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’ Finn Carr Weighs-In on Potential Rocco and Scout Teen Romance

Finn Carr, who delivered powerful performances on General Hospital, when Rocco shot WSB director Ross Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) and its aftermath, may be headed for his first on-screen love story on the ABC soap opera.
Ever since it was announced that the long-running daytime drama decided to age-up Scout Cain, and in a few recent scenes between Rocco and Scout, it’s clear these two share similar interests and like each other.
Scout is now played by Kayden Brenna Tokarski, who made her GH debut back on July 20 as the daughter of Drew Cain (Cameron Mathison) and the late Sam McCall (Kelly Monaco).

Photo: ABC
In a newly-released virtual segment with ABC11 North Carolina’s GH virtual insider, Dearon Smith, both Finn Carr and Asher Antonyzyn talked about working on a soap opera, while finishing high school, and teasing what’s ahead for Danny and Rocco. While Finn and Asher couldn’t give too much away, Smith asked Finn Carr if there is something brewing between Scout and Rocco?
WHAT’S NEXT FOR ROCCO AND DANNY?
Carr responded, “That’s an interesting question. Kaden is great to work with, and I love working with her. There definitely is some great stuff coming up that people are going to want to watch. It’s good stuff and really fun.”
Apparently, Danny and Rocco will also find themselves once again in some trouble, but as Finn tells it looks like this time, Danny will take the brunt of it. “We get into a lot of trouble … well, Danny gets into a lot of trouble … but I do a lot though.” Very cryptic indeed!
You can check out the full conversation with Finn and Asher with ABC11 below.
Now, let us know, would you like to see Rocco have a girlfriend, and that it would be Scout? Do you think Finn and Kayden work well together on-screen? Share your thoughts via the comment section.
General Hospital
Laura Wright Signs New Contract with ‘General Hospital’

While there have been plenty of on-screen newcomers in recent weeks on General Hospital, no need to worry about one of its mainstays, with the news from Daytime Emmy winner, Laura Wright, herself. Wright who plays Carly Spencer on the ABC soap opera has revealed on X, that she just re-signed a new deal with the soap opera to remain in Port Charles.
Wright is the fourth actress to play Carly, following in the footsteps of the OG Carly, Sarah Brown, Tamara Brown, and Jennifer Bransford. In fact, Laura left her major role on Guiding Light as Cassie Layne Winslow to take over the role of Bobbie Spencer’s (the late Jackie Zeman) complex daughter in November of 2005. Now almost 21 years later, Laura has made Carly her own and has delivered memorable performance after memorable performance throughout her run.
When a fans commented on X, “Can I just say if you ever leave General Hospital as Carly I will stop watching the show. I honestly have loved you and think that you are the best person to play Carly,” Laura Wright jumped in to the thread and assured her and other GH fans, that she has no plans to go anywhere else.

Photo: ABC
LAURA WRIGHT STAYING PUT AT GENERAL HOSPITAL AND FANS ARE HAPPY SHE’S STICKING AROUND
Laura expressed, “I’m not going anywhere, just signed a new contract!!!” Since she made her public statement, many GH fans were thrilled with the news with comments such as: “I would’ve been devastated if you weren’t sticking around. You’ve truly made Carly your own after so many years, ” and “Happy to hear this, I always enjoy #GH more when Carly is on,” plus “So glad you’re sticking around as Carly. Love Carly and can’t wait for more #Caradine and #Jarly”
One fans hopes Laura will be on for years to come a la Jane Elliot’s tenure as Tracy Quartermaine saying, “Awesome. It’s so fun getting to see the full life of a character. Hope you stick around for many more years. I think Carly will be a hoot in her Tracy Quartermaine era.”
Laura Wright’s road to General Hospital started back on ABC’s Loving when she first played Allison “Ally” Rescott on Loving (1991 to 1995) and then its spinoff The City (1995 to 1997). She later joined Guiding Light as Cassie, who was revealed to be the sister of Reva Shayne played by Kim Zimmer. She played the part from 1997-2005. From then on its been all GH scoring a Lead Actress Daytime Emmy win in 2011, along with eight total nominations throughout her daytime career.
Currently, Carly is involved in a romance with Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart), but it’s on shaky ground with Anna Devane back in the picture not so happy to see the two canoodling, and Carly having been warned by Sonny that Valentin is not trustworthy.
However, after seeing Laura’s post that she has signed on to stay at GH, James Patrick Stuart commented on X reacted by stating, “Phew!”
So, happy to hear Laura has re-signed with General Hospital and will continue her role as Carly Spencer? Let us know via the comment section below.
I’m not going anywhere ❤️❤️ just signed a new contract !!! ✨✨ https://t.co/GfTSt53xFQ
— Laura Wright (@lldubs) August 8, 2026
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Willow Feels The Effects of Jacinda’s Drugs; Josslyn Find Out She’s CEO of Jasper Jacks Enterprises

