Tyler Christopher NOT returning to GH

Much to the dismay of thousands of General Hospital fans, it looks like Tyler Christopher will not be returning to the role of Nikolas Cassadine.

Though fans have been on pins and needles, awaiting the return of General Hospital's Tyler Christopher (Nikolas Cassadine), it looks like the actor will not be reprising his role after all.

Multiple sources have confirmed to Soap Central that the actor and the powers that be at GH hoped to strike a new deal but were unable to come to terms during contract negotiations, meaning Christopher won't be stepping back into the shoes of the character he originated in 1996. The actor cleared out his dressing room earlier this month.

Love General Hospital, B&B, DAYS or other soaps? Join the conversation on our SC boards! Click here to connect with fans and dive into discussions now

RELATED GH NEWS: Bryan Craig asks to be let out of GH contract

Christopher left Port Charles in June of this year for what were described as "personal reasons." The show temporarily hired Nick Stabile to fill the role of Nikolas, but his stint ended on July 19 when the character turned up missing after a fall. Shortly after, Christopher announced during the GH Fan Club Weekend that he was on his way back to the show, but the actor later took to Twitter to clarify his statement. "Slow down [everyone] I said I THINK Sept. will b my return 2 #GH," he wrote about his Fan Club Weekend announcement. "Nothing official yet. Thanks for all the love 2day though. #Muchappreciated"

A GH rep confirms that Christopher will not be returning to the show. However, at this time, there's no word on whether or not GH plans to recast Nikolas or if the character will remain off the canvas. Soap Opera Digest first reported on Christopher's non-return.

UPDATE:Christopher broke his silence on Twitter Wednesday evening.

"Thank u all for your kind words," Christopher posted on Twitter. "You're the best fans in the world. I will miss u! #whatarun"

How do you feel about the news that Tyler Christopher will not be returning to GH? Would you like to see the character recast? If so, who could you see in the role? We want to hear from you -- so drop your comments in the Comments section below, tweet about it on Twitter, share it on Facebook, or chat about it on our Message Boards.