General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Ethan Lovett Recast: Christian Howard Replaces Nathan Dean

General Hospital fans knew something was up when in the closing credits of the July 24 episode of the ABC soap opera, Nathan Dean’s name was removed. Fast-forward to the Monday, July 27 episode and Christian Howard has replaced Dean as the recast Ethan Lovett.
When Howard made his first on-screen appearance, the soap opera made no bones about the fact that this was not a temporary fill-in when in a voice-over announce they shared ‘The role of Ethan Lovett is now being played by Christian Howard.”
This marks a quick ending to Dean’s return to GH after six-years away as Luke (Anthony Geary) and Holly’s (Emma Samms) wayward son. In the spring, Nathan shared to TV Insider, that he settled on a short term four-month run in the part for 2026. Nathan debuted in the role of Ethan Lovett back in 2009 and played the part until his exit in 2012. He then made brief comebacks in 2013, 2015 and 2020.

Photo: ABC
WHERE DOES ETHAN LOVETT’S STORY GO FROM HERE?
Dean’s recent GH comeback began on the April 17, 2026 episode, where viewers eventually learned that Ethan had a connection to the mysterious Delilah Wilson (Lily Cardone), who died giving birth to a daughter.
That said daughter, wound up as Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase’s (Josh Swickard) foster child who they are hoping to adopt. Initially, Ethan claimed to be the baby’s father, but later changed his tune when trapped with Ava Jerome (Maura West) after being shot. He admitted he is not baby Phoebe’s father.
On today’s July 27 episode, Christian Howard’s first scenes were at the Metro Court Pool with Maura West. In the scenes, Ethan continues to flirt and fight with Ava. His goal was to make sure she never told Brook Lynn and Chase, he is not Phoebe’s bio-dad so that their adoption can go off without a hitch.
This is not the first time, Dean has been recast as Ethan. Back in 2023, Ethan suddenly had blonde hair as played by James Ryan for a couple of episodes.
As for Howard, he has a very large background as an action-adventure actor and stuntman, Christian was born in the United Kingdom, and can be seen in episodes of Street Fighter: Resurrection, and Lucifer, among others.
It should be noted there is no word yet if Christian Howard is just finishing up scenes of Ethan Lovett, but will also exit shortly, or if his casting is for any substantial length of time.
So, what do you think about the sudden replacement of Nathan Dean as Ethan Lovett? If you caught GH today, how did Christian Howard do as his successor in the part? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
In the picture here, he sort of resembles the actor who plays Chase. GH’s door swings to doggone much! I don’t know what happened, but I really liked the other actor as Ethan. He totally had bad boy charm!
I agree!☝️
Disappointed, but considering Nathan Dean only agreed to a four-month stint, this absolutely feels like a way to write Ethan out and relatively soon, because TPTB did not think this one out.
Indeed, it is quite upsetting, I didn’t know Nathan Dean agreed to 4 months, I knew his return was temporary and it sucks because Nathan’s Ethan was growing on me and was hoping the TPTB would get him on contract as I was definitely buying into the connection with Ava… it was hella fun to watch him go toe to toe with Maura West. I saw lots of potential there. And, it kinda also sucks because I had hoped Nathan’s Ethan would be around for Robert’s passing, I mean there were numerous questions if he was Robert’s son, but luckily he was Luke’s, besides that, his mother, Holly (Emma Samms)… I would definitely hope she returns to Port Charles for the memorial with Scorpio family etc etc, Anna, Robin, Emma, etc etc… and, sad as I was hoping that Nathan would stick around to support his mother… instead we to believe that CH is Ethan, not even close. He’s not an actor, his credits are more about stunts etc etc and he had a horrible performance on today’s show, actor, he is not, Ethan, he is not. Damn it, Nathan is Ethan. Hopefully, Ethan in the form of CH will be written our sooner rather than later.
*Nathan (as Ethan) would stick around to support his mother (Holly).
TBD. Not a fan of the recast but will give it time. I guess older actors flirting with younger women is a thing of the past Turnabout is fair play since she’s a good 20 years older than he is.
I I hate it! Looks like Cody. He can’t act…at least so far. I just don’t like it at all.
Since Nathan signed on for a 4-month stint, this was his time to go.
I think that because there was such a fun ‘back & forth‘ relationship with Ava, TPTB wanted to try to keep that going. I really couldn’t imagine Nathan’s Ethan in a romantic relationshihp with Ava, but I can imagine it with Christian’s Ethan!
I don’t agree. I like the
Play w the original Ethan!
