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.

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.

Actor Daniel Covin has been cast in the role of Hunter on TOLN’s “All My Children.” News of Covin’s signing came about after the actor tweeted, “Hyped to let you know I just booked the role of Hunter on the all new #AllMyChildren!” The actor added, “I start filming on Thursday!”

Soap Opera Network has learned exclusively that Sal Stowers (short for Saleisha Stowers) has been cast in the role of Cassandra Hubbard, the adopted daughter of Angela Hubbard (Debbi Morgan), who the good doctor found abandoned in a dumpster during her run on ABC’s “The City” back in the mid-1990′s. The character returned as an 18 year-old seeking comfort from mommy dearest in 2008 as portrayed by Yaya DaCosta.Soap Opera Network has learned exclusively that Sal Stowers (short for Saleisha Stowers) has been cast in the role of Cassandra Hubbard, the adopted daughter of Angela Hubbard (Debbi Morgan), who the good doctor found abandoned in a dumpster during her run on ABC’s “The City” back in the mid-1990′s. The character returned as an 18 year-old seeking comfort from mommy dearest in 2008 as portrayed by Yaya DaCosta.

Soap Opera Network has learned exclusively that Denyse Tontz has been cast in the contract role of Miranda Montgomery, Bianca’s (Eden Riegel) now aged daughter. It was previously reported that Jordan Lane Price had been cast in the role, but it looks like Price will be portraying the role of a new character by the name of Celia Fitzgerald instead.

Soap Opera Network has learned exclusively that Eric Nelsen has been cast as an aged AJ Chandler, son of JR Chandler (now played by Ryan Bittle) and Babe Chandler. Nelsen, who according to his IMDb was originally cast as Eric van der Woodsen on the CW’s “Gossip Girl” before studio execs felt he was too young for the part, will be tackling the Pine Valley High School teen scene when he debuts on the series later this spring.

Soap Opera Network has learned exclusively that “All My Children” has cast veteran actor Ryan Bittle in the contract role of JR Chandler. Bittle replaces Jacob Young, who is currently appearing on CBS’ “The Bold and the Beautiful” as Rick Forrester.

Soap Opera Network has learned that “The Price is Right” male model Robert Scott Wilson is joining the cast of TOLN’s “All My Children.”

With news that Eden Riegel would be reprising her role of Bianca Montgomery on TOLN’s “All My Children,” for what Deadline calls a “cameo guest arc,” the actress has taken to Twitter to thank fans for their kind words and to welcome her “daughter” to the show.

Daytime legend Susan Lucci, who portrayed Erica Kane on all 41 years of “All My Children,” will be appearing on the Monday, February 25 edition of ABC’s “The View.” The actress is expected to sit down with the ladies to discuss her new Lifetime series “Devious Maids,” and the second season of her Investigation Discovery series “Deadly Affairs.”