General Hospital
GH Nurses’ Ball 2023 Part Four: Magic Milo and the Magic Wands Return, Bobbie Gets a Tribute, Anna in Critical Condition
On Friday’s part four of the 2023 General Hospital Nurses’ Ball episodes, the drama off-stage picked up, while a fan favorite act made its comeback with an all-new male configuration.
In story, Victor (Charles Shaughnessy) has just shot Anna (Finola Hughes) at the safe house. After firing a shot into her abdomen he flees the scene with his henchman, leaving Anna bleeding out on the floor and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) calling 911, before she passes out.

Courtesy/ABC
Back at the ball, Nina (Cynthia Watros) and Maxie (Kirsten Storms) are trying to find out how Liesl (Kathleen Gati) truly vanished following the magic act she was a part of at the ball. This raises serious concerns from Nina that tomorrow Liesl is supposed to undergo her medical procedure to donate bone marrow to save Willow (Katelyn MacMullen).
Scheming Gladys (Bonnie Burroughs) successfully plants the million dollar bracelet in Cody’s (Josh Kelly) tuxedo jacket costume backstage, and then plays it out in front of Sasha (Sofia Mattsson) and the bodyguard that someone must have took it.

Photo: ABC
Back on-stage, Maxie brings on Magic Milo and the Magic Wands, who portray doctors in their male stripper number. In the 2023 version, Milo (Drew Cheetwood) is joined by Dex (Evan Hofer), Cody, TJ (Tajh Bellow), Yuri (Cyrus Hobbi) and two other male dancers. Backstage, Drew Cheetwood’s real-life little girl, Grace Cheetwood, has a cameo.

Photo: ABC
After his performance, Cody comes backstage and runs into Gladys, Sasha, Mac (John J. York) and the bodyguard. Gladys points the finger at Cody for taking the necklace and Mac arrests him.

Photo: ABC
Victor has made it to his ‘headquarters’… the Haunted Star. He gets updated intel on the location of Holly Sutton (Emma Samms) from one of his henchmen. Victor realizes she is looking for her son Ethan, and not recovering from her ‘injuries’. In addition, Victor learns Lucy (Lynn Herring) escaped the safe house and has one of his men tracking her down at the Nurses’ Ball. In a call with Spencer (Nicholas Chavez), Victor tells him, if he wants to get little Ace away from Esme (Avery Pohl), he is to come to the Haunted Star now and not tell anyone. Trina (Tabyana Ali) has already been upset with Spencer’s behavior all night towards Dex and being not forthcoming as to what exactly is troubling him.

Photo: ABC
Carly (Laura Wright) takes the stage and pays tribute to her mother, Nurse Bobbie Spencer (Jackie Zeman) and honors her for her dedication and service to General Hospital for 45 years. This acts as the tribute to Jackie Zeman for her 45 years on GH. As Bobbie tears up, we get a series of special flashbacks including: the B.J. heart transplant story, coming to the aide of Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) after she was raped, and being there for Monica (Leslie Charleson) following her cancer biopsies and more. Everyone in attendance gives Bobbie a standing ovation.

Photo: ABC
Bobbie returns the favor towards the end of the ball paying tribute to her frenemy the ‘late’ Lucy Coe. However as she speaks, Lucy has made it backstage at the ball. Lucy is then caught by one of Victor’s henchmen who holds a gun on her. Next, she somehow manages to grab a boa off the costume rack and throws it in his face. Apparently, that is just enough to distract him, until Sonny (Maurice Benard) appears and knocks the guy out. It is then that Maurice Benard delivered the best line of the entire Nurses’ Ball, when Sonny turns to Lucy and says, “A boa? Really.”
Back on-stage, as Bobbie recites Lucy’s backstabbing beginnings in Port Charles, she changes her tone about how Lucy found her love for the Nurses’ Ball in 1994, and it changed her. As Bobbie says “Lucy isn’t here tonight,” all of a sudden, Lucy trips backstage and falls through her own photo and plops right on the stage as Bobbie welcomes her home, and everyone in attendance gives Lucy a rousing round of applause and a standing ovation.

