Fiona Hutchison:It's very exciting to be here and I've been looking forward to it for a while. My husband and I have been vacationing on Catalina Island with  two little boys, and now we're in Los Angles before coming back to New York.

Marty2634: Hello Fiona. Did you enjoy portraying Gabrielle on One Life To Live?

Fiona Hutchison:Very much, very much indeed. At times I miss her. It was very exhausting playing that role, though.

JezzFan:Have you seen "The Buzz and Jenna Fanpage" or "The Fiona Fest Homepage" yet? You have quite a fan following out here in cyberland! We all  think your a great actress and personally, I wish you many more years of acting success.

Fiona Hutchison:Wow! No, I haven't seen it and I wasn't aware of it, but now I'm  really intrigued!

Topaz2_97:What sort of storyline would you like to be involved in?

Fiona Hutchison:  Something exciting! LOL! I'm very bored right now! I do believe that Jenna has far more potential than we're seeing at the moment. After all, she did come onto the show as a jewel thief. So I don't think it takes a great deal of  imagination to come up with some Machiavellian stuff! I'll take anything that's a bit more fun than what's happening at the moment.

Marty2634: Is your husband still involved in acting in any capacity?

Fiona Hutchison:  Yes, very much so. He just guest starred with Dan Ackroyd in Soul  Man, and he is producing an evening of theater in the fall, which he will be performing in as well. And he continues to audition for prime-time pilots that Warner Bros. is working on, and I think, one of these days, we'll see him on a more regular basis. Of course, there's always the role of Father Tony, which my  husband played on One Life To Live back in the good old days!

Marty2634:What was your favorite storyline to act in on One Life To Live?

Fiona Hutchison: Well, the Max and Gabrielle storyline was very powerful. Although  anytime I had confrontational scenes with Phil Carey, who plays Asa, those were a lot of fun for me.

Topaz2_97:What's the funniest thing that has ever happened on the GL set?

Fiona Hutchison:  LOL! (Evil snicker!) Our cloning storyline! That's probably got the most laughs on set to date. It's certainly the source of many a joke, unfortunately.

Topaz2_97: What do you think about the cloning storyline? Does Jenna need a clone?

Fiona Hutchison: LOL! I certainly don't think Jenna needs a clone! I certainly hope she never needs a clone! With all due respect to my fellow costars, she's brilliant, but the storyline itself is such a hard pill to swallow. The credibility of it is so hard to swallow. You're doomed before you begin. That's my opinion. Maybe I'll be shot for my opinion, but I care about the show. I think Kim is brilliant and if anyone could pull it off, it's Kim — but, really! Expecting miracles.

I think in support of why they did it, I understand the why, they did it because it would be a real eye-catcher, which it was. But perhaps this is the wrong type of show for it to truly fly. Guiding Light is a very down-to-earth show, and I think its audience, you know they'll take an awful lot, but I think it's just not a farcical show, it's a very real show. Any responses to what I'm saying?

DreaV74: So, what's a normal day like for you?

Fiona Hutchison:I'm up at 5:30, I'm at the studio by 6:45. We have dry rehearsal where I look at the script, usually for the first time, and go over changes with thedirector, and go over blocking. And then we rehearse in front of the cameras for blocking at about 10 o'clock. Then from 12 to 1 we break for lunch. And then in the afternoon we start taping the show. And that can take us into the evening, 7or 8, depending on how intricate the show is or how big the scenes are.

Deenee_98:Are Jenna and Buzz soul mates? I love the chemistry between you and Justin Deas. Is it fun working with him or hard?

Fiona Hutchison: It's a lot of fun working with him and there is a great deal of chemistry. He's tremendous to work with, best partner I've ever had.

Sallymander67:How much fun is Justin Deas in real life?

Fiona Hutchison:He's a lot of fun! He's an awful lot of fun. Tremendous father, two sons, and his wife Margaret I adore. She's a wonderful woman, very funny. He's got a great sense of humor. Good company.

Deenee_98:Fiona, can you think of anyone on GL that you haven't worked with
         and would like to?

Fiona Hutchison:  I would like to work with Kim in a one-on-one storyline. Very much. Perhaps Jenna can somehow trip up the clone. But I would love to work with Kim, I'm very fond of her.

Colemanjune20:Welcome back! How soon will it be before your baby arrives on the show?

Fiona Hutchison:Very soon, I think airing this week.

Stephie_1998:Do you ever think about returning to One Life to Live?

Fiona Hutchison:Yes. I'm not allowed to say any more than that.

Topaz2_97: Do you prefer comedy or drama, in general?

Fiona Hutchison: In general, comedy. There's no greater feeling or gift than to makesomebody laugh. Comedy is what I like to see. When given the opportunity to do comedy, which I've done mostly in theater, it's such a high to have an audience  laughing and happy....and then end up in tears! And my husband is a comedic performer and I think his gift is tremendous.

Java33: Do you ever find it hard to maintain your British accent or do you even care if you lose it?

Fiona Hutchison:I don't work at it and I don't care, this is the accent I have. I've played many other roles with many other accents. It just so happens that in daytime the producers have been happy with my natural accent.

RenaSF: If Jenna comes back with money, will she still be doing detective work with Harley?

Fiona Hutchison:Good question. I must admit there wouldn't be a great need for it, with the exception of the fun and enjoyment she gets out of giving Harley a hard time. So perhaps for fun, yes, but not out of necessity.

Flirt4406: Congratulations on your new baby! Are you getting a more exciting storyline for your return?

