# General Hospital casting turnover continues > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/general-hospital-casting-turnover > Updated: 2026-08-14T18:41:55.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 5. Late July coverage noted actress Kirsten Storms’ request for privacy amid ongoing storylines, and the subsequent July 23 episode confirmed the written-off exit of her legacy character Maxie Jones. Maxie, husband Damian Spinichi and their children departed for Australia, with Maxie transferring her Deception Cosmetics shares to Michael Corinthos before leaving ABC’s daytime drama. Storms’ departure follows a turbulent personal period that included a 2025 brain-aneurysm surgery, an April 2026 restraining order filed by ex-husband Brandon Barash, and a custody dispute over daughter Harper Rose. Storms described the custody matter as a “disagreement” between divorced parents. Citing health concerns, including endometriosis and depression, she moved to Tennessee and later resettled in Nashville, remaining under contract and leaving open the possibility of a future return. The family’s relocation leaves the former Jones household vacant. Production is exploring new plot options, such as Valentin Cassadine moving in with his daughter Charlotte or Willow Cain using the property after her divorce, as the show reshapes its ensemble after the loss of one of its longest-running characters. In August 2026, Storms sparked return rumors after sharing social media updates stating, “Back in Cali. Back to blonde.” While her return to Los Angeles and signature hairstyle have led fans to speculate about a reprise of the Maxie Jones role, her professional commitments remain unconfirmed. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-14: Kirsten Storms sparks General Hospital return rumors Kirsten Storms has fueled 'General Hospital' return rumors after posting that she is “Back in Cali. Back to blonde,” signaling a potential comeback as her character, Maxie Jones. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kirsten-storms-sparks-general-hospital-return-rumors ### 2026-07-26: General Hospital plot shift and Kirsten Storms' health challenges General Hospital will see Maxie Jones move to Australia, freeing her family home for new occupants, while actress Kirsten Storms, who played Maxie, deals with health issues and leaves the show in July 2026. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/general-hospital-plot-shift-and-kirsten-storms-health-challenges ### 2026-07-24: Kirsten Storms Departs General Hospital After 21‑Year Role Kirsten Storms leaves “General Hospital” as Maxie Jones, moving the character to Australia after health surgery, a restraining order, and personal decisions to settle in Tennessee. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kirsten-storms-departs-general-hospital-after-21year-role ### 2026-07-20: General Hospital star Kirsten Storms updates fans on custody battle amid show spoilers Kirsten Storms urges privacy amid custody dispute with ex Brandon Barash while General Hospital plotlines introduce new twists for Britt, Charlotte, Carly, and Valentin. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/actress-kirsten-storms-announces-tennessee-relocation-amid-custody-dispute ### 2026-07-08: General Hospital sees major character exits and casting changes General Hospital faces actor Ryan Paevey's uncertain status and Kirsten Storms' exit, with new casting for Maxie's role and storyline shifts. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/general-hospital-sees-major-character-exits-and-casting-changes --- Cite as: General Hospital casting turnover continues. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/general-hospital-casting-turnover