General Hospital
Former Miss Alabama USA, Jesica Ahlberg Joins General Hospital In New Role!
Courtesy/JesicaAhlberg.com
More casting news out of ABC’s General Hospital. Former Miss Alabama USA 2014, Jesica Ahlberg, has landed the new role of Darby who will be arriving on the scene in Port Charles. Ahlberg makes her debut on the Monday October 19th episode of the long-running daytime drama series.
According to ABC Soaps In Depth, all that is known at the moment is Darby is a friend of TJ (Tequan Richmond) and Molly’s (Haley Pullos).
The actress/model took to Twitter to share her excitement on her first daytime soap role on Tuesday. Jesica tweeted: “Thanks for all the love! I’m thrilled to be playing Darby on General Hospital! I hope you all enjoy her as much as I do.”
Ahlberg’s previous credits have included roles on primetime TV series such as: Necessary Roughness and Banshee, and work in some feature films including: Alvin & The Chipmunks: The Roap Chip.
So, what do you think of GH’s new casting addition? Who will Darby ultimately be mixed-up with in story? Share your theories in the comment section below!
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.
The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.
Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).
Photo: NATAS
In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year, A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.
The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).
The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”
Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.
So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.
General Hospital fans took to social media following the airing of the Wednesday, October 21 episode of the ABC daytime drama series. In story, Molly (Kristen Vaganos) reveals to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) that she has received an offer to join the top law firm in Chicago that practices civil law. She says it’s her dream job.
The problem Molly says is relocating from Port Charles and uprooting her life and being away from her mother, Scout and boyfriend Cody Bell (Josh Kelly). Wistful that she may lose another daughter to a long-distance situation (Kristina left a few months back to go to medical school in California), Alexis urged Molly to get Cody to go with her.
Molly still seemed concerned and has trouble committing to the idea. Alexis tells her to talk it over with Cody. Meanwhile, Cody asked Tracy (Jane Elliot) is he can have Thanksgiving off because he and Molly planned to spend Thanksgiving together with their families. After initially balking, Tracy agrees.
Courtesy/ABC
WILL MOLLY AND CODY HEAD TO CHI-TOWN?
Later, Cody shows up at Miller & Davis and the conversation turned to Thanksgiving dinner that Alexis is hosting. Molly and Cody asked her not to cook anything. Cody hugged Molly reassuring Alexis that he and Molly would take care of whatever was needed on Turkey Day.
So, this raises the question, why out of nowhere are we learning that Molly received an amazing law offer in Chicago, if the character was not being written out? If Molly leaves the canvas, would the character of Cody make his exit too?
Kristen Vaganos joined GH as a recast Molly Lansing-Davis back in September of 2023 and went on contract in August of 2024. Josh Kelly began playing Cody Bell back in June of 2022. Initial reports were that Kelly joined the show on contract and then as of June 2025 went on recurring status with the show per his choice.
Do you see a world where GH is writing out Molly and Cody? Would you be sad to see Kristen and Josh exit the soap opera? If this is not what is going on, is this just a plot point for some other story that is upcoming? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.
It’s been over two-years since his last appearance on General Hospital, now fan favorite Kin Shriner (Scott Baldwin) has taken to social media to share his thoughts on the casting of his grown-up TV daughter, Serena Baldwin now played by Kelly Kruger.
Kelly took over the role of Serena on-screen starting with the July 30, 2026 episode and has been ensconced in the storyline with her mother, Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring), in trying to win back full creative control of Deception for her.
In fact on the Monday, October 19 episode of the ABC soap opera, Serena tried to dupe Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) into signing over Michael’s (Rory Gibson) shares of the company. Jason caught on and wondered why she was doing this. She claimed she just wanted to help her mom gain creative control from Tracy (Jane Elliot) rather than full ownership, and begged Jason to keep quiet about it, which he agreed to for now.
Courtesy/ABC
WHERE IS SCOTT?
On Monday, Shriner also took to X and said, “I think Kelly Kruger is doing a great job on General Hospital, and she and Lynn Herring work well together.” That was followed by comments in his thread about the show needing to bring back Scott too.
In fact, back on August 25, Shriner also took to X with a reminder that Scott is still around and ready to come back to Port Charles, sharing, “Scotty Baldwin always fits in he just needs the right sport coat !!!!”
The last time Serena mentioned her father Scott was when Kruger made her debut and informed Lucy that her father was, “living his best life in Key West.” Meanwhile, Shriner posts on his X account continually and shared back on August 2, that it has been 49 years since he made his on-screen debut as then teenaged, Scotty Baldwin and thanked the fans for al the love and support.
