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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

Actor Jeffrey James Lippold will appear on the Monday, March 4 episode of ABC’s “General Hospital” as a police officer working at the Port Charles Police Department. The actor will share scenes with Finola Hughes (Anna Devane), who is expected to offer her resignation as Police Commissioner at the PCPD.

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.

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.