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Rebecca Budig Exits General Hospital! But Since Hayden Holds A Big Secret Will She Return?

By Michael Fairman

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Photo Credit: Matt Petit/ABC

Photo Credit: Matt Petit/ABC

This week on General Hospital, viewers saw that conniving Hayden (Rebecca Budig) took a bullet to the head, thanks to Nikolas Cassadine (Tyler Christopher)!

With the knowledge of Jake’s (Billy Miller) true identity to be Jason Morgan and what that could mean for him and his wife Sam (Kelly Monaco), that bullet put Hayden into a coma after Patrick  (Jason Thompson) tried his best to save her during delicate brain surgery!  And that, put’s an end to the short term run of Rebecca Budig on General Hospital!

But since Hayden holds a vital secret and if she were to wake-up she could completely wreck Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) and Nikolas’ plans, (since they are in collusion now keeping Sam and Jake from knowing who he truly is) we wouldn’t be surprised if she wakes up just when the time is right!

In this week’s Soap Opera Digest on newsstands now, Budig reveals if she would also be very interested in a return to Port Charles.   Rebecca answered, “Yeah, totally! I feel like there is more to learn about Hayden and I would love to figure out who she is, where’s she’s coming from, what her whole back-story is.”

So, what do you think about the departure of Rebecca Budig for now? Would you like Hayden to wake up and become a more permanent fixture on the GH canvas?  What do you think about Nikolas ordering the hit on Hayden to keep his lover and blackmailer silenced? Comment below!

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Sad…love Rebecca!!

never like her

I always liked her acting. Would love to see her stay and become a good person.

bring haden back!she brings real drama to gh…she is a great actress!

I agree! She has quickly become one of my favorite characters on GH. Would rather keep her and lose Elizabeth and Nicholas.

nik has went to his dark side.haden brings the wild out of nick.she tells him.thats what ratings are made of…

Bring Rebecca Budig back to GH! She is a great addition to the cast. We want her to stay in Port Charles.

l love Rebecca find a way to keep her. Not liking Nicks dark side though. Always glad he was the one good Cassadine.

Hayden needs to return permanently. I just love Rebecca Budig and I loved her on AMC as Greenlee.

I agree. Rebecca is fabulous. Frank should give her a long term contact,

Ah, AMC….my heart hurts, I miss that soap so much!!!!
Greenlee/Rebecca first appeared as the real quintessential bad girl, just like Hayden. Greenlee was finally reformed due to the love of her life Leo, who later died.
I truly hope Hayden comes back to GH for redemption. Let’s give her Patrick…well, he did save her life. They fall in love while Sam and Jake find each other.
Hayden is in a coma….Rebecca will leave temporarily. When Hayden wakes up, Rebecca will return, for sure. She is too much of an asset to lose….love her.

Totally agree!!! Yes!!!! Bring her back!! Give her a real story on her own! Tell her backstory and let her become a part of PC!! Please!! Please!!

I would love to see her back again & bc more involved with people like Carly. Also hope Jason finds out who he is before May ends. Needs to be with Sam & Danny & Liz & Nick need to be exposed!

Agree!!!!

YES YES BRING HER BACK
LOVE Rebecca and her being in GH brings so much to the canvas

Hayden’s a little spitfire. I’m hoping her coma will bring some of her relatives from Beecher’s Corners out of the woodwork, and turn Elizabeth & Nik’s lives upside down. It would be hilarious, after all of her subterfuge, for Liz to ruin yet another chance w/Jason because of all her lies & plotting w/Nik. She’ll be skulking around with a worried look on her face for as long as Hayden’s in that coma instead of enjoying her time w/Jason. Also, it’s never a bad thing to watch Carly be proven wrong. If Hayden reveals that Jake is Jason, Carly will probably become her BFF because she’ll get her best friend back. Frankly, I think a Hayden-Carly duo would be hilarious, especially opposite Ric & Nina Lansing.

That really was a short term stay, hopefully she will be back and they can delve more into her as a person and her backstory. I just wish they would hurry up with the reveal that Jake is Jason. This has carried on far too long getting close to a year since Billy Miller joined the show, it is long past time for it to come out that he is Jason

Not quite… He debuted on October 1st… but he was in bandages for what, a month? So it’s more like November.

That is still over 6 months closer to 7 since when he had the bandages the viewers already knew he was Jason. It still has dragged on for far too long and its time for the reveal to come out.

I thought she fit in pretty seamlessly.

I suspect the coma clears up during fall sweeps.

