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Carolyn Hennesy Teases Diane and Spinelli Together Again On General Hospital!

By Michael Fairman

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Photo Credit: MF Soaps Inc.

Photo Credit: MF Soaps Inc.

Diane Miller (Carolyn Hennesy) and Damian Spinelli (Bradford Anderson) drove each other crazy on ABC’s General Hospital, but you knew down deep the two characters had a fondness for each other.

Many had hopes that it would turn out that Diane and Spinelli would turn out to be mother and son, especially actress Carolyn Hennesy.  Even Hennesy, who had a deep invested love of the characters, wrote the book The Secret Life of Damian Spinelli that hit bookstores in 2011.

Now in a curious tweet late last week, Hennesy seemed to reveal that under the new GH head writers of Shelly Altman and Jean Passanante that Diane and Spinelli will be in each others orbit.

Carolyn tweeted: “Diane and Spinelli…together again. You asked for it…you’re gonna get it. #GH @GeneralHospital”

Previously, GH viewers learned that Anderson was coming back for a return this fall to the series, but details had not come to light on how long, or which story he would be involved with.  There is much speculation that he could be a major part of the “Jake” reveal, since Spinelli and Jason (Billy Miller) were such close friends.

So, what do you think of Diane and Spinelli in story together on GH?  Are you glad to hear they will be back on the canvas with more upcoming airtime?  Do you hope that Diane is Spinelli’s mother? Comment below!

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I also loved Carolyn Hennesy as the wicked Penelope Ellis, Louisa mother in Revenge..
She was great in the wicked mother role..
Good to have Carolyn back with GH no matter the length of time.
looking forward to having Spin back, also.

Can’t Diane just be Diane? Can’t Spinelli just be Spinelli? Every character on a soap doesn’t have to be related to someone else to be in story. Just leave well enough alone. We don’t need another parent/child reunion. In other words, welcome back Diane Miller, and welcome back Spinelli. End of story.

Thank you, Jeremy. I agree. Dont;l try to make everyone related. Life does not work that way. The changes from the writing team switch will be debated but nobody can argue that Diane and Spinelli back in Port Charles is a good thing. And there two actors can do just about anything. Good news.

@Jeremy @Iakovos
I agree with you both that not everyone needs to be related and that life does not work that way.

I always wonder “How is that all these characters in these small towns end up being related to each other?” I mean, come on, Alexis and Sam both end up in PC and end up being mother and daughter? And then Julian shows up back in PC and it turns out he had had a one night stand (well, not really standing in the back of Julian’s Mustang) 30 years ago with Alexis (in New Hampshire no less) and he’s Sam’s father?

Or how about the rumor a couple of years ago that Ellie Trout was going to be Tracy Quartermaine’s daughter and that she had been given up for adoption? Its really silly at this point.

Why not do something original where Spinelli heads out on a journey to find his mother and it’s someone altogether new to the canvas not related to anyone? How about a strong businesswoman who doesn’t rely on any men to “save” her or who is involved with a gangster?

Depends on how well they are written…Spins last return was a boring filler moment just to drag the obvious pairing of Nate and Maxie…Diane as Spins mommy…ok…who da poppa…Sonny?…after all, it is ‘Sonny’s Hospital’ and he has children from Carly, Alexis, Olivia and Ava…so why not Diane even if she and Sonny never slept together…she couldv’e made a withdraw from the Manhood Bank…lol

Wow!!!! The Grasshopper and the Lady of Justice together again. Who’d of thunk it ????

Yeah!!! 2 great characters and actors coming back. I hope for a long time. Let the fun begin

ditto Mary… love those two together would be a welcome plus to GH and they are laughs together, especially Diane, she’s the Queen & an elegant one, at that! i do miss Max, her & him were the best “odd couple” of PC.

Great that they are bringing them both back. Diane is needed and Spin too for their humor.

Who cares about the nerd, the character is annoying. I love Diane

Really glad to see them back together on GH. Then there’s Spinelli and Jake/Jason…another fun reveal to come.

Yes, please bring back Diane & Spinelli in a story line together. That would be great if they were Mother & Son.

Loved Diane & Spinelli’s relationship, but I do NOT want them related in any way!

Hoping the new writers will utilize Carolyn more. I’ve missed her! About time she comes back!
Spinelli not so much, but I as long as he is over the Maxie Obsession, I can tolerate him

Super excited to see Dianne and Spinelli back on canvas again. How I wish they would bring Spinelli and Georgie back for good. I still think he and Maxie belong together to raise their child. Sometimes on s soap a child needs to be raised by its parents and happily ever after. Also, Dianne and Max need to tie the knot. They’ve always been the perfect couple. Why doesn’t she deserve a happily ever after as well with a front burner story line. I love her.

