General Hospital’s Josh Kelly (Cody Bell) has made a major shift in his contract status, and fans are buzzing with questions about what this means for his future on the show. In a recent interview with Soap Opera Digest, Kelly opened up about why he made the decision to go off contract, and what the change means for Cody’s future in General Hospital.
Why Josh Kelly Decided to Go Off Contract with GH 
Josh Kelly confirmed that it was his personal decision to drop down to recurring status, and while it’s a significant change, it doesn’t signal his exit from the show. In fact, Kelly made it clear that he has no plans to leave General Hospital anytime soon. When asked about his decision, Kelly explained that he wanted more flexibility in his schedule to pursue outside projects.
“I want to stay on General Hospital forever!” Kelly exclaimed with enthusiasm. However, the actor’s busy schedule meant that staying on contract at GH wasn’t feasible at the moment. Kelly revealed that he’s planning to film a movie with his real-life girlfriend Chloe Lanier (former Nelle Benson), which will take about two months to complete. On top of that, Kelly is also working on a sequel to The Workout, a movie that will be released this summer. With so much going on outside of GH, Kelly realized that maintaining his contract would hinder his ability to take on these exciting new opportunities.
“I just wouldn’t be able to do that if I was on contract; you don’t just get to go off and do a bunch of other projects,” Kelly explained. “I wouldn’t expect the show to work around my schedule.” This led to his decision to become a recurring player, ensuring that he could continue with General Hospital while also pursuing his other passions.
Cody Bell’s Complex Storyline
Even though Kelly is no longer a full-time contract player, his character, Cody Bell, remains at the heart of some intense storylines. Cody is currently involved in a complicated love triangle, with his feelings for Molly Lansing-Davis (Kristen Vaganos) on one side, and Kristina Corinthos-Davis (Kate Mansi) trying to drive a wedge between them. Kristina has been working behind the scenes, using Cody to distract Ava Jerome (Maura West), but it’s clear that Cody has developed a genuine connection with Ava, complicating things further.
Recently, Tracy Quartermaine (Jane Elliot) had a heart-to-heart with Cody, and her advice about self-respect left him questioning his actions. After their conversation, Cody bailed on his date with Ava, leaving fans wondering where his heart truly lies.
Josh Kelly’s Hopes for Cody’s Love Life: Tracy Quartermaine?
While Cody’s current romantic entanglements are tumultuous, Kelly has a personal hope for his character’s future love life. In his interview, he joked about his desire for Cody to pursue a relationship with none other than Tracy Quartermaine. “I will not leave the show until they allow Cody to date Tracy!” Kelly laughed, sparking excitement among fans who might love to see this unexpected pairing blossom.
Though there’s no official word yet on whether this will come to fruition, Kelly’s playful declaration shows that he’s still deeply invested in Cody’s future. And with General Hospital’s history of surprising twists and complicated relationships, who knows what the future holds for Cody and his potential love interests.
What’s Next for Cody Bell on GH?
While Kelly’s schedule may keep him away from the show occasionally, it seems Cody Bell still has plenty of drama ahead of him. General Hospital spoilers tease that there will be more shocking moments in Cody’s storyline, particularly regarding his role in Kristina’s plot and his budding connection with Ava. Fans are also eager to see how Cody’s evolving feelings for Molly and his struggles with Kristina play out in the coming months.
For now, Cody’s future in Port Charles is still in the works, with plenty of room for more twists and turns in his journey. Whether it’s navigating love, loyalty, or the ever-present drama at GH, Cody Bell’s character remains an integral part of the show’s pulse. As long as Josh Kelly is willing to stay, fans can look forward to more of Cody’s compelling storylines.
Will Cody Stay in Port Charles Long-Term? 
Despite the shift to recurring status, Kelly has made it clear that he loves playing Cody Bell and has every intention of sticking around as long as possible. “I’d like to stay on General Hospital forever,” he said, indicating his long-term commitment to the character. While his outside projects may occasionally pull him away, it seems that Kelly is determined to keep Cody’s story alive in Port Charles.
As the storyline for Cody continues to unfold, there are sure to be more shocking revelations, complicated relationships, and emotional moments that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. Whether it’s Cody’s involvement in Kristina’s schemes, his struggles with love, or his continued role in the drama at GH, there’s no shortage of excitement on the horizon.
General Hospital fans can rest assured that while Josh Kelly may be taking a step back from full-time contract status, his character, Cody Bell, is far from finished. With new twists and potential romances on the way, Cody’s journey is just beginning, and fans can’t wait to see what happens next.
Stay tuned for more updates, spoilers, and behind-the-scenes news on General Hospital!