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

By Michael Fairman

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Christian Howard
Courtesy/ABC

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.

Nathan Dean, Maura West

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.

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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.

Last edited 2 months ago by Scott (ATWT fan)

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

Wil Traval Talks His ‘General Hospital’ Debut and Being Paired with Kelly Thiebaud

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Wil Traval

The Friday, October 16 episode of General Hospital marked the on-screen debut of the mysterious Jude, played by primetime vet and Australian-born Wil Traval.

While not much has been revealed just yet, Traval spoke to TV Insider in his first conversation since joining the iconic ABC soap opera in a new interview out today.

As GH fans witnessed, Jude was introduced in scenes at a bar with Dr. Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud), and it would seem this may be her new leading man after things went south between Britt and Jason (Steve Burton). Traval said of working with the Daytime Emmy-winning Thiebaud, “I can’t speak more highly of her. I think she’s fantastic. It’s the biggest delight in my life to be working with her.”

Jude and Britt

Courtesy/ABC

FROM BROKEN BACK TO PORT CHARLES

As it turns out, Wil was supposed to be on board for a very short visit to Port Charles. However, as he revealed, things didn’t go the way he planned and his stay got extended!

“Originally, it was going to be a short guest role, I believe, and at the end of the week I got a call saying they might want to offer me a contract on the show, which was a real surprise and delight.” the actors shared.  “And the rest is history from there.”

The road to General Hospital was not an easy one in some other respects. Traval was in the middle of recovering from a car accident that broke his back when he got the call to submit a self-tape for the role of the mysterious stranger back in June. Suddenly, he found himself getting a callback which in turn led to a chemistry read with Kelly Thiebaud.

WHO IS JUDE?

In the week to come, General Hospital viewers will learn Jude’s connections to the residents of Port Charles and his true identity.

With an Australian contingent on the canvas, and its tentacles throughout GH history including: Dr. Tristan Roberts (Dean Geyer); Robert Scorpio (the late Tristan Rogers); and Josslyn’s father Jax (last played by Ingo Rademacher), and Jerry Jacks (last played by Sebastian Roche), one would think Jude HAS to be tied to these characters from down under, or does he?

So, what did you think of Wil Traval’s on-screen debut as Jude? Who do you think he will be revealed to be connected to? Do you think Jude will make a solid leading man for Kelly Thiebaud’s Britt Westbourne in story? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.

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‘General Hospital’s’ Josh Swickard Stars in Faith-Based ‘The Space Between Us’ as The Man Who Has an Affair with a Married Woman

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Josh Swickard

While General Hospital’s Harrison Chase’s (Josh Swickard) marriage to Brook Lynn Quartermaine (Amanda Setton) has seemingly come to an end based on trust issues, and his unrelenting believe of the innocence of his ex-wife Willow Cain (Katelyn MacMullen) when she has committed heinous crimes, Josh Swickard is also being featured in another story on another platform in the new faith-based movie, The Space Between Us.

In the streaming feature now on the Angel platform, Swickard is playing Levi Boone, a handsome young solider, who finds himself attracted to a married woman played by Jennifer Taylor. The two have an affair. The movie made it’s debut last week on October 8.

According to the loglines, “The Space Between Us dives deep into modern relationships, following marriages straining under the heavy weight of busyness, unmet expectations, and spiritual disconnection. Described as a story of grace in the mess, the film takes a grounded, deeply relatable look at how even the best intentions can fall apart—and how faith, strong community, and honest vulnerability can bring true healing.”

Josh Swickard

Photo: Angel

In a cast interview, which features Swickard, Taylor and Kristoffer Poloha, the trio discussed their thoughts on betrayal in marriage, and who’s right and who’s wrong and more.

Josh Swickard explains, “The audience can get it from a lot of sides too where we can show it, and if you have crossed that line in your marriage. it doesn’t have to be over. And when two people are willing to work, anything’s possible. Not giving the end away. I’m just saying. It could happen. It could happen. People can end up together.”

Meanwhile, Kristoffer Poloha added, “Like, wait a minute, but this other guy steps in and I think passion takes over. I think what you see is how easy it is to stumble. Whether it’s adultery or whether it’s another type of sin, you can basically burn your house down in many different ways and how quickly it is to light that fire.”

The Space Between Us is from Canyon Productions. The company delivers faiith-based media designed to encourage, inspire, and uplift viewers along their spiritual journeys. By showcasing the genuine struggles and eventual triumphs of relatable characters facing tough real-world challenges, Canyon aims to create projects that point audiences directly toward hope and perseverance.

You can check out the discussion between Josh, Kristoffer snd Jennifer Taylor on what happens with their characters in the film below, followed by the scene where Swickard’s Levi meets Taylor’s Mona  … and her husband!

So, will you be checking out Josh Swickard in The Space Between Us? What do you think about GH’s Chase, portraying the man that ignites passion in a woman who previously had been faithful to her marriage? Let us know via the comment section.

 

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GENERAL HOSPITAL: Trina Reminisces About Spencer, Soon After Roses and a Note from Her ‘Biggest Fan’ Arrive

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Trina and Spencer

General Hospital fans know red herrings when they see them. That the obvious choices, are usually not the culprit when a soap opera tells the story of an obsessed stalker. The soap trope always cast doubt on a laundry list of potential suspects until one day the actual reveal occurs!

The latest soap obsession is the character of Trina Robinson (Tabyana Ali), the young singer who has been performing alongside her recording label mate Gio Palmieri. (Giovanni Mazza). The duo are back for another gig at the Cat’s Eye Lounge on the Tuesday, October 13 episode of the ABC daytime drama series.

After a sound check, where someone is watching Trina through the window, she is greeted by Ava (Maura West) and Trina’s current beau, Kai (Jens Austin Astrup).  Later, while talking to Emma (Braedyn Bruner) about Emma’s thoughts on moving in with Gio, Trina admitted she wasn’t ready to move in with Kai just yet.

Trina roses

Courtesy/ABC

ROSES ARE RED …

It’s at that point, for the very first time in a very long time, Trina mentioned the name of Spencer. Trina recalled the time she was ready to move in with him when she and her beloved late boyfriend were going to move to Paris.  With sorrow in her voice, Trina told Emma. “Take the leap. Because life doesn’t always give you a second chance.”

In a recent interview on the Michael Fairman Channel, Tabyana Ali had mentioned that while she is being kept in the dark as to who is her on-screen stalker, will turn out to be she loves the idea of turning it out to be Spencer Cassadine, as do many GH fans who have begun to speculate heavily that the story could reveal a very much alive Spencer. In story, Spencer went overboard and into the Seine River in Paris to his presumed death back at the end of January 2024.

As today’s episode continued, Quinn arrived (Jequon Jackson) and questioned Kai, if he was at all bothered by the growing closeness between Trina and Gio. Kai says he is not.

BACK FROM THE DEAD?

After Trina and Gio perform, Emma brings over to the table a bouquet of roses for Trina, that had been left outside from her “biggest fan.” Trina assumed the flowers were from Kai. He says he did not send them. Quinn just stares at Trina.

So, do you think the stalker could turn out to be Spencer, trying to get back to Trina because he loves her so much? How would you feel about a Spencer Cassadine recast? Do you think Trina mentioning Spencer today was a red herring or dropping a hint that it could very much turn out to be him that is the ‘fan’?  Let us know in the comment section, but first check out some of the key moments from Trina’s stalker story on Tuesday’s GH below, followed by our conversation with Tabyana Ali.

 

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