As recently reported, GH is set to lose two of its most popular actors: double Emmy winner Jonathan Jackson (Lucky) and two-time Emmy nominee Vanessa Marcil (Brenda).
     While luring back popular actors from the past is an option, GH won't be luring back Emmy winner Rena Sofer (ex-Lois). It's been rumored that Lois would return to GH but sources now say Sofer is in final negotiations to join Melrose Place as a regular. The role she's up for is an old high school cheerleader pal of Amanda (Heather Locklear). The character arrives at Melrose Place after doing time in jail following the death of a football player. Sofer came to the attention of MP executives after she landed a role in a pilot for Spelling that failed to receive a series pickup.
     Sofer hinted to a group of fans at the recent GH fan weekend in Los Angeles that an announcement would be forthcoming. "I can't talk about it yet, but something's happening," hinted Sofer. "The contracts haven't been signed, but it will be very exciting when the news comes out."
     The actress confirmed to her fans that she was not returning to daytime. "If I were going to go back to daytime, I wouldn't go anywhere but General Hospital," pledged Sofer. "It's been two years since I left the show, and it means a lot to me that so many of you are still behind Lois and Ned."
     Wally Kurth (Ned), Sofer's real-life husband, added, "As an actor I miss her... But as (Rena's) husband, I'm a bit reticent to bring her back because I want her to do other things, too."
     Sofer smiled, "Now that Brenda's leaving, I'll still listen to how Lois needs to come back for Ned, but she doesn't need to come back for Brenda. She doesn't need me - she's going to be in Beverly Hills," said Sofer, referring to Marcil's recent announcement that she'll be joining the cast of Beverly Hills, 90210.
     As Brenda's exit draws closer, many speculate that GH may have Maurice Benard (ex-Sonny) return so that Brenda can be written out with Sonny. And given Jax's appeal, he shouldn't be single for too long. One possible love interest is V Ardanowski, played by fan favorite Lisa Cerasoli.
     Although Jackson and the show are still trying to work out an agreement whereby his shooing schedule could be organized around his college classes, the actor's departure would leave another significant hole on the GH landscape. Anthony Geary (Luke) has been quoted in the past as saying that it might be better if Lucky was killed off if Jackon were to leave, given his association with the rule. But Lucky has been rather disenchanted with both of his parents lately, so having his character leave town to go to school would be a logical option. Recasting is another. A third would be to cast an actor in another role that would told fill the void left by Lucky. Rick Webber Jr., Laura's sibling and Lucky's uncle, is even younger than Lucky. However, Rick Jr. and Liz Webber share blood ties, so a romance between the two wouldn't be feasible.
     If Jackson stays on a recurring basis, another option is to move back-burner characters to the forefront. A.J. has had little to do since Billy Warlock assumed the role last year - but that may change after Sarah Brown's (Carly) maternity leave. The Ned/Alexis romance is also a story that could use more airtime.