General Hospital
Lilly Melgar Gives Details On Her Ending Credits GH LIVE Appearance & How The Boston Marathon Bomber Sentencing Altered It!

Photo Credit: Matt Petit/ABC
Fans who watched Friday’s episode of GH Live were in a for a big surprise when during the closing moments, Lilly Melgar (Ex-Lily Rivera) walked out in front of the camera and handled the closing credits for the episode, and told viewers to stay tuned-in for Monday!
Melgar’s Rivera is infamous for blowing up via a bomb meant for Sonny Corinthos, and was joined by her former on-screen love interest Maurice Benard (Sonny) for the final “wink-wink” nod to the audience during GH Live when Lilly saw a bomb and Maurice came to her rescue! However, the gimmick had to be changed for the second live show broadcast, after the breaking news that the Boston Marathon Bomber was sentenced to the death penalty, thus the sight gag of a bomb that happened at the end of the first performance was left out.
On-Air On-Soaps got the Intel from Melgar herself, who first explained how the idea came about to have her included in the final moments of the broadcast! Lily revealed, “In mid conversation, Frank (Valentini) had an ‘Aha!’ moment at the General Hospital Daytime Emmy After-Party. It literally came to him then. He’s quite creative and brilliant. ”
As to what happened when the news broke during GH Live, that the Boston Marathon Bomber was sentenced to the death penalty while GH was having fun with the Lily Rivera bomb spoof, Melgar revealed what went down: “We did the first live show and knew the fans would love the bomb spoof. Maurice and I had a blast with it! Then on a commercial break during the 2nd taping, Frank came in and said there was breaking news on the Boston Marathon bomber, and it’d be in poor taste to do the bomb act. He was right. What are the odds on the timing?!!! However, the first version is out there on You Tube. It was so perfect spoofing our history. Frank was right … the fans loved it, as did we.”
Watch the original version of Lilly Melgar’s GH Live closing credit appearance with Maurice Benard after the jump! Then weigh-in! What did you think of the bomb spoof? Are you glad GH changed it for the next performance? If you watch the GH Live version that is up on Hulu, it has Maurice and Billy Miller (Jason) joining Lilly at the end of the final moments of the broadcast.
It showed great respect not to show it at that time..
I thought it was disgusting. But the Boston channel had already pre- empted the show because the jury was coming in, I just changed the channel. At least they took it out before the 3 o clock show. GH is on at 2 p m in Boston. It was nice to see Lili .
I think all of New England airs GH at 2 pm. Here, in New York, it airs at 3. Programming was interrupted for just a few minutes….so, I didn’t miss much.
I didn’t know who Lily was, myself. That’s why I was a little taken aback….I thought she was just a random person who was hired to turn cue cards? LOL.
I didn’t even know who the woman was!! It was a great spoof, but it went over my head because i didn’t recognize her as Lily!!
Very wise choices all around. I watched the original version live and it was hilarious, but it would have been awful the next hour.
I liked the nod to Lily’s explosive history, and thought it was smart to change it due to the news. Great seeing Likely Melgar on GH again, beautiful as ever.
*Lilly*. (damn autocorrect)
HaHa…’explosive’ history…how clever…great pun, GMob.
I hated Lily and hope they don’t bring her back!! I was so happy when that car blew up with her in it!!
Lily will be back, thats the rumor out there. I loved Lily, she is a terrific actress. Lily is not dead, she is heading home to Port Charles very soon.
What year(s) was Lily on GH? The idea that Sabrina is Sonny’s daughter still wafts in my head now and then. But, Lily looks too young to be her mother.
Lily was blown up in 1996, she was on for a couple years leading up to that. I still wish Carrrlos had been her vengeful brother.
In general, it was a poor choice. It was not part of a scene, and I felt it was pointless. It’s a LIVE event, and some viewers who don’t get the inside joke, might have believed that it was true that there was a bomb on set. It wasn’t classy – at all, thank goodness, ABC had the sense to nix it from the second show. It was not a good decision on a whole.
