Genie Francis Takes a Break From ‘General Hospital’ — When Will Laura Return?

If you watched Monday’s General Hospital and immediately started wondering whether we were about to lose Laura Collins again, do not panic just yet. Genie Francis is taking a break from the ABC soap, but this is not being reported as a permanent goodbye.

Francis made her final appearance before her hiatus on the Monday, August 31 episode of General Hospital. The temporary departure comes as the longtime GH star begins her annual summer break from the soap, with Laura’s latest storyline providing a very convenient reason to get the mayor of Port Charles out of town for a while.

Where Is Laura Going on ‘General Hospital’?

Laura is headed to Ireland, where she plans to visit her husband, Kevin Collins, and her grandson Ace. She is also taking a leave of absence from her duties as mayor while she is away.

Before leaving Port Charles, however, Laura had a little unfinished business. She attempted to get Sonny and Drew to agree to a ceasefire while she was gone, because apparently Laura knows these grown men cannot be left unsupervised for five minutes.

Drew wasn't exactly eager to cooperate. Laura wanted him to back away from the Pier 55 auction so Sonny could reclaim the property, but Drew wasn't interested in playing nice. Sonny, meanwhile, promised Laura that he intended to continue operating as a legitimate businessman and wouldn't allow his feud with Drew to affect the younger members of their families.

Good luck with that, Laura. Enjoy Ireland.

Is Genie Francis Leaving ‘General Hospital’ for Good?

No. Francis' absence is temporary and is tied to her annual hiatus from General Hospital. Soap Opera Digest also lists Francis among this week's GH comings and goings, confirming that Laura's August 31 appearance was her last before the break.

Fans should also be used to Francis taking some time away from Port Charles. The actress has taken scheduled breaks from the soap before, with GH writing Laura temporarily off the canvas until Francis returns.

This time, viewers can expect Laura back later this fall. And considering everything happening in Port Charles right now, she might want to enjoy that vacation while she can.

What Happens When Laura Returns?

Now that is where things could get interesting.

Laura's trip puts her back in Kevin's orbit after his extended absence from Port Charles. At the same time, GH has continued keeping Ezra Boyle in Laura's story. Before leaving, Laura prepared Ezra to handle responsibilities at City Hall during her absence, while making it clear that she expected him to take the job seriously.

Whether Laura returns from Ireland with Kevin, without Kevin or with an entirely different outlook on her marriage remains to be seen. There is also the small matter of Port Charles itself. Laura has been trying to keep Sonny and Drew from completely destroying each other, while her position as mayor keeps pulling her into several of the show's biggest storylines.

Translation: Laura Collins is going on vacation, but the mess will absolutely still be waiting for her when she gets back.

For now, General Hospital fans can relax. Genie Francis isn't saying goodbye to Laura. She's simply taking her usual break, and Port Charles' mayor is expected back on our screens later this fall.