‘General Hospital’: Cynthia Watros Talks Willow’s Wedding Day Shocker & Nina’s Betrayal

Cynthia Watros and Katelyn MacMullen - 'General Hospital'
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Disney/Christine Bartolucci)

It was the moment General Hospital fans had been waiting for. Moments before she was set to walk down the aisle, Willow Tait (Katelyn MacMullen) learned the shocking truth that her mother, Nina Reeves (Cynthia Watros), had a fling with her fiancé, Drew Cain (Cameron Mathison). The explosive confrontation that followed changed everything — and shattered the peace in their family.

While Nina had resolved to come clean with her daughter, it was Curtis Ashford (Donnell Turner) who ultimately spilled the beans. “I think Nina really wanted to tell Willow, but the fear of losing Willow triumphed over wanting to be honest with her daughter, unfortunately,” says Cynthia Watros (Nina).

After a conversation with Ava Jerome (Maura West) in the chapel, Nina decided it was time, unaware she was too late. “It’s been kind of a roller coaster,” notes Watros. “In the final scenes with Maura in the chapel, Nina and Ava had this moment, and it wasn’t written, but at the end, before Nina left to finally tell Willow the truth, I interjected, ‘This is it. It’s enough. This is enough.’ And I think I was just playing that Nina was at the end of the line, end of the road. So, Nina did go to Willow to tell her she wasn’t going to hide this secret any longer, but Willow already knew and confronted Nina with the information.”

Cameron Mathison and Cynthia Watros on General Hospital

Disney/Bahareh Ritter

An emotional war of words between mother and daughter ensued, during which Willow lashed out at Nina for her silence, a decision that ultimately cost Willow custody of the children she shares with Michael Corinthos (Rory Gibson). “Willow is understandably upset,” notes Watros. “Nina tried to plead her case, where she says it was before Willow and Drew had this intimate relationship and she didn’t know that they were developing such strong feelings for each other, but Nina understands that she should have told her, and it didn’t go well.”

Filming those pivotal scenes came with mixed emotions for Watros, who found herself pulled in two directions when acting opposite MacMullen. “Katelyn is so great,” Watros praises. “She does her work. She’s so good. She’s been excellent with this whole storyline, and she’s the most amazing, sweetest, loveliest person you can meet. So doing these scenes, it’s easy in one respect, because she’s so prepared, and she’s so on it, and it’s difficult in the other respect because I love her so much.

“It’s hard because I feel when Nina and Willow have confrontations and stuff, it’s really easy to access my heart, because I love her so much when I look into those eyes, but it’s also hard, because I don’t want to fight with her,” continues Watros. “So, it’s really easy and difficult at the same time.”

After the clash, Nina quickly rushed to leave the chapel, assuming the wedding was off. “Nina is heartbroken and really feels like she shouldn’t be there because they just had this big, blowout fight,” explains Watros. “And she goes to grab Liesel [Obrecht, Kathleen Gati], and Liesl’s like, ‘Don’t be crazy. We’re staying. Your daughter’s getting married,’ and then Willow is suddenly walking down the aisle. So, Nina is like, ‘Oh, my god, she’s going to actually do it, because she feels like marrying Drew is the only way to get her children back.’”

Cynthia Watros, Maura West - 'General Hospital'

Disney/Christine Bartolucci

Nina’s heart breaks as she watches Willow put her own happiness on the line. “Not only is Nina hurt because she’s no longer in Willow’s life,” Watros adds, “but she’s also hurt because her beautiful daughter is sacrificing herself for her children, which mothers do, but Nina doesn’t feel like she has to do that, that that’s not the path Willow should take. But Willow believes that marrying Drew is the only way.” (Tune in Monday for the dramatic conclusion of the nuptials!)

As for where it leaves Nina and Willow’s relationship, Watros says Nina will do what she can to make things right. “Nina will never give up,” Watros declares. “She is determined and persistent in wanting to have a relationship with her daughter, so she’ll always be there. If she sees Willow, she’ll always be checking in, and whether or not her daughter is receptive to that, she’ll always keep an open heart towards her daughter, so we’ll see. I hope they come back together. I love that Nina gets to have family, because it does mean so much to her. Cynthia’s heart breaks for Nina and to see what happens with this relationship. Willow can’t forgive her mother and we’re back at square one. Willow has just had it.”

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  1. B

    BlueBullhorn

    I think Willow should stop blaming everyone else and look at her own actions. Yes Nina should of told her as soon as she realized Willow was getting serious about Drew, but I can see Nina point, it wouldn't have mattered if she told Willow right away, Willow would of still blamed her. Willow is a pathetic Woman who needs to always be the victim. She can't take any responsibility for her own actions or the consequences that come with it. She disgusts me.