With that said, I would love Lilly Melgar to return to GH, if everyone can return from the dead on GH, why not Lily Rivera, or she can play Lily’s “twin sister”.
The nod to her was because her character died in a Car bomb. As to why she was chosen as the surprise, She was at the right place at the right time.
hey Vinnie, yes, I do know that. I’m a long-time viewer of GH, so I was watching way back when that happened to Lily. My point was in regards to how the “nod” was generally done in poor taste by the show.
I hope that’s how it went, vinnie…that she was at the right place at the right time. Otherwise, Jeremy is absolutely right….done in poor taste. If it was meant as a joke? It really would have been disgusting. Coincidence is one thing; purposely done , is another. Lives were lost that day…children were maimed…devastation all around, that will last a lifetime.
I doubt the writers would be so insensitive or callous. Besides, how would they have known the episode would air at the same time as the verdict came in? Pure coincidence.
Yes, I do think it was coinicidence
Nothing against newer fans but most of us knew who it was and it was a “Tongue in Cheek” moment. I commend Frank for always being different and being spontaneous. He didnt know the verdict was coming in at that particular time. He did the classy thing and omitted it during the second feed.
Well I wasn’t watching GH when she was on, so I had no idea who she was and the whole bomb thing confused me– I thought it was some kind of teaser on what was going to happen on Monday– well at least I understand it now. Yes, they did the classy thing by changing it– a lot of newer viewers like me, might have thought they were poking fun at being interrupted by the news and misunderstood their intent.
I think GH did the right thing by not showing the bomb out of respect. The timing was really bad for this type of viewing and I believe many fans would have been confused, as I was!!!
I guess I don’t have much of a sense of humor…neither version did much for me. The bomb thing was more mobster tasteless stuff, and the credits were just too much RC, etc self promotion for my taste.
This woman is so beautiful from the inside out, and so glad they squeezed her in somehow. Sometimes shows air at a time that something similar is happening, & it’s not always easy to scramble and do damage control so fast. Glad bomb was changed to bug, but I think “Rat” would have been funnier, involving Sonny.
Maurice, William, Finola, Billy, Kelly great live performances.
Adored the final credits with Lilly holding the cue cards, Maurice
was an added bonus.
Definitely wise not to show it.
Speaking of Lilly, I wouldn’t be surprised if Rosalie turns out to be her daughter…with Sonny. Who knows? Maybe she got out of that car alive and was whisked away by her father…or Carlos…who may just turn out to be Lilly’s brother for real…
rebecca1, fingers crossed, I hope your right!
Could be Timmm…which might be the reason they thought to bring Lilly…out of all the characters no longer on the show…back for the end credits. We shall see!
I have no clue why they brought her on at all. It was pointless. I can think of 10 people right off the top of my head better suited for showing the live credits!
It was a surprise Joe. If they teased us about a surprise guest at the end of Live #1 we would have never guessed Lilly! I liked it. Now if I could dream I would have loved if Stuart Damon had appeared.
It’s been such a long time since I’ve seen her I didn’t recognize her. She looks good. Her delivery wasn’t exactly smooth, but maybe she hasn’t done a lot recently, either. Putting her next to Maurice Bernard certainly showed how much he’s aged, though. And how orange he is.
lol
It was great to see Lilly Melgar again. It’s been almost 20 years. A nice tip of the hat to long time GH viewers. I honestly can’t believe that some people are actually complaining about it, though I’m not surprised at all, since some people will complain about anything.
The bit with the bomb was a tongue in cheek ode to GH’s past, I thought it was a clever idea. And yes, it was the right decision to scrap it from the later airing of the show, after the verdict for the Boston bomber came in.
I agree Dan and basically said the same thing as you. Some people live in a world where nothing is ever good enough! Lilly looked hot and Sonny needs to shake Carly lose and this hot ma ma is just the ticket!
