Q: Is it true that Michael Easton is returning to "General Hospital"? If so, I am so excited. I just loved him as any and all of the soap characters he played. — Alyson of Baton Rouge, La.

A: Let the excitement begin! Easton played vampire Caleb on "Port Charles," cop John McBain on "One Life to Live" and, lastly, Dr. Silas Clay on "General Hospital." When his character was killed off on GH, the gracious actor took to his Facebook page thanking the folks at the show and his fans for the wonderful time he had.

While Easton may have taken the news well, GH viewers were furious and bombarded social media with "how can they do this!" missives.

Frank Valentini, executive producer of "General Hospital," announced Tuesday that the actor was coming back to the show.

Not only did fans burst with excitement; many GH stars took to Twitter to share their joy over the news as well. "General Hospital" stars like Kelly Monaco, Michelle Stafford, Nancy Lee Grahn, William deVry, Rebecca Budig, Vinessa Antoine and Hayley Erin all tweeted about how thrilled they were, and Valentini shared all of the posts.

Taking to Facebook, Easton acknowledged the news of his return and thanked the fans for their kindness and support, indicating that their support is what led to his return to Port Charles. When Silas was killed last year, it infuriated fans, and some even started petitions angling for his return.

GH fans are dying to know whom Michael Easton will play this time around. The show has been pretty quiet about Easton's return gig beyond sharing that his episodes start airing soon and he will play a new character.

ABC executive Nathan Varni shared via Facebook that additional details would be revealed in late February. Mysterious mobster "Dixon" is a concrete possibility. Paul and Ava have been referencing this powerful and shadowy figure lately. And notably, his name was mentioned for the first time just this week. ("Oh, no," you might be saying. "Not another mobster on 'General Hospital.'" But we'll take Easton any way we can get him.)

Sources say that Valentini ran into Easton in a grocery store and asked if he would be willing to return. Promised a great character and story line, he said yes.

The anecdote brings to mind Susan Seaforth Hayes, who played Julie on "Days of Our Lives." Years after she had been written off the show she ran into the executive producer, Ken Corday. He asked if she would like to return, and she did. Our advice to any out-of-work actor is to find out where the executive producer shops. The trip may turn into a job.

One of the great things about soaps is that networks and producers listen to fans. Drake Hogestyn (John, "Days of Our Lives") returned this year and was given a front-burner story line. Likewise, years ago, "General Hospital" brought back the character Tony (played by Brad Maule) due to audience demand. These are just two examples of fans talking and shows listening.

To find out more about Lynda Hirsch and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com.

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