Some big casting changes have been rumored to be taking place on General Hospital, though fans shouldn't be too worried just yet that three major characters are either being written off or their actors replaced permanently.

Roger Howarth (Franco Baldwin), Tyler Christopher (Nikolas Cassadine) and Kirsten Storms (Maxie Jones) all have been at the epicenter of casting news and rumors lately, and while Christopher and Stroms' exits have been confirmed, none are expected to be gone on a permanent basis.

Christopher's exit was confirmed last week, just after the Nurse's Ball episode which saw his character take what appeared to be a shocking fall from one of the windows at Wyndemere, where he was seen motionless and bloodied on the rocks below. He then appeared to disappear into the harbor, and is currently classified as missing.

Daytime Confidential reported that Christopher would be temporarily replaced by Nick Stabile, after Christopher reportedly asked for time off due to personal reasons. He has also reportedly been going through some lengthy contract negotiations as well.

Also going through what has been reported to be a lengthy contract negotiations period is Howarth, thanks to a blind news item in Soap Opera Digest, which claimed that one of the show's veteran actors had producers and execs playing "hardball" with him when it came to his contract negotiation. However, Executive Producer Nathan Varni has since spoken out to call that rumor out as being false.

"Soooo you know how sometimes people like to get our loyal GH fans all fired up over nothing? That sadly happened earlier today in regard to the magnificent and talented Roger Howarth," he said in a statement. "For some reason a certain blogger took a blind item which was posted and fooled everyon into believing it was Roger and GH related. I'm happy to confirm their 'sources' perhaps thought today was April Fools Day and decided to completely make up the story without ever reaching out to ABC to ask the question...That truth is that blind item...had absolutely nothing to do with GH or Mr, Howarth."

Storms' exit was not related to her contract negotiations, and is also temporary. News first broke of her leaving over the weekend, with a replacement already set to take over as Days of Our Lives' Molly Burnett had been recast to portray Maxie Jones, and is slated to make her first appearance in July. No reason was initially given, though Storms has since posted on Facebook to confirm it is only temporary and is due to a personal health-related issue.

"Tweeters! First, thank you for the outpouring of love & support. I appreciate the positive messages I've received," she wrote. "Second, yes I am taking a little break from work due to some skin issues I've been having. My dr's say my breakouts are due to stress, but shouldn't take too long to get under control. (I can say that I'm on the better end of it now). However, it was becoming too difficult for GH to cover up. And we all know in this biz appearance is important. In the meantime I look forward to seeing Molly on screen as I take the next few weeks to heal. Again-thanks for the love and you will see me again in no time!"

General Hospital airs Monday-Friday at 3 p.m. on ABC.

Tags: general hospital ABC Soap Operas