Peter Hurley

Viewers keeping up with the latest “All My Children” comings and goings news know that Daytime Emmy Award nominated actress Alicia Minshew has been in discussions to return to the internet revival of the soap opera, which she starred on from 2002 to 2011. TVLine broke the news on Thursday afternoon that the return of the eldest child of Erica Kane (Susan Lucci), Kendall Hart, as portrayed by Minshew is now a done deal. Minshew will make her return sooner than expected; she tapes scenes opposite Eden Riegel, who plays Kendall’s little sister Bianca Montgomery, later today as “AMC” wraps up its first round of taping. Seconds before TVLine put up the news bulletin, Minshew took to Twitter to exclaim to fans her impending plans: “Guess who is popping into Pine Valley for the day?…um me! Excited to see the gang tomorrow! Gonna wear Kendall’s sassy shoes!!”

Read More >>

Robert Voets/Nickelodean

Just hours after news broke that “The Young and the Restless’” star Emme Rylan (Abby Newman) was leaving the show and headed to play “General Hospital’s” Lulu Spencer, word spread that the soap had already replaced her! A CBS spokesperson has confirmed to Soap Opera Network that the drama series has tapped actress Melissa Ordway to take over the role of the Newman heiress.

Fans may recognize the young actress and model from such shows as “Privileged” and “Entourage,” as well as from the film “17 Again.” Read More >>

Craig Sjodin/ABC

Soap Opera Network has learned that during the week of March 18, ABC’s “General Hospital” will be departing the “One Life to Live” characters consisting of Starr Manning (Kristen Alderson), Todd Manning (Roger Howarth) and John McBain (Michael Easton). As previously reported, ABC Daytime and Prospect Park have been in a dispute over the characters and their appearance on “GH” vs “One Life to Live,” which Prospect Park is rebooting for the web along with “All My Children” later this spring. The actors are under contract to ABC, while Prospect Park holds the license rights to the characters.

Read More >>

ABC

When Ingo Rademacher (Jasper “Jax” Jacks) was announced as a celebrity dancer on “Dancing with the Stars” for the competition series’ 16th season, many avid “General Hospital” fans wisely guessed the actor’s dancing chops would be tested as part of a cross-promotional opportunity between ABC’s primetime juggernaut and the networks daytime soap staple.

Entertainment Weekly is exclusively reporting that Rademacher and Vanessa Marcil (Brenda Barrett) are returning to “GH” for more than a few weeks as the daytime drama series prepares to celebrate it 50th anniversary on Monday, April 1. Although a first airdate is not known at this time, Weekly  says the duo are expected to hit the air before the soaps anniversary episode airs.

Read More >>

People Magazine

Brandon Barash has announced on Twitter that he’s departing ABC’s “General Hospital.” In his message to fans, Barash tweeted, “With a bittersweet, heavy heart I announce my time at ‘GH’ has come to an end, as I have chosen to move on&pursue my NBA career. I love u all.”

The actor’s exit was confirmed to Soap Opera Network by his management team. A last airdate for Barash is unknown at this time, although the actor allegedly told fans at a recent event that he last taped at the series more than six weeks ago.

Read More >>

UPDATE 3/4/13 11:42 AM ET: According to a TOLN representative and the actors team, Boyd’s character is that of a day player or guest star. No further information was provided.

Stewart Talent Agency

PREVIOUS 3/3/13 8:40 PM ET: According to his Twitter page, “Rock of Ages” understudy Jake Boyd has joined the cast of TOLN’s “All My Children” in the role of Dylan Wilder. Information on the character was unknown at press time.

Boyd, who made his Broadway in “Ages,” is a “peanut butter and origami enthusiast.” He’s appeared in the Off-Broadway shows “Carrie” and “The Last Smoker In America.” He also appeared in the national tour of “Oklahoma!” and in the short fims “Face Value” and “No Compromise.”

On TV, you may have spotted Boyd on episodes of “30 Rock,” “Blue Bloods,” or “Are We There Yet?“

Representatives from Prospect Park/TOLN were unavailable for comment at press time.

JJL Entertainment

Actor Jeffrey James Lippold will appear on the Monday, March 4 episode of ABC’s “General Hospital” as a Sergeant working at the Port Charles Police Department. The actor will appear in scenes with Finola Hughes as her character, Anna Devane, deals with the aftermath left behind by Caleb Morley. Look for Anna to make a tough decision about her future as the head of the PCPD.

According to his Twitter page, Lippold is an “Actor, Stunt Man, Sambo Champion, All Around Martial Arts Wizard, MMA Champion Sparring, Former NAVY Amphibious MEF RECON Corpsman/Bushmaster, & Anti-Bully!” The actor tweeted a picture of himself in uniform.

Lippold starred in the films “Samurai Avenger: The Blind Wolf” and “XII.”

AlfredoDiaz.net

Actor Alfredo Diaz has joined the cast of TOLN‘s “All My Children” in the recurring role of Vlad. The actor tweeted, “So so happy!” after announcing the news to his followers on Twitter.

According to a character breakdown obtained by Soap Opera Network, Vlad is described as a ruthless individual willing to go about any means necessary to get what he wants even if that means putting one’s life in jeopardy.

Read More >>

ABC

In the newest issue of ABC Soaps In Depth, “General Hospital” star Julie Marie Berman has announced in an exclusive interview that she is leaving the series after seven and a half years portraying Lulu Spencer. “I always have a desire to grow and challenge myself in other mediums. And there are enough reasons now that my gut is telling me this is the right time to finally let go of ‘GH.’” Berman says she informed her bosses back in July of last year that she had plans to leave the series. “I gave my notice in July to leave when my contract was up in November last year,” said Berman, who also explained that she decided to stay a little while longer after subsequent discussions between her management team and “GH” executive producer Frank Valentini.

Read More >>

Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images

As had been widely expected, Rick Springfield is returning to ABC’s “General Hospital” just as the soap gets ready to hit the half century mark. According to People Magazine, Springfield, who debuted as Dr. Noah Drake on “GH” in 1981 before launching himself into superstardom starting with the debut of hit single “Jessie’s Girl,” will reprise his role over the course of several episodes in April.

Read More >>