On the heels of a cancellation announcement and a failed online venture, it was announced that successful former Executive Producer, Frank Valentini, and former Head Writer, Ron Carlivati, of “One Life to Live” were hired for the same positions at a struggling “General Hospital.” Rattling many “GH” fans in recent days has been the announcement that at least several major “OLTL” stars will be showing up in Port Charles as their Llanview alter egos. Carlivati insists to insiders that “GH” fans need not worry as he has no intention of turning their soap into “OLTL.” To that end, the show-runners have also announced the return of three of “GH’s” most legendary performers and characters – Finola Hughes, Tristan Rogers and Emma Samms as Anna, Robert and Holly – for extended runs on the last-standing ABC daytime drama.
Fans know that – alongside Anthony Geary and Genie Francis who played the legendary Luke and Laura – Rogers, Hughes and Samms helped put “General Hospital” on the map before it was turned over to the mob. Rogers debuted on the popular soap in 1980 as the sexy and lethal agent Robert Scorpio. He remained in the role until 1992. Hughes debuted on “GH” in 1985 as the equally sexy and lethal agent Anna Devane. She remained in the role until 1992 as well. Samms started heating up Port Charles in 1982 as bad-girl Holly Sutton. She remained in the role until 1985. The character of Robert Scorpio has been married to both Anna Devane and Holly Sutton. Rogers, Hughes and Samms have each returned for multiple (mostly) short-term appearances on the ABC daytime drama since their initial departures. Rogers and Hughes last appeared on “GH” in 2008, Samms last appeared in 2009.
The trio will begin appearing back on the scene during February sweeps. Rogers and Hughes will return, in part, to up the ante as one of Port Charles most beloved characters faces down a seemingly certain future. That character happens to be the daughter of their historic characters, Dr. Robin Scorpio. Kimberly McCullough will make a dramatic exit from the popular role in the first quarter of 2012 after spending the bulk of the last two decades in Port Charles. Meanwhile, Samms will mix things up with a former lover – the one and only Luke Spencer. Look for Holly to also mix it up with her son with Luke, Ethan (Nathan Parsons), and Luke’s arch-enemy, Helena (Constance Towers).