    86

    1. B

      Blue8Ball

      You got that right Kori... Willow would not listen to anyone but Drewfus... She let that snake lead her around like she didn't have a brain. Going all the way back to Drewfus lying about Jason's alibi for killing Cyrus and it was one thing after another after that.

      47

      1. O

        OrangeAirBalloon

        Nothing got out of hand til that first kiss on 4th of July! Nina started having a sexual relationship with Drew in April.3 to 4 months earlier than that kiss! If Nina had told her, it may have been early enough to end Willow lusting over Drew!!

        5

      2. S

        Sarah Stockton

        That's another lie I would love to see exposed. Will this man ever face public consequences?

        1

    2. C

      CyanStrawberry

      Nina need not wait till she seems serious, she should have told her the first minute

      2

    3. S

      Sarah Stockton

      Just true facts! Totally agree with you.

      1

  2. B

    BlueGrapes

    Oh, for the love of god!! Willow is to blame for this. Only her!! She was the married one, not Nina nor Drew. If she would had been faithful to her marriage vows, she would not be in this predictament. Get over it! Willow deserve to get what ever is coming her way.

    84

    1. B

      Blue8Ball

      I wholeheartedly agree Silver... Drewfus and Nina sleeping together has nothing to do with lame brain Willow breaking her wedding vows to have an affair with her uncle-in-law... That right there... Ugggg!!

      28

    2. P

      PurpleCorn

      Agree 💯

      11

    3. O

      OrangeAirBalloon

      Nina should have told her back in April that she was having sex with Drew. If she had MAYBE Willow wouldn't have lusted after him stealing kisses for months!!

      Maybe she would have gotten the ick factor and left them as no more than friends.

      Because Nina was a coward, we will never know IF she had told her IF this shit wouldn't have gone down

      2

    4. S

      Sarah Stockton

      Drew is equally at fault for kissing and courting his nephew's wife. Neither Willow nor Drew have a conscience

      1

  3. R

    RedCupcake

    When is it going to come out that Drew was the bad guy in paying off the nurse in Germany to not let Willow see Michael if she were to arrive for a visit (which she did).

    67

    1. R

      RedHat

      That will take a couple more years to come to Light, also about Willow was the one tormenting Sasha and Daisy, reason why I said years because GH is the only daytime soap to years to finish a storyline

      25

      1. O

        OliveSailboat

        LOL. Ain't that the truth.

        8

      2. S

        Sarah Stockton

        It takes too long. There is always fresh drama for GH. There is no need for it to take so long that fans forget or just don't care any longer. Willow needs to be exposed for her cruelty to Daisy and Sasha. She doesn't deserve visitation with Michael's kids. Anyone that would stalk an infant is a danger to others.

        3

    2. G

      GoldPopsicle

      I believe the writer's think we have forgotten that. They do think very little of their viewer's intelligence.

      9

      1. R

        RedApple

        Wish I could give your comment more than 1 (one) thumbs up!!! I agree completely. It feels as if they (writers) believe they need to dumb things down. I also believe that's partially responsible for a decline in viewership.

        1

    3. R

      RedWrench

      Then Sidwell paying off the judge! This crap on this show is getting old

      4

      1. S

        Sarah Stockton

        I hated that reveal. It was so unnecessary because the judges decision contained true facts. It took any from the fan reward of seeing the good guys win for once. That courtroom scene was satisfying and well acted. Seeing the judge at Sidwell's house days later was a real letdown.

        2

    4. S

      Sarah Stockton

      I want all the lies Drew told and all his dirty deeds to be publicly exposed for the people of Port Charles. Drew has so much to answer for and he never has any consequences.

      2

  4. O

    OrangePumpkin

    I’m looking forward to everyone finding out that she’s the one who is falling around with the baby something’s gotta bring her down. I’m disgusted with this storyline.

    67

    1. G

      GoldBattery

      If she dumps

      Drew he will blackmail HER to

      Get his way

      2

      1. S

        Sarah Stockton

        There is nothing I would put past Drew or Willow. Nothing is too low for them.

        2

    2. S

      Sarah Stockton

      If GH Execs ever browse social media in any form, they have to see that Drew and Willow's behavior and their relationship is exceedingly unpopular. The characters are universally despised. That's not the same as all publicity is good publicity. It is saying: shut this down.

      2

  5. R

    RedTurtle

    Michael told Willow if she left Drew she could see the kids. So why would she marry him? She has a better chance working things out WITHOUT Drew. 🙄🙄🙄

    47

    1. R

      RedHat

      Willow is Drew Puppet

      7

    2. O

      OrangeAirBalloon

      There is no chance to work anything out now that WillHO crossed the line and stalked Daisy and Sasha causing Michael to lose his daughter!!

      2

  6. B

    BlueHelmet

    I’m sick of the Willow and Drew drama. I think they should kick that willow to the curve and drew and get a new storyline. It’s getting really boring.