I could have seen Charles Mesure playing Ethan more so. Nathan Dean and Charles Mesure both have a similar savviness
CM left once and likely not on the best of terms. They’re not rehiring him for another character! And even if they’d consider it, CM’s way too old – 55. Nathan (the character) is 39-40.
Absolutely would have been MUCH better. Actually, anyone would be better than this guy.
Charles would be too old for Ethan. If they were ever to bring him back as a recast of an existing character (other than Brennan) the obvious choice would be Jasper Jacks.
Because we all know Ingo ain’t ever coming back. He not only burned his bridges, he nuked them.
Having said that though, I think the odds of Mesure coming back are about the same as the odds of me needing a snow shovel down here next week.
Too quick of recast for viewers regardless of Nathan Dean’s intentions. Always fun to see previous cast return to their original role. Ava needs a love interest but no so sure Christian is the one!
Very disappointed that the new Ethan doesn’t quite fit. He doesn’t have the look for being Ethan nor the swagger.
I agree
Hope they write him out soon
Nathan is the only Ethan.
Dean’s last episode aired on July 17 – exactly 3 months since he returned. At least with Christian, the Nathan/Ethan name confusion goes away.
Prefer Nathan. Too much change at once. Michael Corinthos, Maxi and family gone, Scout and Amelia are grown, and now Nathan’s gone…
WTH is going on with the writers of GH? I have been watching this show for 62 years and I have never been so angry and frustrated with all of the craziness. Writing off an entire family instead of recasting Maxi? They’ve recast her before? Recasting Ethan after a couple months when fans were so thrilled to have him back? Still no farewell episode for Robert or Leslie? They are just leaving their characters hang out there after their passings? I am beginning to think the writers are day drinking or purposely trying to sabotage the show!! Calgon take me away, it’s mind boggling to say the least!!
This current writers team seems to enjoy writing off characters that should be on the show. Where are Elizabeth’s sons, especially Jake, who should be on screen bonding with Sadly Jason. Aiden hasn’t been seen since Lucky left last year. All thre Webber boys are gone. Serena Baldwin is returning soon, but these writers wrote off Scotty, her father, about two years ago. I would love tonsee anyone of these characters return. Unfortunately, the Reeves, Tate, Fasion family has dominating the show the last few years.
Omg! Everyone here has depressed me!
I already know I will agree with everything that has been written.
I have no tv, internet, etc. at the moment because of some stupid issue w/the cable co. So I cannot watch Mon.’s show.
I definitely did not like the Scout recast.
I’m upset about the Maxi/Australia move, too. They could have recast Kirsten Storms, like they did the Lulu character.
I had no clue Ethan had only returned for 3 months. I was thrilled when the actor appeared on my tv!
Chase is such a flunkie anymore. I wish they would dump him.
And where is the show honoring Tristan Rogers? He was on GH from the time I left for college & I’m 78 now!
And you are right about “Monica” too.
I don’t think I ever noticed much after they brought her sister on.
The writers are a disgrace to the history of the show and for aging the child actors.
And whoever does the hiring, needs to improve their skills and watch the older shows for guidance. They definitely suck at their job.
There is no respect for the children who did a wonderful job bringing their characters to life.
GH is becoming unwatchable.
I agree, fan wwere so thrilled… And, I was thinking about Leslie the other day, and wondering WTF is GH doing about the character passing away… it will open up dyanmics and story for Laura and Lulu and if JJ makes a very brief appearance, same with NICKOLAS who loved his Grandma Lesley, as she was night and day to Helena Cassadine. Word on the street that Robert’s passing is around the corner, in the next month or two, thankfully, Finola Hughes (Anna) has returned.
I’m pissed actually!
I don’t know how long this new one will be one. I like the the Ethan Lovett better.
GH dropped the ball on this recast which is unusual for the show
I don’t like the change. GH id notorious for this. Ryan PAEVEY storyline is over, and Ethan’s gone. Now o kno Why I never watched
This recast was completely unnecessary. We all know Ethan was brought back to fill the temporary “Jason gap”. Just as AJ escaped from Hell literally 2 days after Jason fell off the docks in 2012. And Drew was recast just in time for Jason to rescue him and then get buried in a cave in 2021.
There weren’t any spare Quartermaine brothers available for this year’s Jason absence, so they brought back the long lost Spencer offspring instead, which is fine. But apparently Nathan Dean would only commit for exactly that length of time. So now that Jason’s back, he’s gone. There’s really no point in keeping the character around. Especially not with an actor who doesn’t look or sound a thing like Nathan Dean, but actually looks like some sort of Chase/Cody hybrid clone.