I may be in the minority BUT I could care less if either of them return. He should have been here for a one arc story and sent away and Dianne DOES NOT amuse me in the least bit!

Well, just base on the picture above I could see where a case could be made that they are mother and son– there is some resemblance to each other. But I doubt even new writers would make these two characters front and center with their own story line. It seems more likely they will both play minor roles in whatever stories that are coming down the pike. If they are working together then obviously Jason will be in some legal trouble and Diane represents him, while Spinelli helps Sam clear him– that is my feeling.

I am glad that they are coming back, they have been missed.

So excited!! Especially for Spinelli!! I have always wanted Sonny to be Spinelli’s dad… never thought of Dianne being his mom, that woud be great!! lol… I don’t know how long Bradford is staying, but If I can’t get my Spixie reunion, I hope I can at least get Spin and Maxie in a story together, KS and BA are just so much fun to watch together. Maybe Spinelli finds out Jake is Jason, but Jason tells Spinelli not to tell anyone.. Spin is tormented at not telling Sam and struggles with whether to tell her or to keep Jason’s “secret pain ” secret…. Spinelli spills the beans to Maxie accidently and they keep this secret together along with Jason. Spin/Maxie/Jason scenes were always the best. I always love Spin and Jason’s friendship, something very special there… I have heard Bradford is doing a primetime show, Minority Report which I am so excited about, but I hope somehow he can do GH too, if not I will take what I can get. <3

I am so glad that Diane and Spinelli will be brought
Back! We need their senses of humor! As long as the story line is well written, I would love to see a long
Term situation for them both, whether or not it is as mother and son. They are both missed and wanted!

Love Diane and Spin!!!

Sorry, Spinelli doesn’t sit well with me at all. There are naturally lovable nerds and then there is this character that exists only to create forced, so-called humor. Nothing interesting about Spinelli to me at all. Diane is fine (and better than Nina or Franco, for sure) but not really needed. Why can’t they revive Alexis by giving her some of Diane’s spirit? Alexis should be the feisty lawyer on the show.

I don’t like what they’ve done to Alexis. She used to be the capable, feisty one. She even went head-to-head with Diane when D first came on if I remember right.

@sonniorsolita…..Alexis could never pull off Diane’s elan because NLG totally lacks the verve of Carolyn Hennessy. If you have seen any of the latter’s guest roles on primetime, you would know what I mean…the woman is magnificent!

Oh… happy days!!! Absolutely adore Spinelli (Bradford) and Diane (Carolyn) couldn’t be more excited!!! Please let them stay around for a long time and would love to see them be mother and son! Loved her book!

I adore Diane she’s amusing, delightful and full of spark.

I know, Fanny. Too bad she comes and goes in a flash. Just as I start getting to know her as both the character and the actress, she disappears. I’d rather see her on a regular basis than Alexis.
The same goes for Spinelli. He’s probably back to push the Jason reveal along and then he too, will be a memory. Too bad; I do like him. Bonne nuit, Fanny.

@ CeeCee…Morning
I’m not sure if you were watching GH prior to RC taking over as HW…
Diane & Alexis had cultivated a wonderful friendship over the yrs..
They were fun, witty & entertaining, they complimented each other
perfectly. Diane was Sonny’s best defense attorney, bar none.. I hope
when she returns things will pick-up where they left off… Alexis needs
a major WAKE-UP call, the strong independent, interesting and
intelligent Alexis we once knew no longer is. Hopefully Diane can
snap her out of it. Have a great day, Sweets.

“Tis so true, Fanny! Diane is sassy, classy and adds much more than a dash of panache to the GH canvas. To my way of thinking, her colorful, expressive character manages to be both a consummate professional and a complete hoot….at the same time. (Such a welcome departure from the worn-out, oversexed Alexis! And I’m with CeeCee, Atty. Miller is the one who should be hanging her legal eagle shingle on a full-time basis in Port Charles….every court case needn’t involve Ms. Davis!) Oh…she is totally adorbs with Max, too! Bring them both back in spades!

@Shay… I see you get as much sleep as as I do…..
Now that Paul H./ Mob lord/ is District Attorney, watch
Alexis try to illicit his help in clearing her beloved Julian from
persecution. GOOD LUCK ! Truthfully I was a Julian/Alexis
fan from day one, unfortunately they fizzled too quickly due
to RC lack of character development, no long term vision.
He turned Alexis into a gullible ninny… And when would
Julian have let Morgan get the best of him.. gun or no
gun … Too many inconsistencies. Look at Liz, Dante,
Nicolas, Anna…. Try to get a little rest mon ami.

