Chad Duell says he was never married to Courtney Hope

Chad Duel confuses fans

Chad Duel (Michael Corinthos on General Hospital) and Courtney Hope (Sally Spectra on The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless) were considered the cutie pie celebrity couple by their fans who were elated with the announcement of their engagement and later their unconventional wedding ceremony in October 2021.

The couple was dressed in a red and black Gothic theme which seemed an odd choice for some of their followers but everyone wished them well. Eagle-eyed viewers of The Young and the Restless and General Hospital began noticing in December that the couple had removed images of their wedding and each other from their social media accounts. The rumor mill began suggesting the duo had split up and within a few days it seemed to be confirmed.

Chad Duel's silence was noted

Neither Duel nor Hope made a public statement about their marriage and several soap spoilers said the split was no one's business but their own. Courtney posted an image on social media where she and 3 of her female Y&R castmates were drinking tequila. She shares another where she was giving advice for the New Year.

While Chad remained silent his estranged wife seemed to be giving her followers the impression that life was moving on but on January 30th Duel addressed his current situation while on the Vlog State of Mind with his GH co-star Maurice Benard and said something bizarre. several topics were discussed during the interview including the fact that Benard initially did not warm up to the new Michael but now the men are good friends.

Near the end of the interview, Benard brings up the elephant in the room and Duel broke his silence by giving an answer that has baffled his followers. He says that he and Hope did not really get married and fans now have even more questions than answers. Chad opened a can of worms and now everyone desires details.

Duel sings the praises of Hope

Duel had nothing but praise for his ex and says they still care for one another but says they never signed any papers. What then was the point of the fake ceremony? Were their family members in on the hoax and why would they perpetrate such a fraud on their loyal followers? Duel's actual words were: "We didn't sign anything, we weren't really, like, you know, married or anything, really," Duell said. "It was amicable, kind of just that. And that's all I can really say. We always want the best for each other."

Fans want answers

Courtney did an interview with People prior to the wedding where she shared how Chad proposed to her. She shared how they each said they would be with the other for the long haul but now they have split.. None of this makes any sense and fans of the duo are beyond confused by Duel's explanation.|

Now that Chad has opened this Pandora's box his followers are saying they want the rest of the story. Duel could have remained silent but he has brought the situation to light and has some explaining to do. Did he and Courtney intend to file their papers to become legally married and simply forget or were they tricking everyone from the beginning?

Duel saying they never filed papers does not give a reason for why a 5 year relationship ended only 2 months after the nuptials. Those who watch The Young and the Restless, The Bold and the Beautiful, and General Hospital can only wait and find out whether or not Duel or Hope will be more forthcoming. Be on the lookout for updates to this complex situation.