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‘The Young and the Restless’ Spoilers: The New Billy Abbott Unveiled This Week — Jason Thompson Takes Over the Role

By Chrissie Williams
Published on: 06:32 PST, Jan 10, 2016

The Young and the Restless spoilers revealed a big cast change this week — Jason Thompson will finally step into the iconic role of Billy Abbott. The long away swap is finally here, as Burgess Jenkins aired his last episode on January 8. Jason Thompson will debut on the CBS daytime drama on January 13, reports TV Over Mind on Sunday. Jason Thompson’s fans are anxious to see him excel in the role, and have counted the weeks until he debuted as the new Billy.

Jason Thompson’s fans are looking forward to seeing him excel in the role, and have counted the weeks until he debuted as the new Billy. His fans are well acquainted with him after a decade-long stint portraying Dr. Patrick Drake on General Hospital. Not only has he worked with Steve Burton (Dylan McAvoy on Y&R), but previously worked with executive producer Jill Farren Phelps. Jason noted one of the reasons for the soapy swap was to work with Steve Burton, Kelly Sullivan (Sage Warner on Y&R) and Phelps.

The one fact The Young and the Restless fans cannot understand is how the soap opera will explain the apparent change in Billy Abbott’s look. For a while, Celeb Dirty Laundry reported on rumors that Billy would have facial plastic surgery in an attempt to explain his change in appearance, making way for Jason Thompson to step into the role.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BAS7ub7jnJR/?taken-by=youngandrestlesscbs

For the past few months, Billy Abbott has taken up gambling, picked up the bottle, and launched a cyber virus on Newman Enterprises. These new bad habits led to his encounter with Gil (the bookie) and hit and run accident. Jason Thompson sat down with Soap Opera Digest and revealed critical information about Billy’s new mindset after recovering from the traumatic brain injury.

Here’s what we know about Jason Thompson’s debut as Billy Abbott. He will have a risky surgery, and according to the rumors, that’s when the actor swap happens. Burgess Jenkins was seen going into surgery on Friday — however, when surgery is complete, Thompson will be the new Billy. The Young and the Restless spoilers did not mention Billy would need plastic surgery, although there is always a possibility. Thompson revealed that Billy will have a new outlook on life, and will be eager to make significant life changes — especially concerning his relationship with ex-wife, Victoria Newman (Amelia Heinle) and brother, Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman).

Jason Thompson noted a few months ago that he had some anxiety about taking over such an iconic role such as Billy Abbott. Jason realized the Y&R fans had watched Billy since his birth on the show, and expected him to behave and react to his surroundings in a certain way. Thompson wanted The Young and the Restless fans to know he hopes to live up to the Billy Abbott standard.

In preparation for the role, Jason was coached by some who knows Billy Abbott well, Billy Miller (Jason Morgan, GH Ex-Billy Abbott, Y&R). He filled him in on significant history of the iconic role, including information about his daughter’s death that led to his depression and alcoholism. Thompson explained to CBS Soaps in Depth that Miller’s help was an invaluable resource, and helped him greatly in the early weeks of portraying Billy Abbott.

Burgess Jenkins exited the role of Billy Abbott on Friday, January 8, and Jason Thompson will debut on Wednesday, January 13. Jason Thompson hopes his portrayal of Billy Abbott will be well-received, and the fans will learn to accept him in the role. Jason will be a great addition to the CBS daytime drama — after all, he is a seasoned vet in the soap opera world, and will bring charisma to the iconic role of Billy Abbott.

[Photo by Phillip MacCallum/Getty Images]

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