@Fanny….Actually I’m just an inveterate night person….always have been, always will be! That’s when I’m at my most energetic and lucid…..LOL! But thank you for your concern over my getting my necessary zzzz’s!!!! As for all the inconsistencies and annoyances you have mentioned, you are spot on….(Even though I was never an Alexis fan, and particularly did not enjoy her raunchy pairing with Julian, but all your other points are quite well-founded!) Practically every character on this show has acted like they’ve had lobotomies, or at the very least, done total 180’s when it comes to their innate nature(s)….I was hoping all of this revisionism would be a thing of the past with the new writers, but it would seem that they have not totally abandoned this most off-putting habit.

Happy about their return. They are two great GH characters. Would be special story if they are found to be mother and son. Diane is such a strong character, as is Spinelli. Jason will need his sidekick. Always enjoyed the interchange between Sonny and Spinelli. And the adventures Spinelli and Maxie go on are very entertaining. Diane and Max are a great pair as well. Glad they are returning. Hopefully for a long, long time.

Both of these characters have had success in a non-traditional soap way…that is…not being a member of a core family. I don’t care one way or the other if the story goes this way. It could have some funny and poignant moments…and show a whole other side of diane. Maybe it would explain why she is such a shark in the court! Maybe her husband stole her child, Spinelli, and she NEVER saw him again, so she vowed to become a tough as nails lawyer so one day she could find him. I would LOVE to see Diane cry! And not always talk in such pursed, curt tones, and not always talking about how high her retainer and fee is. The character became pretty one-note under Carlivati’s writing…as did most characters.

However, I really think GH needs to lay off on the unknown parent-child thing for a while. It was done to death under Carlivati, and many of the reveals made little to no sense, and have done nothing to advance story. They had the opportunity to tell the mother (pardon the pun) of all child reuniting stories with Elizabeth and Jake, and that was botched!! If you thought your four year old died, and you got him back four years later, you would spend every waking minute with that child, just being happy, trying to reconnect, making sure he was okay, staring at him, hugging him, etc. These back from the dead stories became so commonplace on GH with Ron, that there has been zero emotional impact with ANY of them. Elizabeth and her son Jake have shared maybe five scenes since the reveal came that he was alive. And every one of those scenes has been plot driven drivel, to prolong Elizabeth keeping her secret.

Elizabeth was never stupid or weak or cruel or moronic. Now, she is keeping Jason from his wife, his TWO sons, his entire family, and all because she wants to be loved. This is plot driven writing at its worst! It makes Elizabeth look like a desperate, horny, sociopathic loser. Women, especially competent nurses with children, are not that obsessed with being loved. Elizabeth is coming off as Brooke Logan on B and B, and no one wants that. I’ve said it before, Shelly and Jean have a VERY daunting task in turning around the mess that Ron left behind.

Anyway, if the story can be told well, and not be an utter disaster like the elizabeth/Jake reunion, or the Scott/Franco reveal, or the utterly pointless Nathan/Liesl/Madeline maternity conundrum, then I say go for it. Spinelli and Diane could become much richer characters with more depth because of this story point. We saw Spinelli’s human side, when he learned that Maxie’s baby was his. He cried, and portrayed grief, and hurt and betrayal, and joy, and love. He was awesome. It would be nice to see Diane play some of those emotions!

Love Diane. So glad she’s coming back. Spin? Meh. He’s ok in small doses.

Beyond the Gates

RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Bests ‘General Hospital’ in Key Demos

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Beyond the Gates and General Hospital ratings

Things continue to look up, up, up for CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates. Now, in the latest Nielsen ratings picture, that 15-time Daytime Emmy nominated drama has moved into the #3 spot over legendary soap opera, General Hospital in the key women’s demos, 18-49 and 25-54.

In addition, according to data from Soap Opera Network, Beyond the Gates is closing the gap on General Hospital, even among total viewers. Let’s take a look at the week in question which are reflected in the latest ratings report.

For the week of October 5-9, 2026, Beyond the Gates is inching closer to an average of 1.8 million viewers tuning-in with the ratings week at 1,756,000. While down slightly from the previous week by -9,000, the series taped in Atlanta, is still up year-over-year +161,000.

Photo: CBS

BEYOND THE GATES

As for the all-important demos, Beyond the Gates delivered a 0.22 ratings share in women 18-49, which is up +0.02 week-over-week, while General Hospital fell to fourth place in ratings share for the demo with 0.21, which was on par from the previous week. Then, in women 25-54, Beyond the Gates scored a 0.32 ratings share; that’s 0.05 points more than GH who came in with 0.27 of the ratings share and up + 0.02 week-over-week.