Photo: ABC
At the hospital, Valentin, Laura (Genie Francis) and Robert (Tristan Rogers) are informed Anna is in critical condition and will be taken to surgery immediately to try to have the bullet removed from the shooting. Meanwhile, Spencer arrives on the Haunted Star and asks Victor what’s going on with Ace. Suddenly, Spencer hears noises in the background and gets suspicious. Victor says they’re setting sail.
Laura returns home and finds Ace’s pacifier outside her door, and when she heads inside, she is stunned to find Esme knocked out on the floor and her place turned upside down.
So, what did you think of part four of the GH Nurses’ Ball? Did you enjoy the tribute to Bobbie Spencer? Did Lucy’s entrance harken back to Nurses’ Ball of yore? What will happen to Spencer, Ace and Victor? Were you glad to see the ‘Magic Wands’ back in action? Share your thoughts in the comment section. But first, check out the performance by ‘Magic Milo’ and the gang.
First, the positives…
The tribute to Bobbie and JZ’s 45-year tenure as the hooker turned nurse with a heart of gold was special, unexpected and well-deserved. Congrats to Jackie.
Lucy falling through her own photo was hilarious and adds to the tradition of her mishaps on stage. Loved how she avoided Bobbie’s attempt at a hug.
Drew Cheetwood still looks F-I-N-E fine. Was that random girl in the backstage scene his real life daughter?
Nobody gives better facial expressions than Genie Francis. JPS has such a wide range of emotions – he really deserves an Emmy.
Onto the not-so positive:
It’s a bad look to combine a male-strip act in the same week as the me-too scenes with BLQ and Blaze. The Wands need to be retired.
Nice seeing Yuri, but where the heck is Terry? The Chief of Staff is missing from the Nurses Ball and Epiphany’s memorial?
If that’s it for the Ball – why didn’t we get a song from the best voice in the cast – Wally Kurth?
Robert answers a call in the ballroom saying “Valentin” so anyone can hear him addressing a ‘dead’ man. The day player diamond security guard called Mac “detective” Scorpio instead of Chief.
Finally, per the closing credits on Friday, Charles Shaughnessy (Victor) appears to no longer be on contract. Based on story, looks like he’ll be around for a bit still.
Your points are all excellent here.
I feel that for the 60th they should’ve tried for more history for us vs some of the plot stuff.
I could care less about Gladys/Cody and Sasha. None are longer term characters that are really part of the history of the show.
Same for Blaze and Linc. That comeuppance could’ve come in a regular show.
The Cassadine plot was woven into the history of the show. That part I get.
Terry being absent bothers me too. Poor Liz (a legacy character) stuck alone at a table. And finally we get Genie in an episode. GF not being used for the 60th was for me a misstep.
JPS singing was a must. Missing WK too as well as a legacy show stopper (loved DP but she’s not part of GH’s history) here.
I’d guess that Gladys is on her way out based on plot developments. Sasha will likely be off screen for a while (based on the obvious hiding of Sofia’s baby bump the past month). Since they made Cody a Scorpio, looks like he’s here for a while.
Linc is reportedly also departing soon. Good actor, annoying character. Blaze has a great set of pipes and totally carried the duet with Chase.
At least they made Genie the focus of the 15,000th episode. She supposedly hates the grueling long day shoots like the Nurses Ball and avoids it where she can. Similarly, Becky no longer performs. Her sitting alone was indeed strange.
Robert Scorpio should have been on hand at the Ball as well, as a legacy character. Plus the Ball is a favorite charity of Robin’s. I thought they might have been saving TR for a heroic appearance at the safe house, but this is an unforgivable oversight and missed opportunity.
Just a brilliant summation, OG Steve. I agree with your every word. I’m embarrassed to admit that I didn’t catch the disparity between the Magic Milo strip act and the Me Too Movement that Brook Lynn has brought to our attention. I think when the genders are reversed, soaps just don’t get it when it comes to sexual harassment and sexual assault.
And about Laura. I’ve always adored her but lately? Not so much. If I had a dollar for every time she called that amnesiac sociopath,” sweetheart” or “honey,” I’d be a millionaire. Why not just call her Esme, or why call her anything at all!? It’s weird, icky and it’s saccharine overload. The actress who plays Esme is really talented but the writing has failed her. She went from a sociopathic sadist to a simpering, whiny, cry- baby heroine. This actress was capable of nuanced complexity- she could have been a contender, she could have been a young Erica Kane.
Hi Harry
Yes, Laura calling Esme sweetheart throws me off a bit as well. Avery Pohl is indeed a good actress.
