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‘General Hospital’s’ Josh Kelly Clarifies Going Off Contract Was His Choice

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: ABC

Recently, smart-minded General Hospital fans noticed that Josh Kelly’s (Cody Bell) name was removed from the closing credits of the ABC daytime drama series, which is reserved for contract players on the soap opera.

Immediately, viewers began to speculate if Josh is on his way out since it appeared he had been dropped to recurring status. Kelly has been playing Cody Bell since 2022 and currently in story, he is busy seducing Ava Jerome (Maura West) for some moolah thanks to Kristina Corinthos-Davis (Kate Mansi), all the while, it seems like Cody also has a thing for Kristina’s sister, Molly Lansing-Davis (Kristen Vaganos).

Now, speaking with Soap Opera Digest, Josh clarified exactly what is happening with him and his relationship with long-running soap opera, and what his future with it holds. Kelly revealed that it was his decision to go to recurring status with GH, however that does not in any way mean he plans on leaving the show, in fact, it’s just the opposite.

Photo: JPI

Josh expressed, “I want to stay on General Hospital forever!” Along with that, Kelly wants to do outside projects including two of them he has been working on with his girlfriend, Chloe Lanier (ex-Nelle Benson, GH), one of which is a sequel to his film The Workout, which is coming out this summer. He added, “I just wouldn’t be able to do that if I was on contract; you don’t just get to go off and do a bunch of other projects. And I wouldn’t expect the show to work around my schedule.”

Photo: ABC

GH executive producer, Frank Valentini is the man that Kelly gives all the credit to for working schedules out so he can go off and do other projects and still be in story as Cody. “I love being here. I love everyone that I’m working with on the show. I was just looking to have a little more flexibility,” Josh explained.

As to his current messy story involving the aforementioned Ava, Molly and Kristina, Kelly added, “The story is fun and interesting and I’m really excited to continue with it.”

So, are you glad to know that it was Josh Kelly’s decision to go off contract with General Hospital? Are you looking forward to seeing how is current story plays out? Are you rooting for Cody with Molly or possibly Cody falling for Ava? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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I’m in the minority, but I think Ava brings out a more adult side of Cody. I am rooting for them as a couple. Ava deserves some happiness and Maura West deserves a juicy storyline.

I can see hints of what you describe. But I ultimately think Tracy said it best when she said Ava’s lovers usually end up tragically harmed or killed.

If only Sonny was on that list . . .

JPS never was on contract and they continually wrote Valentin in story for years and built him his own set.

When JL was doing double duty as Kevin and Ryan he was on recurring and appearing 4 days a week.

Kudos to Kelly for finding something works for him. Now, if only this storyline would work.

Josh Kelly is such a bright spot on GH and consistently impresses me with his excellent acting. He shines in scenes with Jane Elliot and Maura West, and makes Cody believable no matter what he is playing. I am torn because I think he is destined for big things but I LOVE him as Cody! And despite the overused trope of easygoing bad guy and uptight good girl, I like Cody and Molly together!

Totally seriously, this sounds like an AI comment.

Nah, it’s far too well-written and makes its points too clearly to be AI.

You’re a hag.

AI doesn’t use all caps to underscore enthusiasm. Because, well, AI is soulless.

I’m relieved it was his choice, I really like Cody pairing with Molly, its flirty and innocent but If I have to bet here, I’m betting that Cody will unexpectedly develop feeling For Ava, and if anything they will have a hot affair, and its good to know he’s gonna be around and that GH didn’t send him packing although I wish the show would have him interact more with his family, like his Dad Mac, or his cousin Emma, Auntie Felicia, and his buddy James.

All the build up to Cody being Mac’s son… and now he is caught in the no strong story revolving door.

Seems GH has all the talent it needs for long story arcs that are not being written.

How does Kristina have all that money to pay him?

She’s Sonny’s daughter. If she needs money, she asks daddy.

Then why isn’t she using Daddy’s money to pay off Ava & Ric directly instead of having her mother embezzle from the Cassadine trust fund?

Remember back in the disastrous ReRon years, there was an awful recast of Kristina who somehow ended up being married to Joe Scully’s grandson for a few minutes?

I’ve tried to push that entire episode from my unholy mind. But maybe there was some sort of financial arrangement resulting from that ill fated marriage that has kept Kristina’s bank account above water for years on end, even during her extended periods of unemployment.

I mean, yes her parents are both rich, but you never see her asking either Alexis or Sonny for financial help. She also might have recently got an insurance payoff from her bar getting torched by Sidwell, though it doesn’t seem like the PCPD put a lot of work into that investigation, even though it was very obviously arson.

How does Kristina have the money to pay him?

Not to sound like Marcia Brady, but Josh Kelly is dreamy. Keep him on my screen. With Ava. With Molly. With Tracy. In a 3way with Marco and Lucas. I don’t care.

He’s so hot

Breaking News

53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced

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Daytime Emmy Presenters

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).

Genie Francis

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.

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General Hospital

Could Kristen Vaganos and Josh Kelly Be Exiting ‘General Hospital?’

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Josh and Kristen

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.

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General Hospital

Kin Shriner Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ TV Daughter Kelly Kruger

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Kin and kelly

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.

Serena and Jason

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.

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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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