General Hospital
Robert Palmer Watkins & Risa Dorken Preview The GH Nurses’ Ball 2017: Watch The Interview!

Courtesy/ABC
Those those red carpet arrivals, those touching and funny musical performances, those umbrella drama storylines – all are signatures of General Hospital’s annual Nurses’ Ball episodes, and those wardrobe malfunctions of Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring).
Each year, GH takes a break from the usual storytelling by bringing all elements together into the ‘ball’. What is on the docket this year? Well, we know their will be songs originally performed and written by the late David Bowie and George Michael, and one by Billy Joel. We know Kimberly McCullough will be in the house as Robin (the ball started because of Robin’s storyline with Stone when he died of AIDS and then she contracted HIV), and we know Michelle Stafford and Extra’s Mario Lopez will be on the red carpet as Nina Clay Cassadine, and Lopez as “himself”.
To get even more insight into what may go down as the episodes begin to unravel today, On-Air On-Soaps Michael Fairman caught up very early in the morning with two of the singing sensations who will be performing in musical numbers in the ball: Robert Palmer Watkins (Dillon) and Risa Dorken (Amy) during a satellite media tour promoting the annual GH on-air event.
While the duo could not spoil too much for the audience, they did give us some intel on what to watch for and more!
Now after the jump, check out our GH Nurses’ Ball preview interview with the two of the brightest stars on the soaps these days… Robert and Risa. Then let us know what you are looking forward to this week on GH, and if you are excited to see Robert and Risa’s musical numbers in the comment section below!
RPW has really flourished on this show. For long time viewers who fondly remember a young Scott Clifton’s take on Dillon, it was tough at first. RPW’s Dillon is sweet and caring. He’s brought out the best in both Haley Erin and the Kiki character, plus held his own in scenes with Jane Elliott. I wish they’d show more of his emotional side. We never really got to feel Dillon’s recovery from learning Paul was a serial killer.
Risa is a fine actress. Unfortunately, the character of Amy is not needed on the show. Perhaps if they made her one of Lucy’s daughters, that would have been better.
I agree with what you said about RPW. As much as I think the character is somewhat Tuesday and Wednesday “filler,” I think the actor does a good job and did well in scenes with Jane. As far as Haley Erin is concerned, I can’t stand behind her as an actress. I’ve always disliked the character, Kiki Jerome, back when Kristen Alderson played her, and since then, the character has never grown on me. I had to laugh, when Dillon surprised Kiki with a spa package for all of her hard work passing the nursing program. Please. The character has never had a real job, and this is the first time that she’s ever done anything of value. Mind you, she finished the program in lightening speed, haha.
While I think the actress who plays Amy is a good actress, the character just annoys most viewers, and again, is “filler,” IMO.
Completely agree! When Hayley debuted as Kiki…she was awful!! Butbremember….it takes VERY VERY talented actors to sell the crsp material that Ron C. Was writing at the time! Now that most of tje characters are behaving and talking like real people again…and not cartoons….it is much easier for actors to sell the material! And…regarding Amy……WHY was she not made the daughter of long time nurse Amy Vining?? That would have endeared her to fans AND made her a legacy character!!
We’re not sure Amy Vining ever had sex. In the 20 years she was on the show, I think she had one boyfriend. Of course, that could’ve changed when she disappeared without notice from Port Chuck.
It was touching that she was remembered when they revived the NB a few years ago.
I loved Scott as Dillon. He is not available for a good reason. He is a B&B superstar! So we get Robert. He has grown on me. He is finding his way and seems like a cool dude.
Amy Vinning was a legendary character and the actress met a unfortunate early death. I would have left the name “Amy” alone. BUT, we have Amy Driscoll. I dont like the character. I thought Paul should have killed her off. But she is here and they are trying to tie her to other characters now. Whatever. The actress was on Facebook answering questions with Robert and seems a fan of the show. Where the hell is Lucas?
Agreed. Risa is a good actress and plays the character well, in terms of, playing her as an annoying busy body. However, the back story of how Amy and Maxie went to high school together and Maxie was a “mean girl” and a cheerleader…WHO CARES?!?!?!?! It’s not relevant to viewers since it’s a backstory attempt at a current storyline.
I was wondering about Lucas, too.
Apparently, this backstory is a lame attempt to create justification for Nurse Amy’s obvious desire to jump Nathan’s frame.
The back story is a rewrite of history. Maxie was never popular or a cheerleader in high school. How could she with her heart problem. Maxie was there. She was dealing with her and abandonment issues and got mixed up with Kyle who ended up making a sex tape of them and posting it on the internet. The writers are once again rewriting history to make a charcter they created and we can’t stand and shoving her down our throats. Maxie is a legacy character and a character many fans love. Don’t rewrite a long time characters history for the sake of a new character that’s has been on a little over a year.
The subplot featuring Nathan and Amy is just filler until Maxie returns. They are going to pay RP anyway, so they need to give him something to do other than arrest people & listen to Nina complain.
I find the red carpet scene laughingly bad..Mario Lopez interviewing the locals like Sam and Jason and others like they are well known celebs is such a joke…and as for the nurses dance numbers-hope none of them appear on Dancing With The Stars!!!
Jimh, and Nina’s awkwardness made me feel awkward watching the show! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I was rolling my eyes during Mario’s interview with Monotone Sam and Jason. Sam is exhausted having a newborn and toddler at home. Really? She doesn’t work and is the most useless P.I. So, what else does she do, besides talk in a monotone and put me to sleep?
Paging Britt and Brad….STAT! Your presence is required on the red carpet for your clever and scintillating takes on all things NB…
The actress who plays nurse Amy is very good but don’t like the Amy character. I hope Maxie returns to claim her man as Amy is on the prowl.
Exactly, Linda…like I’ve said before, I smell a “Fatal Attraction” storyline for this nosy nursey…There has always been something really unsettling and weird about this character!
Amy probably has an apartment with a secret room hidden behind a closet…inside is a metal human size cage she ordered from Amazon…she will drug Nathan and keep him prisoner in it…she will have him shirtless and dressed with a leopard cloth Tarzan-like outfit…lol
I wish Ellie Trout was still on the show. without Spinelli.
I don’t know, what nurses ball… Ellie and Nathan “dated” to make Spinelli and Maxie jealous. but it worked, for me
I saw a natural and at ease couple who are potential. Nathan West… dreamboat that he is… sparked.. with Ellie.
Adorable interview! I liked Robert Palmer as Dillon immediately…I love his style…whether as himself or as in character he’s just a “natural.” He doesn’t seem put on…he’s got an easy, cool, relaxed, friendly style both on and off screen and (for me) fit effortlessly into the role (even though I, too, liked Scott Clifton “back in the day.”)
Risa Dorken is so cute! Not sure what her background is but I can see her in musical theatre. I already see her in the role of Tracy Turnblad in another revival of HAIRSPRAY. She’s got such an exuberance..she sings/dances…has the cutest voice…and so pretty! I’d hate to see her turn into a Nathan “stalker”, LOL, though I do think they could incorporate her more into the story…find her a cute up ‘n’ coming doctor. (They seem to have dropped, surprise! the story that she had a crush on Dillon since high school and was hoping to have something with him when she found out they’d be working together at the Ball). After all her crushes it’d be nice if they have a sweet new couple. I do think as someone suggested they should have made her the daughter of Amy Vining…then she’d be connected and embraced.
oh…and Robert Palmer Watkins…if I were still at the age of putting posters on my wall of “hot” dudes…he’d be right up there! 🙂
Love RPW and Killon. As for Amy she needs to stay far away from Nathan, Maxie, and Naxie. She needs to go after a guy who isn’t marry.
