It turns out Tyler Christopher will not make a General Hospital return after all.The actor announced a temporary leave of absence from the show in May, just weeks after winning the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.

During GH’s annual fan club weekend last month, he announced he’d return to the set in September. However, Soap Opera Digest is reporting that contract negotiations broke down and the actor and show could not reach a new deal.

For the early part of Tyler Christopher’s absence, Nick Stabile played Nikolas and entered into a quasi-romance with Maura West’s Ava. The character then died for a second time in two months when Valentin shot him and he fell out the window.

Christopher originally claimed he was just taking a family break staying at home with his wife and kids, but social media posts have confirmed he’s filmed several movies over the last few months. With a film career taking off, perhaps GH didn’t fit into his schedule.

There’s no word on whether Nikolas will remain dead or whether the show will recast again–maybe giving Stabile a permanent role.

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