Block's World Turns Again

Hunt Block makes his return to the daytime genre when he reprises the popular role of Craig Montgomery, starting December 19, 2008. Just in time for Christmas, Craig returns to the scene when Paul and Rosanna stumble upon him in Kansas City.

"I was approached a few months ago and they told me 'We killed off Craig back when we first started the show, but we're interested in resurrecting him and we think the time is right for you to come back' ", says Block. "I was reluctant, given my turbulent past relationship with the show, but Dusty [Alford, Headwriter & Executive Producer] wouldn't take 'no' for an answer."

"I'm thrilled to be back," gushes Block. His first scenes air on Friday, December 19, 2008. However, Craig isn't alone. "I actually have Cabot [chuckles]. I thought I had seen the last of that kid until I got the script and 'Oh look, I'm holding Cabot when they find me'. That just complicates things, doesn't it?"

Block was last seen earlier this year on the ABC daytime soap One Life To Live, where he portrayed jaded FBI agent Lee Ramsey.

Smith Returns to His Roots

Another familiar face returning to Oakdale is that of Rex Smith. He'll be reprising the role of Darryl Crawford, the very same role that helped jump start his career. "Dusty [Alford, Headwriter & Executive Producer] called me one day while I was on tour and told me that they had aged Darryl's daughter Carolyn and were wondering if I'd be available to do a very brief cameo," explains Smith. "I had a little time before my tour started, so I flew out to Brooklyn and we taped my scenes in about 2 days".

Now a popular musician that sings to worldwide audiences, Smith was grateful to be able to return to the same studio that he previously called home. "It was a bit of a trip down memory lane. Working with Colleen [Zenk-Pinter] and Kathryn [Hays] again....it just brought back all sorts of wonderful memories". Darryl crawls back into town on Monday, December 22, when Barbara entices him to come make things right with his only living daughter. "She sees Carrie as a lost soul and she hopes that bringing her father back to town will help her find herself again, but like with all of Barbara's elaborate plans, it all goes to hell".

And for all the die-hard fans wondering where Darryl has been since he left Oakdale with baby Carolyn in tow nearly twenty years ago, that will be explained, too. "Darryl's been through alot. I wish they had given me material this powerful the last time I was with the show," says Smith. "It's so dark, yet so real."

Stay Tuned...

-Word has it that a couple of actors are on their way out. More details to come soon.