Casting Shocker: General Hospital’s Lexi Ainsworth Out, Days of Our Lives Fan Fave In as Kristina

For ages, fans have been wanting to see General Hospital give the character of Kristina both more airtime and a bigger storyline. It looks like Sonny’s daughter will finally be getting both… as well as an entirely new look! In an unexpected bit of news, Soap Opera Digest reports that Lexi Ainsworth will no longer be appearing in the part, and that when next we see Kristina, she’ll be played by Kate Mansi!

If Mansi looks familiar, that’s probably because you’re familiar with her work on Days of Our Lives, where she played the ill-fated Abigail Deveraux DiMera on-and-off between 2016 and her final appearance in 2020. (During much of that period, she periodically switched off with Marci Miller, who was playing the role when the character was cruelly murdered just as she and her husband were planning to expand their family.)

According to Digest, Ainsworth already has put in her last appearance. Ironically, it was in the episode which aired on April 27, during which Dante insisted on a family photo with his sister, their brother Michael (who was about to tie the knot) and their dad, Sonny. During her stint with the show, Ainsworth was nominated for Emmys in the category of Outstanding Younger Actress twice, walking away a winner in 2017. During her absence from 2012-2013, the part was played by Linsey Morgan (who was nominated in the same category in 2013).

As for Mansi — she already has begun taping and will first appear on air the week of May 22.

Storylinewise, Kristina has not had much to do over the past few years, although she did recently become manager of Charlie’s Pub and dad Sonny provided funding to support the Corinthos-Davis House for homeless youth. Here, Ainsworth explains what went down, how she feels and what’s next.

For a complete look at what other actors have left (or are planning to exit) General Hospital, check out our full gallery.