While we’re pretty accustomed to General Hospital dropping unexpected plot twists on us, here’s a real-life shocker we didn’t see coming: Steve Burton has announced he’s stepping away from his longtime role of Jason Morgan.

“Hey everyone,” he casually began an Instagram post that would quickly prove to be more than just any ol’ photo dump. “I wanted to share that I’ll be taking a short break from General Hospital,” he announced.

Why might he be doing so? “I’m newly married and looking forward to spending some quality time with my family,” he explained. Fans will recall that the actor tied the knot with Michelle Lundstrum back in May of last year.

Clearly anticipating that fans would be stunned by this unexpected bit of news, the actor preemptively thanked them for their understanding before giving them something to look forward to. “I’m grateful for all the support and will be back this summer,” he said.

As to exactly how Jason will be written off or how this will impact his budding romance with Britt, only time will tell.

This isn’t exactly the first time that Burton has used social media to make an unexpected announcement. You might recall that back in the spring of 2022, he dropped an Instagram story revealing that he and then-wife Sheree were going their separate ways. “I wanted to clear something up,” he posted at the time. “Sheree and I are separated. She recently announced that she is expecting her fourth child.”

Then came the kicker. “The child is not mine.”

Of course, Burton’s upcoming exit isn’t the first time he’s stepped away from the part he’s played on and off since 1991. In fact, back in 2013 he not only left General Hospital but joined the cast of The Young and the Restless as Dylan McAvoy, the secret son of fan favorite Nikki Newman.