Had no idea who she was (have only been watching 3+ years) but she’s a stunning looking woman and the bit was a lot of fun.
Lilly has a radio show now & Maurice & his wife Paula were on it to promote the Ghost & The Whale.
I watched the 2 pm live show & had such a smile on my face when Lilly did the closing
Credits ! Great Idea kudos to GH.
Frank had incredible class to leave the bomb scene out of the 3pm airing!
Loved the LIVE show & GH for 37 years now!
Great job
Loved seeing Lily – I remember when she was blown-up. I saw the “bomb” version of the live show, but I thought she said “it’s a BUG” LOl. So, I didn’t get it! Having said that, since the Boston Bomber news was out, Ron did the right thing. See what you can do when the show is live?? Looking forward to Monday. It would be great if Lily came back. I do believe Carlos is her brother. What will Sonny do when he finds out it was his former brother in law who shot Duke? what will happen to Carly and Sonny if Lily returns?? Is Rosalie Sonny’s daughter? Stay tuned!
Wouldn’t have mattered to me. This whole article puzzled me because I didn’t realize it was Lily, and , most importantly, I saw the east coast version on Friday, but I thought she said “bug!” I had no idea they were talking about a bomb!
I was confused when I saw the closing credits last night as viewed on Hulu Plus. I knew who she was, but I felt it was out of line with the current storylines. I am not a fan of the mob stories on GH at all. That said I think the original concept as bad taste. However the alternate was acceptable, but awkward. Keep in mind the state of the country since 9/11 when making choices Mr. Valentini. I think it would have been fun to have the kid actors that play Spencer and Emma do the cue cards.
Look, this is entertainment. The world came to a halt on 911. You wouldnt go near any of the 911 material on ANY show until the country heals. Remember even the talk shows and SNL struggled to figure out when the right time would be to be funny again. Its a line and you have to figure it out. You will ALWAYS offend some people because some people are never happy. You have to move on and thats what we do as a country. The azzholes responsible for 911 are not going to bring down USA! We will laugh again, we will cry again and we will blow things up as part of pretending and telling a story on TV or in movies. You have a right to be offended and I’m not being critical of YOU its just that 911 was almost 14 years ago and I have moved on and am thankful that when a bomb goes off, bullets fly are a building crumbles, 99.9 percent of the time it is fictional.
It was great to see Lily. I understand out of respect to the victims you censor the west coast feed BUT it also reiterates that the monster who hurt the people at the marathon yet again by his actions wins by affecting what great privileges we have as Americans. I realize life is a bigger than a soap opera but you look at how much these sick bastards have affected our conveniences in our towns, cities and airports because of their sick definition of being a hero or their sick definition of worshiping their “God!” He will burn in hell.
I am newer to GH and was lost as to who she was and why there was a bomb at first. When Maurice yelled “Lilly” my first thought was “Isn’t that Carlos’ sister, wow what bad timing”, then I remembered she died in a car bombing. Personally I didn’t hear about the sentencing until that night and was able to see the 2pm airing, so even though it was a funny scene it was good on ABC’s part to change the ending credits.
I was horrified to see Lily. But not for the reasons mentioned above.
I was horrified because Lily was a sanctimonious, passive-aggressive, Sonny-enabling bitch with a halo.
And I am glad she’s dead! Glad, I tell ya.
I feel ya! Ugh. I dI’d not want to see her ever again
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
Many things are coming up roses for Jonathan Bennett! On the heels of the news that he is set to debut this month in the role of Joe Fitzpatrick on General Hospital, who is rumored to be a new love interest for Lucas Jones (Van Hansis), comes the news that Bennett’s reality series, Finding Mr. Christmas has received 3 nomination for the Critics Choice Real TV Awards.
Bennett’s Hallmark Channel series finds itself in tough competition alongside fellow nominees: RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV), Squid Game: The Challenge (Netflix), Survivor 50 (CBS), Top Chef (Bravo) and The Traitors (Peacock). In addition, Jonathan himself is nominated for Best Show Host and the series participants as the Best Ensemble Cast in an Unscripted Series.