Theirs were my two favorite performances at the Nurses’ Ball. His number with Kiki was all right, but the number did not suit them as well as last year’s, due to his considerable adorableness with Erin, and the Nurses’ Ball opening and closing numbers with Rita were awesome along wth Robin’s video.
amy and Nathan , are the best ,,they were marvelous ,, the ,, scene that they did to do their act , meeting and getting to make their scene ,, on general hospital , I have watched general hospital ,for years they performed,, they finally found ,,the best ,, scene ,,, thank you , for the best ,,
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Carly and Lulu Make Plans to Rescue Their Children; Anna Looks Determined to Secure Her Freedom

This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, the race is on! Can Lulu (Alexa Havins) and Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) get to Rocco (Finn Carr) and Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) in time to ensure their safety from Cullum (Andrew Hawkes)? Can Carly (Laura Wright) with the help of her brother, Lucas (Van Hansis) rescue Josslyn (Eden McCoy) from captivity at Wyndemere? These questions may be answered, plus the return of the one and only Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) are on tap!
In the just released General Hospital spoilers video for the week of June 22-26, Lulu tells her mother, Laura (Genie Francis), “Dante and I have to get to Rocco before Cullum!” Meanwhile, Rocco (Finn Carr) looks angered and emotional as Britt walks through their cabin hideout. Does Rocco know his parents are on the way to find them, or has Cullum already tracked them down to the British Virgin Islands?
Back in Port Charles, Carly is informing Lucas that his niece, “is a WSB agent.” She knows Josslyn (Eden McCoy) is being held against her will at Wyndemere, and she has to find a way to get her out. Lucas agrees with Carly’s plan of, “We go in and we don’t leave without Josslyn!” Elsewhere, Josslyn is looking worried for her future as she is stuck in captivity thanks to Cassius, Cullum and Sidwell!

Courtesy/ABC
FINOLA HUGHES RETURNS
The final moments of the teaser promo reveal Anna in a psychiatric clinic in France. We have not seen her for months after Cullum, Sidwell and Pascal fed her hallucinogenics to make her believe her arch nemesis, Cesar Faison was alive!
Now, the doctors walk towards her hospital bed, where we see the super spy calmly knitting. Is Anna back to normal and playing everyone to get out of her predicament, or does she still remain deeply traumatized … or both?
Take a look at the rest of the official GH spoilers for the week below.
MONDAY, JUNE 22
Willow gets an unwelcome surprise. Trina sticks to her guns. “Nathan” wants reassurance. Ethan advises Ava. Brook Lynn receives an update.
TUESDAY, JUNE 23
Dante cautions Liz. Laura learns a secret. Brook Lynn confides in Michael. Sonny challenges Ava. Chase makes a decision.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24
Anna meets with her doctor. Carly makes a stunning confession. Britt extracts a promise. Cullum pulls a fast one. Gio and Emma hit the pool.
THURSDAY, JUNE 25
Josslyn clashes with Cassius. Lulu and Dante make a discovery. Chase receives a warning. Jordan seeks help. Alexis is summoned to the PCPD.
FRIDAY, JUNE 26
Anna takes a huge risk. Britt is in grave danger. Willow is in disbelief. Danny must act fast. Curtis jumps to the wrong conclusion.
Check out the latest General Hospital promo entitled, “Rescue Mission” below.
Now weigh-in: Do you think Anna is still mentally off-balance, or OK, and just pretending to be troubled to get out of France and get back to Port Charles? Will Josslyn finally be rescued, or will Carly and Lucas find themselves locked up with her? And, who will get to Britt and Rocco first? Cullum, or Dante and Lulu? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.
General Hospital
Maurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric

With the highly-anticipated returns of Finola Hughes (Anna Devane) on this week’s June 24 episode of General Hospital, Steve Burton’s (Jason Morgan) upcoming return on July 13, which also serves as the ABC daytime drama’s 16,000 episode, things are about to fire on all cylinders in the story, as noted today by series star, Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos).
