(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — “One Life to Live” fans received a pleasant, yet unexpected surprise in the midst of Erika Slezak‘s (Viki) special episode Wednesday celebrating the six-time Daytime Emmy winner’s 40th anniversary with the recently canceled ABC soap. After months of the same dozen or so mid and end show “bumpers” for other cast members being regurgitated and airing repeatedly in episode after episode, “One Life’s” longest-running cast member finally gets her due.  The show unveiled Viki’s new bumper today, airing it not once, but twice. With a voice over from Slezak reminding viewers that “OLTL” “will continue in a moment” and to “stay tuned for scenes” from the tomorrow’s episode, numerous images of her four decades in Llanview filled the screen, while a few familiar notes reminiscent of “One Life’s” 1995-2004 opening theme could be heard in the background.

Slezak joined “One Life to Live” on March 17, 1971, becoming the third actress to portray Victoria Lord, taking over role from Joanne Dorian. Gillian Spencer originated the role when “OLTL” debuted in 1968, only to leave the show in 1970.

Check out the the Slezak/Viki bumper below, courtesy of the OLTLViewersChannel on Youtube.