Steve Burton will return to “Common Hospital” after having been fired in November 2021 due to his refusal to get the COVID vaccine. On the time, Burton was certainly one of two actors on the long-running ABC cleaning soap opera who refused to be vaccinated; Ingo Rademacher was additionally fired. (He later sued the corporate, and misplaced.)

Burton made the announcement of his return himself throughout an ABC primetime particular Thursday night time celebrating the present’s sixtieth anniversary.

“Blissful anniversary, ‘Common Hospital,” Burton mentioned as he walked via a doorway, flanked by forged members Laura Wright and Kelly Monaco. “Massive issues are coming to Port Charles.”

Burton performed Jason Morgan on the ABC cleaning soap on and off since 1991, however on the Nov. 19, 2021 episode, a tunnel on Cassadine Island collapsed on Jason, and he’s been presumed useless since. His physique was not discovered, after all. On the time, Selection reported that the present wouldn’t recast Burton’s position.

Burton introduced his “Common Hospital” ouster himself in November 2021. “I wished you to listen to it from me personally.” he mentioned on the time on Instagram. “Sadly, ‘Common Hospital’ has let me go due to the vaccine mandate. I did apply for my medical and non secular exemptions, and each of these have been denied. Which, , hurts. However that is additionally about private freedom to me.”

However he additionally left the door open to return again. “Perhaps someday if these mandates are lifted, I can return and end my profession as Jason Morgan. That may be an honor.”

Burton has been on “Days of Our Lives,” which streams on Peacock, however on Jan. 4, he mentioned he had filmed his last episode.

Earlier this 12 months, throughout a roundtable dialog with “Common Hospital” forged members to commemorate the present’s sixtieth anniversary, Selection requested about the potential for the favored Burton returning to the present. Genie Francis, who’s performed the enduring Laura on the cleaning soap opera on and off for the reason that late Seventies, mentioned: “I actually hope so. As a result of he’s so missed — on display screen and off. You’ve gotta admit, one of many nicest human beings who’s ever been with us.”

Followers will see Jason’s return in early 2024.