Chemistry is a funny thing. You can’t fake it, especially not on a soap opera where fans spend five days a week dissecting every single look and sigh. When Evan Hofer joined the cast of General Hospital as the mysterious Dex Heller back in 2022, the "Jex" shippers didn't just appear overnight—they exploded. But while their characters, Dex and Josslyn Jacks, were busy navigating mob hits and secret rendezvous, the real-life rumors about Evan Hofer and Eden McCoy started to take on a life of their own.
Honestly, the line between Port Charles and reality got pretty blurry for a while there.
Everyone wanted to know if that sizzle was just good acting or something more. It’s the classic soap fan dilemma. We see two beautiful people falling in love on screen, and we naturally want the fairytale to continue once the cameras stop rolling. With Evan and Eden, the breadcrumbs were everywhere. Brunch dates, karaoke nights, and birthdays spent together. It wasn't just "work friends" behavior; it felt deeper.
The "Jex" Phenomenon and the Real-Life Spark
Let’s be real for a second. The transition from Josslyn’s "safe" relationship with Cameron Webber to the high-stakes drama with Dex was a massive shift for the show. Eden McCoy, who has literally grown up on our screens, was suddenly playing a much more mature, complicated version of Josslyn. And Evan Hofer? He brought this guarded, soulful energy that matched her perfectly.
Fans noticed the off-screen clues almost immediately.
They weren't just posting professional headshots. They were sharing glimpses of their life outside the ABC studios. One minute they're at a General Hospital fan event, and the next, they’re popping up in each other’s Instagram stories at personal celebrations. While they never officially dropped a "we are dating" press release—because who does that anyway?—the intimacy was hard to ignore.
Why the Mystery Kept Us Hooked
Privacy is a rare commodity in Hollywood, and these two handled it with a lot of grace. Even when interviewers tried to corner them about their status, they usually pivoted back to how much they respected each other as performers.
Eden once mentioned how "special" it was to build the relationship between Joss and Dex with Evan. She praised his professionalism and his kindness. Evan, for his part, has always been vocal about how much he enjoyed working with Eden and the legendary Maurice Benard. That kind of mutual admiration is the foundation of any good partnership, whether it’s romantic or just a very close friendship.
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That Shocking December Exit
The soap world was rocked in late 2024 when Dex Heller was killed off. It was sudden. It was brutal. And for fans who had invested years into "Jex," it felt like a betrayal. Dex took his last breath just as Josslyn arrived to see him—a classic, heartbreaking soap opera trope that usually leaves the audience screaming at their TVs.
But the real story was in the aftermath.
Eden McCoy’s reaction wasn't just "actress sad about co-worker leaving." She spoke openly about the shock of the news and the genuine "grieving for that era." She talked about sharing those final moments on and off screen. It felt like the end of a chapter for both of them, not just as characters, but as a duo that had become inseparable in the eyes of the public.
- The Shock Factor: Evan’s exit wasn't something anyone saw coming, including the cast.
- The Emotional Weight: Eden described a deep sadness at not getting to work with Evan every day.
- The Future: Both actors have expressed nothing but support for whatever comes next in their respective careers.
Are They Still Together in 2026?
So, here is where things get a bit tricky. After Evan left General Hospital, the constant stream of joint content slowed down. That’s natural. When you aren't working 12-hour days on the same set, you aren't going to be in each other's pockets as much.
As of early 2026, the status of their relationship is a bit of a "wait and see" situation. They haven't confirmed a breakup, but they also haven't been as public about their time together as they were during the height of their GH run. Some fans think they've simply decided to keep their private lives actually private now that they aren't "work-official." Others worry the distance of different projects might have pulled them apart.
What we do know is that the bond they formed during those years in Port Charles was legitimate. You don't fake that kind of rapport.
What Most People Get Wrong
A common misconception is that if actors stop posting together, they must have broken up. In reality, many young actors in the industry are moving toward a "soft-launch" or "no-launch" approach to dating. They saw what happens when a relationship becomes the brand. If things go south, the fallout is public and messy. By keeping things low-key, Evan and Eden have managed to protect whatever they have—or had—from the intense scrutiny of the daytime TV fandom.
What’s Next for Evan and Eden?
Evan Hofer is a talent. Before General Hospital, he was making waves in projects like Dwight in Shining Armor and the film Run the Race. His departure from soaps usually means one thing: he’s looking to break into primetime or film. He’s got the look, the range, and the work ethic.
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Eden McCoy remains the crown jewel of the younger GH cast. She’s an Emmy winner for a reason. While Josslyn is currently navigating life without Dex, Eden is likely looking at how to evolve her career beyond the soap world eventually.
Next steps for fans and followers:
- Follow their individual socials: To get the most accurate updates, watch their personal Instagram accounts rather than relying on tabloid rumors.
- Support their new projects: When Evan pops up in a new series or Eden takes on a film role, that's where the real story is.
- Respect the boundary: If they choose not to talk about their dating life, it’s usually because they want the work to speak for itself.
The "Jex" era might be over on screen, but the impact Evan and Eden had on the show—and each other—is something that won't be forgotten anytime soon. Whether they are a couple or just two people who shared a very intense, transformative experience, they’ve earned the right to navigate their 20s on their own terms.