So, what had viewers tuning-in to Beyond the Gates the week of October 5-9 2026? For starters: Hayley Lawson Hamilton’s (Marquita Goings) blackmail plot falls apart as Vernon Dupree (Clifton Davis) and Joey Armstrong (Jon Lindstrom) intervene to stop her in her tracks. Meanwhile, Ted Richardson (Keith D. Robinson) proposed to Shanice (Ernestine Johnson) in the Big Apple.

In addition, Smitty (Mike Manning) refused to participate in Martin’s (Brandon Claybon) upcoming political press conference due to liability concerns, and Andre (Sean Freeman) confronted Dani (Karla Mosley) about her near-death experience the night of the tornado and what it has to do with her ex-husband, Bill (Timon Kyle Durrett)!

Courtesy/ABC

GENERAL HOSPITAL

Over in Port Charles and General Hospital, the ratings week saw a slight uptick in total viewers of +6,000 with a total viewer average at 1,898,000, and up overall +20,o0o year-over-year.

In story, GH brought viewers, ADA Justine Turner (Nazneen Contractor) breaking off her secret romance with Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) as she seemingly struggles to believe his professed innocence in the prison beatdown of Jenz Sidwell (Carlo Rota). Then as Sonny cannot get a single person to believe that he is telling the truth, his ex-wife, Carly (Laura Wright) shows up and stands by his side.

Elsewhere, Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase’s (Brook Lynn) marriage continued to crumble, as Lulu (Alexa Havins) published explosive allegations that Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) drugged Drew (Cameron Mathison), after recording Sidwell in his hospital room, who later denies he said anything about Willow and Drew to Lulu.

As per usual, the number #1 and number #2 soaps of the week were The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful. The sister soaps also saw the gap close between the two for the top spots with Y&R adding the most viewers for the week with both soaps losing the most viewers for the ratings period.

In total viewers, Y&R came in with 3,015,000 while B&B 2,628,000, which means there is less than 400,000 viewers separating the two.

So, what do you think of how Beyond the Gates outperformed General Hospital in the key demos for the week of October 5-9, 2026? Do you think its just a matter of time before Beyond the Gates overtakes General Hospital in total viewers for the #3 spot, or do you think the iconic daytime drama series can stave them off and maintain its hold on #3 in the viewership? Weigh-in via the comment section.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Brook Lynn Gets a Shock from Jude, Nina Gets a Reprieve, and Ava’s in the Hot Seat

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General Hospital Preview

This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital airing October 26-30, a secret relationship is revealed, a new lead on the case of the missing Brennan (Chris McKenna), and a knock on the door that may alter the life of Brook Lynn Quartermaine’s (Amanda Setton) happiness take center stage!

In the just released GH spoilers video for the week, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) gets an eyeful when he walks into the Quartermaine stables and finds Rocco (Finn Carr) kissing his sister, Scout (Kayden Brenna Tokarksi). Things have already soured between the “brothers” as Jason (Steve Burton) tells his son, “You and Rocco can’t be so quick to throw that kind of friendship away.”

Meanwhile at the PCPD, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) is going over the case of MIA former WSB former Port Charles bureau chief,  Jack Brennan with Joe (Jonathan Bennett). When Dante asks what leads he may have, Joe shares, “Ava Jerome.”

Courtesy/ABC

Just then, Agent Baines (Alimi Ballard) is seen sitting in a dimly lit room with Nina Reeves (Cynthia Watros). Viewers have not seen Nina, since the WSB whisked her away presumably to Steinmauer, because they believed she was the culprit who did away with, or caused, the disappearance of Jack Brennan after Drew (Cameron Mathison) framed her.

Now, Baines says to Nina, “We may have rushed to judgment.” Does this mean, Nina could be sent back to Port Charles, if everyone now zeroes in on Ava (Maura West)?

Then, in the shocking conclusion of the video preview, Brook Lynn opens the front door of the Quartermaine mansion to find Jude (Wil Traval) standing there with a demand! “I’m here to see my daughter,” he tells BLQ as she looks stunned.

Will it turn out the Jude is the biological father of baby Phoebe, and if so, what his relationship to Hudson Parker (Troy Lennon Appel), who viewers recall beat up Ethan Lovett over the little girl? Stay tuned!