Please consider bringing her back….R.B. is an amazing actress,I think she proved that coming to GH….I loved her when she was on AMC also….please find a way to bring her back and keep her!

I would like to see Hayden stay long term. She seemed to fit in well with the cast and storyline. And she’s a great actress. Would bring some of AMC fans to GH.

Well he lost a piece of bootie but,the takeover of ELQ is more important to Nik! That’s the only reason why he’s keeping the secret!

Wait! Hold up! Did I miss something???? Nikolas ordered the hit? I know I missed a couple of days due to illness, but I watched & THOUGHT I caught up! Guess not. Thought Shawn actually shot Hayden. Guess he missed, huh? Then, they’ll be able to confirm Shawn’s innocent. I know Sean is leaving the show, but isn’t his character, Shawn, being written off & going to prison for Hayden’s attempted murder??

It was revealed at the very end of the second live show, just before the Spencer Cassadine Dance Party. I too am sad to see Rebecca go. I don’t suppose there’s any way we can keep her and lose nuKiki, is there? 😉

Shawn DID shoot Haayden. Nicholas’ hit man told Nic that someone got there before him.
Jordan is the one who caused Shawn to miss his target and hit Hayden rather than Jakson.

Not sure why the author didn’t mention these vital facts!

Not quite. The hitman specifically said that he did the job. But Shawn Butler was the perfect patsy to take the fall, didn’t he? Or am i missing something.

Hmmmm, I don’t know. Nik’s hitman specifically said that Shawn thought he missed Jake and accidentally hit Hayden because of Jordan. It went so in favor of Nik’s minion. Stroke of luck? Shawn probably did fire, but the bullet went wild/astray and is most likely embedded somewhere. Sounds confusing, but it seems pretty clear. Then again, the writers will fix it any way they want it fixed. Things could change at their whim….
I did mention earlier that there should be an investigation…too easy? Yeah, the so-apt police department will figure out the trajectory of the bullet in maybe…… uhmm, two years?

No, SZima. Nik’s evil-doer had no idea Shawn would be there. That’s what he was referring to. The hitman said he shot Hayden. Shawn THINKS he shot her.
As I said, an investigation will prove all this…if there is one……if I were there? Every piece of the puzzle would be in its place. I think I’m in the wrong profession……LOL and triple LOL.

I want her to tell all and bust Elizabeth out ……

I know, Samantha. What really disturbs me is that Jake is missing so much precious time with his son. A shame, really. These are a boy’s formative years, and Danny deserves to know his father. Sooo, C’mon, writers.

By the way, Samantha? I’m sure you are aware that Fournier literally means ‘oven keeper’, or ‘tender’. Later, it was Baker or Boulanger. Don’t mind me…..name-derivation fascinates me, especially Italian, French, English and Castilian Spanish.

@ Timmm.
Hi,
Hmmmm….pick whom? Impossible for me. I love them both. So, if they should come back, I hope it would not come to that, Timmm. No cat fights over Nik…not worth it. The Prince has put a few dents in his crown. Please do not let there be a Britt versus Hayden scene of any kind…LOL.

good bye!

Well truth be told, I am finding that like Britt Westbourne, I hated her at first and am now warming to her….but there are many other characters who need some focus and airtime.

Yeah, I kinda wish Britt would have visited with Nicholas. It was fun to see her back and I never thought I’d say that!

Brit-vs-Hayden!

I hope they bring Rebecca Budig back as I would love to see more of her character Hayden.

Think it would be great. Always loved her.Great actress.

please ler her wake up SOO N,

I love little (Peanut) her nick name that Cameron (“Ryan”) gave her on All My Children, but yeah, I think Rebecca is a great actress and could be an asset to General Hospital. She plays a bad girl well, but she also plays a good girl well too.

I would absolutely love love love for Rebecca budig to stay!! I really hope she returns love Hayden’s character !!

I’d like to see her wake up and totally blow Liz and Nikolas out of the water! In just a short amount of time GH made Hayden a more compelling character than they have yet with Nina.

Amen Jenny!

Yes I would! Was this just choice to leave. She never got a back story

I get so really tired of Elizabeths always lying. Why cant she be straight up for once and then she might have a chance in a relationship. But, oh no, knowing hes Jason, married to Sam and a father to a baby he doesnt know, she takes him to bed. Of course, she will lose again!