As much as I love Laura, her being mayor still bugs me. How does a city elect a mayor who leaves town for 3-4 months every year? One whose brother is a convicted mobster, brother-in-law was a serial killer while she herself was in a catatonic state for years? Ah, only in the world of soaps!
I also find “The Wands” an outdated embarrassment and definitely at odds with objectifying any person. Yes, Milo is still gorgeous and, even better, a sweetheart. I know I’m a minority but I don’t like Valentin’s singing but to each their own. Something is missing from The Ball..not sure I can pinpoint it or if it’s several things at once. I just haven’t really enjoyed it much yet.
What is the connotation of Sonny saying “boa, really” to Lucy?
One of Victor’s thugs followed Lucy to the Nurses Ball. She was hiding out backstage when the thug found her and she was attempting to defend herself with any object she could find, the last of which was a pink feather boa. That’s the point where Sonny came in behind the thug and knocked him out, and was a little amused that Lucy was trying to use the boa as a weapon.
She had a pink feather boa in her hand that she was smacking the gunman with lol
Because she was trying to fight off a guy with a gun using a boa.
What defensive effect can a Boa provide her she doesn’t have the strength or opportunity to strangle him
Does anyone know the name of the song and/or who sings the song that was playing during The Wands performance?
Yeah, something was missing for me too. Being that it was the 60th anniversary, I would have thought that we might see flashbacks of a few of the beloved Quartermaines, Edward, Lila, Alan, Tracy, as well as Steve, Audrey, and a bit more of Jessie. I think I might have seen one little picture of each of them, but come on!
The dresses this year were just below awful, with almost everyone wearing slightly different versions of the same dress. Only Trina, Nina, and Lucy left the sparkles at home, but then besides that, their dresses were super boring, with not a lot of style! And why was Maxie wearing what looked to be a Blazer and pants, as opposed to a gown, being she was the co chair of the nurse’s ball?
As for the talent, some of it was good (TJ, Joss and Trina were all refreshingly entertaining) but it just seemed like something was off. There was more backstage mingling, than there were acts. I liked Chase and Blaze, but it seemed that really none of the acts had that umph of previous shows–Jack Wagner, Wally Kurth, Rick Springfield, John Stamos, etc ..
Terri already wasn’t at the Memorial service for Epiphany, but then to miss the nurse’s ball too?
Now for the Liesl fiasco… I thought that Sonny’s “people” were always “watching out for” and “GUARDING” Nina, Liesl, Spencer, his kids, etc ..? How would someone be able to grab her without being seen? Me thinks that Sonny needs a new staff (calling Max & Milo!)
Where the heck is Charlotte??If she was supposed to be staying with Laura and Kevin, why haven’t we seen her, and why does it always seem that Esme is there alone? They know that Victor is up to something, so why weren’t they more careful with Ace’s and Charlotte’s safety?
As for Gladys setting up Cody, that’s the last straw for me with her! I thought that she was changing after Brando died, but she is even worse, stealing from Sasha, and then trying to put it all on Cody! Bust her Cody… NOW!!!
I hope that next year, they really amp it up, and Lucy will be back at the helm!
MrsDee59, I totally agree, especially regarding Gladys. But what irks me most, and rings falser than those bejeweled gowns, is Cody’s “deer in the headlights” expression when Gladys accused him. WHY THE HECK wouldn’t he come clean and admit his “stalking” was because of her nefarious, underhanded stealing of Sasha’s money? Who benefits from keeping quiet? Certainly not Sasha or himself or even Gladys for that matter. Dumb move, as was lying about his paternity. He sure isn’t gonna win any ‘smarts’ prizes.
Cody would have to admit he participated on a regular level in illegal gambling operations and his connection to Selina. Now, he could’ve pulled Sasha aside to tell her, but Mac was around and would still have to arrest him. The writers could have handled it a bit better.
Soaphound,
Hi, it’s been a while but “the Bitch from Bridgeport” is driving me crazy, hope she’ll be gone soon. I know you don’t like Cody but I’ve got kind of a mother hen thing about him. I think he’s got a low self esteem, etc. That’s the main reason he’s lying to Mac, thinking he doesn’t deserve Mac and a family. I think he’s also got a soft spot for Sasha and knows how hurt she’d be if she learned the truth about her and what she’s been doing with her money, also her disappointment in him when she finds out what he’s been up to.
