‘GH’ STAR CHARLESON READY TO CHECK OUT

AFTER 45 years “General Hospital” legend Leslie Charleson is finally getting ready to pull the plug on her role at TV’s longest-running soap opera, stunned spies tattle!

The septuagenarian soap queen has decided to walk away from beloved character Monica Quartermaine to devote more time to friends and hobbies, according to sources. “She’s coming up on her

45th anniversary on the show this summer and the word is she’s planning to announce her retirement to coincide with the milestone,” spills an insider. “She’s just turned 77, and as much as she loves this job it’s a big commitment. She’s starting to look to the future and she wants to devote more time to her home, pets, reading, lunches with friends and travel. “It’s going to be very hard to say goodbye to all the wonderful people who’ve been like family, but she’s ready!”

Leslie (circled) marks 45 years this summer The “General Hospital” icon turned 77 in February and is finally retiring, sources say

“General Hospital” co-stars (from left) Laura Wright, Steve Burton, Charleson, Lisa LoCicero and Wally Kurth