As previously reported by Soap Central, Adrianne Leon (Brook Lynn Ashton) has been released from her contract by ABC. The move allows her to join the cast of the top-rated CBS soap, The Young and the Restless.

The decision to allow Leon out of her GH contract surprised many of the show's viewers. However, backstage rumors hint that network execs were more than happy to get rid of the Emmy-nominated actress because she and some of her co-stars didn't quite get along.

Rumors aside, Leon's departure may have helped the show out of the problem of having to find a new storyline for the actress now that her on-screen stalker, Ignacio Serricchio (Diego Sanchez) has been written out. Originally, there were plans to bring back Serricchio's alter ego -- possibly with a new actor in the part - but those plans are now looking more like a thing of the past. Writing Brook Lynn out helps wrap up story for both characters in a neat and tidy package.

Leon last airs on General Hospital on January 17. The very next day the actress takes over the role of Colleen Carlton on The Young and the Restless.