On the Friday, August 7, episode of General Hospital, Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) unknowingly has put her children Amelia and Wiley in danger, Drew (Cameron Mathison) and Ava (Maura West) appear to be in collusion against Sonny, and Josslyn (Eden McCoy) and Hudson (Troy Lennon Appel) get off to a rocky start (which as you know in soaps could be a love match down the line!).
Here’s what went down as most of the action took place at the Metro Court pool area: First, Josslyn meets with Hudson, who reveals himself to be none other than the VP of Operations for JJE (Jasper Jacks Enterprises). Hudson tells Josslyn he was sent to Port Charles from Australia, while her dad was sailing around the world as he had named her the new CEO of his company.
Josslyn immediately puts her foot down and tells Hudson she is not accepting the position. He asks, why? She informs him that she works as a WSB agent. Hudson seems stunned and his interest is piqued.

Courtesy/ABC
HUDSON DOESN’T KNOW WHAT TO MAKE OF JOSSLYN
In turn, they get into a tiff, where Hudson is annoyed that he flew all the way around the world and wasted his time. Meanwhile, Josslyn is annoyed that her father didn’t even bother to ask her if she wanted to run the company. In the end, Josslyn tells Hudson to get her a list of qualified candidates, one of which she can sign the company over to. She then storms off.
However, Hudson spots Ava Jerome, whom he knows was speaking with Ethan in Norway, and who knows about Ethan’s involvement with baby Phoebe. Ava is busy talking with Drew on how they mutual disdain of Sonny, and it should be the driving force for them to work together to take him down. Ava wants no more threats over her head of having Avery taken away from her by her father. Drew is all ears!
Michael (Rory Gibson) meets up at the pool with Jacinda. She shows him the restraining order that Willow got from the courts against her to stay away from the children. Michael promises to get his lawyers to fight it.
However, Michael knows something is up when Jacinda said, “Willow is about to make a public mistake,” hoping that pills she put in Willow’s iced coffee have begun to spin the congresswoman out of control. Michael demanded to know what Jacinda had done to Willow.

Courtesy/ABC
WILLOW’S ABOUT TO GO FOR A DANGEROUS DRIVE
Elsewhere at Nina’s, Willow got a surprise when Amelia and Wiley showed up. Now, she will have them for the afternoon and decides they are going to have fun day. After a slight scare when Wiley picked up her iced coffee, Willow told her son to put down the drink because it has caffeine in it. However, then Willow began to drink it herself unaware that Jacinda spiked it with drugs.
In the final moments of the episode, Willow’s behavior changes as she is now over-excited about taking the kids to the arcade. A drugged Willow grabs her car keys, and she and Amelia and Wiley head out to the car. We fade to black.
So, did you feel on-screen chemistry between Hudson and Josslyn? Do you like Drew and Ava teaming up? Do you think Willow gets into a car accident with Amelia and Wiley in the car, which in turn, will kick Jacinda to the curb with Michael? Share your thoughts on what happens next and more in the comment section below. But first for some clues, take a look at the General Hospital preview that aired for Monday’s August 10th episode during the closing of today’s GH.
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