brook Lynn’s party, and she toasts her singing partner, Chase, and to the great man that he is.
Photo: ABC
What did you think of Brook Lynn and Chase’s pre-wedding celebrations? What was your favorite moment? Comment below.
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I know zero of Tonja, so really don’t care if she comes on or not.
I do care for Helena and I want her back !!!
Her scenes with Maura West are going to be must see daytime tv!
Just before her death, Olivia Jerome found redemption in a relationship with Lucy’s cousin Colton. If TW is an alive again Olivia, at least one scene with Lynn Herring would be fantastic
Swooning at Maura/Tonja….
whatever it takes… to upend… the dire wasteland that is : Corinthos
this is tour de force acting troupe; Jerome’ Julian, Olivia, Ava. wow
OH happy DAY! Olivia Jerome was a GREAT character brilliantly played by Tonja Walker! Bringing her back is exactly the spark this show and storyline need! Welcome home Tonja!
I believe Tonja was on OLTL for a while.
Yes. She played Alex Olanov.
What a hoot TW was as Alex Olanov. Loved TW then and love her now. Glad she is coming back to GH. Girl has style and delivery. Yeah.
Meh
She was fantastic from I remember of her from back then. A complex kind of crazy a Olivia Jerome was. Maybe Griffin is due to be crazy obsessed over like his Dad
Duke was not obsessed with Olivia, it was the other way around.
Olivia was a creepy-stalker woman who also preyed upon Anna.
But never the less, given her Duke obsession, she cannot be happy with her brother for killing the object of her obsession.
I know. I said crazy obsessed over
Meaning someone was crazy obsessing over him
Okay, thank you for the clarification.
If Tonya is playing Olivia – the scenes between her and Ava will be electrifying I’m sure .
I friggin’ loved Olivia Jerome! This could be great.
I’m excited to see her back on General Hospital and can’t wait to see how all of this will play out.
Tonja and Maura is brilliance!!
If she is playing Olivia Jerome – what do we do with Olivia Falconeri? It has never been the practice on a soap to have two characters with the same first name. A same-named boy may be called “Junior.” When Denise Alexander came back to GH, LesleyLu was then called LuLu. Alan Quartermaine Jr was not Alan but A.J. Will be interesting to see what Tanya’s character will be or maybe LoCicero is leaving GH…with the kid, I hope.
As Tracy would say, it’s time for Mama Leone to he’d back to Brooklyn
Two people in a town can have the same name! Young and Restless had John Silva and John Abbott for years. And GH had John McBain and John Zacchara.
One Life also had John McBain and John Sykes for a short while
I’ve always enjoyed Tonja Walker’s work—dating back to her early role on “Capitol”—so I’m happy to see her return to daytime. I just hope it isn’t as another Jerome family member, even though she was the original one back in the day…Quite frankly, I’ve had it up to here with that corrupt clan monopolizing the GH canvas….both Ava and Julian need to go. But if Olivia—or whoever she is—can accomplish that feat, then I’m all for her (re)appearance. (It would still be a better idea than attaching Walker to her old OLTL character…oh please, for the love of God, let’s not start re-populating Port Charles with Llanview denizens again…we’ve been there, done that, and it didn’t go over well the first time around….)
I only began watching GH when Maura West joined as Ava. I have found the show very bland and poorly written of late. If Ava leaves, I’ll not watch anymore. I humbly respect your opinion.
I can appreciate your thoughts, too, toscanti…even though I cannot deny West’s talents, I simply have not enjoyed the character of Ava (nor Julian) and their effect upon the emphasized mob direction of GH. Of course, I can also say the same for the characters of Sonny and Carly…whilst I’ve no quarrel with the actors who portray them, I cannot abide the way they have monopolized the goings-on in Port Charles.
Shay merry Christmas best wishes for 2017 the fact you re still watching GH tells me you have had a lobotomy or a glutton for punishment! Lol you hang in there
Darlings FV thinks it is OLTL
@k/kay…..Thank you, and Merry Christmas to you, as well! For the record, I’ve not had a lobotomy, nor am I a glutton for punishment….I barely watch GH anymore. The last full episode I tuned into was when “painted as sainted” Sabs kicked the proverbial bucket, and that one was worth the price of admission, believe you me! Other than occasional snippets here and there, I really don’t view the show, but hope always springs eternal it will someday get it right again. Until then, the void for daily drama is more than filled by the likes of MFSoaps and the continued antics from those discontented by the U.S. presidential election.
Ooh more Jeromes !!
Let’s complete the family and bring back daddy Victor. Jack Axelrod is still acting at 86!
Hey Olivia meet Olivia falcineri, lol, I was a kid back when Olivia Jerome was on and while I don’t remember everything bout the character I do remember her obsession with Duke, she was cray cray for sure in the good way she’ll be fun to watch with Ava.
Been waiting 26 years for this reunion! I agree the case of the 2 Olivias does complicate things but the addition of Tonja to the canvas is sure to set off a lot of sparks across various storylines. Is Nelle part of her master plot? Did she pull the strings on the Duke hit? If she was so Duke-obsessed why wait so long after his death to reappear! What does she have in mind for Sonny? Lastly, is she connected to Paul Hornsby? See ya around Port Chuck, Oscar!!!!!?
I wasn’t a GH viewer back when Tonja was on, but I’ve heard about Olivia Jerome and think she would be a great addition to the canvas. However, the casting notice doesn’t specify that she’ll be playing Olivia, and since there is already another Olivia currently on the show, are they really going to have two characters with the same name?
I’m glad, it’s about time. She was so great first time around. My only thing is, now we’ll have two Olivias on the show.
Olivia VS Ava=Jerome Fireworks!
Both actresses BRING IT! and i know with them together, it will be magical!
Skip Julian, i’ll take the Jerome girls ANYDAY!
This could potentially shake things up in a really good way that pays homage to GH history.
Maybe she’s Griffin’s mom…believed dead. I didn’t watch back then but since she had a thing for Duke…could it be she changed her identity…Griffin in the dark about her past…
I was gonna say the exact same thing! Could she be Griffin’s believed-to-be-dead Mother? Especially considering her past connection(s) with the character of Duke who of course happens to be Griffin’s father…
Yep…would be interesting! Lol…poor Griffin…he’s so good…it’d devastate him. And Anna’d freak. But still, an interesting twist… Let’s see if we’re right….
I do not remember her. Was she before 1989?
The best years of GH were before 1989, Tskyent. But yes, she came on the show in ’88 and was front burner with Duke and Anna.
And she left in ’90 after being redeemed.
I’ve watched in the seventies, and early eighties. Thank you 🙂
Great to see Tonja Walker on soaps again, I really liked her as Alex on OLTL. I hope GH treats her well and that she is on it full time, or at least recurring.
I know I’m late responding to this announcement but this is awesome. How could they possibly bring her back as Olivia unless she was in disguised as Alex Olonov on OLTL all these years? Coming back as Olivia will pull multiple GH favs into the storyline. This will drive Ana completely crazy. She could also be Griffins mother with Duke. She will definitely come gunning after Julian. She could even have a vendetta against Ava being the bastard child of her father. It could get even more interesting if she removed Ana’s fetus after the elevator accident and implanted it into herself. Making Ana Griffins real mother. What a coo this was!!!!
I would love to see her playing the character from One Life. Certainly she learned a lot from Asa and Carlo to be a very dangerous woman. She’s been living on that Island of hers all these years. A rise to power would be great for her!! And she’s alive, not even presumed dead. She can pretend to be whoever she wants.