'General Hospital' Star Jason Thompson Joins 'The Young and the Restless' as New Billy Abbott

Jason Thompson is headed to Y&R.

Jason Thompson, who recently taped his final episodes as Dr. Patrick Drake on ABC soap opera General Hospital, has already booked his next gig. As rumored, Thompson has signed on to the play Billy Abbott on the CBS daytime drama The Young and the Restless.

According to EW.com, the five-time Emmy-nominated Thompson will begin airing on Y&R in January. He will replace Burgess Jenkins, who recently revealed he was exiting daytime's the top-rated drama.

“I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to work with Jason again,” said executive producer Jill Farren Phelps, who previously served as an EP on General Hospital. “He’s an exceptional actor and a wonderful human being. He will bring so much to the character and we’re thrilled to welcome him to The Young and Restless family.”

“Jason Thompson is an incredibly gifted actor and we are thrilled to welcome him,” added CBS’ head of daytime Angelica McDaniel. “Playing the pivotal role of Billy Abbott, Jason joins the talented cast of The Young and the Restless as the show celebrates an unprecedented 27 consecutive years as daytime’s No. 1 drama.”

"I have made the difficult decision to bid farewell to a character I've loved playing for over 10 years," Thompson wrote on Instagram in October. "It was not an easy decision but I feel like it's time to hang up Dr. Patrick Drake's white coat and scrubs. I want to thank Frank Valentini, Vicki Dummer and Paul Lee for their support and appreciate their understanding. To everyone at ABC, the General Hospital crew, producers, writers, directors, my beloved cast mates and those in my home away from home, the make-up room, I can't possibly begin to tell you what you mean to me."

What do you think of this casting move? Is Thompson perfect for Billy? Totally wrong? Not sure? Weigh in below in our Comments section.