    39

    1. O

      OliveClover

      Carol, You sound and write like a true woman,!,!

      2

    2. S

      Sarah Stockton

      The character of Drew doesn't deserve a new storyline. He has burned all his bridges with glee. He is reprehensible and irredeemable. Drew needs a permanent break. Take the characters of Willow and Kai with him.

      1

  7. B

    Blue8Ball

    I don't think Willow is going to marry Drewfus... I think she's going to let him "have" at the altar... but maybe that's just wishful thinking on my part. Here's hoping...🤔😆

    38

  8. G

    GoldPuzzle

    Willow is just like Lulu, blaming everyone else for her mistakes. Nina should have come clean but she is not the reason Willow lost her kids. She ruined her own marriage and refused to listen to anyone about Drew. I for one do not think she puts her kids before Drew. She will go ahead and marry Drew then her troubles will really begin and she will want Nina's help. This story needs to have everything come out about Drew and his lies and Willow stalking Daisy.

    31

    1. O

      OrangeAirBalloon

      WillHO is crazy! Lulu isn't! Also there was the possibility that if Nina had told Willow back in APRIL( 3/4 months before that 4th of July kiss), that it would have been enough of an ick factor to keep Willow from lusting after her Uncle Creepy!! Willow never know because chicken shit COWARD Nina didn't even TRY!!!

      1. S

        Sarah Stockton

        Nothing would have worshipping Willow from fixating on her Greenland savior. She has to have one. First Chase then Michael then Drew. She cheated her way through the list and she willcontinue on and blame others when it backfires. I can't tolerate the ranting shrew that woke up as Lulu. She is not the free spirit of old. She goes between shrieking and being a bully for her good days. Her obsession with a teenage rival has cost Brook Lynn and Gio a true world of hurt. Now she's mismanaging Rocco. Know wonder he's searching for another mother.

        1

    2. S

      Sarah Stockton

      Preach that truth! Totally agree with you.

      1

  9. C

    CyanTag

    Willow is a good actress/ actor she makes me feel her emotion. I don’t know what Nina was thinking, but she should’ve came clean in the beginning.

    18

    1. S

      Sarah Stockton

      Katelyn's courtroom scenes and her sickening smile when she realized she ran Sasha and Daisy out of town were amazing. Katelyn is not Willow. Willow must go but I would welcome Katelyn back in another role.

    2. P

      PurpleAnchor

      Then it wouldn't be a soap opera.

      2

  10. P

    PurpleRing

    Why is no one blaming Drew? He's the creep!

    13

    1. P

      PurpleLeaf

      Thank you!

      7

  11. B

    BlueFan

    Willow thinks everything is Nina’s fault…she carries some of the blame but ultimately it is Willow’s fault….woman up girl and OWN your part of it

    7

  12. O

    OliveUmbrella

    They really ruined willow bad writing

    6

    1. B

      BlueUmbrella

      I agree 💯!! Final nail in the coffin when Portia told Willow about Drew's plan for Michael she didn't care.

      7

  13. O

    OrangeCoathanger

    Willow should let Drew have it and leave the wedding and go find Michael, and tell him what she knows. She needs to show Michael she chooses her children, and reconcile with him so they can coparent their kids.

    6

    1. O

      OliveSword

      I think too much has happened for Michael and Willow to ever reconcile! Honestly, I think Willow needs some mental health care, especially since she’s been messing around with Sasha and Michael’s baby! She’s just not mentally stable anymore since Drew has been sucking all the truth and life out of her! She needs serious help before being around even her own kids again!!! (And, YES, I know this is just a television show!!! LOL!)

      10

  14. P

    PurpleWheel

    I am so sick of Willows weak and depressed part. She always thinks she needs a man. She acts so helpless when she’s not going to break. She needs to grow up.

    6

  15. O

    OrangeMagnet

    Maybe their plane crashes on its way for honeymoon

    6

  16. G

    GreenBowtie

    I can't stand Willow. She is always the victim smh. In reality she gets everything she deserves because she puts her needs above others. She should not have them children.

    4

  17. O

    OliveBoomerang

    DREW AND NINA DIDN'T HAVE AN AFFAIR, NEITHER IS MARRIED OR ATTACHED TO ANYONE AT THAT TIME. Whoreillo was the one who had the affair

    4

  18. R

    RedCarrot

    Willow is a whiner, she is blind and deaf, everyone warned her about him, I just want to see it all come to end with Drew getting what he deserves ,losing everything and going to jail, and hopefully willow doesn't get her kids back, she is evil too

    3

  19. R

    RedWrench

    GH writers are horrible. You keep bringing back dead people or people from long ago. You have so many unfinished storylines. I didn't know the story about Rocko BUT Britt became the Co COS after what she did? I understand that this is fake and you are in sulting our intelligence here. Lol

    3

  20. O

    Olive8Ball

    Willow is the blame period she had a husband Nina had a fling before her adultery with Drew

    3

  21. G

    GreenButton

    But what about Sidwell, why did he pay the judge off to give Michael custody of his kids, yet backing Drew with the whole Sonny mob thing?

