Though contract talks were protracted, Emmy winner Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos) will be sticking around General Hospital.

"It's great to stay home for a little while longer doing what I love to do thanks for all your support couldn't do it without you," Benard shared on Twitter.

The news of Benard's re-signing was first reported by Soaps In Depth.

Rumors of Benard's exit have swirled for weeks, prompting speculation on social media that Sonny would meet a variety of fates. In fact, an insider tells Soap Central that GH had a story in place in the event that Benard opted not to re-sign. It is unclear whether that involved Sonny meeting an untimely shanking in prison or nothing more than an open-ended stay in Pentonville

Benard debuted on General Hospital in 1993. He took a year-long break from the show in 1997, rejoining GH in December 1998. The actor earned an Emmy win for Outstanding Lead Actor in 2003. Soap fans may also remember that Benard appeared as Nico Kelly on All My Children from 1987 to 1989.

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