Another Missing Star Could Be Returning to General Hospital in the New Year

Fans of General Hospital may finally be getting the news they’ve been hoping for — and just in time for the new year. After months of absence, one beloved performer who has been noticeably missing from Port Charles could be preparing to return, potentially bringing major emotional story developments back to the canvas.

As General Hospital heads into the final week of 2025 and transitions into the first week of 2026, casting updates suggest that Port Charles may be welcoming both familiar faces and ongoing players who could shake up the storylines ahead. Here’s the latest comings and goings report, including possible returns, confirmed reappearances, and who you can expect to see more of in upcoming episodes.

The Week of December 29, 2025

✅ Kirsten Storms Hints at a Long-Awaited Return as Maxie Jones

One of the most talked-about absences in recent months has been Kirsten Storms, who plays fan-favorite Maxie Jones. Storms has been off-screen since the summer, as she relocated to Nashville and dealt with serious medical concerns that required ongoing treatment and specialized care.

In a recent social media update, Storms gave fans a major health update — and offered a hopeful tease about returning to the ABC soap. The actress shared that after meeting with a new neurosurgeon, she decided to delay brain surgery, noting that she was exploring other options and continuing to monitor her condition carefully. She also took a moment to send holiday wishes to viewers and thanked fans for their steady support during her time away.

But the biggest moment came when Storms gave fans what she called the “present” they’ve been waiting for:

“And maaaaybe you will be seeing me back in Port Charles soon,” she teased.

The update immediately sparked excitement online, with fans eager to see Maxie wake up and return to her loved ones.

On-screen, Maxie has been in a coma since August, after her character was transferred to a long-term care facility in Boston. Her medical crisis has left a significant void in storylines involving the Jones and Scorpio families, not to mention Maxie’s connections to characters across the entire canvas.

If Storms returns soon, viewers can expect an emotional comeback storyline — and possibly major fallout surrounding what caused Maxie’s collapse, who knew the truth, and what her return means for her family and friends.

✅ Parry Shen Confirmed Back as Brad Cooper — and Britt’s Birthday Means More Scenes

In happier comings-and-goings news, Parry Shen is officially back as Brad Cooper.

Brad resurfaced last week for a highly anticipated reunion with his best friend, Britt Westbourne (played by Kelly Thiebaud). The Brad-and-Britt friendship has long been a fan favorite, known for mixing humor, loyalty, and chaotic energy — and their reunion immediately grabbed viewers’ attention.

The timing of Brad’s return is also significant because Britt is expected to celebrate her birthday on Tuesday, December 30. That makes it very likely Brad will appear again, as the show continues leaning into Britt’s emotional arc and the relationships that matter most to her.

Shen also recently spoke to fans about the on-screen reunion, teasing that the dynamic between Brad and Britt is still very much alive — and that their scenes will deliver both fun and heart.

Brad’s return could also suggest more is coming for him in Port Charles — whether it’s a deeper storyline, a new job connection, or a long-term role in Britt’s life moving forward. Fans will be watching closely to see whether this is just a short guest arc… or a more permanent comeback.

✅ Nazneen Contractor Returns as Justine Turner — and She’s Getting More Screen Time

Another notable character returning to the spotlight is Port Charles assistant district attorney Justine Turner, played by Nazneen Contractor.

Justine has been appearing more frequently, and this upcoming week confirms she’ll be involved in key story beats. Viewers can expect Justine to:

• Meet with Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) on Monday, December 29

• Confer with Dante Falconeri (Dominic Zamprogna) on Friday, January 2

This is important because it suggests Justine is being positioned as a more active player in the show’s legal and crime-based storylines — which are often some of GH’s biggest plot drivers. Her connections to Sonny and Dante could signal upcoming courtroom battles, investigations, possible plea deals, and the kind of tense moral decisions GH is known for.

The fact that Justine is interacting with both Sonny and Dante in the same week may also hint at a storyline that sits right at the intersection of:

• criminal activity,

• family loyalty,

• and legal consequences.

In other words: Justine could be stepping into a pivotal role as the new year begins.

What This Means for General Hospital Going Into 2026

With Maxie potentially returning, Brad officially back in the mix, and Justine becoming more prominent, General Hospital appears to be setting the stage for:
✅ emotional returns
✅ friendship-driven story arcs
✅ new legal conflicts
✅ and shifts in the power structure of Port Charles

As always, more casting updates could drop at any time — including surprise guest stars, short-term returns, or new characters introduced to push fresh storylines into 2026.

For now, one thing is clear: General Hospital is heading into the new year with momentum — and fans may be getting the long-awaited returns they’ve been waiting for.