So, now let us know, are you enjoying Kelly Kruger as Serena Baldwin? Do you want to see GH bring back Scott Baldwin into the story, so Serena has both her parents in Port Charles? Do you like the potential of Jason and Serena pairing? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
2026 Daytime Emmy Awards: ‘Extra’ Partners with NATAS for Pre-Ceremony Red Carpet Stream; Week of Segments Leading to Ceremony and Post-Coverage
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced
Could Kristen Vaganos and Josh Kelly Be Exiting ‘General Hospital?’
Susan Flannery and Ian Buchanan Visit the Set of ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’; Daytime Emmy Winners Reflect on Show Then and Now
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Tabitha Brown and Kandi Burruss Guest Star on ‘Beyond the Gates’ for Dani’s ‘Welcome to Your Life’ TV Special; What Could Go Wrong?
‘Beyond the Gates’ Stars Lami and RhonniRose Mantilla Cover Raye’s ‘Nightingale Lane’ in New Music Video
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Stands Up to Brooke, ‘I Have Spent My Entire Life Sacrificing My Happiness for Yours. But No More!’
Days of our Lives’ Conner Floyd Talks Dominic Marino Mystery, Chad and Belle, and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Exclusive)
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THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Finn Blows a Gasket After Steffy Reveals She’s Gone Ahead and Become Carter and Daphne’s Surrogate
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How old is she to be hangin’ with Molly and TJ??
She looks much older .
Ummm my thoughts exactly.
I hope she performs her scenes in a swimsuit high heels and tiara.
Pray her talent is acting. Or I fear GH Will get their very own Summer Newman
At least Hunter king, can act. She is a wonderful actress and has won 2 emmys, back to back. Torqumada who sound bitter of Summer Newman lol
Josh, I kind of think Hunter King is getting a bad rap.
Sure, I have no use for the character because she is written as a whiny, self absorbed narcissist with a sense of entitlement. But every now and then, when Summer is allowed to show some concern for other people, something shines through.
They just need to give the girl a story which doesn’t revolve around The Newmans and The Abbotts. I mean, what is this young girl doing with her life? Is she even going to college?
Let’s give this girl a chance. You must admit, Torqumada, gorgeous women have always been caricatured or given less respect than a plain Jane or an average looking woman ever has. That’s the story since ALWAYS…..until one opens her mouth. Looks do not always run parallel to one’s intelligence. Trust me. It is always taken for granted that a beautiful woman lacks wit/ wisdom/a brain. I suppose this is the way said women are portrayed, even in this, the 21st Century. That fact is perpetuated, without fail.
My question is, why hire more characters? There must be a reason.. As long as there is a purpose and/or consequence, then okay. But, if it’s to ‘vamp’ the set, well, I don’t know…..
GH already has a bloated cast. The last thing they need is another newbie much less a teen. Some long time characters already go missing for weeks.
Darby becomes the new wuv interest for Morgan only to learn they are half siblings-Brenda is her momma and Sonny her pappa!…he already has kids all over the place so why not…ok, she cant be…i just cant care for another newbie in an already bloated cast with several characters they dont even care to write for but yet bring in a newbie and can write for her?
Exactly, Jimmy. What happened to the Brad/Lucas/Rosalie storyline? I know that was so dumb to have Brad and Rosalie married….still, the storyline was just left hanging.
i already forgot that storyline but then again it was forgettable when i watched it..lol
@jimh.
Exactly my point, Jimh. Forgettable. Why? ….because ‘they’ are all over the map; yet, more characters are introduced.
Why can’t they work with the people that they have and write decent storylines for them? TJ and Molly are barely on anymore and when they are it’s lame. Not looking forward to this at all.
Amen! I want to see Felicia, Mac, Scotty, Lucy, “Doc”, Laura, Bobbie, etc. what hole did these characters fall through?
If you need to add someone, how about Jasper Jacks?
I believe the new writers said that the cast will be trimmed down (a bit).
How is adding trimming down? Is Ben Weston on his way to Port Charles?
i hope so…lol
Sigh!!! Nothing against Jesica but since when is the T.J./Molly story, if you even consider it a “story,” of big interest. I realize GH wants to attact the “preferred” demos, but so far they don’t have a great track record of giving the younger actors interesting storylines anyway. Sometimes you hear they go to school, but mainly they go to Kelly’s, and don’t appear to do anything except have parent and boyfriend/girlfriend problems.
I truly believe there is more potential with things that can happen in their lives. There were a couple of promising stories where writers dropped the ball…Molly writing her book and then having Connie steal what became a best seller (with a little editorial embellishment from Connie). And TJ’s run-in at Wyndoms Dept store.
And as other commenters point out, don’t forget the stable of great fan favorites who aren’t criminals and barely appear anymore. Life doesn’t stand still for them either.
