The Young and the Restless type TV Show network CBS genre Soaps

It’s official, soap fans: Jason Thompson is coming to Genoa City to assume the role of Billy Abbott.

EW has learned exclusively that Thompson — last seen on General Hospital in November as Dr. Patrick Drake — will begin appearing on CBS’ The Young and the Restless in January. He will replace Burgess Jenkins, who recently revealed he was exiting the sudser.

“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.”

In November, Thompson announced via his Instagram page that he was leaving GH after 10 years. “It was a long, emotional, exhausting, thrilling, at times overwhelming day, and I am so grateful for every one of those moments. Change can be exciting and scary all at once. Shake it up … see what comes out.”

After he left GH, soap publications and daytime fans began speculating that Y&R would make Thompson an offer he couldn’t refuse.