SPOILERS

Now below, check out the official GH spoilers for the action this week in Port Charles.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 26
Carly and Valentin take on a new mission. Jason issues a warning to Willow. Curtis gets bad news. Scout and Rocco’s secret is at risk. Lulu doesn’t like what she hears about Charlotte.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27
Sonny confronts Alexis. Portia comes to Ava’s rescue. Dante worries that Gio is headed for heartbreak. Scout opens up to Drew. Danny issues an ultimatum.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28
Ava lawyers up. Dante defends Lulu. Britt’s news stuns Willow. Carly shares her suspicions. Tracy drops a bombshell.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29
The Quartermaines are rocked. Anna has a breakthrough. Tracy prepares for battle. Joe questions Carly. Ric makes a request of Alexis.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30
Jason grills Josslyn. Dante and Elizabeth are shaken. Danny makes a confession. Trina and Emma are alarmed. Lulu gets disappointing news.

Now below, watch the latest GH promo entitled, “Secrets Come Home.”

So, do you think Nina comes back to Port Charles and the WSB takes Ava into custody? Do you think Jude will prove he is the biological father and takes baby Phoebe away from Brook Lynn? Who actually killed Jack Brennan? Weigh-in via the comment section.

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General Hospital

Troy Lennon Appel on Auditioning Six Times for ‘General Hospital’ Before Being Cast in the Role of Hudson Parker

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Troy Lennon Appel

General Hospital introduced the character of Hudson Parker back on July 30, 2026 marking the first appearance of Troy Lennon Appel in the role.

Quickly, we learned there was some connection to Ethan Lovett, after Hudson tracked him down and beat up the guy, the potential that Hudson is the biological father to Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase’s (Josh Swickard) adopted daughter, Phoebe, and that he is now Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) right hand man at JJE.

On Sunday, October 25 in a brand new episode of the That’s Awesome Podcast with Steve Burton (Jason) and Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), the Stone Cold and the Jackal duo welcomed Troy Lennon Appel to the show to delve into his background, landing the role of Hudson, and what may come next in a teaser for upcoming episodes of GH.

Jonathan Bennett

Photo: ABC

A NEW CHARACTER CREATED JUST FOR TROY WAS THE TICKET TO PORT CHARLES

As it turned out, Troy revealed that he had actually auditioned for General Hospital on six different occasions before being cast as Hudson, the last audition being for the role of Joe Fitzpatrick that went to Jonathan Bennett.

Appel explained, “Every time I showed up (to audition), I was like, ‘All right, I gotta nail this because it’s General Hospital.‘ It was my sixth one where I auditioned for Joe Fitzpatrick, Jonathan Bennett’s character. That was last November. Then, it was February of this year when I came in for an in-person callback. My wife and I were just like, ‘You gotta nail this.’  I didn’t get that character. Obviously, Jonathan got that, but then, they created Hudson Parker for me. I’m shocked I’m even on this show right now!'”

The General Hospital newcomer was even more stoked when he realized that not only did the producers and writers create a role just for him, but that he was going on contract as a series regular.

Appel recalled, “All at once, they were like, ‘We’re going to offer you a three-year contract and we’re creating a character for you.’ It was just something you never expect to hear. I was on the phone and I just fell down to the ground. I went through the range of emotions you could have. I know I cried. I hyperventilated. I’ve never hyperventilated in my life. But now, I get to essentially live the dream I have.”

Photo: ABC

HUDSON AND JOSSLYN

Eden McCoy shares many a scene with Troy, and he gave her major kudos for getting him through the beginning weeks of his run as Hudson. “We did a chemistry test, together and I give her so much credit because obviously, she’s a pro. She’s been doing it for so long. I’ll do scenes with her where I’m like, ‘I got to just try to meet her where she’s at because she’s just so talented.'”

Troy added, “Eden took me under her wing, and just helped me out so much with understanding the process of all of this and even just knowing where to go, when, when to be where I need to be. I don’t know how I would be feeling if I didn’t have her always working with her and just helping me out the entire time.”

The mystery of just who this guy is will become clear in the weeks ahead as Appel revealed, “We actually just shot what Parker’s background is. Right now, I am the Vice President of Operations for JJE. I manager the company’s financials, essentially. But, there’s more to Hudson which we will eventually find out.” Getting the chance to mix it up with the cast, Troy added of Hudson, “He’s up to some stuff.”

Check out the full conversation with Troy Lennon Appel with Steve Burton and Bradford Anderson below.

Now weigh-in: what do you think about Troy having a role specifically creating for him after 6 auditions for GH? What do you think will be revealed of Hudson’s background in the weeks to come? Do you want to see a Josslyn and Hudson pairing? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

 

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Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

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