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General Hospital is the ABC soap opera that has been running the longest after Guiding Lights in American soap opera history. The show, running since April 1, 1963, is set in Port Charles. GH is mainly centered on the Spencer and the Quartermaine families.
In recent episodes of General Hospital, viewers saw Sonny and Carly getting closer, Diane getting furious, Ava and Scott coming together, Jason and Carly getting into a heated argument and Jason getting into trouble because of his own plans.
With these plot developments, several characters on General Hospital are set to return while others will exit. In July 2024, there were speculations about the returns and exits of several actors and characters on GH. But not all the speculations are true.
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In General Hospital, one of the fan-favorite characters from the past is going to rejoin the cast, as Rick Hearst has announced his return to the show. Meanwhile, Jake Webber, Valentin Cassadine and Charlotte Cassadine's characters have left Port Charles temporarily.
The returns and the exits on General Hospital
The returns
1) Rick Hearst as Ric Lansing
Rick Hearst, in a video posted on Instagram on July 25, 2024, announced his return to General Hospital after an eight-year break since leaving the show on July 21, 2016.
Rick is a known face in the world of soap operas and has also appeared in CBS’ daytime shows The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful.
He first appeared on GH on November 8, 2002. According to a TV Insider report, the first episode of Ric Lansing after Rick Hearst's return will air on August 19, 2024.
The exits
1) Hudson West as Jake Webber
Although the exit is not permanent, Jake Webber departed from Port Charles in General Hospital, as he left to attend art school in Spain. Jake will be on the show on and off, like many other characters.
Jake is the son of Jason Morgan and Elizabeth Webber. who first appeared on the show in 2007, played by child actors Landon and Trey, followed by Amanda, Miranda and Maryssa Jones. Edward and James Nigbor took over the role between 2007 and 2011.
Soon after, his character aged, after which James Nigbor played the role in 2011 and from July 9, 2015, to March 3, 2016. Since April 12, 2016, Hudson West has played the role.
2) James Patrick Stuart as Valentin Cassadine
Valentin Cassadine left the town of Port Charles previously on GH. The reason behind his departure was his involvement with the Pikeman scam, which could lead to serious legal troubles for him.
Valentin, who recently started to develop a romantic relationship with Anna Devane, asked her to join him on this run, which Anna denied. Valentin's exit is temporary, as he might reappear in Port Charles as things get better.
He first appeared on General Hospital on July 8, 2016, and since then, he has been played by James Patrick Stuart.
3) Scarlett Fernandez as Charlotte Cassadine
Charlotte Cassadine is the daughter of Valentin Cassadine and Lulu Spencer. Valentin is on the run to avoid legal repercussions, so he takes his daughter with him to protect her and ensure her safety.
As Lulu Spencer is in a coma, if she gets up, Charlotte could return to Port Charles to her mother. Charlotte Cassadine, who first appeared on the show on September 21, 2016, has been played by Scarlett Fernandez.
Fans of General Hospital can watch new episodes of the show on ABC.
