Yolanda Perez/ABC

Despite Michael Easton‘s announcement early this morning, where he stated that after February 8th he would be exiting “General Hospital,” along with Roger Howarth and Kristen Alderson, due to “some ongoing legal this and that,” an ABC spokesperson tells Soap Opera Network that all three will remain an essential part of the “GH” canvas for the foreseeable future as the three are under contract with the network and not Prospect Park.

“‘General Hospital’ is excited about Michael Easton, Kristen Alderson and Roger Howarth staying on the show and we are exploring ways to allow that to happen,” read a statement from ABC, which did not provide further input on how the series would accomplish just that. Previously, the network stated, “There are on-going collaborative conversations,” in response to word that Prospect Park wanted to return the characters of Starr Manning (Alderson), Todd Manning (Howarth) and John McBain (Easton) to Llanview after formerly announcing it’s decision to re-launch “One Life to Live” later this spring. The production company licensed the rights to “OLTL’s” characters in July 2011 in a long-term distribution agreement between it and Disney/ABC Domestic Television, part of the Disney/ABC Television Group.

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Marina Chavez/ABC

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — As we previously reported, “One Life to Live” was forced to replace Brandon Buddy with Van Hughes in the role of Cole Thornhart just one day after Buddy reprised the role for an upcoming storyline with ex-girlfriend Starr Manning (Kristen Alderson). Now the actor has taken to Twitter to apologize to fans for the sudden turn of events.

In a series of tweets dated Thursday, November 10, Buddy explains, “Hi everyone! I wanted to say that I am so sorry that I was unable to make a return to ‘OLTL’ as I intended due to personal family issues. I cherish the time that I had on the show and always will. The fans mean more to me then words can express. I’m devastated about this! Again I am so sorry! Thank you all for your love and support! It really helps me in times like this. Thank you and God bless!”

Buddy’s journey back to the set of “One Life” began in early August when he posted another series of tweets begging fans to help him get back on the show. “I want/need everyone to send in your love for cole! I’m tired of sitting around. Get me back on the the show so I can finish what I started. I love my fans/friends let’s go!!! No more f**ging around!!!!!!!!! Ok!!! Let me think! I hope I don’t get in trouble for this! …..standby! : ),” said the actor at the time.

Although both Buddy and the show are keeping mum on the specific reason as to the need for an emergency recast, Texas public court records from Travis County indicate that an individual with the full name Brandon Robert Buddy, which is the actors full name, along with matching birthday (verified by Soap Opera Network via district clerk), is scheduled to appear before a judge next month on charges of “INJURY CHILD/ELDERLY/DISABLE W/INT SBI/MENTAL,” or allegedly causing harm to a Child/Elderly/Disabled person with the intention to cause serious bodily injury or mental injury.

Buddy was reportedly involved in a traffic accident early last month. On October 8, he tweeted “So check this out! I was headed to Dallas for the Texas OU game yesterday and someone rear ended me going over 60 mph totaling my car. I had to climb out of the window to get out of the car! Craziness!”

While there is no reason to presume that Buddy’s personal family matter is in anyway tied to these reported legal issues, Soap Opera Network wishes Buddy nothing but the best as he works to get things back on track.

Meanwhile, “OLTL” is moving forward with Van Hughes in the role. The Broadway vet, who reshot all of Buddy’s scenes, taped for the first time with Alderson last Tuesday. In fact, she tweeted on Friday (November 11) that “Nic [Robuck],Van, & I have been working extremely hard for the #Jarr & #Sole fans! Having a lot of fun, can’t wait until you guys see what happens!”

Disney/ABC Television Group

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) –  With several former cast members, whose characters are currently incarcerated in Statesville Prison for various crimes and offenses, many “One Life to Live” fans have been left wondering what the show has planned for them.

As we previously reported, those currently serving out their time at the jailhouse and likely returning to the canvas are Lindsay (Catherine Hickland), Troy (Ty Treadway), Cole (Van Hughes), Hannah (Meghann Fahy), Mitch (Roscoe Born), and Allison (Barbara Garrick).

Peter Austin Noir, who has played various dayplayer characters on the show on and off since 1987, returns in early January, this time as a convict named Johnny Rocket.

In a video the actor uploaded to YouTube, he gives fans a sneak peak at his character’s scenes, which feature him in prison garb, surrounded by other inmates, sporting a bloody, bandaged arm. So could a jailbreak be in order with several of Llanview’s biggest criminals? Tune in to find out!

Noir’s scenes, which were taped Thursday, November 10, will air January 3. Hickland was also back on set taping scenes this week. On Wednesday (November 9) she posted on Facebook “GR8 1st day at ‘OLTL’ today In spite of being gobsmacked by a wicked cold. @hbsguya [Hillary B. Smith, Nora] looked gorgeous! Good2B w/cast& crew!”

Donna Svennevik/ABC / GSARTS.NET

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — “One Life to Live” is forced to recast the character of Cole Thornhart, who is serving a prison sentence for murdering Eli Clarke (Matt Walton) with Broadway star Van Hughes only one day after Brandon Buddy returned to the role.

According to reports, Buddy became unable to continue with the show after taping only one episode, leaving the show’s producers in limbo as they scrambled to find a replacement, claiming it was too late to rewrite the scenes, since the show wraps production on its ABC run next Friday.

“OLTL” is said to have re-shot all of Buddy’s scenes with Van Hughes, who first taped with Kristen Alderson, who plays Cole’s ex-girlfriend and mother of his child, Starr Manning, on Tuesday of this week. No word on the number of episodes the actor will appear in.

This is not Van Hughes’ first time in Llanview. In September 2010, he briefly appeared as preppy art student Simon Ulrich in scenes with Gigi Morasco (Farah Fath) and Cristian Vega (David Fumero). He also had a recurring role on “As the World Turns” as Gil Penn from 2006-07. His first airdate is unknown.