2024 was a huge year for soap opera returns. Some were expected, while others were kept secretive to surprise fans. Whether it was for a permanent stay or a brief visit, many familiar faces returned to their old stomping grounds. There were many big returns and here’s 8 of them that had the soap opera world buzzing.
Stone Cold Heats Up Port Charles
General Hospital kicked off its 60th anniversary special with the surprise announcement of Steve Burton’s return. Two years after his second departure, Burton returned as Jason in March 2024. As expected, Jason survived the tunnel collapse, and was alive and well. But drama followed him to Port Charles when his connection to the FBI was revealed. Although his work with the feds created issues for his friends, they couldn’t stay mad at him. With Jason settled at home, he’s trying to balance his mob work with fatherhood.
Future With Paris
Forrester Creations employee Paris (Diamond White) had been missing from The Bold and the Beautiful for a while. But this past summer, she made a surprising return with her new beau. When Thomas (Matthew Atkinson) came back from France, he and Paris revealed their engagement. The news shocked everyone, including Thomas’ ex Hope (Annika Noelle). Although it looked like Paris would lose Thomas to Hope, he proved he was committed to his fiancée.
Ric Up To His Old Tricks
General Hospital had many returns this year. One of the most surprising was Ric (Rick Hearst) coming back to Port Charles. Ric returned to help his daughter Molly (Kristen Vaganos), who suffered the loss of her baby daughter, Irene. While Molly was glad to have her dad home, other people, including Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn), weren’t happy. With Ric’s alliance with Ava (Maura West) turning romantic, hopefully this will lead to a permanent stay.
Hope Bids Farewell
Days of Our Lives heroine Hope (has been offscreen caring for a comatose Bo (Peter Reckell). But Hope left his bedside to return to Salem for her father Doug’s (Bill Hayes) funeral. It was an emotional moment for Hope as she said goodbye to her dad. While her return was brief and sad, fans can expect happier times for Hope when she returns again in 2025.
Holly’s Shocking Connection
Port Charles’ favorite con artist Holly (Emma Samms) was back with the mother of all secrets. Holly’s revelation that Sasha (Sofia Mattsson) was her and Robert’s (Tristan Rogers) daughter shocked everyone. There were many questions that needed to be answered regarding Sasha’s parentage, but fans will have to wait. Holly’s visit was cut short with the threat of danger lurking. But she wasn’t alone when she departed. Holly and Robert got their happily ever after when they left town in Casablanca style.
Lucky Streak
Thirteen years after his last appearance, Jonathan Jackson returned as Lucky. With his sister Lulu (Alexa Havins) needing a liver transplant, time was of the essence to find Lucky, who was held captive by Sidwell (Carlo Rota). Thanks to Jason and Anna (Finola Hughes), Lucky was rescued and returned to Port Charles. Unfortunately, he wasn’t a viable donor for Lulu. Although he wanted to leave town again, Lucky will be staying and possibly rekindling a romance with Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst).
Genoa City Villain Returns
Jordan (Colleen Zenk) is one of the best villains onThe Young and the Restless. She spent most of 2024 causing trouble for The Newmans. But her reign of terror ended thanks to Victor (Eric Braeden). When Jordan was sent to prison, fans assumed they’d seen the last of her. But she made her surprise return in November, ready to wreak havoc in Genoa City. However, she wasn’t alone in her quest.
In And Out
Y&R treated viewers with two shocking villain returns this year. Jordan’s partner in crime was Newman enemy and former cult leader Ian Ward (Ray Wise). Ian and Jordan have proven to be an exciting dastardly duo. The pair have set their sights on Sharon (Sharon Case), whom they drugged and framed for Heather’s (Vail Bloom) murder. With Sharon’s storyline continuing into the New Year, fans can expect more mischief from Ian and Jordan.
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