It may be about two weeks late, but General Hospital fans have been given a belated Christmas miracle. General Hospital execs have done an about face and decided not to release John Ingle (Edward Quartermaine) from the show.

As first reported exclusively by Soap Central, Ingle was informed by show brass in early December that his contract would not be renewed after the holidays. Ingle was one of four performers who received their walking papers around that time.

In an official statement released in December regarding Ingle's departure, ABC praised Ingle as "always the consummate gentleman," but noted that "his storyline will soon develop in a way that takes him off the canvas of General Hospital, and as a result, John will be leaving the show in the near future."

But last-minute changes to the show's storylines may have given Edward -- and Ingle -- another life.

"Whenever a storyline is created for one of our characters, the script and the show's canvas constantly evolve. As such, the role of Edward Quartermaine -- so perfectly portrayed by consummate gentleman John Ingle -- will continue on the daytime drama into the foreseeable future," the network said in a prepared statement. "The cast and crew are thrilled John will remain with General Hospital."

Upon learning of Ingle's release, a fan base mobilized to pressure ABC into re-hiring the actor. It is unclear if this campaign had any influence in the network's decision to keep Ingle on board.

Ingle, the third actor to portray Edward, joined the cast of General Hospital in 1993.