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) revealed the nominees for the eighth annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards on Thursday, which recognize excellence in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. Winners will be announced online at CriticsChoice.com on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 9:00am PT/12:00pm ET.

Photo: Hallmark
Taking to his Instagram to celebrate the nominations, GH’s Bennett, enthused, “3 Critic Choice Nominations! I’m so proud of the FINDING MR CHRISTMAS and to be in the company of all the legends in all these categories is so surreal! Congrats to Hallmark Channel and to our nominated cast and nominated show and everyone who made this magical show possible. This is crazy! This gives FMC 6 Critics Choice nominations in 2 years. Not bad for a little show on Hallmark Channel. What are your thoughts on our show?” Jumping first into the comment thread was one of his new GH co-stars, Dominic Zamprogna (Dante) who expressed, “Yeah buddy!!!🔥🔥”
In the series, Bennett, the host and co-creator spends eight weeks guiding 10 aspiring actors through a series of “festive face-offs” and acting challenges alongside actors like soap opera notables, Hunter King (ex-Summer, Y&R) and Alison Sweeney (Sami, DAYS). Along the way, they develop their skills and a bond with one another. The show, which is available on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Plus, highlights LGBTQ+ representation with openly gay contestants vying to be the next Hallmark star.
It should be noted that Traitors received the most Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations with 6 nods, followed by Dancing with the Stars with 4.
Bennett is very familiar to daytime fans having started his career as JR Chandler on All My Children in 2000-2001, before landing the part of Aaron Samuels in the motion picture, Mean Girls in 2004 starring Lindsay Lohan, which would become his breakout performance.
You can check out the full list of Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations here.
So, excited for Jonathan Bennett’s General Hospital debut this month? Have you ever watched Finding Mr. Christmas on Hallmark? Let us know via the comment section below.
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General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Kelly Thiebaud on Britt and Cassius Sibling Drama, But Who Will Ultimately Blow His Cover?
On the April 30 episode of General Hospital, Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) had some choice words and warning for her brother Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey) who has been masquerading as his twin, the very dead, Nathan West.
As the story has unfolded, viewers learned that Britt knew all along that when “Nathan” showed up in Port Charles seemingly resurrected with a missing 7 years of his life unexplained, that Cassius was taking his place.
Now in developments on today’s GH, Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) is figuring out that this guy pretending to be Nathan is someone else, and Cassius learns from Britt, that Joss is not just a ditzy sorority girl as he claimed, but a WSB agent! The moment stuns Cassius. Are the walls about to close in on him and his charade?

Courtesy/ABC
Daytime Emmy winner, Kelly Thiebaud spoke to Soap Opera Digest, about the story point and getting the opportunity this time back at GH to work with Ryan Paevey, when she hadn’t had the chance to before.
BROTHERLY LOVE?
Thiebaud expressed on sharing scenes with Ryan Paevey, “It’s just been so wonderful to have him back and to actually work with him! When he first came onto the show (as Nathan at the end of 2013) I was kind of heading out — it was right towards the end of my contract, so we didn’t actually work together a ton. It’s been really refreshing and so much fun to really spend time together and get to know each other and work together. I think we have really great on-camera chemistry and banter with each other. I really enjoy working with him.”
With the stakes at an all-time, Thiebaud explained how she views her on-screen alter-ego’s involvement with her more hot-to-temper sibling and why Britt revealed the truth about Josslyn to him. “People finding out about Cassius would expose what she’s involved in and what she agreed to do,” explains Kelly “And now Josslyn is digging around, and she’s connected to Carly (Laura Wright) to Jason (Steve Burton) and that whole dynamic! It’s messy!”