One last thing that been driving me crazy. I know people pronounce their words differently depending where they were raised or whatever. Nina and her constant “AUWNT”Leisel vs Aunt(ant) every 5 min.is maddening. Maybe it’s the way she says it with her nasal voice and ordinarily it wouldn’t bother me, I use either or from time to time, so it really isn’t a critical thing of her pronunciation, help me here!
Violet
The AuWNT vs ANT kind of bugs me too. Watros’ use of AuWNT is not as bad as Stafford, when it was over pronounced. As Nina is a child of money, she could’ve had diction coaching that teaches to avoid the hard A where possible.
OG Steve,
Glad you get it. I know it’s silly but she just keeps repeating the darn word until I have to shut off the sound. Sorry, but you will have to explain about the Stafford thing, I’m just not getting that.
Violet
Stafford started the whole “AUWNT” pronunciation and it was more annunciated. At one point, Stafford also called Anna “AH-NA” at which point Finola corrected her.
The Nurses Ball was Great with or without Lucy. She has to let other people have a glow in the Spot Light for a time.
I have always found Lucy very annoying, conceited and obnoxious.Loves to toot her own horn and thinks no one has any worth but her. Obviously, it’s just me because cast and fans alike fall at her feet.
Lucy’s idiotic actions put Anna in the line of fire. All because her ego needed stroking. Then Lucy blithely prances off to the Nurse’s Ball with nary a concern about Anna or Valentin. But this isn’t Lucy- she’s inherently a good person. I blame the current writing team.
Hey Harry
Yes, the writing could’ve been a bit tighter there, but Lucy did mention when she got to the ball that she had to find Robert. Victor’s goon then went after her. After Sonny knocked him out, Lucy got distracted by her own tribute.
So much was going on and each law enforcement character – Robert, Jordan, Mac & Dante – were shown to already have left the ball. Thus, we didn’t see Lucy getting questioned.
Something that dawned on me yesterday – did Lucy ever mention Serena while being held captive? Yes, the Nurses’ Ball is Lucy’s “baby” but how about a mention of the child she gave birth to?
I’m 86 years old,and I loved the MAGIC WAND performance!!!!!
I’m 67 and I did, too. I hope it’s on every year.
More power to you Eleanor and Patricia.It isn’t my cup of tea but I love hearing that it reawakens the spring in you. This is a good thing.
OG Harry,
I’m 90 and it bored the heck out of me, except what was going on in the background. I think Ned and Olivia should have done a number together.
Violet – thank you for always sharing your insights with us here. I hope I’m still chiming in on my favorite shows when I reach your milestone.
Wendy Riche nurses ball vs Frank Valentini nurses ball, one was classic the other Cheesy, they are just vastly different but it is what it is, Still love my G:H but there’s a lot of things that still irritate me. I wish Valentin and Anna and even Robert were better WSB agents or ex WSB agents. They were so lame with Victors goons, and I love Anna, just wish she was more kick ass super spy, I mean how many times did Lucy escape?
At this point, the Nurses’ Ball should simply be a gala, with maybe one or two special guest performers (a-la Danielle Ponder) and have it a fundraising-type of event.
The good, bad and the silly of the Nurses Ball.
The Good: The opening number was good.
The Bad: The male strippers. It doesnt bother me one bit BUT what if Sam did a striptease on the show, the ME TOOS would have burnt ABC to the ground!
The Silly: Anna getting shot. She is going to live and we know it. Chase is not a singer. They really dont have anything for Brooke Lynn to do? Linc again? Going after Blaze. Trying to groom Joss? DUMP! Why doesnt Brook Lynn go ask Sonny to make Linc disappear? Or why doesnt Joss call uncle Jerry and have him take care of Linc? Dumb! Gladys and Cody need to go yesterday! Irrelevant. And Terry not performing at the NB. Maybe she didnt want to?
Bonus: The NB was a snore. There were about 12 people in the audience, not enough good entertainment and mostly because they tried to do two things at once and failed at both, The Nurses Ball and celebrate GH’s 60th Anniversary. The 60th should have been a prime time show like Y&R did with their 50th.
So, no Robin at the Nurses Ball?! Was she mentioned? Unacceptable.
At the safe house, Anna was shown talking about Robin’s connection to the ball with both Valentin and Lucy. At the actual ball, I don’t recall their being a mention (not from Robert, Mac, Felicia or Maxie).
Looks like the beginning of the end, for old Uncle Victor anyway. I hope Trina is a help instead of a hinderence. At least Leisel has a brain, if she gets the chance to use it. I would think The Haunted Star would have been top of the list knowing he’d try escaping by water. I bet the end results will be them not recovering his body, so we’ll never know.
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.
General Hospital
Kin Shriner Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ TV Daughter Kelly Kruger

