The Friday, June 12 episode of General Hospital marked the last for Daytime Emmy winner, Kate Mansi as Kristina Corinthos-Davis. As previously reported, the character was accepted to medical school at UCLA in California, making the end of the run for Mansi who played Kristina for three years.

The decision to depart GH was all Mansi’s decision and as also previously reported, GH executive producer Frank Valentini had left the door open for a return down the line and is currently not planning on recasting the part.

In story, in her final episode, having already said goodbye on Thursday’s show to her parents, Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn), Kristina meets up with her siblings, Molly (Kristen Vaganos) and Michael (Rory Gibson). The three have a chat at the Metro Court Gardens.

Courtesy/ABC

SIBLING ADVICE

Before she leaves Port Charles, Kristina tells her brother and sister, she wants them to be there for each other, while each is managing their personal relationships: Molly with Cody (Josh Kelly) and Michael with Jacinda (Paige Herschell). Kristina thanked them for taking her to the airport and urged them to lean on each other while she was gone.

In her last scene, Kristina tells Molly and Michael right before they head for her flight, “I want each of you to be the person the other can call. OK? To show up for each other, no questions asked. Because that’s what you’ve been for me.”

KATE’S NEXT MOVE

Speaking with TV Insider, Mansi shared what she is up to next which has included accompanying her husband, Matt McInnis to Europe. Kate explained she had made the decision a few months back to exit GH. “I knew my contract was up in April and I wanted to give them the proper notice so that they could plan their future storytelling.” Kate added, “Given that my husband is working in Europe predominantly and I’ll be traveling so much, that’s what this next chapter of my life will be.”

Kate expressed that the news of her exit was hard to share with people, because she would feel sad when talking about it. Ultimately, the first to know were Nancy Lee Grahn, Kristen Vaganos, and Rory Gibson. She chose not to tell Maurice Benard, because she was so close to him in real-life, until they filmed their last episode together which aired yesterday.

There’s more! Kate gave a final tease that she has project in the works sharing, “I’m excited to have booked a short-term project in the fall that works within my schedule.” As to a future return to GH, Mansi doesn’t rule it out, “It’s Port Charles. Anything is possible.”

So, what did you think of Kate’s final scenes as Kristina with Sonny, Alexis, Molly and Michael? Do you hope Kate come back in a few years time? Weigh-in via the comment section. In case you missed it, you can catch the scenes where Kristina tells her parents she is leaving Port Charles below.

There are even more newbies coming to General Hospital with the news today that Troy Lennon Appel is joining the cast of the ABC daytime drama series in the contract role of “Hudson.” Look for Appel to make his debut on the July 30th episode.

What we do know is that Hudson is a business executive with mysterious ties. As first reported by TV Insider, Troy has already been enjoying his time on the legacy soap opera. He enthused, “Working on GH has been nothing short of an incredible, fast-paced experience, Everyone is very professional; they’re on top of every intricate part of this very established, well-oiled machine, and I’m just trying to keep up and not halt the process in any way.”

In a statement, General Hospital executive producer, Frank Valentini expressed: “Troy is a terrific guy, and we are excited to have him join our cast. And fans will be intrigued to see how his character fits into the story.“

FOUR NEWCOMERS IN SHORT ORDER

Appel’s casting comes on the heels of three other major additions coming to Port Charles, and all should be landing on-air next month in July. As previously reported, Dean Geyer has joined the cast as Tristan Robert and is set to debut on the July 13 episode. Daytime vet, Kelly Kruger (ex-B&B and Y&R) has signed on to play the new Serena Baldwin and Kayden Brenna Tokarski is the new Scout Cain, the daughter of Drew (Cameron Mathison) and the late Sam (Kelly Monaco).

Apple added on his GH experience thus far, “So many of the cast and crew have gone out of their way to welcome me, and I am immensely grateful for how simple and easy this transition has been. I owe it all to them. They know what they’re doing, and I hope to learn as much as I can and add to the show, to the best of my ability.”

Troy’s previous credits have included: Revenge Best Served Chilled, Blackmail, Lies and Murder, and Lethally Blonde. Finding Master Right and Menflix, and he appeared with The Goldbergs star  Hayley Orrantia’s music video for her single, “Find Yourself Somebody.”

So, what do you think about the casting of Troy Lennon Appel to General Hospital? Who will Hudson actually have ties to, since it is a contract role? Will you be intrigued to see all the new arrivals next month in Port Charles? Let us know via the comment section below.

Next week, beginning on Monday, June 15, Jere Burns will make his debut in his new role on The Young and the Restless as Dr. Laurence Markham. The veteran actor who has appeared in numerous television and motion pictures will share scenes with Susan Walters (Diane Jenkins).

In an ironic twist, fans of the late 80s-early 90s, NBC sitcom Dear John will recall that Burns and Walters appeared together in the cast. Walters played the role of Mary Beth Sutton, while Burns took on the role of smooth-talking and quirky ladies’ man Kirk Morris. 

This marks the first time in Jere’s career that he has appeared on a network television soap opera. His most recent credits include his recurring role on CBS’ FBI, and the Hulu series, Death and Other Details.

Photo: JPI

Now fast-forward to Y&R, and TV Insider has the inside scoop of what how these two link up. Dr. Markham comes into the story as Diane’s whereabouts remain in question after the falling out with her husband Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman).

A LITTLE DITTY ABOUT JACK AND DIANE

Jack and Diane’s marriage has fallen on hard time, after Diane caught Jack in bed with Patty Williams (Stacy Haiduk) while drugged; all thanks to the machinations of Victor Newman (Eric Braeden). Although, Jack has tried to salvage his marriage, Diane moved out of the Abbott mansion and has stayed away from Jack.

The last time anyone heard from Diane in Genoa City was back in the May 14 episode when she left a voicemail for Jack, telling him although she is hurt and confused over what happened with Patty, she wants to try and find a path forward. However, since that time no one has seen her. Does Diane’s disappearance have to do with Patty and now the incoming Dr. Markham?

Currently, Susan Walters is appearing this week on Beyond the Gates as part of the crossover event between the two CBS soaps.  As a result of production timelines between the two series, things are not in line with the story of Diane and Jack on both soaps. On Beyond the Gates, the two are attending Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) political fundraiser together and get caught in a tornado that hits Fairmont Crest, even as her disappearance remains unsolved back in Genoa City.

Walters shared on working with Jere Burns again decades later, “He was a fantastic scene partner in this upcoming story arc.”

So, do you think Dr. Markham will harm or help Diane? Is Patty behind Diane’s disappearance? Do you feel a bit discombobulated watching Diane and Jack seemingly OK with each other on Beyond the Gates, while on Y&R she is MIA? Weigh-in via the comment section below.