NIKOLAS AND EMILY
TYLER | NATALIA

Original Nikolas' Return Fuels The Spencer/Cassadine Feud!
ABC Soaps In Depth
April 29, 2003

Big changes are in the works for the longstanding Cassadine/Spencer feud, beginning with the recasting of GENERAL HOSPITAL's Nikolas with his original portrayer, Tyler Christopher.

The In Depth Story: In a casting move that caught many off guard, Christopher has replaced Coltin Scott in the role he created in 1996. Scott last airs on Wednesday, April 16, Christopher assumes the role on Monday, April 21.

Explaining the sudden switch, GH executive produer Jill Farren Phelps says, "The original actor became available, and it was an opportunity we didn't want to pass up."

Christopher concurs that it was a matter of him and GH being on the same page. "It was a mutual sort of yearning," he shares with Soaps In Depth.

The actor, who has recently enjoyed a string of primetime guest-star gigs, offers, "from an actor's standpoint, [episodics are] basically vehicals to get you something else." That "something else" is an elusive full-time role. "There are more and more film people flooding into television, reality TV is crushing all the drams out there...I was just kind of fed up with constantly getting the 'big job," the "big pilot," and for whatever reason, it doesn't get picked up," he admits.

Recent changes in the character of Nikolas have seen a renewed interest in Spencer/Cassadine antagonism. But the return of the role's originator may change the story's direction. Acknowledging that he didn't keep tabs on Scott's take on the role, Christopher says, "Hopefully, I can bring back the lighter, vulnerable side that apparently wasn't there." Adds GH co-headwriter Charles Pratt Jr., "We will be changing the writing of Nikolas and reindoctrinating our writers to write for Tyler. Most of our script writers have had experience with him, and are thrilled by this change of events."

As for Scott, Phelps adds, "Coltin did a great job , and we wish him all the best."