General Hospital
Kirsten Storms Temporarily Replaced by Nicole Paggi as ‘General Hospital’s’ Maxie Jones
Viewers tuning into today’s July 3 episode of General Hospital, saw a familiar face playing the character of Maxie Jones, that’s because actress Nicole Paggi is once again stepping into the role and temporarily replacing Kirsten Storms.
If Paggi looks familiar, it’s because she replaced Storms as Maxie back in December of 2023, when Storms was unavailable for a short amount of time. This time, Paggi was called in by GH when scheduling conflicts precluded Storms from being able to film some episodes.
According TV Insider, “Because the soap (GH) films multiple episodes a day, Paggi will appear again as Maxie on July 30 and August 13; Storms will return on air during the week of August 18.” Kirsten Storms has played GH’s Maxie since 2005.

Photo: ABC
As for Paggi’s other television credits, they include roles on the the series 9-1-1, The Rookie: FEDS, Pasadena, Hope & Faith, to name but a few.
Throughout Kirsten’s 20-year run as Maxie, she has had several temporary recasts and situations. Back in September of 2011, Storms came forward publicly about her painful battle with endometriosis and took an extended leave. Jen Lilley (who later played DAYS Theresa Donovan) stepped into play Maxie through September of 2012, when Storms was well-enough to return to her signature soap role.
In 2016, Kirsten took another leave of absence to heal from skin issues and Days of our Lives favorite Molly Burnett (ex-Melanie) was brought in to play Maxie. Burnett returned for another stint as Maxie in 2018 when Storms was out of commission with the flu.

Photo: JPI
Next, sadly in 2021, Kirsten took to social media to share that she had undergone brain surgery to remove a noncancerous cyst. While she ended up OK, to allow Storms to heal, the GH powers-that-be wrote Maxie out, and sent her on an extended trip to the Lone Star State, Texas.

Photo: ABC
So what are your thoughts of Nicole Paggi as Maximista? Who do you think was the best temporary replacement for Kirsten Storms over the years? The thing is; nobody can play Maxie like Kirsten, since she has made the role so identifiable to her. Comment below.
Jen Lilley was the best in my opinion.
Oh gawd no a blank screen is preferable
Well, isn’t that special.
Jen Lilly was great
Yes, she was.
As Theresa Donovan on Days, absolutely. As Maxie? Not so much.
Some of us don’t have time to watch mulitple shows.
Considering Kristen’s previous health problems, I hope she is well and able to return to GH very soon.
I was hoping someone beside myself was more concerned for Kristen’s well being than who replaced her better. We wish you well Kristen.
This. And what is irksome to me is when people bash the substitutes simply for not being Kristin As someone who started out as a substitute teacher, I know how it feels to be criticized for not being the regular teacher. These interim actors need the work and do the best they can jumping in the middle of a story. It can’t be easy.
I do not feel my comment bashed any replacements.. just a nod to Kristen’s health and wellness.
Very believable casting! This actress is a dead ringer for the young Felicia when she first arrived in Port Charles! The resemblance is uncanny.
Nicole has Maxie’s mannerisms down very well. GH has had some fairly good temporary fill-ins (Lindsay Hartley, Briana Lane, Adam Huss, Robert Adamson) in the past few years. That said, I look forward to Kirsten’s return and a new storyline focused on Maxie.
That’s good to know, Steve! I left “Planet Soap” long ago but do occasionally check this site to see if my old favorite posters are still kicking! Been looking for Celia! (I may have to go back a few months of articles to send her a message!) Having said that, it’s lovely to see that some of the reliably articulate regulars remain here. I always read your well-worded and knowledgeable contributions and I also am very gladdened whenever Harry and James comment. They really add a lot to the conversation with their warmth and humor!
At any rate, I was simply struck by the photo of Nicole who could have easily passed for ‘80’s Felicia had she been wearing a blonde Rapunzel wig!
Nice to see you drop by Shay – and thanks for the kind words. I do see Celia post occasionally. Harry & James are some of my faves, too. Enjoy the summer!
No replacement, keep the old Maxie
Sending well wishes your way Kristen. Get better hope to see you soon on gh.
Everyone is encouraged to comment and wish her well. But, having been on this show for 20 years, fans really should know her name is Kirsten – not Kristen nor Kristin.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Hudson West Wins Big as Contestant on ‘The Price is Right’

You just never know when one of your favorites from a soap opera will pop on TV on another show! Such was the case on the Tuesday, October 6 episode of the number one daytime game show in America, The Price is Right on CBS!
Hudson West, who has played Jake Webber on General Hospital from 2016-2019, and then has been recurring since 2021 and used very sporadically in story, was in attendance in the audience for a taping of The Price is Right. He wound up selected as one of the players and eventually won a car.
Here;’s what happened: West bid $3,000 on a five-night stay at the Bandon Marina Inn in Oregon. His opponent, Charles, bid $4,550, which was too high, so West got the chance to play the game “Any Number” for a prize.

