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 Preview: Carly and Lulu Make Plans to Rescue Their Children; Anna Looks Determined to Secure Her Freedom

This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, the race is on! Can Lulu (Alexa Havins) and Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) get to Rocco (Finn Carr) and Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) in time to ensure their safety from Cullum (Andrew Hawkes)? Can Carly (Laura Wright) with the help of her brother, Lucas (Van Hansis) rescue Josslyn (Eden McCoy) from captivity at Wyndemere? These questions may be answered, plus the return of the one and only Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) are on tap!
In the just released General Hospital spoilers video for the week of June 22-26, Lulu tells her mother, Laura (Genie Francis), “Dante and I have to get to Rocco before Cullum!” Meanwhile, Rocco (Finn Carr) looks angered and emotional as Britt walks through their cabin hideout. Does Rocco know his parents are on the way to find them, or has Cullum already tracked them down to the British Virgin Islands?
Back in Port Charles, Carly is informing Lucas that his niece, “is a WSB agent.” She knows Josslyn (Eden McCoy) is being held against her will at Wyndemere, and she has to find a way to get her out. Lucas agrees with Carly’s plan of, “We go in and we don’t leave without Josslyn!” Elsewhere, Josslyn is looking worried for her future as she is stuck in captivity thanks to Cassius, Cullum and Sidwell!

Courtesy/ABC
FINOLA HUGHES RETURNS
The final moments of the teaser promo reveal Anna in a psychiatric clinic in France. We have not seen her for months after Cullum, Sidwell and Pascal fed her hallucinogenics to make her believe her arch nemesis, Cesar Faison was alive!
Now, the doctors walk towards her hospital bed, where we see the super spy calmly knitting. Is Anna back to normal and playing everyone to get out of her predicament, or does she still remain deeply traumatized … or both?
Take a look at the rest of the official GH spoilers for the week below.
MONDAY, JUNE 22
Willow gets an unwelcome surprise. Trina sticks to her guns. “Nathan” wants reassurance. Ethan advises Ava. Brook Lynn receives an update.
TUESDAY, JUNE 23
Dante cautions Liz. Laura learns a secret. Brook Lynn confides in Michael. Sonny challenges Ava. Chase makes a decision.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24
Anna meets with her doctor. Carly makes a stunning confession. Britt extracts a promise. Cullum pulls a fast one. Gio and Emma hit the pool.
THURSDAY, JUNE 25
Josslyn clashes with Cassius. Lulu and Dante make a discovery. Chase receives a warning. Jordan seeks help. Alexis is summoned to the PCPD.
FRIDAY, JUNE 26
Anna takes a huge risk. Britt is in grave danger. Willow is in disbelief. Danny must act fast. Curtis jumps to the wrong conclusion.
Check out the latest General Hospital promo entitled, “Rescue Mission” below.
Now weigh-in: Do you think Anna is still mentally off-balance, or OK, and just pretending to be troubled to get out of France and get back to Port Charles? Will Josslyn finally be rescued, or will Carly and Lucas find themselves locked up with her? And, who will get to Britt and Rocco first? Cullum, or Dante and Lulu? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.
General Hospital
Maurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric

With the highly-anticipated returns of Finola Hughes (Anna Devane) on this week’s June 24 episode of General Hospital, Steve Burton’s (Jason Morgan) upcoming return on July 13, which also serves as the ABC daytime drama’s 16,000 episode, things are about to fire on all cylinders in the story, as noted today by series star, Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos).
On Father’s Day, the three-time Daytime Emmy-winning actor and mental health activist took to his Instagram and expressed in a video that he has some unbelievable upcoming senes with the aforementioned Burton and Hughes. Add to that Nazneen Contractor (Justine Turner) and Rick Hearst (Ric Lansing), where Benard gave credit where credit is due to the GH writing team, which is led by co-head writers, Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten..
In this video, Benard said, “I just want to get on here and say that I did some work with Steve Burton, Finola Hughes, Rick Hearst, Nazneen Contractor, and they’re all just fantastic. Truly fantastic. But, I want to say the writing was just exceptional. It truly was. It was exceptional. So, thankful for that kind of writing. I know writers don’t get the credit a lot, but I just want to say to the General Hospital writing team, keep rolling!”
GENERAL HOSPITAL PREVIEW
So now the question becomes, with a major tease like that, what is about to go down between Sonny, Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric? Will we finally get to the end of the line for Sidwell (Carlo Rota), as previously teased by the GH co-head writers? Will we learn what happened to Jason and Anna, fully? Will Justine and Sonny becomes closer or stop their liaisons? And what of Ric? Will he be true blue to his brother or double-cross him? There is a lot at stake as we move further into the summer and one that looks like it could be one of the more exciting ones in years!
FINOLA HUGHES CONFIRMED AMAZING SCENES WITH MAURICE BENARD
As a punctuation point to his video, Benard also shared this written message in the post: “I just did some wonderful scenes with Steve Burton, Rick Hearst, Finola Hughes and Nazneen Contractor and and unbelievable writing, freaking amazing scenes that you will see in the near future on General Hospital.” In fact, Finola Hughes jumped in the post comment thread and responded, “I loved our scenes so much xxx”
Fans will most likely see all the scenes Benard referred to later in July, since GH tapes approximately six weeks ahead of air.
So, are you excited to see what Maurice is talking about? Are you hyped for what’s to come on GH? Any clue on what you think will go down between the main characters on the soap with the returns of Anna Devane and Jason Morgan to the mix? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
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General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Alum Chad Duell Announces Upcoming Release of His First Single, ‘If You Need Me’

In a surprise move, Daytime Emmy winner, Chad Duell (ex-Michael Corinthos, GH) is getting ready to unveil a new chapter of his career in music.
The former GH star, where he played the son of Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) and Carly Spencer (Laura Wright) for 15 years, has announced his new single, “If You Need Me” will drop on Friday, June 26. The single is now available for pre-order on Spotify and major music streaming platforms and is distributed by DistroKid.
Taking to his Instagram story over the weekend, to announce the pre-save of his new single, Chad expressed, “I’ll make a full post about what I’ve been up to and my music once it goes live next week, but you can pre-save my first single so it goes straight to your Spotify once it drops next week.”

Photo: CDuellIG
SINCE LEAVING GENERAL HOSPITAL
Previously, since his departure from the ABC soap opera. Chad starred alongside Zach Mendez in the world premiere of of Yum Yum at Annapolis, a new play written by Bruce Reisman. Duell last appeared on General Hospital on the January 21, 2025 episode.
The part was recast with Rory Gibson who debuted as the new Michael in May of 2025 during the Nurses’ Ball episodes and who has remained in the role since that time.
In an interview earlier this year on The Able Show, Duell said on his decision to exit the soap opera, “I was blessed to be part of that (show) for as long as I have, but what happens sometimes is if you’re doing the same thing, especially in a creative field for such a long time, you can get a little burnt out in a way. It can make you a little depressed, so that’s kind of what happened. On top of that, I had other things going on in my life at the time. My father passed away recently and I just needed a reset. So, I stepped away. A lot of times you have to go through some stuff to really step into that next level. I needed to kind of feel uncomfortable.”
So, what type of musical genre will Chad’s new song be? Country? Pop? Rock? Dance/Club? Something else? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below, and if you are eager to hear the new single next week via the comment section below.
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