‘General Hospital’ News: Finola Hughes Confirms Jason Thompson Last Air Date Before Christmas

“General Hospital” Jason Thompson is leaving the ABC soap in just a few weeks. It was thought he may be staying throughout February sweeps to wrap up the storylines he is in, but it looks like he will be OUT in just a few weeks. Over the weekend, it was announced that Jason is no longer filming and is officially gone from the hit ABC daytime drama.

Jason Thompson’s last air date will be just before Christmas according to Finola Hughes at the soap opera fan event on Saturday. She revealed that he would NOT be seen at all in January. She expressed sadness that he will be leaving, but he has to do what he feels is best for himself.

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CBS Soaps in Depth reported that Jason Thompson was the number-one pick for the role of Billy Abbott, and could be stepping into the role as early as early 2016. Burgess Jenkins’ contract ends on December 31, so it is very likely that Thompson could be starting to film as early as December 1, 2015, appearing on canvas mid to late January.

Another “General Hospital” news stated that Ian Buchanan could be returning to the ABC soap opera soon. He was at the same soap event and gave a glimmer of hope that Duke Davery may be returning in the future. He said, “Duke is dead, or is he?” Could that be a teaser that Duke may be returning? Buchanan was said to be in talks with a major soap opera for a return. He has worked with “General Hospital,” “Days of Our Lives,” and “Bold and the Beautiful.”

Related: Throwbacks: ‘General Hospital’ The Ice Princess Storyline

Do you think Jason Thompson could be a convincing Billy Abbott? Are you happy about a possible Duke return? Soap Opera Spy will update you as soon as we know the last air date for Jason Thompson as Dr. Patrick Drake.

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