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Credit: Bravo

Jax Taylor‘s announcement regarding his exit from The Valley reportedly came as a shock to the series’ cast.

Hours after Jax, 46, confirmed he was “stepping away” from the Vanderpump Rules spinoff to focus on his sobriety and his son, four-year-old Cruz, whom he shares with his estranged wife, Brittany Cartwright, 36, a couple of insiders have shared his co-stars’ reactions and weighed in on the possibility that he’ll one day return to the show.

“[The] cast was absolutely blindsided by this news,” an insider told PEOPLE on July 16. “They were not given any advance notifications about his exit. Most of the cast were notified that filming was going to begin at the end of the summer, and they expected Jax would be a part of the new season because — even as lately as yesterday — he hadn’t said otherwise.”

“This is a huge surprise,” the source added.

As fans may have seen, Jax shared the news of his departure from The Valley after just two seasons on Wednesday.

“After an incredibly challenging year and many honest conversations with my team and producers, I’ll be stepping away from the next season of The Valley,” he said in his statement to Us Weekly on July 16. “Right now, my focus needs to be on my sobriety, my mental health, and coparenting. Taking this time is necessary for me to become the best version of myself — especially for our son, Cruz.”

During production on the second season of The Valley, Jax was seen in the fallout of his split from Brittany as he entered rehab for mental health and addiction, and Brittany officially filed for divorce. He was also seen lashing out at Brittany in violent and abusive outbursts, which led many fans to demand he be fired.

Although it is unclear whether Jax’s exit from The Valley was his own decision or if he was pushed out due to his controversial behavior, a second insider suggested that his season three absence may not mean that he won’t ever return to the series.

“Everyone wants him well, in a better place, and is supportive of his journey,” an insider told Page Six. “Everyone is hoping for the best.”

The Valley season two airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on Bravo.