Oh dear Lord, why? This sinking ship needed to get rid of excess baggage NOT add to it and certainly not introduce new characters. Stupid, stupid move and she is not even an actress, she’s a beauty contestant. Great, just great.
Not only that, Harry; but, there is a ten year difference between Jesica ( what happened to the other ‘S’ in her name, anyway?????) and Haley/Molly. Are they supposed to be school friends? Even Tequan /TJ is older (22)….but, at least he could pass as a teen. This girl looks like she’s been around the block a few times. She is gorgeous, though. I just hope her acting is as outstanding as her looks.
Cee Cee:
It reminds me of all those movie from the 80’s when they had thirty year olds playing teenagers.
In the cult classic Napoleon Dynamite there is a blond man with a receding hairline playing a school bully who is supposed to be sixteen years old. I am sure he’s forty if he’s a day. Perhaps that was part of the joke?
In any case, Vote for Summer!
@Harry.
Yeah, Harry. What about 90210. I caught a few episodes of that show….most of the characters were in their late twenties or early thirties playing teen-agers.
I agree so much on this! why, why, why yet another character when there are so many we need to unload on this show?!
lol!
it’s about money..
the creator of the character get money, money for the character as long as it lives!
but-
stupid to create a young one..
c’mon, teens do not watch soaps. it’s the 21st century and what interests teens/younger people have in media are not their grandma stories/soaps. LOL
Damn, Su000, we are agreeing wayyyyyy too much these days.
teens are glued to their phones not watching soaps and adults aren’t interested in teens. agree!
I second that Harry! Just what we don’t need, a beauty contestant playing an actress. Lordie.
I’ll withhold judgment until we see where this is going as I have high hopes that Ms. Passanante and Ms. Altman will deliver the goods.
While I’m here I’d like to renew my plea to Mr. Valentini to drop the actress who plays Kiki. Actually, go ahead and drop the character, too. I’d have much preferred that she was killed off versus Silas (or Duke, for that matter). In all of the years that I’ve watched this wonderful program I struggle to recall when I’ve fast forwarded through scenes but I fast forward through most of hers. They’re painful to watch and are tantamount to nails on the chalkboard. How about a return to Nina carrying around her revenge list (to which she recently referred) with Kiki on the top line? She needs to go.
Finally, regarding Maura West and Michelle Stafford…
Welcome back, Ava! We’ve missed you terribly. I’m surely not the only fan who believes that, along with the snooze-fest that was the pointless (and lifeless) takeover of ELQ storyline, the rise of Denise Dimuccio was the nail in the coffin for Ron Carlivati. I’m looking forward to Ava locking horns with Carly and, of course, Nina. Speaking of Nina…
Michelle Stafford is quite simply fabulous. She looks fantastic (especially so on Tuesday’s episode) and is a splendidly gifted actress. Her chemistry with Roger Howarth has the makings of a super couple. I’m hopeful that she’ll be given good stuff to play by the new writers. She’s a gem.
Agree with you on Kiki 100% and to have this troll living with Franco & Nina is absurd. Wish Kiki would go away; neither actress has done much with the character but the current one really grates my every last nerve! Michelle Stafford deserves a better story than having this brat hanging around.
She seems too old to be hanging with TJ and Molly? Okay, now that I got that out of the way, its time to be shallow! Can I please get a walk on role at GH and play her coffee mug! She is beautiful!
I like your humor, Timmm. She is striking, isn’t she?
My god!
I think she’s a female version of Nathan–all looks and no talent or substance. Nathan is so bad he manages to make the usually exciting Maxie seem dull.
I swear, it seems like Frank and the ABC suites are trying to sabotage GH.
Words from the wise; my husband. “You’re so smart, babe…but, with your looks, you don’t need smarts”. LOL. Nathan is good for my eyes and soul….very soothing, Harry.
Seriously speaking, I will not pass judgement on this most beautiful girl. I can appreciate your temerity concerning her acting ability, but one can be as beautiful as she is talented. My concern is, how will the male cast members be able to flawlessly go through their lines. They will surely stumble over them. And, speaking of stumbling, do you think Sonny will try to bed her? I mean, he has sampled most women in PC and beyond!
Harry – way to judge a book by its cover. “No talent or substance.” Wow. I hope people don’t judge you based on your looks. And by the way, it’s “suits” unless you’re talking about large rooms at the ABC offices.
Yes, AJ, I did mean to write suits. Thank you for correcting my minor typo with such angry, self-righteous indignation. (this blog site does not allow us to correct our mistakes after posting them).
