General Hospital
Kirsten Storms Takes Extended Break from ‘General Hospital,’ Moves To Tennessee, Addresses When She Might Return as Maxie
There had been plenty of online speculation, but now Kirsten Storms (Maxie Jones, GH) has opened up on the next leg of her life on-screen and off. On Monday, Storms took to her Instagram to formally announce via a video message, that she has moved to Tennessee and out of Los Angeles for the foreseeable future, and is taking an extended break from General Hospital in her soap-famous role of Maxie Jones.
Accompanying her video, Storms shared, “I’m very excited to be making Tennessee my home! I can’t wait to return to GH, once Harper (her daughter with Brandon Barash) and I are settled in our new town. I plan on documenting as much of this new journey on my social media as I can. It’s always been a dream of mine to move to a place like this, it’s hard to believe it’s really happening.”
In the video, Storms, who has played GH’s Maxie since 2025, revealed that her extended leave of absence has been in the works. Kirsten shared, “I meant to post this video a few weeks ago, and time just got away from me. But in March, I asked Frank Valentini, our amazing executive producer … I had a conversation with him about my reasons for wanting to move, and my desire to not leave the show. Now, when you approach a job like this, they can always be like, ‘Forget it. I will let you out of your contract if you’re going to leave the state.’ GH did not do that, which was kind of amazing because I also asked for some time off.”

Photo: ABC
Next, Kirsten revealed she is done taping all of her episodes for 2005, “The week before last week, I had my final taping day for the year.” She then noted, “It’s possible I will be back in December, maybe November.”
GH fans should be on high alert because Storms says the storyline involving Maxie is going to make viewers “freak out,” in her absence. The fan favorite in her own words explained, “I promise you the storyline they have going on until my return to Port Charles is kind of incredible — you guys are gonna freak out, actually. Can’t wait to see the comments online about that!”

Photo: ABC
Sharing just how grateful she is for the opportunity to step away for a lengthy amount of time and still return, Storms added, “I really want to thank GH, the ABC network executives, the writers for agreeing to let me take this time. I know Frank and the producers there know my reasons and I am so grateful that they understand and are supportive.”
In closing, Kirsten shut down any further speculations by saying, “Really quick about the online rumors, and I’ll get into some of this stuff at a later date. This is just me very long-windedly explaining that I’m taking a break and moving to Tennessee. If you don’t read about it or watch a video on it from my page, take it with a grain of salt. People like to say a whole bunch of stuff.”
So, what do you think about Kirsten’s extended leave from General Hospital? What do you think is the big storyline that will involve Maxie? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
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After devoting 20 years to the show, Kirsten deserves time with her daughter.
As for Tennessee, John York does that commute and Steve Burton used to years ago.
Hopefully Maxie gets a front burner storyline when Kirsten returns. In the meantime, let’s get something for Felicia to do other than be a talk to.
I’m very happy for Kirsten and I wish her the best. I’ll miss seeing her on the show as Maxie though. I have grown to really like the Maxie character and I have enjoyed her character working at Deception. I like how she referees for Tracy and Lucy and lately how she referees for Brook Lynne and Lulu. I appreciate her light, quirky humor.
Good Luck in your move your family comes first you will be missed but I understand why you need this time. Your right people will believe the worse instead of finding out the truth. You look beautiful and you daughter is just as beautiful. You take care for now till you come back on the show. Have a wonderful and safe summer and move.
Well, I am definitely going to miss seeing Maxie the rest of the year. I was wanting to see Maxie and Spinelli in a major storyline but I guess I’ll have to wait till she returns. I’m looking forward to what the writers have planned for Maxie.
It’s her choice, and it’s clear it’s a choice that she feels is best for her. As for Maxie, I wouldn’t be opposed to the character being rested for a bit. It’s overdue for Maxie to be rested, honestly. Although, if TPTB are keen on keeping Nicole Paggi in the role until Kirsten Storms can return, I would not object to that, either.
Only thing that concerns me is the reason Jonathan Jackson ultimately left after a few months was he couldn’t handle the commute from TN to CA for taping. I hope she has a support system there to help with Harper while she flys to LA for taping. I can’t imagine another actress in the roll of Maxie long term. She should be involved in this whole storyline with Rocco finding out about Britt.
The commute for Jackson was just an excuse. Lucky had little storyline and was hardly used. Jackson also has his music career to focus on. John York commutes from
TN. Steve Burton did for a few years until he moved back to LA full time.
Im happy she gets time off but I certainly hope they do not replace her. After 20 yrs she deserves an extended break like the others get. The story that’s going to have us freaking out….Sounds like to me…..Ryan Pavey is returning
I am very happy she gets time off and happy for her next phase of her life in Tennessee. I hope it goes great for her. I am concerned that she will get replaced if she’s gone long-term. Because Chad was replaced. After 20 years, she deserves an extended break like the other actresses get. The story line that will have us freaking out. Does anyone think Ryan Pavey is coming back and it will involve Nathan?
I wish I could leave New Jersey for Tennessee. Taxes are too high and too many regulations.
Best of luck to Kirsten.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Brook Lynn and Chase Hesitate to Sign Divorce Papers, Elizabeth Reveals Aiden’s Leaving For Paris, Willow Flashes Back to Her Crimes

