Kelly Thiebaud reacts to Ryan Paevey’s return to General Hospital

Britt Westbourne may be back in Port Charles, but she hasn’t exactly been handing out hugs on General Hospital. Ever since her return this summer, she’s been clashing with just about everyone who crosses her path. Instead of softening, she’s leaning into the thornier side of her personality — an emotional wall that’s just as much armor as attitude.

But behind all the snark and side-eye, actress Kelly Thiebaud is just as surprised as fans about what’s ahead, especially when it comes to Ryan Paevey’s return as Britt’s brother, Nathan.

Playing Britchier than ever

Speaking with Michael Fairman TV, General Hospital’s Kelly Thiebaud didn’t shy away from acknowledging the shift in how Britt is being written. When the character left back in 2023, she’d started to let her guard down and show more heart. Now, she’s a little sharper. “It’s hard. I fight every day. I go to work and try to make her less ‘Britchy,’” Thiebaud explained. “But I will say this, and what I’ve kind of come to terms with, everyone else in Port Charles thinks that she’s a bitch.” She then explained that Britt’s attitude has changed to reflect that she’s going to give back to people what she gets.

This edgier Britt isn’t coming from nowhere — it’s a survival mechanism. As Thiebaud pointed out, Jason is still the only one who’s seen her at her most vulnerable, and it’s clear those layers haven’t disappeared entirely. They’re just buried under more armor than ever.

Still, Thiebaud hasn’t ruled out seeing shades of the “old Britt” again someday. “If they write it, I serve it,” she said. She noted that she kind of misses where the character was headed when she made her grand exit in 2023. “We’ll get back there,” she confidently stated, adding, “It’s a new version of me and the character. So it’s exciting.”

Her jaw dropped over Ryan Paevey’s return

If Britt’s personality twist got fans talking, the next shocker had Thiebaud herself floored: Nathan’s return. Ryan Paevey’s reappearance after seven years was one of those soap moments that made jaws drop — including hers. She recalled her initial reaction to the storyline pitch with a laugh. She explained that executive producer Frank Valentini and the writers told her what they were going to do. The GH actor then remarked, “When they mentioned Ryan’s name, literally my jaw fell to the floor. I was like, ‘What? Wow. I didn’t even think of this. This is brilliant.’ ”

Trending

Thiebaud didn’t just love the surprise; she’s genuinely excited for what’s ahead. Thiebaud called the idea “brilliant,” noting that the story is layered and full of potential. She teased that there’s “a lot of juicy stuff” coming as Britt and Nathan reunite and navigate whatever mystery is behind his missing years.

General Hospital can be seen weekdays on ABC and Hulu.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback