General Hospital Comings and Goings: Kirsten Storms back as Maxie Jones...for now

General Hospital fans are in for a big surprise this week when Kirsten Storms appears as her longtime character, Maxie Jones. The actress announced her temporary departure from the soap last month, but she's not quite gone yet.

Kirsten Storms' General Hospital comeback

General Hospital's Maxie in her red power suit | Image: ABC

Storms shocked fans and the soap world in July when she revealed plans to move to Tennessee and take a leave of absence from the soap she's called home for the last 20 years. In a social media video, Storms elaborated on her decision.

"In March, I asked Frank Valentini, our amazing executive producer, about a leave," Storms said in the video. "I had a conversation with him about my reason for wanting to move and not leave the show."

Storms went on to explain that she had already taped her last scenes in June, but hoped to be back on screen by November or December. However, Storms' "return" comes sooner than that.

According to Soap Opera Digest, GH often tapes out of order, so Storms' last scenes have not aired yet, but will this month, meaning we won't see recast Nicole Paggi again until late in August.

What's in store for Maxie?

Nicole Paggi will be back as Maxie | Image: ABC

Currently, Maxie is still playing referee between BFFs Lulu (Alexa Havins) and Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton), but seems to be taking Brook Lynn's side more than Lulu's. She wants to keep the peace between herself and her friends, but when your two besties can't stand one another, it's hard.

Paggi appeared as Maxie last week, as the character chastised both pals for their behavior toward one another at the Metro Court pool.

When Storms announced her departure last month, she hinted toward an exciting story, saying, "I promise you the storyline they have going on until my return to Port Charles is kind of incredible — you guys are going to freak out, actually."

While there is no word on how often we will see Paggi's version of Maxie, she did portray the character previously in 2023 for one episode when Storms couldn't work. The actress is known for roles on The Rookie: Feds, Rizzoli and Isles, 90210, and Clipped.

Other actresses who have filled in for Storms over the last two decades include Days of our Lives' Jen Lilley (Theresa Donovan) and Molly Burnett (Melanie Jonas).

Catch all-new episodes of General Hospital weekdays on ABC and Hulu.