by Dan J Kroll

Posted Wednesday, April 23, 2008 1:10:54 AM

General Hospital fans will be in for a bit of a surprise over the next week when a new actor steps into the role of Patrick Drake. But fear not, GH fans. The recast is only temporary.

Jason Thompson

Jason Thompson (Patrick Drake) will be off the canvas for four episodes beginning April 23rd. While he's away, the role of Dr. Patrick Drake will be temporarily recast with Ethan Erickson holding down the part. Thompson will return to the role on May 2nd.

Erickson is not a newcomer to daytime television. He appeared from 1996 to 1998 as Anthony James Chamberlain on CBS's Guiding Light. He also earned fans for a recurring role as Percy West on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. More recently, Erickson could be seen on the primetime soap Fashion House.

The Canadian-born Thompson checked in to General Hospital in 2005.

The reason for Thompson's exit is said to be "personal reasons." No additional details were given.