On Father’s Day, the three-time Daytime Emmy-winning actor and mental health activist took to his Instagram and expressed in a video that he has some unbelievable upcoming senes with the aforementioned Burton and Hughes. Add to that Nazneen Contractor (Justine Turner) and Rick Hearst (Ric Lansing), where Benard gave credit where credit is due to the GH writing team, which is led by co-head writers, Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten..
In this video, Benard said, “I just want to get on here and say that I did some work with Steve Burton, Finola Hughes, Rick Hearst, Nazneen Contractor, and they’re all just fantastic. Truly fantastic. But, I want to say the writing was just exceptional. It truly was. It was exceptional. So, thankful for that kind of writing. I know writers don’t get the credit a lot, but I just want to say to the General Hospital writing team, keep rolling!”
GENERAL HOSPITAL PREVIEW
So now the question becomes, with a major tease like that, what is about to go down between Sonny, Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric? Will we finally get to the end of the line for Sidwell (Carlo Rota), as previously teased by the GH co-head writers? Will we learn what happened to Jason and Anna, fully? Will Justine and Sonny becomes closer or stop their liaisons? And what of Ric? Will he be true blue to his brother or double-cross him? There is a lot at stake as we move further into the summer and one that looks like it could be one of the more exciting ones in years!
FINOLA HUGHES CONFIRMED AMAZING SCENES WITH MAURICE BENARD
As a punctuation point to his video, Benard also shared this written message in the post: “I just did some wonderful scenes with Steve Burton, Rick Hearst, Finola Hughes and Nazneen Contractor and and unbelievable writing, freaking amazing scenes that you will see in the near future on General Hospital.” In fact, Finola Hughes jumped in the post comment thread and responded, “I loved our scenes so much xxx”
Fans will most likely see all the scenes Benard referred to later in July, since GH tapes approximately six weeks ahead of air.
So, are you excited to see what Maurice is talking about? Are you hyped for what’s to come on GH? Any clue on what you think will go down between the main characters on the soap with the returns of Anna Devane and Jason Morgan to the mix? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
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General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Alum Chad Duell Announces Upcoming Release of His First Single, ‘If You Need Me’

In a surprise move, Daytime Emmy winner, Chad Duell (ex-Michael Corinthos, GH) is getting ready to unveil a new chapter of his career in music.
The former GH star, where he played the son of Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) and Carly Spencer (Laura Wright) for 15 years, has announced his new single, “If You Need Me” will drop on Friday, June 26. The single is now available for pre-order on Spotify and major music streaming platforms and is distributed by DistroKid.
Taking to his Instagram story over the weekend, to announce the pre-save of his new single, Chad expressed, “I’ll make a full post about what I’ve been up to and my music once it goes live next week, but you can pre-save my first single so it goes straight to your Spotify once it drops next week.”

Photo: CDuellIG
SINCE LEAVING GENERAL HOSPITAL
Previously, since his departure from the ABC soap opera. Chad starred alongside Zach Mendez in the world premiere of of Yum Yum at Annapolis, a new play written by Bruce Reisman. Duell last appeared on General Hospital on the January 21, 2025 episode.
The part was recast with Rory Gibson who debuted as the new Michael in May of 2025 during the Nurses’ Ball episodes and who has remained in the role since that time.
In an interview earlier this year on The Able Show, Duell said on his decision to exit the soap opera, “I was blessed to be part of that (show) for as long as I have, but what happens sometimes is if you’re doing the same thing, especially in a creative field for such a long time, you can get a little burnt out in a way. It can make you a little depressed, so that’s kind of what happened. On top of that, I had other things going on in my life at the time. My father passed away recently and I just needed a reset. So, I stepped away. A lot of times you have to go through some stuff to really step into that next level. I needed to kind of feel uncomfortable.”
So, what type of musical genre will Chad’s new song be? Country? Pop? Rock? Dance/Club? Something else? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below, and if you are eager to hear the new single next week via the comment section below.
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