Wake up, Hayden!!!! Wake UP!!! Then go kick Nikolas’ butt all over that island.

i like that gh is cleaning house. Can we unload kiki next? Her character is such a wast of time. Also, i love roger howarth and michelle stafford as actors but what is their purpose on gh? The cast needs to shrink.

Ces, you’re reading my mind. I love Roger and Michelle too but they are not getting the storyline their talents deserve. And maybe it’s because I’m such a huge Kristen Alderson fan, but I can’t stand nuKiki.

Wow, do I ever agree about Kiki! Right now the most annoying and unnecessary character on the show!
I also agree about RH and MS…love them but they’re totally NOT needed.

Sad that it was only a short term gig.
I thought they put her on contract.

I’m hoping she has a short term project she was previously committed to ( like a Lifetime movie) and will return to GH after to wreak more havoc!

Excellent actress. Terrible storyline. I feel bad for her, but I’m glad she is gone.

I hope Rebecca Budig comes back! She was one of the biggest shining talents during the #GHLive shows and adds intrigue and humor, coupled with drama and great timing to Hayden.

She can come back but ONLY if she lets loose with that secret before she leaves. I’m way tired of waiting for this thing to come out! Good News/Bad News: Good – Jason Morgan Recast. Bad – He doesn’t find out for 2 years who he really is. RESULT – Nobody tuned in to see it happen.

Lol, Billy Miller has been on th show about six months. Soaps used to keep secrets like paternities and infidelities for years.

I would definitely welcome Rebecca Budig back to GH. Any character that doesn’t like Elizabeth and puts her in her place,is a character I want in Port Charles. Plus Hayden was actually an interesting new character, unlike say Kiki.

I would like to see her back but not to upset the apple cart.

YES BRING REBECCA BUDIG BACK!!!!! Let her tell the truth and keep her on GH! She is a brilliant actress and would bring so much to the show. Please please keep her on GH!!!!! I will be so disappointed if this is it for her. GH writers need to get a grip on their stories and stop bouncing all over the place with loose ends everywhere. Can we please tell Jake the truth once and for all and can Elizabeth just get her own man for a change. Frustrated!!

YES, I want her to stay on GH. I loved her as Greenlee and I feel she could be an awesome character as Hayden. Give her a chance. She wasn’t on long enough to show what she can do. Really disappointed that she is leaving so soon.

I have enjoyed seeing Rebecca Budig back on screen. I don’t totally like her character, but I will miss seeing her on GH.

well,,
Hayden (Rebecca Budig) is recurring..
And-
FV and RC know the great acting talents of Rebecca, they will not let her go..
I will be looking forward to her return, she is a spit fire, very spicey, an awesome type of a soap character..

Maybe putting her in a coma was a way for Frank to measure her popularity and decide if they should put her on contract?

Hi Timmm..
that could be..
I believe Rebeca will have a great future on GH..
She fits in very will..
GH and Rebeca= great match ..

I love Hayden, i hope Rebecca decides to come back, and i’m glad the character wasn’t killed off, i knew she only came in short term but i hope GH’s RC/FV ask her to come on board and stay longer, she was so good, so keeping my fingers cross. As for Nikolas, oh boy, i’m not sure how to feel about this, I think if prince nik is taking a shot at the dark side then he for sure needs his mom Laura, so i’m so glad Genie Francis is coming back, hope her return is for more then just Luke goodbye..

I hope the writers keep Rebecca on the show. I would love to see her and Carly go after Elizabeth and Nicholas for keeping Jason from her (Carly)….. GH need another spicy woman with a backbone like Carly,
Let her stay around and cause trouble for Nicholas and Elizabeth. Find a man for her, better yet put her with Rick Lansing to make Elizabeth sooooo unhappy!!!!!!

Not surprised, they wrote her character into a corner and the character had no real ties to Port Charles. It’s unfortunate that GH hires all these big names from daytime and prime soaps, only to use them for short stints at a time. For me one of the joys of daytime is having the chance to get to know a character, to see them evolve over time, but when they come in and out of the canvas so fast, I can’t really empathized or care about them. Hayden taking a bullet meant nothing to me, because she meant nothing to me. Her existence was another example where instead of the plot revealing something about the character, the character was only there to further the plot.

Yes, Mary SF, I hear you, and agree. As much as DAYS is not well balanced storyline wise, the fact that their contract players are all on mostly on a regular basis, I care so much more for the characters on DAYS compared to GH. GH has so many recurring characters, like that of Rosalie (who I love), but like you say, it’s hard to empathize and care about the recurring characters on GH, the cast is so large, and now that Monica is no where to be seen, or Kevin, or Brad/Felix/Lucas, I don’t care as much about them, and it’s a crying shame. I like Hayden, and hope she returns, and hopefully as the cast is now trimming down, hopefully the EP will look into reducing the short stints.

