Hot on the heels of the news that General Hospital has had to temporarily recast both Tyler Christopher's Nikolas and Kirsten Storms's Maxie comes word that they'll be doing without Finola Hughes (Anna Devane), as well.

Soap Opera Digest reports that the actress will be taking an extended vacation over the summer, meaning her alter ego will be off the canvas for most of the season leading into fall.

As fans may recall, Hughes took a break from GH last year to film the movie The Byrd and the Bees, which ultimately never saw the light of day due to financial issues. In October 2015, GH executive producer Frank Valentini announced that Hughes had signed a new contract and would "continue to make General Hospital [her] home for years to come."

At this time, it's unclear how Anna's upcoming absence will be explained in story.

What do you think about Hughes's Anna being gone for most of the summer? Who would you like to see the soap focus on in her absence? Share your thoughts in the Comments section below, on our message boards, or by submitting Feedback.