General Hospital Just Got One Step Closer to Hayden’s Return

If General Hospital viewers were playing a drinking game in which they had to chug every time Hayden’s name was mentioned, they’d all be passed out by the end of any recent episode. Shawn’s determined to find out who really shot the beauty — not to mention Nikolas’ desire to prevent the truth from coming out — have led to her being the most-mentioned unseen character since Norm’s wife, Vera, on Cheers.

But on August 6, we get one step closer to what seems like the inevitable return of both Hayden and her portrayer, Rebecca Budig. Why? Because that’s the day on which Hayden’s mom, Naomi Dreyfus, shows up. While the part was played in the past by Robin Riker (perhaps best known to soap fans for her stint as Brooke’s mom, Beth, on The Bold and the Beautiful), Naomi will this time around be played by Gigi Birmingham.

More: Days legend heading to Port Charles

Birmingham is no stranger to daytime. In fact, back in 2006, she played Dr. Lois Banks, a psycho who tried several times to do away with everyone’s favorite soap shrink, Days of Our Lives‘ Marlena!

Naomi, you might recall, is the wife of the ex-wife of Raymond Berlin… which is where things get a little bit complicated, in true soap style. Because although Hayden Barnes’ real name is Rachel Berlin, were she to take her real father’s name, she’d be Rachel Webber given that she is actually the product of an affair between Naomi and Dr. Jeff Webber.

While there’s been no word as to if or when Budig’s Hayden will return to Port Charles, it seems almost inevitable that the search for her shooter will lead to the character’s return. And the timing certainly couldn’t be better, what with half-sister Elizabeth getting closer every day to Finn, who just happens to be Hayden’s ex and the father of her adorable daughter, Violet.

More: New deets on Cameron Mathison’s GH character

What do you think, casting detectives? Is this appearance by Hayden’s mom simply a coincidence or opening the door to the character’s return? While we ponder that, why not check out this gallery of General Hospital characters who, like Hayden, we’d love to see back on the canvas!