General Hospital
GH’s Adam Huss Gives High Praise to His On-Screen Mother, Genie Francis: “Her Scenes Broke My Heart”
This week, General Hospital revealed not one, but two on-screen departures. While fans were expecting the exit of Nicholas Chavez (Spencer), they were not expecting the departure of Avery Pohl (Esme).
In story, Spencer and Esme went overboard on the boat they were on as Esme set out to destroy Trina (Tabyana Ali) and Spencer’s happiness while also trying to get locate her son, Ace who was given to Nikolas (Adam Huss). Now, both characters are presumed dead and GH confirmed the exit of Pohl.
On Friday’s episode of the ABC daytime drama series, Laura (Genie Francis) is reeling when she arrives back in Port Charles grieving the loss of her grandson, and telling Kevin (Jon Lindstrom) that her family is all but gone. Spencer’s death is hitting Laura very hard.

Courtesy/ABC
In a key and emotional moment at the end of the episode, Laura is looking at an old photo of a young Spencer played by Nicolas Bechtel, when she receives a knock at her door. When she opens it, she finds her son Nikolas standing there with her other grandson, little baby Ace. Laura and Nikolas are both in tears.
What happens next should be interesting. Will Nikolas give Ace to Laura to raise? Will he take his son on the run? Will he stay in Port Charles now that the threat of Esme is presumably gone?
Taking to his X account, Huss, who marveled over Genie Francis’ compelling performance on Friday’s February 2nd episode, shared:”I watched Genie Francis today & her scenes broke my heart. The fact that I get to be on screen with this force of nature is a dream.I am so passionate about Nikolas Cassadine and his bond with his mom & family is his beating heart. Thank u 4 the love today!”

Photo: ABC
In addition, Huss also gave kudos to working with Avery Pohl during her run on GH, noting: “A class act, talented gem of a human. Adore ya Avery.”
What did you think of the performance of Genie Francis as Laura grieves the loss of her grandson? What do you think will happen next, now that Nikolas has brought Ace with him to see Laura? Comment below.
I watched #Geniefrancis today on @GeneralHospital & her scenes broke my heart.The fact that I get to be on screen with this force of nature is a dream.I am so passionate about #NikolasCassadine and his bond with his mom & family is his beating heart. Thank u 4 the ❤️ today! pic.twitter.com/XCfFaHeOMg
— Adam Huss (@adamthuss) February 3, 2024
It seems every week I have another actor to submit material for this year’s Emmy Awards. So far, Finola Hughes and the aftermath of shooting Charlotte. Next, Laura Wright for the scenes leading up to Bobbie’s funeral. Jane Elliott, because she is the most underrated legend in the history of soaps and how her character can show so much emotion by a glance or a frown. Avery Pohl HAS to win Best Supporting Actress this year for the rage of finding out Spencer handed over Ace to Nik. Now, we have to put Genie Francis in category for her work with Spencer’s “death.” If that’s not enough Cynthia Watros and Maura West are always amazing. I can’t wait to see who all submits reels this year.
FYI – you’ve hit two different submission periods as the Daytime Emmys are on a calendar year basis. All of Anna’s post Charlotte shooting occurred in 2023. Most of the rest you mentioned happened in January – which won’t be up for award consideration until spring of 2025.
Will be a tough sell to convince Jane Elliott to submit. She’s shied away from that most years.
For 2023, Kathleen Gati should submit for Liesl’s reaction after Britt’s demise as well as her scenes with Victor and Scotty.
Where has Liesl ( Kathleen Gati ) been lately?
We haven’t seen her for quite a while.
After being heavily played in the first half of the year, Liesl has been rarely seen since June. Shame, because she’s strongest support and would whip Willow into shape. Would’ve been nice to see her reaction to Anna shooting Charlotte, too.
I think Nicholas will stay in Port charles
Genie’s scenes with Cyrus and Sonny were so powerful. If you have ever asked sometime leave when you are that stressed and they just won’t shut up and go.. then I am certain you can related to the raw emotion Genie displayed. An award winning performance 100%.
Certainly agree, especially when that darn Cyrus can’t take no for an answer. I was hoping Kevin might throw him out but knowing what Laura’s reaction might be, guess he took the wise course.
I haven’t been a fan of the way the storyline has been playing out, especially with the exit of Avery Pohl, but the one thing that has stood out has been the amazing Genie Francis who I feel should have as many Emmy’s as Tony Geary, GH really has an embarrassment of riches with their cast. Bravo to Genie though this week cause she killed it…
You are so right Aria. Ms Francis deserves to have won multiple Emmy’s for her always compelling performance as Laura. No matter what they’ve thrown at her through the years, she always delivers. She an amazing force. Bravo Genie Francis!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Adam seems like such a gracious person. And he’s right about Genie. I’m not looking forward to this depressing mourning period but I know Genie will give some good performances.
sorry but I do not think he has the power to match her in the scenes-we need a new Nicholas- what’s Jesse Metcalfe up to?
Agreed, Mike. I find his acting amateurish and embarrassing. Lately, I’ve been fast-forwarding his “emotional” scenes. It actually hurts to watch them.
We’re not getting a different Nikolas (please spell it correctly- it’s in the article) any time soon. Huss is putting in the work and doing publicity.
While he visually looks the part, Metcalfe certainly isn’t known for his acting chops.
Huss doesn’t show range or the correct emotional level that needs to express and he is surrounded by excellent actors around him and he cannot handle it. They found a great Spencer so why not look for a new Nicholas?
The talent on GH is phenomenal! Spencer and Esme taking a swim is sad. They are both so talented BUT GH has lots of other talent to fill in! The Vets speak for themselves but GH also has Joss, Cameron, Brooke Lynn, and that little guy who plays James is a keeper! He is sweet. Oh, and I love Leo! And back to the Vets, one guy I love and brings a sparkle to every scene, Gregory Harrison who plays Gregory Chase. Whether its with his sons or with Tracy, he is so good!
I agree, do we think he and Tracy may get involved? I keep hoping he’s been misdiagnosed and we wont lose a great character.
Thanks for mentioning Tracy. She is GOLD no matter who she is in a scene with! I love her! She ignited the Q’s again. When Edward and Lila died so did the mansion. But with Jane back and Brooke Lynn, those two are priceless! Plus, Rena Sofer being back and Wally Kurth, the mansion feels right again. When Tracy jumps all over Louis and Olivia about their upbringing and the names she calls those two, delicious! Thank you Jane Elliot! Oh, and it would be cool if Tracy found love again. Gregory is a great actor who also connects with anyone he is in a scene with. How about a misdiagnosis and a “Golden Bachelor” moment on GH!
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
Many things are coming up roses for Jonathan Bennett! On the heels of the news that he is set to debut this month in the role of Joe Fitzpatrick on General Hospital, who is rumored to be a new love interest for Lucas Jones (Van Hansis), comes the news that Bennett’s reality series, Finding Mr. Christmas has received 3 nomination for the Critics Choice Real TV Awards.
Bennett’s Hallmark Channel series finds itself in tough competition alongside fellow nominees: RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV), Squid Game: The Challenge (Netflix), Survivor 50 (CBS), Top Chef (Bravo) and The Traitors (Peacock). In addition, Jonathan himself is nominated for Best Show Host and the series participants as the Best Ensemble Cast in an Unscripted Series.
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) revealed the nominees for the eighth annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards on Thursday, which recognize excellence in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. Winners will be announced online at CriticsChoice.com on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 9:00am PT/12:00pm ET.