It’s been over two-years since his last appearance on General Hospital, now fan favorite Kin Shriner (Scott Baldwin) has taken to social media to share his thoughts on the casting of his grown-up TV daughter, Serena Baldwin now played by Kelly Kruger.
Kelly took over the role of Serena on-screen starting with the July 30, 2026 episode and has been ensconced in the storyline with her mother, Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring), in trying to win back full creative control of Deception for her.
In fact on the Monday, October 19 episode of the ABC soap opera, Serena tried to dupe Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) into signing over Michael’s (Rory Gibson) shares of the company. Jason caught on and wondered why she was doing this. She claimed she just wanted to help her mom gain creative control from Tracy (Jane Elliot) rather than full ownership, and begged Jason to keep quiet about it, which he agreed to for now.

Courtesy/ABC
WHERE IS SCOTT?
On Monday, Shriner also took to X and said, “I think Kelly Kruger is doing a great job on General Hospital, and she and Lynn Herring work well together.” That was followed by comments in his thread about the show needing to bring back Scott too.
In fact, back on August 25, Shriner also took to X with a reminder that Scott is still around and ready to come back to Port Charles, sharing, “Scotty Baldwin always fits in he just needs the right sport coat !!!!”
The last time Serena mentioned her father Scott was when Kruger made her debut and informed Lucy that her father was, “living his best life in Key West.” Meanwhile, Shriner posts on his X account continually and shared back on August 2, that it has been 49 years since he made his on-screen debut as then teenaged, Scotty Baldwin and thanked the fans for al the love and support.
So, now let us know, are you enjoying Kelly Kruger as Serena Baldwin? Do you want to see GH bring back Scott Baldwin into the story, so Serena has both her parents in Port Charles? Do you like the potential of Jason and Serena pairing? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
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