Photo: ABC
The drama became intense as West picked the numbers needed to win a new car with host Drew Carey presiding over the game play. After he won, Hudson fell to the floor in shock before getting up and running in excitement towards his new car!
Later in the show, Hudson got the opportunity to spin the wheel to try to advance to the “Showcase” round, but his opponent named Jenny spun a higher number to qualify, ending West’s run in the game. But, he came away with the new car.
Apart from his role on GH, TV fans have seen West on NCIS: Los Angeles, Dancing with the Stars: Juniors and Grace and Frankie to name but a few.
You can check out what happened when Hudson won a car on The Price is Right on the video below.
Now let us know, what did you think of Hudson’s big win? Do you hope that GH finally has Jake back in story since he is the son of Elizabeth and Jason? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Did the ABC Soap Opera Just Tee Up a Jason and Serena Pairing?

The Tuesday, October 6 episode of General Hospital kicked-off with Serena Baldwin (Kelly Kruger) literally turned upside down and stuck on the Quartermaine roof in front of Jason (Steve Burton), who came to her rescue.
This marked the first time that Kelly Kruger and Steve Burton shared any substantial screen time together since Kruger debuted on the ABC soap opera back in July.
In story, Serena was trying to save the peregrine falcons’ nest that Tracy (Jane Elliot) wanted exterminated. Jason agreed to help Serena relocate the nest to the nature preserve. Said relocation would be put in the preserve adjacent to the property, think where Ava (Maura West) and Drew (Cameron Mathison) buried Brennan (Chris McKenna)!
Later, when they returned to the Quartermaine mansion, the two have more banter where Serena told Jason they should both check themselves for ticks. Serena has done a full body check in the bathroom, but then asks Jason to go through her hair and look for any signs of ticks. Clearly, one or both may have ticks prompting suspicion if they wind up at GH with Dr. Isaiah Gannon (Sawandi Wilson) as their doctor who previously treated Ava for the tick stuck in her hair!

Courtesy/ABC
ROMANCE SWITCH-UPS
While initially General Hospital fans suspected that the character of Serena was being brought back to the canvas in the form of Kruger as a love interest for Michael Corinthos (Rory Gibson), in recent weeks and in admission by Tanisha Harper, it appears that GH is teasing a Michael and Jordan romance. The two have been spending more time together at Aurora, and Michael helped her get accepted into the burn clinic in Germany to treat her facial scars from the car accident.
Meanwhile, after Steve Burton returned to GH after his extended hiatus this June, it was clear that the writers were heading in the direction of a Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) and Jason break-up.
Eventually, a few weeks ago, the duo called it quits after Anna (Finola Hughes) tried to kill Britt, and Jason would not help Britt press charges against his friend, who was suffering from delusions after being mentally gaslighted by Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) and Sidwell (Carlo Rota) and company.
So, what did you think of the scenes between Jason and Serena on today’s GH? Do you think Kelly and Steve have on-screen chemistry that you would be open to be seeing how it plays out? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
General Hospital
Van Hansis Marks Two Years as ‘General Hospital’s’ Dr. Lucas Jones

It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since Van Hansis made his debut as the recast Lucas Jones on General Hospital. It was back on October 4, 2024 that GH fans got their first look at the former As the World Turns (ex-Luke Snyder) favorite in his new soap role.
Hansis became the fifth actor to play the role of the adoptive son of the late Bobbie Spencer and Tony Jones, and the biological son of the late Julian Jerome and Cheryl Stansbury. Prior to Van, C.J. Thomason (2002–2003), Ben Hogestyn (2005–2006) Ryan Carnes (2004–2005, 2014–2020, 2024) and Matt Trudeau (2020–2021) had played the part.
When Van left daytime after As the World Turns sadly went off the air in 2010, it would be 14 years until he stepped back into the updated frenetic pace and grind of acting on a daily soap opera.

Photo: ABC
LUCAS CAME HOME TO PORT CHARLES
Since Lucas has been back in Port Charles, he fell in love with the late Marco Rios (Adrian Anchondo) who was murdered, moved into a new apartment with his current roommate (soon to be love interest?) Joe Fitzpatrick as played by Jonathan Bennett, has become best buds with the “Britch” Dr. Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud), and has found himself involved in multiple other storylines. However, now that Van is firmly implanted on GH, might Lucas get a leading storyline of his own? Stay tuned.
In the meantime, to acknowledge his two-year anniversary at General Hospital, Hansis shared via his Instagram a photo montage and some heartfelt “thank you’s’ and words. “Two years ago yesterday, Lucas Jones came home to Port Charles looking a little different. Looking exactly like me.” began Hansis.
“When I took on the role, I was told it would be a heavy recurring for a few months and then we’d see where it goes – being based in NYC at the time, I thought it would be a fun little gig that would bring me back to my old stomping grounds of daytime for a bit.”

Photo: ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL HAS BEEN LIFE-CHANGING FOR VAN HANSIS
Next, the longtime New York-based actor confirmed he has now moved to Los Angeles as this new chapter of his life has unfolded, and how grateful he is that the show’s writers and producers have continually given more for Lucas to do.
Van explained, “But then they kept writing for me more and I fell in love with Lucas, and everyone around him (in front of and behind the camera). I wanted to stay a while and am so grateful I have. Being a part of GH these last two years has been life changing. Literally. My family and I are Angelenos now, I’ve made incredible new friendships and have been able to revisit old ones.”
The five-time Daytime Emmy-nominated actor concluded with, “Thank you Frank (Valentini, executive producer, GH), thank you Mark (Teschner, casting director, GH), for inviting me to the party. You throw a great one. ”
So, happy to know Van is sticking around General Hospital for some time to come? What has been your favorite Lucas Jones moment over the first two years of Van’s run? Let us know via the comment section below.
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