In heartbreaking scenes on last week’s episodes of General Hospital, Dr. Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud) gets the news she has feared for quite some time – that her battle with Huntington’s disease has progressed even further than she imagined.

The moments were all played with devastating perfection by Daytime Emmy winner, Kelly Thiebaud, who has GH fans know will be departing the ABC daytime drama series soon.

In story, Austin (Roger Howarth) set up a consultation with a Huntington’s Disease expert, Dr. Talone. When the three meet to discuss Britt’s case, she learns that symptoms she thought were stress from being on the run a few years ago, and when she was in prison, were the early manifestations of the disease.

After Dr. Talone examines Britt, she reveals that Britt now has the signs of stage three Huntington’s.  As for her prognosis, Britt will have ‘significant cognitive impairment’, and while she was anywhere between five to fifteen years in her lifespan, it could be as soon as eighteen months when Britt will need assisted living and full-time care.

When Dr. Talone exits, Austin offers to stay with Britt, but she asks for him to leave her office so she can be alone.  Once by herself and overcome with the news she received (and looking at her framed medical license and business card which says that Britt is Co-Chief of Staff of General Hospital), she finally loses it and tears up her office.  Cody (Josh Kelly) comes upon her, when she is left holding the necklace she found in Peter’s possessions which are the diamonds of the Ice Princess.

Britt is in tears and tells Cody that when she found out her father, Faison had died, she thought it was finally over. However, his reach extends far beyond the grave! Britt is in disbelief that she wasted so much time seeking his approval.  Cody tries to calm Britt down by telling her she is worth loving.  Britt remarks, “Even with what’s been passed down to me?”  Cody is confused and thinks she is talking about the necklace which now makes Britt believe that Cody was only into her for the diamonds.

Courtesy/ABC

Later, in the most gut-wrenching and emotional scenes, Britt confesses to her mother, Liesl Obrecht (Kathleen Gati) that her disease has progressed. Obrecht wants to get her to a specialist in Toronto, but Britt says she just met with her and she informs her mother she has five to fifteen years to live – and a year and a half before she may require full-time care.  Obrecht promises they will fight this. An overcome Britt asks her to just stop because she doesn’t need a doctor … she needs a mom.  The two embrace, but Obrecht cries Britt deserved a better mother than her. Kathleen Gati and Kelly Thiebaud were extremely touching and effective in these scenes.

When looking at the totality of the arc of this story that played out last week, and the understated and beautiful work of Kelly Thiebaud, it is without question Michael Fairman TV gives our Power Performance of the Week honors to Kelly.

So, what did you think of Kelly’s performances as Britt learns what she will now be faced with in the years ahead and the aftermath? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

This week in a preview of a heartbreaking episode of General Hospital, Liesl (Kathleen Gati) will learn her daughter, Britt (Kelly Thiebaud), now has developed symptoms of Huntington’s Disease and its progression is making Dr. Westbourne very sick.

In story, look for Britt to confide in her mother, noting that that the disease is beginning to overtake her body.

Liesl’s portrayer, Kathleen Gati shared with Soap Opera Digest (in their latest issue on newsstand now), just how mutter will react to the news.

Gati expressed: “I have to say this is the most painful and profound episode I have filmed in 10 years.”  Kathleen has played the role of Dr, Liesl Obrecht since 2012.

She goes on to say, “Liesl puts her doctors hat on to give hope to herself and to Britta, encouraging her that they are both well-trained doctors and can find a way to help Britta.”

However, that’s not what Britt wants to hear.  She needs her mother, and the support and comfort from her, at this devastating time in her life.

Kathleen shares it’s at that point that Liesl realizes she needs to stop all the medical talk and just be there for her daughter.

So, are you looking forward to the scenes between Britt and Liesl?  Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Viewers who have been watching this week’s episodes of General Hospital have seen Adam Huss stepping-in for a second for Marcus Coloma in the role of Nikolas Cassadine.

Many fans wanted to know what caused the temporary switcheroo.  Now, Coloma has taken to his Instagram doing a little dance and revealing the nature of why he was away and when he will be back.

Marcus shared in the video: “Why Aren’t You GH?  Got Covid a month ago.  I’m coming back for you, baby. Next Week”

In the accompanying post, the actor expressed: “So here’s the deal.  Thank you for all the lovely love.  I should be back on the screen next week.”

Coloma has played the role of Nikolas Cassadine since October 31st, 2019.

Glad to know Marcus is feeling better and on his way back to Port Charles? Comment below.

 

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