Monday, August 24, 2009 11:16 PM ET | By Scotty Gore
(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — “One Life to Live’s” longest running cast member announces that she has signed a new contract with the show to keep Viki in Llanview for the foreseeable future.
Erika Slezak has revealed the news to fans on her official website that “I am very happy to be remaining with ‘One Life to Live’ for the next few years – and am looking forward to good stories and lots of fun.”
The actress, who joined “OLTL” on March 17, 1971, portrays the 41-year-old soap’s sole surviving original character Victoria ‘Viki’ Lord. The six time Daytime Emmy winner is the third actress to play the role, which was originated by Gillian Spencer in 1968 (Spencer left the show in 1970, and was replaced for six months by Joanne Dorian).
Speculation spread like wildfire earlier this year that ABC and “One Life to Live” may be planning to put Viki out to pasture by letting Slezak go. However, the actress doused those rumors in her June fanclub newsletter by stating that the show was ready and willing to negotiate a new contract with her.
While details of Slezak’s new contract are sketchy, longtime “OLTL” viewers can rest assured that Viki’s ‘Life’ will continue to go on in Llanview.
“One Life to Live” airs Weekdays on ABC. Weeknights on SOAPnet. Check local listings.
Discussion: Erika Slezak Re-Ups with ‘One Life to Live’