There’s already enough newbies on GH now and in the immediate future. Don’t need to keep this one around.
He also closely resembles Joe and the new doctor Tristan. These guys are going to need to wear name tags so I know who’s who.
He looks way too much like the new cop (we don’t need)-although I have a feeling he’s gay & will be Lucas’ new boyfriend. So I guess Lucas needs him. Plus Ethan had the accent! Same with the recast of Jack. The original had an accent, recast does not. Don’t love the Scout recast either.
Replacing Nathan Dean as Ethan Lovett would be like recasting Anthony Geary as Luke Spencer!
That’s quite a stretch. Ethan has never reached the icon status of Luke.
The new Ethan is too clean cut. Ethan’s a thug/smarty pants, this new guy looks like Cody’s twin brother and Victor Newman’s (Y&R) little brother. He was an awful casting pick. I also thought that the new Jack Brennan was a terrible casting pick. I have a hard time buying that this guy is a big wig with the WSB. He looks like a beagle puppy. The Australian guy that he replaced, smacked of smart ass/wild cat.
I’m not an Ava fan, but gurl has chemistry with a brick wall. This guy – not feeling it; has nothing to do with an accent.
Totally agree
We learn to adapt, there’s a reason for every recast. Takes time for the actor to grow in the role. Hopefully he’ll blend in with the rest of the cast. I will say very little gets out of the GH set with spoilers that someone is coming or going, since this happened weeks ago.
what was the point of a 4 month stint with a storyline that they still want to play out? ryan Paevey as Causious at least was better executed, this is dissappointing, if this was only a guest stint then thats different then making the audience think the actor was sticking around for a while, regardless if the actor is gone and it was only suppose to be for 4 months then lets have the characgter leave altogether.
I didn’t know how to feel about It, i just didn’t see any chemistry between him and Maura at all, I read something where Nathen Dean was coming back lateron,. I just want to know if he’s okay, and yes I need Nathan back as Ethan
I love him! Total i-candy . Hope other fella lands something soon. Hate seeing anyone out of work, it’s not fun.
Wow! Surprised to see some
Of the comments based off
One days performance. Recasts can be jarring, but shouldn’t we give the actor a fair chance?
I thought he did
Fine today and I am always glad to see Ava any chance we can. Maura West is Amazing and is deserving of a front burner storyline. Desperately want her to be given some meaty Emmy worthy storylines and would
Love, Love, Love to see her and Tracy in scenes together!!
I have always loved Nathan Dean as Ethan. So disappointed he is replaced!
What is Nathan Dean doing now?
This is as disappointing as the Lucky return. But considering the GH writers did give us a hint that Ethan would exit by end of the summer or July sweeps, I won’t be surprised if Ethan leaves town within the next two weeks.
Worst casting choice ever. This guy is no Ethan. If you can’t find someone better for Etan’s character you should just write him out altogether. What a huge disappointment.
Yes, changes happen, but its been rapid fire with GH lately. I know that GH is the lone soap for ABC and Frank Valentini is doing everything to keep it on the air. But, the writers need to slow down. Also, at one point everything was about the mob and now it’s WSB overload and Joss being an agent, I ain’t buying it. If the previous actor wasn’t available to play Ethan, then don’t bring the character back. Ethan could have arrived for Robert Scorpio’s exit storyline and that would have been that. Slow down GH and don’t follow the formula of Y&R where nothing makes sense.
I’ll give him more than one episode to see how I feel.
This is a huge disappointment. Maura and Nathan had amazing chemistry and I was so looking forward to Ava finally having a storyline of her own. She ought to be the lead, along with Nina, and not Carly! I didn’t know Nathan only planned on being on the show for four months.
I like the Nathan Dean better. He had Hollys accent.looked like her… plus this new guy is skinny and small to step into Jasons shoes.
Do not like new Ethan
I like the original the best.
Oh guys stop it. Christian Howard is a very seasoned actor with many credits behind him.It is a real coup for GH to get him.
That does not necessarily mean he is right for the role of Ethan or the medium of daytime.
