A GENERAL Hospital star has made a return to the long-running soap opera.

While the news was exciting to many, some fans fear the soap is in trouble and are concerned with the show’s direction.Emma Samms revealed she will be returning to General Hospital

On Monday, actress Emma Samms, 63, was revealed to be returning to General Hospital as her character Holly Sutton, per Variety.

Emma, who last appeared on the series in 2023, is scheduled to return to Port Charles in early September.

The last time viewers saw Emma as Holly she had teamed up with Anna, played by Finola Hughes, and Scott, played by Kin Shriner, to stop Charles Shaughnessy’s Victor Cassadine from waging biological warfare against the world.

After preventing the catastrophe that would wipe out 80% of the earth’s population, Holly returned to Australia after her attempt to rekindle a romance with Robert (Tristan Rogers) was rebuffed.

Fans rushed to congratulate Emma and share their excitement over her return after she shared the news of her return to General Hospital on Twitter,

“Woohoo! I can’t wait!!!” commented one fan.

“YES!!!! Best news of the week! Looking forward to seeing more Robert and Holly Scorpio! Beautiful photo!” wrote another.

A third person tweeted, “Looking forward to your return!!! Can’t wait to see what’s in store!!!”

“Hopefully, this means #Tristan Rogers will be back?????” mentioned a fourth.

“Oh, this makes my heart so happy!!! Thanks for sharing this news! I can’t wait to see Robert and Holly in 2024!” tweeted a fifth.

“The best news!!!! Let’s hope Robert and Holly rekindle their relationship. So happy you are back! Thank you,” commented a sixth.

One commenter wrote, “It ties in with Lucky’s return? Hmmm… Regardless, I’m excited! Hopefully, we’re going to get out HEA for RnH!”

“Can’t wait for this! It looks like some amazing cast members are making a comeback. I’m thrilled to hear that Rick Hurst is returning as well!” added another.

Holly’s reappearance seemingly ties in with the return of other General Hospital characters.

Emma Samms at The Asian Awards at Hilton Park Lane on May 5, 2017, in London, EnglandJonathan Jackson was recently revealed to be returning to the show as Lucky Spencer and Rick Hearst announced that he’ll be heading back to General Hospital as Ric Lansing – after an eight-year absence.

VIEWER COMPLAINTS

Last week, General Hospital fans begged for a writer shakeup amid major complaints about the show’s storylines.

The show shared a preview of what’s to come on the wildly popular soap opera, and critics are ready for change.

General Hospital shared a tense scene from Friday’s episode of the show on Instagram.

The clip showcased a dramatic confrontation, which some fans loved and some were over.

Those complaining about the show were extremely vocal in the comments, with one person writing, “Why did you bring this other actor as Jagger?!? Once again you are giving us another story that’s going on forever and is just round and round with no end in sight,” complained one critic.”

“These new writers were let go after only a few weeks, hoping the old writers scripts are coming soon,” another hopeful commenter shared.

“These storylines are so unlike their characters that it’s bizarre; especially Willow. Soon, we will see the GH that sets [itself] apart from other soaps and win Emmys,” a third whined.

The critic continued, “Frank Valentini must be excited to have his old excellent writers back.”

Someone else complained that the character’s reactions were “unrealistic and stupid.”

“I don’t get it – ratings are so low because the show revolves around Carly & Sonny too much and yet it’s getting worse not better? Stunt casts won’t help fix this bizarre imbalance,” a fifth person posted.

Other viewers stated that the storylines have gotten “bizarre” and are being “dragged out.”

GOTTA GO

Fans have had a whole host of complaints about General Hospital lately.

In addition to critiques about the writing, some have called for the firing of one star in particular.

After ABC shared a sneak preview of an earlier episode, several social media users declared that it was time for writers to axe Special Agent John Cates played by Adam J Harrington.

Agent Cates, formerly Jagger, was introduced to General Hospital viewers in the 90s.

The role was initially played by Antonio Sabato Jr. from 1992 until 1995.

He also appeared in General Hospital: Night Shift.

The role was recast when Agent Cates’ character returned to Port Charles from San Francisco earlier this year, with the 51-year-old actor stepping into his shoes.

“Cates needs to go now,” one fan critiqued.

Another commenter wrote, “Can they please exit John Cates [sic] character now. Such a boring storyline that is just dragging on.”

“Enough with Cates. Please more Tracy and Ned!” a third commenter weighed in.

Someone else claimed they would “not support this show today while you have that man on there.”

CASTING SHAKEUP

General Hospital recently underwent a major casting change with show creators bringing back two fan-favorite characters in an attempt to revive ratings.

Asher Antonyzyn’s character Danny Morgan and Diane Miller, played by Carol Hennesy, returned to the soap opera universe.

In addition to reviving Asher and Carol’s characters, the show also introduced some fresh faces.

It was announced that Dutch-Barre Johnson would soon make this debut as the new warden of Pentonville prison.

Jonathan Jackson, pictured at the Unsung Hero Nashville Screening Premiere on April 15, 2024, is also returning to General Hospital as Lucky Spencer