Photo: Hallmark
Taking to his Instagram to celebrate the nominations, GH’s Bennett, enthused, “3 Critic Choice Nominations! I’m so proud of the FINDING MR CHRISTMAS and to be in the company of all the legends in all these categories is so surreal! Congrats to Hallmark Channel and to our nominated cast and nominated show and everyone who made this magical show possible. This is crazy! This gives FMC 6 Critics Choice nominations in 2 years. Not bad for a little show on Hallmark Channel. What are your thoughts on our show?” Jumping first into the comment thread was one of his new GH co-stars, Dominic Zamprogna (Dante) who expressed, “Yeah buddy!!!🔥🔥”
In the series, Bennett, the host and co-creator spends eight weeks guiding 10 aspiring actors through a series of “festive face-offs” and acting challenges alongside actors like soap opera notables, Hunter King (ex-Summer, Y&R) and Alison Sweeney (Sami, DAYS). Along the way, they develop their skills and a bond with one another. The show, which is available on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Plus, highlights LGBTQ+ representation with openly gay contestants vying to be the next Hallmark star.
It should be noted that Traitors received the most Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations with 6 nods, followed by Dancing with the Stars with 4.
Bennett is very familiar to daytime fans having started his career as JR Chandler on All My Children in 2000-2001, before landing the part of Aaron Samuels in the motion picture, Mean Girls in 2004 starring Lindsay Lohan, which would become his breakout performance.
You can check out the full list of Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations here.
So, excited for Jonathan Bennett’s General Hospital debut this month? Have you ever watched Finding Mr. Christmas on Hallmark? Let us know via the comment section below.
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General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Kelly Thiebaud on Britt and Cassius Sibling Drama, But Who Will Ultimately Blow His Cover?
On the April 30 episode of General Hospital, Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) had some choice words and warning for her brother Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey) who has been masquerading as his twin, the very dead, Nathan West.
As the story has unfolded, viewers learned that Britt knew all along that when “Nathan” showed up in Port Charles seemingly resurrected with a missing 7 years of his life unexplained, that Cassius was taking his place.
Now in developments on today’s GH, Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) is figuring out that this guy pretending to be Nathan is someone else, and Cassius learns from Britt, that Joss is not just a ditzy sorority girl as he claimed, but a WSB agent! The moment stuns Cassius. Are the walls about to close in on him and his charade?