There is absolutely no chemistry between the new Ethan & Ava. Whereas there was huge chemistry between old Ethan & Ava. I’m not feeling them at all & just wanna fast forward through their scenes. They should’ve just written out Ethan all together when Nathan left. If he ever returns, he & Ava can pick up where they left off. Sorry no offense to the new actor, I’m sure he’s great but I can’t see him as Ethan. It’s like watching the substitute Lucky kissing Liz for the first time in years in that ridiculous Valentine’s episode. Instead of waiting for Jonathan Jackson to return a couple episodes later, they had a substitute Lucky & Liz kiss which was so cringe! The writers are a huge fail sometimes
Why does the return of Luke’s sons never seen to work out as planned ? The comparison with Lucky’s return is a great point.
Ok, I watched him as Ethan today and no, I’m not buying it. If this is just a way to write the character out, then ok.
Poor recasting. The guy does not fit the character and where is the Australian accent?
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sidwell and Curtis Attacked in Prison Fight With Ominous Message, “Sonny Corinthos Owes You This”; Charlotte to Boarding School?

The Friday, September 25, episode of General Hospital brought with it major developments! Sonny (Maurice Benard) told Justine (Nazneen Contractor) he is all-in on her romance, but major trouble awaits the couple. Charlotte (Bluesy Burke) may be sent packing because of her stunt to frame Drew (Cameron Mathison), Monet (Blythe Howard) had terse words for her sister, Jordan (Tanisha Harper), while Curtis (Donnell Turner) and Sidwell (Carlo Rota) were targeted in a brutal prison attack.
Here’s more on what went down: Charlotte is upset with Rocco (Finn Carr) for ratting her out. He tries to explain, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) wanted his help so she didn’t make the biggest mistake of her life trying to frame Drew (Cameron Mathison) by making it look like he was inappropriate with a teenager.
It all came full circle for Charlotte’s parents, Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart) and Lulu Spencer (Alexa Havins). Next thing you know, Valentin informed Lulu that he thinks it’s best that Charlotte goes back to boarding school to steer clear of Drew and Danny. Once Charlotte comes back to Lulu’s, her parents tell her their plans for her. Charlotte’s jaw drops.

Courtesy/ABC
PUT YOUR MONET WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS
After being blindsided that her estranged sister Monet had settled down in Port Charles, and at the Miller & Davis law firm, no less, Jordan finds it hard to believe in all of the places in the country for Monet to choose she came to Jordan’s city. The two have a very icy conversation from there, where Monet gets a few more jabs at Jordan, leaving her upset, which did not go unnoticed by Michael (Rory Gibson).
Sonny and Justine get cozy and discussed their relationship, and how the two are going to handle their burgeoning feelings for one another now that Jordan was the first and probably not the last to see them publicly. He tells Justin that he feels more comfortable than ever just being around her.
PRISON BLUES
Cut to: Pentonville, and something bad is about to go down. First, Curtis gave Sidwell a heads-up that an attack was coming shortly. Curtis suggested that Sidwell go into protective custody with the warden, but Sidwell just flatly refused.
Later, alone in his cell, three men (including the one who warned Curtis) enter and begin a beatdown of Sidwell. Curtis returned to the cell, as one of the men was about to knife Sidwell. Now with Sidwell a bloody mess on the floor, Curtis takes a beating. As the three men leave, the leader uttered to Sidwell, “Sonny Corinthos owes you this and more.”
Now below, watch the confrontational scenes between Monet and Jordan.
Then weigh-in: Do you think Sonny had anything to do with the beatdown of Curtis and Sidwell? Or is he being set-up? How would you feel about a Jordan and Michael romance? Will Charlotte be sent to boarding school triggering the exit of Bluesy Burke? Share your thoughts via the comment section.
Beyond the Gates
Federal Film and TV Tax Credit Bill Hits Congress; Daytime Dramas Not Eligible

In an effort to bring back productions to the United States and offering incentives to keep them from going abroad, a bipartisan group of lawmakers in Congress has introduced proposed legislation to establish a federal film and television tax credit. It is being touted as a landmark moment for Hollywood Workers and small businesses.
The Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act, led by Rep. Laura Friedman (D-Calif.), Rep. Nathaniel Moran (R-Texas), Rep. Sanchez (D-Calif.) and Rep. Brian Jack (R-Ga.) in the House of Representatives, would establish a 20 percent base tax credit on labor expenses and a potential rebate of 30% if signed into law. Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) are spearheading an identical bill in the Senate.
To be eligible, productions must have a minimum spend of $1 million (per film or per TV season), and at least 75% of production days must be in the U.S. For animation, 75% of the production cost must be in the U.S.

Photo: CBS
SOAP OPERAS AND OTHER FORMS OF PROGRAMMING WILL NOT BE PART OF THE BILL
The federal incentive would be eligible to be stacked on top of individual state tax incentives, much like the current system in Canada and Australia. In the new bill, postproduction and special visual effects labor costs can be counted as eligible expenses.