Yes that would be very interested. And ut needs to be real soon.

I would really like her to stay. Loved her in all my children awesome actress

Are TPTB out of their minds???? Rebecca Budig has brought sexiness, sassiness, and humor to this role like only she could. I freaking adore Hayden, and i’m crushed that she’s not on contract. Who do I contact to bring her back to the show? Make her a long-loss Quartermaine. Now that Tony is leaving, Jane Elliot needs a storyline. Make Hayden her daughter, or Carly’s adoptive father’s daughter. Make her pregnant with Nicholas’s child. For heavens sake, BRING HER BACK!

I would LOVE for Rebecca Buddig to wake up at the right time to spill the beans AND to find out she is preggers with Prince Nik’ s baby! She has the strength to manage Nik and his crazy grandmother. What great potential stories could be had with Rebecca as a matriarch in the making! Oh my, if only…

AMEN! LOVE THAT IDEA! A QUARTERMAINE SHE MUST BE! AND PREGNANT WITH NIC’S CHILD! I LIKE BOTH IDEAS!
REBECCA HAS TO STAY

Hayden as a Q, excellent Jayson.

I would love to see Hayden return. She was a good character and she brought a good energy to the show.

I hope she wakes up and explores the character . Rebecca Is an amazing actress. Look what she did with Greenlee on AMC. I think that was a character short term until she created an amazing love to hate. I think Hayden is what PC needs.

I was hoping she would have short-term amnesia… at least with the JakeDoe reveal

I haven’t been this gobsmacked with such a natural… in a very long time…

I was hoping Britt was returning to help stir up the pot… w/Nikolas
and MS’ Nina sure could use a friend… COUSIN to carry story with

Britta intertwined with Nikolas and Hayden
Britta mixing with cousin Nina, Franco, Ric, Dr. O., Nathan, Brad, Liz, Spence… she’s endless in her presence with all of GH

ie: Nikolas… where does he go from here? with Britta and Hayden gone
and… for him to see Liz wanting “desperately” to move on with “Jake” certainly is a slap in the face / realization…. that Liz is NOT interested in Nikolas

hopefully, the writers will continue to gung ho… NIkolas , no holds barred…. surge for power… and all the excitement he is generating

Rebecca Buddig, : surprise, surprise

There is a lot of potential for this character. She brings energy and excitement to the canvas. Bring her back.

I’ll be glad to see Hayden gone….I couldn’t warm up to this character, whatsoever. I only wish that that more unnecessary roles were dispensed with as quickly….like Nina, Sappy, Felix, Jordan, Kiki and Val-Chops. There’s something to be said for such expediency when there is no valid long-term reason for a character, and having one hang around simply for the sake of being there is not only foolish, but a waste of time and space better utilized by old favorites. And speaking of, will someone please get Britt back on a more regular basis? I know KT left to seek other work, but her brief return was a true breath of fresh air, and she is badly needed is on the GH canvas. No other female has captured the spark, humor and villainy of that sexy minx, Dr. Westbourne!!!!

I’m very disappointed. I really want Rebecca to stay. She is a terrific actress. Bring her back! With so many leaving, this is just what we need now!

Yes I want Hayden to stay,,she is a great actress an she plays mean good ,but then in the long run kid want to see the good side of her

I love Rebecca Budig. She was my fav on AMC. Would ore than love for her to stay. Exellent actress. Nik is unreal. He better have a reason behind is evil doings. Let saving or protecting somebody.

If that stupid lawsuit between ABC and Prospect Park ever gets resolved, maybe ABC can get back the AMC and OLTL rights and bring her back, and say she’s been Greenlee all along, posing as Hayden.

Yes keep her on to blow Elizabeth up

Bring Hayden back

GH is crazy. They need to bring Rebecca Budig back any get rid of Valerie, Kiki, Julian, Ava, Nina…the list goes on.

You said a mouth full

Breaking News

53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced

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Daytime Emmy Presenters

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).

Genie Francis

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.

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General Hospital

Could Kristen Vaganos and Josh Kelly Be Exiting ‘General Hospital?’

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Josh and Kristen

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.

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General Hospital

Kin Shriner Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ TV Daughter Kelly Kruger

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Kin and kelly

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.

Serena and Jason

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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Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

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