However, I stand by the thematic thrust of my comment. I have seen this actress in the shows mentioned above and her acting is barely sub par. In fact, she cannot act her way out of a paper bag. Moreover, she is a decade too old to be hanging out with the teenagers as if she were a peer. Finally, we do not need new characters right now when there is not decent writing being afforded to the characters we have on the canvas right now.
And sorry Miss Cee Cee, I know you like him but Nathan is played by a horrible actor, and the actor does not seem to grow better with time. The last thing GH needs is more superficial eye candy.
Harry, Nathan and Kiki had a scene on Wednesday and it was so bad I was hoping Chloe would hop over from Y&R and mistake me for Adam and put me out of my misery!
First let me say she could be the worst character ever on GH. Or she can be the best character ever on GH. Who knows. Exactly! Who knows? You people are bashing this poor girl, even mocking the spelling of her name (CeeCee – I don’t know where the other “S” is, but maybe you can loan her a C or an E). Last I checked, GH was a soap. You know what soaps do? They add and subtract characters. A lot. There are also 2 new writers. There’s going to be upheaval. No doubt about it. There will be changes. This girl may be on the canvas for 2 months. Or she could be on for 20 years and be so beloved. Again, we don’t know that, but give the poor girl a chance and give the new writers a chance. Don’t you all want GH to succeed? It doesn’t seem like it from reading these comments.
AJ,you are taking our comments way too personally. In fact, your responses seems rather shrill and hysterical.
The fact is GH does not need new characters–they need to get rid of the excess baggage. The timing could not be worst and you must understand this.
Folks are feeling that GH is guilty of self-sabotage and this idiotic casting choice is yet another example of this.. It’s nothing personal against Miss Alabama. It’s not about her but what she represents.
I am sure she can twirl a baton just brilliantly.
Yes, subject verb disagreement. I am guilty as charged.
So sue me.
Nope, not taking it personally and no hysterics either. I just hate to see such negative attitudes about a show that we all devote a great deal of time to and that we all supposedly love.
But as I said above, and maybe I missed it somewhere, but no where is there an indication that this is a contract role or even a “heavy recurring” role. She could be on for a few weeks and that’s it. Maybe she serves as a plot device for Tequan to leave the show to film his pilot.
I will try again, since the moderators did not like my response to you; nonetheless they have allowed your very offensive words to appear. Why? Why does my nickname bother you? My sibling has called me that as a small child. …..could not say Cecelia; so it stuck. Why are you bombarding me and Harry? I said nothing untoward about ‘Jesica’ whose name, I assumed was misspelled……it happens all the time. My question was rhetorical. She is gorgeous and I will wait to see if she WOWS us. I will not put the cart before the horse, per se.
Additionally, this site is dedicated to positives and negatives. It is intended for us to give opinions ….what and how we feel . I don’t know how many times I have said this. Our comments cannot please everyone. But, as Harry pointed out, you seem to take it personally. Did anyone direct a comment to you? No one has. But, you took it upon yourself to target me and my name.
I cannot comment on this girl’s acting. And, I haven’t. How could I? I never even heard of her until now. I do not know her work. I can only judge her physical assets, at this point. She is, by far, one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen. And, I’m a girl!!! Women are the best judge of other women.
Also, LOAN in a noun, not a verb. If you are to correct people’s grammar, then sobeit. At least Harry made a typo, not a grammar error. That’s the difference. There is no reason for you to poke fun at my moniker.
UGH!!! I don’t want to bash anyone who’s just trying to earn a living, but I really don’t want any more new characters or returning characters for a long while. GH is so full of characters I like and only get to see once a month. There are so many story lines that are played the same way or left waiting in the wings forever.
I am hopeful that his new writing regime ties up all those loose ends before moving into new stories. I’d like to know what’s going on with Brad/Lucas/Rosealee. What’s happening with Monica and the judge? How about Epiphany and Milo? Whatever happened with Molly’s writing career; her published book? What about Shawn being TJ’s daddy? How Helena able to keep Robin away when Nicolas seems to have neutralized her? I’m sure I’m missing a few, but who’s going to care? How are we, the audience supposed to care about any of the story lines if they are constantly dropped all the time or only played once a month?
I love GH despite all these comments and even though I think it’s a train wreck of late. There’s so much good and so much bad. I hope they can get it together before I start thinking it’s more bad than good. I think they can.
If you look @ her long enough she could pass for a long lost Corinthos’
I think that Darby is Sonny and Sam’s daughter that died at birth why not they all end up dead and yet come back!!
I did some research on that back story, Ashleigh. How different was Sam back in the day?
That’s a very good assumption on your part……or, any of the other women Sonny ‘touched’; hither and yon.
I am very much looking forward to make Darby’s acquaintance. Take care of yourself, Ash.