It was late January 2024 when Spencer Cassadine plunged into the icy Seine in Paris, dragging his nemesis Esme Prince down with him. For fans of General Hospital, that wasn't just a plot twist. It was a gut-punch. We all knew Nicholas Chavez was taking a break to film that big Netflix monster show, but nobody actually thought it would be the end of "Sprina."
Chemistry is a weird thing. You can't fake it, and you certainly can't manufacture it with a high production budget. When Tabyana Ali took over the role of Trina Robinson in 2022, she didn't just step into a character; she stepped into a whirlwind. Her and Chavez together? It was magic. It was that old-school, stay-home-from-work-to-watch-your-stories kind of magic.
But now it's 2026. The landscape has shifted. Nicholas is a bona fide primetime star, and Tabyana is still holding it down in Port Charles while carving out her own lane in film and literature. People keep asking: are they still friends? Will he ever come back?
Honestly, the answer is a lot more complicated than a simple "yes" or "no."
The Spark That Made Nicholas Chavez and Tabyana Ali Unstoppable
Look, soaps are usually where young actors cut their teeth and move on. But these two didn't just "do time" on daytime. They elevated it. Chavez brought this intense, brooding energy to Spencer that felt way too grounded for a guy playing a prince from a fake island. Then you have Ali, who brought a vulnerability to Trina that made the "Sprina" romance feel like a real-life first love rather than just a script.
They weren't just coworkers. They were partners in the trenches. Ali has been open about how respectful Chavez was during their first love scenes—always asking where she was comfortable being touched and making sure she felt safe. That kind of trust is why their scenes felt so intimate.
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The fans noticed. In 2024, San Antonio literally declared a "Tabyana Ali Day." That’s the kind of power we’re talking about here. They weren't just actors; they were icons for a new generation of soap viewers who finally saw a modern, diverse, and deeply passionate couple on their screens.
Why the "Sprina" Divorce Hits Different in 2026
When Nicholas left for Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, the plan was "hiatus." But then Hollywood did what Hollywood does. He was too good. Between Monsters and Ryan Murphy’s Grotesquerie, Nicholas became the "it" guy of 2024 and 2025.
Suddenly, the "open door" to Port Charles started looking a little more like a window.
By May 2024, Nicholas confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that there were no current plans to return. That hurt. It hurt because Tabyana’s Trina was left in a state of perpetual mourning. While she’s had new interests—like the charming Gio Palmieri played by Giovanni Mazza—the shadow of Spencer Cassadine is long.
The Social Media "Drama"
There’s been a ton of gossip. You've probably seen the TikToks or the deep-dive Reddit threads. Why did Nicholas unfollow Tabyana on Instagram? Is there beef?
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Some people blamed Nicholas’s real-life girlfriend, Victoria Abbott. Others thought he was just trying to distance himself from the "soap actor" label to be taken seriously in prestige TV. Nicholas himself has been polite but distant in interviews, saying he wishes Tabyana nothing but the best but admitting they haven't talked much.
It's the classic "high school friends who went to different colleges" vibe. One stayed in the hometown (the soap), and the other went to the big city (Hollywood). It happens. It sucks, but it’s real.
What They Are Doing Right Now
If you’re looking for where they are today, they’re both busier than ever.
Nicholas Chavez isn't looking back. As of early 2026, he’s attached to high-profile projects like the psychological thriller The Technique alongside Ben Platt and Emma Roberts. He’s proven he can play dark, complex, and even villainous roles. He’s no longer just the kid from General Hospital. He’s a heavyweight.
Tabyana Ali, meanwhile, is becoming a bit of a mogul. She’s not just Trina.
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- Movies: She starred in the coming-of-age film Empire Waist in late 2024/2025, proving she has the chops for the big screen.
- Books: She’s continued her writing career, following up her children's books My Flower Child and My Super B.
- The Soap: She remains a pillar of General Hospital. In 2026, her storylines have shifted toward family mysteries and a potential new romance with Gio, though the writers know they can't just replace Spencer overnight.
Is a Reunion Ever Possible?
Here is the truth: In the world of soaps, "dead" is a suggestion. Spencer is "presumed dead" in the Seine. No body was ever found. That is Soap Writing 101 for "we want to leave the door open in case we can pay him enough to come back for a month."
Will Nicholas Chavez return? Maybe for a special 65th-anniversary episode or a "ghost" appearance. But for now, he’s chasing Emmys of a different variety. Tabyana is the one keeping the "Sprina" legacy alive, handling the pressure of a massive fanbase with a grace that most veterans don't even have.
How to Follow Their Journey in 2026
If you want to keep up with them, you have to look in two different places now:
- Watch Tabyana on ABC: She’s still a series regular. Her current 2026 arc involves unravelling the mystery of a certain ringtone heard the night Drew was shot—classic Port Charles drama.
- Stream Nicholas on Netflix/Hulu: Look for his work in the Ryan Murphy universe. It’s a far cry from the Cassadine mansion, but his talent is undeniable.
- Support Tabyana’s Books: If you want to see her creative side outside of acting, her bibliography is growing.
The era of Nicholas Chavez and Tabyana Ali as a daily duo might be over, but their impact on daytime television changed the game. They proved that soap operas can still produce world-class talent and stories that break the internet. Even if they never share a frame again, "Sprina" remains the standard that every new soap couple is measured against.
What you can do next: If you're missing the chemistry, your best bet is to check out the General Hospital archives on Hulu or YouTube for the "Ice Princess" storyline in Greenland. It remains their absolute peak. Also, keep an eye on the casting news for the Williamstown Theatre Festival—Nicholas has been known to return to his stage roots there.