SOAP SCOOP Daytime TV news

MARY BETH EVANS MOVES: Mary Beth Evans, who has played Sierra on "As the World Turns" without much of a storyline during her four years as a recurring character, will have a whole new look starting next month. She's set to portray one of Asa's doctors -- as he attempts to regain his mansion -- on "One Life to Live." It's unclear how long this role will last, but the actress is a perennial daytime favorite, having played Kayla on "Days of Our Lives" and Katherine on "General Hospital."
MYSTERY UNFOLDING: The strange events on "Guiding Light" centering on Roger Thorpe continue with the arrival of Doug Hutchinson as Sebastian, a stranger with a message. The actor debuts Sept. 28. Hutchinson has starred in "The Practice" and "Party of Five" on television and has film credits including "The Green Mile" and "I Am Sam."
BACK TO WORK: "Passions' " new real-life parents, Justin Hartley (Fox) and Lindsay Korman Hartley (Theresa) will soon return to the show now that baby Isabella has arrived. Justin comes back Sept. 27, while Lindsay reappears two weeks later on Oct. 11.
FAMILY AFFAIR: Shaun Benson is playing Heather Webber's son, Steven Lars Webber, on "General Hospital" as part of the storyline featuring Carly and Durant, her purported father. Webber is Durant's associate, and the timing of his arrival is also expected to have an impact on the antics of his wacky mom. Mick Cain returns Tuesday to "Bold and Beautiful" as C.J.
NEW SHOW: SoapNet is offering its own take on reality television with a new half-hour series, "1 Day With ... " that follows soaps' hottest stars for a day. Host of the program, which has been guaranteed at least 10 episodes, is "GH's" Wally Kurth (Ned), and guests include Ingo Rademacher (Jax, "GH") and Peter Reckell (Bo, "Days").
& copy;2004 Tribune Media Services Inc.