Michelle Stafford Is Leaving General Hospital

Although the soap does not comment on actor contracts, it was finally confirmed that Michelle Stafford is leaving GENERAL HOSPITAL because the soap has announced that Cynthia Watros is taking over the role. Stafford joined the cast of GH back in May of 2014 when Nina Reeves made her surprising first appearance. And over the years, Nina has transformed from a dangerously unstable woman bent on revenge to a high-powered magazine editor with a handsome and wealthy fiancé.

Stafford made her daytime debut in October of 1994 when she took on the role of Phyllis on Y&R. In 1997, she left, but returned in 2000, this time staying until 2013. During her time on the CBS sudser, she earned nine Daytime Emmy Award nominations, taking home the trophy twice. In 2014, daytime star Gina Tognoni took over as Phyllis, but after over four years in the role, has said her goodbyes to the soap.

Nina came a long way from her crazy early days on GH! (Photo Credit: Howard Wise/jpistudios.com)

Nina’s romance with Valentin Cassadine proved popular with fans, who were upset when the couple broke up. His portrayer, James Patrick Stuart, has already spoken out on social media to say goodbye to his beloved co-star. With Nina and Valentin’s reunion threatened by the revelation that he concocted a scheme to lie to her that Sasha Gilmore is her long-lost daughter, there’s big drama on the horizon. However, with Watros due to begin taping in June, there may be a time when Nina is off the canvas to facilitate the changeover.

Stay tuned as the story continues to develop, and for more GH casting news, keep reading the ABC edition of Soaps In Depth magazine.

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