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PLUS: One Actress Leaves Soap

Tulsa, OK – (July 7, 2007) - "It came down to the wire," says "The Guiding Light" executive producer Josh Hawkins when speaking about the return of Melina Kanakaredes who portrayed Eleni Andros Cooper from 1991-1995 on the CBS version of the soap.

"We considered both Jennifer Roswell (who portrayed the character after Kanakaredes left) and Kanakaredes but felt for the limited run it would be more rewarding to see Melina back." Hawkins continued. So what brings Eleni back to Springfield? "Marina of course!" Co-Head Writer Dan Gobble confirms. Graduation and prom (TGL is still on May time) is right around the corner and since we are in a position to bring back the characters who should be here it was just a matter of timing before Eleni came home, Gobble went on to explain.

So how long is Kanakaredes who currently stars on the CBS crime-drama hit "CSI: New York" sticking around the blog? "We were able to keep Melina for at least three episodes, possibly four." Hawkins stated. There will be pre-prom, graduation and then she'll be sharing some very heartwarming scenes with Justin Deas (Buzz) and Frank Dicopoulos (Frank). Could those heartwarming scenes with Frank be a sign of things to come? "Josh and I would love nothing more to bring Eleni back full-time but this is just a visit, there is no room at the inn!" Laughs Gobble.

And no room at the inn is the problem, as Pamela Reed (Sandra) exits the canvas very quietly. "I take full responsiblity for this story and it not being told to full capacity." Said Hawkins. Reed who starred as Gail Green on "Jericho" last season was brought on as the mysterious Sandra in November 2006. "I had a story in place when I brought the character to the canvas, but when Dan joined the writing team things changed!"

Hawkins goes on to say that Reed was supposed to be a Maureen Bauer look-a-like that would cause a rift between Ed and Holly but as history would have it, it was Holly's ex Roger that caused that rift. "The thing is that the actress is gone, the character won't be seen but she'll be mentioned as storyline requires, she is after all Braxton's mother."

Braxton who is represented by Jason Shane Scott is beginning worked into the teen canvas as the love interest for Spaulding princess and SONBC Award Winning Younger Female Character Lizzie Spaulding (Marcy Rylan.)

There however, won't be any dramatic exit for Reed or Sandra O'Dell but her story is not over quite yet. "Reed has agreed to return as Sandra in November or December for a dramatic storyline twist that will rock Springfield." Teased Hawkins.

Look for Melina Kanakaredes to appear in Episode 76, 78, 79 and possibly the 80th episode of the blog.

- The teen crew goes through life changing moments!

- Olivia and Phillip's tryst is exposed and you'll never guess how!

- AS THE WORLD TURNS legal-eagle shows up in Springfield!