Lots of major casting news has been going on at General Hospital. Jonathan Jackson returned to the show yesterday afternoon.

Today, there are two major announcements:

1. Natalia Livingston is leaving. No word yet on when Rebecca will bid farewell to Port Charles, but the actress is departing the show for good.
2. Marsha Thomason has been cast as a "mystery woman." The character will be involved in some way in James Franco's storyline, according to Soap Opera Digest. Thomason, pictured, appeared in the pilot episode of USA's White Collar.

Said a General Hospital spokesperson, of Livingston:

"We were thrilled that we were able to get Natalia back for a second run, after her Emmy winning turn as Emily Quartermaine. The character of Rebecca Shaw will soon depart the canvas and Natalia has decided to pursue other projects. A beloved member of the GH family, the entire cast and crew wish her well in all her future endeavors."

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.