THE SCOOP

Actress, model and fashion designer Helena Mattsson (“The Rookie,” “Mistresses”) will temporarily step into the role of Sasha Gilmore on “General Hospital” beginning Thursday, February 17. Mattsson is the real-life sister of the character’s regular portrayer, actress Sofia Mattsson.

“I thought she was joking at first. But of course I said yes!” said Helena, speaking to Soap Opera Digest in its next issue, on sale Friday, of Sofia asking her to fill in.

During her sister’s absence, Helena got to mix it up with the character’s on-screen love interest, Brando Corbin, played by Johnny Wactor. “He’s such a sweet guy. And very talented. He definitely put me at ease,” Helena said of their working together.

“Such a blast jumping in on my sisters show for the day,” Helena said in a post on Instagram in late January while standing next to a poster of her sister in the hallway at the Prospect Studios in Hollywood where the soap opera films.

For more on what Mattsson had to say about her experience working on “General Hospital,” pick up the latest issue of Soap Opera Digest, on sale Friday.

Outside of acting, the Mattsson sisters founded the handbag company Ava Carrington which features a line of purses that retail anywhere from $485 to $625. 

“​​With new innovative vegan materials now available, the days of animal and environmental sacrifice in fashion are finally about to be behind us,” reads a message on the company’s website. “We believe in constantly evolving and making fashion-forward choices that support a brighter future for all. By bridging the gap between well-crafted, high-quality handbags and ethical practices, we want to bring positive change to the luxury fashion industry and its impact on animals and our planet.”

To purchase your own bag from the Stockholm Collection, click here.