BRITT’S MURKY FUTURE
Britt has currently also reached her breaking point with Jason being carted away by the WSB, Rocco (Finn Carr), the child she gave birth to, shooting Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) to protect her and Jason, Marco (Adrian Anchondo) being killed after trying to help her, and Cullum holding over her head getting her Huntington’s disease medication to control her symptoms, while blackmailing her into finishing the research on her father, Cesar Faison’s, final project. Thiebaud summed it up best for Britt right now, sharing, “It’s been a really tough time for her.”
So, who do you think will be the person to blow Cassius’ cover? Will it be Britt herself? Josslyn? Liesl? Brennan? Nina? Lulu? Rocco, Maxie, Cullum or someone else? Let us know your pick in the comment section.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Michael Reveals His Plan to Set Up Chase and Willow to Have an Affair
After the Wednesday, April 29 episode of General Hospital, it’s clear outside interference and other circumstances are set to blow Chase (Josh Swickard) and Brook Lynn’s (Amanda Setton) marriage sky high, as Michael (Rory Gibson) reveals his plans to entrap Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) and use her relationship with Chase to do it!
In story, Michael dropped by unexpectedly to Carly’s (Laura Wright). A plotting Michael reveals his plan to nudge Willow and Chase into having an affair. Michael hopes it would create both a political and personal scandal, where Willow would lose her seat in congress. In the scenario, she would be having an affair with her ex-husband, while taking care of her supposed disabled husband, Drew (Cameron Mathison), who cannot speak and is confined to a wheelchair, which in turn will look horrible for Willow’s character.
Carly asked does he really want to destroy his cousin, Brook Lynn’s life in the process? Michael goes in on Chase’s holier than thou attitude, and says he is going to set-up the circumstances that would lead Chase and Willow to betray their spouses, and hit the sheets together. Michael swears to Carly what the two of them do is up to them, but he’s going to go on the offense with this.
MICHAEL HAS BACK-UP
Later, Jacinda (Paige Herschell) is talking with Charlotte (Bluesy Burke) at Crimson and how much she dislikes Willow because of what she has done to Michael. Just then, Michael shows up and tells Jacinda privately, he’s figured out a way to fight Willow. Looks like Jacinda might work with Michael to bring down Willow and use Chase as the person to do it!
At the hospital, Lucas (Van Hansis) tells Josslyn (Eden McCoy) that Carly is cheating on Jack, but he doesn’t know with who. Josslyn suddenly flashes back to the moment she found her mother harboring a fugitive, Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart), in her attic, and as figured out that her mother is sleeping with him. She heads out.

Courtesy/ABC
BRENNAN IS ABOUT TO LEARN ABOUT CARLY
Next thing you know, Josslyn has showed up inside Jack’s (Chris McKenna) hotel room at the Metro Court and when he enters his room, he is shocked to find her there. He lays into her for not keeping his distance and that Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) will have no problem killing her if he knows she’s WSB. Josslyn fires back that he is only concerned about that because his relationship with her mother depends on her being safe. But then, she lays the boom, and tells Jack, Well, you’re too late. You already lost her.”
LULU GETS A GLIMPSE OF CASSIUS’ TEMPER
In addition, Lulu (Alexa Havins) sees a different side of “Nathan.” Since she is unaware that the man before her is his twin, Cassius Fasion (Ryan Paevey), he tells her that Rocco (Finn Carr) blabbed that he shot Cullum to Britt (Kelly Thiebaud), and now he thinks they should send him away to stop him from talking to everyone else. This concerns Lulu, who rails at Nathan for telling her what to do with her son and that she isn’t going to abandon him. With “Nathan’s” outburst at her on the matter, will she finally get a clue this is not the man she thinks it is?
So, what do you think of Michael’s plan to push Willow and Chase into an affair? Will it work or backfire? Do you think Joss will reveal that Valentin is the man sleeping with Carly to Brennan, which will send him in a rage? Will Lulu continue to be clueless about “Nathan?” Weigh-in via the comment section below. But first, take a look at the GH video tease for today’s April 30 episode.
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