As the week came to a conclusion on the Friday, October 23 episode of General Hospital, Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) wrestled with becoming an empty-nester, while Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) and Monet (Blythe Howard) conspired to keep Lulu (Alexa Havins) and Ric (Rick Hearst) at legal bay, and Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase’s (Josh Swickard) frozen relationship thawed, but how much?
Let’s take a look! First, in a moment that was written to bring Liz and Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) closer, the GH head nurse is wistful over the fact that she just learned that her talented bakery chef son, Aiden, secretly earned his GED and got into a prestigious pastry school in France and to top it off received a scholarship to attend the school.
Liz is concerned that allowing him to go wasn’t the smartest move because of his young age. Dante suggested that maybe it’s her fear of being alone that is causing her to feel hesitant for Aiden to go abroad. He shared a story about the support her received from Olivia when he moved away from home for the first time; that he understood mothers and sons are close, but she needed to let him go build his own life.

Courtesy/ABC
After coming to terms with it, she revealed that Aiden is leaving in four days and had to make cupcakes for the Halloween party, Dante offered to help her do the baking. They smile. So, what this means to GH fans? All of Liz sons: Cameron, Jake, Aiden are all now officially off the canvas!
WILLOW VS. LULU
At Miller & Davis, Willow strolls in to meet Monet to go over their strategy in their meeting with Ric and Lulu. While discussing their next move, Willow flashes back to the night she shot Drew (Cameron Mathison) twice in the back, and then later, how she first stuck a needle in his neck to use the paralytic drug that kept him in a locked-in state for months.

Courtesy/ABC
When Ric and Lulu arrive, the four end up in a stalemate. Willow refused to drop the lawsuit, and Lulu refused to retract the story on her. Willow’s stance is that Lulu had been manipulated by the Quartermaines, who wanted to take her children away, so Michael can have sole custody of them. Lulu fired back that she was doing her job as an investigative reporter to expose crimes perpetrated by a congresswoman.
Now at an impasse, Ric and Lulu tell Monet and Willow they will see them in court as now a judge will hear the case. Not what Ric wanted that to happen, but now he tells Lulu, they will figure out a way to bring Willow down.
DIVORCE BLUES?
Finally, Chase and Brook Lynn head to the Dominican Republic to get a quickie divorce after how their lawyers dredged up awful things about both of them in Port Charles. While on the plane, the two discuss that they still want each other to be happy.
Once in front of the judge in the Dominican Republic, he asked if the two were mutually consenting to this divorce, but instead, the two sang each others praises.
This left the judge to ask if the two wanted to go through with ending their marriage and he left the room. Later, when he returned with the divorce documents to sign, Chase and Brook Lynn stared at each other hesitating to sign on the dotted line.
So, what do you think will happen next? Will Brook Lynn and Chase end their marriage, or decide to try to make it a go? Is it upsetting to you that all of Elizabeth’s sons are off the canvas? Should the soap recast them all, like they did with Alexis’ daughters and restart the story of these young men? Do you think now will be the time that Willow’s crimes will be publicly exposed, and she will lose her kids and her seat in a congress? Weigh-in via the comment section.
Breaking News
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced

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

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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