The daytime drama Somerset has reached into Guiding Light's glory days of the 1970s to cast the latest role, which began on Somerset's 35th episode.

ELVERA ROUSSEL, best known to daytime audiences as Hope Bauer from 1979-83, returns nearly 25 years later to soaps as she takes on the role of Eleanor Morgan, Donna's mother and the one who was making mystery calls to Donna before and during her return to Washington.

"As it turns out, there was nothing suspicious about Donna's calls," said Steve Ungrey, Somerset's creator and head writer. "It was merely her mother checking up on Donna to see how the interview went. She's dying to hear more about Donna's new man and remind her that she's still sorting out some things about her love life.

The role is contract. Welcome Roussel back to daytime, as she makes her full-time debut in the 37th episode of Somerset, which will premiere later today.