ABC's long-running serial took to the cereal aisle to reveal its big news: Michael Easton (Silas Clay, GH; ex-John McBain, GH/One Life to Live) is returning to General Hospital.

In a video posted on Vimeo, GH executive producer Valentini "accidentally" bumps into the actor in the grocery store and asks if he'd like to return to GH. "You got something good?" Easton asks the exec, to which Valentini responds, "I got something great!"

Easton first appeared in Port Charles back in 2012 as his One Life to Live character, John McBain, after the cancellation of OLTL. He was paired with Kelly Monaco's Sam in a story that fans loved -- possibly because the two were such a huge success together on the now-defunct soap Port Charles. He was later reintroduced as his former Port Charles alter ego, Stephen Clay's, brother Silas after ABC and Prospect Park entered into a lawsuit and his OLTL alter ego could no longer be used.

So will Easton be playing one of his former roles? With the ABC versus Prospect Park lawsuit still making its way through the court, it would appear unlikely that John McBain would be resurrected. And speaking of resurrections, Silas was murdered. Then there's also that whole vampire thing with Caleb Morley.

Shortly before Easton's final airdate, the actor sent the following message to fans: "It always hurts to say goodbye. This sting is lessened because of the time I was able to spend with all of you. Not sure when our paths will cross again but in the meantime, my family and I extend our heartfelt thanks and blessings for all the support and kindness you showed us over the past three years. You made us feel loved and we send our love back to you."

UPDATE: According to a Facebook post made by ABC exec Nathan Varni, Easton will be playing "an exciting new character," details of which will follow later this month.

In teasing the "big announcement," Valentini hinted that viewers should watch Monday and Tuesday's episodes for clues. There has been mention of a "Dixon" in both episodes. Could this be Easton's new role?

UPDATE:
On February 26, Michael Easton shared a photo of his first General Hospital script with the caption "And so it begins." The airdate for that episode is slated for March 18 and it's -- you guessed it -- a Friday.

Who do you think Michael Easton will be playing? Are you excited that the actor is returning? Share your thoughts in the Comments section below, on our message boards, or by submitting Feedback.

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