    Willow is going evil it looks like now.

    2

  22. P

    PurpleChilli

    After disliking Nina for so long, I feel bad for her. Yes, she should have told Willow from the beginning but Willow made it hard for her to each time she tried and bonding with her daughter and loving her and her grandchildren so much... I'll give her that.

    2

  23. C

    CyanController

    Since Willow is starting to show the potential to out-evil/manipulate even Drew, I wouldn't be surprised to see her marrying him and either killng him or trying to use some other method to get custody of Drew's daughter, Scout. Drew and Willow already signed papers making them legal guardians of each other's children if anything happens to them. I originally thought it was a way for Drew to get control over the Quartermaine shares belonging to Michael's children, but maybe this is what the set-up was leading to.

    2

  24. B

    BlueTooth

    All of Drew's skeletons in his closet need to come out and get him arrested.

    2

  25. C

    CyanTag

    So tired of Willow emotionally blackmailing Nina. I wish they'd write it differently!

    2

  26. R

    RedCloud

    Willow needs to & will blow up the wedding....yeahhhh!!!!

    Nina needs to talk with Michael & negotiate a good deal for Willow to again be able to be in her children's lives...I hope the writers don't screw this up like they've done time & time again!!!!

    2

  27. O

    OliveTooth

    Willow is a spoiled brat, narcissist. She automatically hates her mother now but is gonna walk down the isle to a CHEATER.

    She's nieve as all hell. Can't think for herself. AND I HAVE BEEN ASKING FOR DREWS REMOVAL since they brought him back. I do not care for him as DREW CANE at all. Billy Miller was the best Drew Cane we had on GH. RIP Billy!

    2

  28. P

    PurpleButterfly

    Willow is stupid and stupid can't be fixed so if she goes through with marrying evil Drew and that's beyond stupid after knowing him having slept with Nina. She should go to looney bin for sure. But someone need to bring down Drew and end this idiotic dragging storyline which as everyone is saying is now boring along with stupid Lulu's storyline. Blame everyone but themself. Oh wait how can they? They are stupid selfish and brainless idiots can't think for themself and no self respect. Just wanting attention from the world as poor them boo hoo. Get rid of these boring same stories week after week for so many many months. It's dragged on long enough. Or get new writers.

    1

  29. O

    OrangeTag

    There was an episode of GH when willow heard somebody say that Nina and grew were sleeping together months ago and GH is trying to act like we didn’t see that episode.

    1

  30. G

    GreenRocket

    Willow knows leaving Drew is the key to getting her kids. How many times has she been told- just leave Drew ? So her walking down the aisle is not believable

    1

  31. R

    RedTurtle

    Willow should understand that Nina and Drew was single at the time, she on the other hand was still married to Micheal so how is it Nina fault of having an affair with. That part of the storyline is off. Nina should have came clean with Willow but Willow did it herself she felt into Drew arms Nina didn’t push her into that man’s arms. Drew is the biggest villain of all. Please Willow forgive your mother and drop Drew.

    1

    1. P

      PurpleCorn

      Agree, Willow said it herself, she’s an adult and she made the decision to break her vows to Michael. Willow had no business sleeping with her husband’s uncle. I don’t like that Willow is putting all the blame on Nina. True, Nina should’ve come clean from the beginning. But the accountability all falls on Willow and Drew. Hopefully, Liesl will put Willow in her place.

      58

      1. O

        OliveSailboat

        Liesl puts everyone in their place. She calls out anyone. Love her.

        10

        1. S

          Sarah Stockton

          Leisl is always on target. Just like Tracy used to be before her vision was clouded by her obsession with Sonny.

          2

      2. O

        OliveClover

        I agree that Nina should have let Willow know when Nina first discovered that willow was falling for Drew, The writers did not want the story to go that way,!

        4

    2. C

      CyanPumpkin

      But she said what we all knew. Nina doesn’t have a maternal bone in her body or she would’ve told her. Wouldn’t we have told our daughter I know I would have.

      4

    3. S

      Sarah Stockton

      I can'twait for Leisl to weigh in on this point with Willow. Plain talk is always so hard to hear. 😅

      2

  32. O

    OrangeLamp

    I think Willow just needs to suck it up and realize what going on. Im tired of her and Drew. BUT I think Kristina is getting just as bad. I mean shes just trying to cover her bbutt.Molly needs to figure out about the blackmailand turn Kristina in. Molly wants to be friends with Cody and Kristina just puts him down so Molly will have no interest. She is just doing this to cover her and her mom she doesn't care about Molly.