However, the lawmakers proposed bill does not include the following type of shows: Daytime dramas, porn, commercials, talk shows, interview shows, game shows, award shows, news programming, live sports, corporate/industrial videos, and social media videos,
TV AND FILM PROJECTS THAT ARE ELIGIBLE HOPE TO BRING BUSINESS AND JOBS BACK TO THE U.S.
The federal film and television tax credit will be available for: films, TV shows – scripted and unscripted (4-episode minimum), TV pilots, animation, above-the-line wages (producers, writers, directors, actors, etc.) and below-the-line wages (crew), and standalone post-production and visual effects.
If passed, the legislation could offer much needed help for workers who have been rocked by recent unsteady times in show business. In all, runaway productions, strikes and a contraction in the business have dashed many job opportunities in recent years, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics finding that jobs in the motion picture and video industries have declined by more than 100,000 since 2022.
Click here to review the entire proposed bill from congress.
So, what do you think of the new bill on the table in the U.S. congress? Glad to know that it could, if passed, help some types of projects? What do you think about how the soaps are excluded and deemed not eligible? Does it continue to seem to you, that no matter what, those that work within the continuous tightened budget of daytime dramas can never catch a break? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Monet is Jordan’s Younger Sister

At the end of the September 24 episode of General Hospital, Jordan (Tanisha Harper) had a run-in with Monet Mitchell (Blythe Howard), the latest attorney to join Miller & Davis. However, when the two women laid eyes on each other it seemed from a happy moment for Jordan.
As it turns out, Monet is Jordan’s younger sister and in fact, the lawyer was quite rude to Jordan even making a comment about the scars on her sister’s face. The cliffhanger ending put an end to the speculation of just who Monet had a connection to in Port Charles as had been teased, although we have to say most viewers predicted this from the start.
Earlier in the episode, Monet paid a visit to Tracy Quartermaine (Jane Elliot) and was quite threatening and unrelenting about Tracy making sure her client, Harrison Chase (Josh Swickard), has no issue moving back into the Q’s with his daughter Phoebe and wife, Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton). That’s something Tracy doesn’t want. In the end, Tracy was taken a little off-guard by Monet’s terse demeanor.
This marks the first time in over 12 1/2 years on the show, that the character of Jordan actually has a family member on the canvas, and within that span, four actresses have played Jordan: Vinessa Antoine, Briana Nicole Henry, Tiffany Daniels (a short fill-in for Henry) and Tanisha Harper.

Photo: ABC
JORDAN AND MONET HAD A SISTERLY FALLING OUT
Blythe Howard told TV Insider, about wanting the part of Monet Mitchell, “I saw it come through and I was like, ‘Oh, my gosh, this is giving Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction, and I don’t get those auditions ever,’” she says. “It was just a really fun, spicy role and I couldn’t pass it up.”
The actress also gave a bit of the back-story that will fuel the sisters dysfunctional relationship,“You’ll find out that we’re estranged.” In speaking about her new Port Charles alter-ego, Howard added, “I think Monet is just here to keep everybody on their toes. I love that she’s strong and doesn’t take no for an answer. She goes after what she wants, and she’s not afraid to maybe step on some toes to get what she wants.”
Viewers may get a clue soon that Monet knows exactly what she is doing and why. “We never know what her angle is going to be or what she’s up to,” confirms Howard. “I think she knows exactly what she’s up to, but everybody else doesn’t.”
FAMILY MATTERS
As the counterpoint, Tanisha Harper weighed-in and teased this new sisterly on-screen relationship viewers are about to see to Soap Opera Digest. Harper expressed, ‘Having Monet on the show is going to allow viewers to see another side of Jordan.”
Tanisha continued, “We had Jordan as this strong businesswoman, and then we started to see a little bit more of a vulnerable side to her when she went through the car accident, and now, having her sister come onto the landscape, I think that getting to see what their dynamic is will be interesting for the viewers and add just another layer to the show in general.”
Harper says of the ending of Thursday’s GH, “I think Jordan is in shock, and she’s a little leery, as well, about what her sister’s motives are for coming to Port Charles. Out of all the cities she could have come to, why pick this particular one, knowing that her sister lives there and they haven’t spoken in many years?” Hmmm.
So, were you glad or disappointed that Monet turned out to be Jordan’s sister? What do you think happen between the sisters that caused their estrangement for years? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.
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