Courtesy/ABC
Daytime Emmy winner, Kelly Thiebaud spoke to Soap Opera Digest, about the story point and getting the opportunity this time back at GH to work with Ryan Paevey, when she hadn’t had the chance to before.
BROTHERLY LOVE?
Thiebaud expressed on sharing scenes with Ryan Paevey, “It’s just been so wonderful to have him back and to actually work with him! When he first came onto the show (as Nathan at the end of 2013) I was kind of heading out — it was right towards the end of my contract, so we didn’t actually work together a ton. It’s been really refreshing and so much fun to really spend time together and get to know each other and work together. I think we have really great on-camera chemistry and banter with each other. I really enjoy working with him.”
With the stakes at an all-time, Thiebaud explained how she views her on-screen alter-ego’s involvement with her more hot-to-temper sibling and why Britt revealed the truth about Josslyn to him. “People finding out about Cassius would expose what she’s involved in and what she agreed to do,” explains Kelly “And now Josslyn is digging around, and she’s connected to Carly (Laura Wright) to Jason (Steve Burton) and that whole dynamic! It’s messy!”
BRITT’S MURKY FUTURE
Britt has currently also reached her breaking point with Jason being carted away by the WSB, Rocco (Finn Carr), the child she gave birth to, shooting Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) to protect her and Jason, Marco (Adrian Anchondo) being killed after trying to help her, and Cullum holding over her head getting her Huntington’s disease medication to control her symptoms, while blackmailing her into finishing the research on her father, Cesar Faison’s, final project. Thiebaud summed it up best for Britt right now, sharing, “It’s been a really tough time for her.”
So, who do you think will be the person to blow Cassius’ cover? Will it be Britt herself? Josslyn? Liesl? Brennan? Nina? Lulu? Rocco, Maxie, Cullum or someone else? Let us know your pick in the comment section.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Michael Reveals His Plan to Set Up Chase and Willow to Have an Affair
After the Wednesday, April 29 episode of General Hospital, it’s clear outside interference and other circumstances are set to blow Chase (Josh Swickard) and Brook Lynn’s (Amanda Setton) marriage sky high, as Michael (Rory Gibson) reveals his plans to entrap Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) and use her relationship with Chase to do it!
In story, Michael dropped by unexpectedly to Carly’s (Laura Wright). A plotting Michael reveals his plan to nudge Willow and Chase into having an affair. Michael hopes it would create both a political and personal scandal, where Willow would lose her seat in congress. In the scenario, she would be having an affair with her ex-husband, while taking care of her supposed disabled husband, Drew (Cameron Mathison), who cannot speak and is confined to a wheelchair, which in turn will look horrible for Willow’s character.
Carly asked does he really want to destroy his cousin, Brook Lynn’s life in the process? Michael goes in on Chase’s holier than thou attitude, and says he is going to set-up the circumstances that would lead Chase and Willow to betray their spouses, and hit the sheets together. Michael swears to Carly what the two of them do is up to them, but he’s going to go on the offense with this.
MICHAEL HAS BACK-UP
Later, Jacinda (Paige Herschell) is talking with Charlotte (Bluesy Burke) at Crimson and how much she dislikes Willow because of what she has done to Michael. Just then, Michael shows up and tells Jacinda privately, he’s figured out a way to fight Willow. Looks like Jacinda might work with Michael to bring down Willow and use Chase as the person to do it!
At the hospital, Lucas (Van Hansis) tells Josslyn (Eden McCoy) that Carly is cheating on Jack, but he doesn’t know with who. Josslyn suddenly flashes back to the moment she found her mother harboring a fugitive, Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart), in her attic, and as figured out that her mother is sleeping with him. She heads out.

Courtesy/ABC
BRENNAN IS ABOUT TO LEARN ABOUT CARLY
Next thing you know, Josslyn has showed up inside Jack’s (Chris McKenna) hotel room at the Metro Court and when he enters his room, he is shocked to find her there. He lays into her for not keeping his distance and that Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) will have no problem killing her if he knows she’s WSB. Josslyn fires back that he is only concerned about that because his relationship with her mother depends on her being safe. But then, she lays the boom, and tells Jack, Well, you’re too late. You already lost her.”
LULU GETS A GLIMPSE OF CASSIUS’ TEMPER
In addition, Lulu (Alexa Havins) sees a different side of “Nathan.” Since she is unaware that the man before her is his twin, Cassius Fasion (Ryan Paevey), he tells her that Rocco (Finn Carr) blabbed that he shot Cullum to Britt (Kelly Thiebaud), and now he thinks they should send him away to stop him from talking to everyone else. This concerns Lulu, who rails at Nathan for telling her what to do with her son and that she isn’t going to abandon him. With “Nathan’s” outburst at her on the matter, will she finally get a clue this is not the man she thinks it is?
So, what do you think of Michael’s plan to push Willow and Chase into an affair? Will it work or backfire? Do you think Joss will reveal that Valentin is the man sleeping with Carly to Brennan, which will send him in a rage? Will Lulu continue to be clueless about “Nathan?” Weigh-in via the comment section below. But first, take a look at the GH video tease for today’s April 30 episode.
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