Fiona Hutchison: From your mouth to the producers' ears! That's what I was talking about earlier.

Montq_1:Have you kept in contact with Roger Thorpe, your old mate?

Fiona Hutchison:Yes I have. Very much so.

Twomanypets: I remember when you originally played Jenna. Why did you leave the first time?

Fiona Hutchison:I left because my husband got a job in Los Angeles working for Warner Bros. And we had planned to have our first child as well, but we didn't want to live on separate coasts. So I followed my husband for two years.

Aiadc: Do you pay attention to soap critics like Michael Logan?

Fiona Hutchison: I love Michael Logan! He's an outspoken man, you know, and I'm anoutspoken girl, so I suppose there's something in common there. I feel he always backs up his opinions and that's what makes him credible in my book. I only hope to try and back up my opinions! LOL!

Flirt4406: While I love you and Justin together, is there someone you would like  to see Jenna get involved with?

Fiona Hutchison:I have to say that he is my favorite male counterpart on the show. I have to admit that I feel very blessed to be working opposite Justin. But of course, I believe there is a storyline coming around the corner which should spice things up, where another woman comes into the picture. So I'm looking forward to mixing it up a bit.

Tiasnap: What do you feel is the harder of the two: love scenes or highly choreographed fight scenes, and which do you prefer?

Fiona Hutchison:Well, I'm a lover not a fighter so I have to pick the first. But in my book, a good love scene is a highly choreographed fight sequence.

Java33:Just out of curiosity, how many words per minute do you type? LOL!

Fiona Hutchison: I don't type, the typist types. And he would prefer to not write words like Machiavellian!

Twomanypets: What's your favorite part about playing Jenna?

Fiona Hutchison:My favorite part is her dry sense of humor, when it's allowed to surface. She has a tendency to be a bit sarcastic but I like that character.

Tinosf: Do you have a say in Jenna's stories?  I know Rauch loves you (like we all do), so I'm hoping Jenna will be front and center soon.

Fiona Hutchison: Ahh! Can I give you his address and have you send that to him! I love Rauch more than he loves me. I think he's one of the best producers around, daytime or otherwise, and I think there are some exciting things coming down the line from what I've been told.

But no, the performer usually doesn't get involved in which direction a storyline will go. We're paid to say the lines and make them come to life. And the writers are paid to write the story. We all have our little niche. But you can be sure I'vedropped a couple of hints in hopes that things get juicier.

Solid_as_a_Rock: I think you have a lovely voice, have you ever thought of singing?

Fiona Hutchison: LOL! I thought about it, and then the thought disappeared. I did singon the show a couple of times, the character did, and she wasn't meant to be a good singer. And believe me, she wasn't. If I speak the songs, like Richard  Burton used to, I can get away with it.

Java33:Do you ever read any of the GL message boards on the Internet?

Fiona Hutchison:  I have to confess that one of the reasons I'm so pleased to be hereand doing this today is that I'm not a computer wizard. My husband is brilliant with the computer and so is my 21 month old son. But I'm an old-fashioned girl, so it's quite intriguing for me to be doing this.

Catznip:Would you consider the Jenna character to be a gray character, i.e., noton the side of the angels but not a devil either?

Fiona Hutchison:Yes. The only problem I have with that is that gray is not a very exciting color. Now, perhaps silver is in the grey family, I could accept that! A little bit of sparkle and shine. But yes, basically.

Deenee_98:Fiona, is there a way for GL to redeem itself after the clone. At  least they've gotten away from the cloning and now it's more about love and obsession

Fiona Hutchison: Yes. I think yes, there are many ways for GL to move forward. GL last year had a tremendous year. Paul Rauch brought the show right back up in the forefront of everyone's mind. The storylines were excellent. It wouldn't take much. Tremendous performers, excellent writers. I think already, as they start bringing in their next lot of storylines, whatever they may be, it will be rocking and rolling again.

You know, every show, it's impossible to hit a home run every single time. Impossible. And one of the good things that came of the cloning storyline, andcontinues to be a good thing, is that everyone is talking about GL. Whether it's positive or negative, quite frankly, it really doesn't matter. They're thinking of us. I think it was Betty Davis who said, "When I leave the room, for God's sake, speak of me." There's no such thing as bad publicity.

Topaz2_97:If you could relive any time in your life, would you? Which period?

Fiona Hutchison: No, I wouldn't want to relive any period. I'm very happy where I am now. And I look forward to what's down the road. I would like to be able to havea few of the people I love around me again. For instance my mother and father. I would love to be able to have them in my life with me now. Now that I could sit down and talk with them on a completely different level. They died when I was very young.

Wintery_storm: Fiona, seeing you all have long days, how often do families come to visit on the set?

Fiona Hutchison:  Quite often. Both of my sons are with me most days, with a nanny to help me. The newest addition, who is 12 weeks old, is actually playing Buzz and Jenna's new baby. It's a very good show for family.

Powerwriter: What happened to that wonderful woman who played Alexandra the last time. Your friend?

Fiona Hutchison:  Marj Dusay,  good friend.

Love_scarlett_: Have you been in touch with Michael Zazlow since he left GL?

Fiona Hutchison: Yes I have. Quite often.

Topaz2_97:Do you like doing scenes in the diner, or do you sometimes wish it would explode or something so you could work on another set?

Fiona Hutchison:You hit the nail on the head with that one. Please drop a bomb on it as soon as possible! It's the most boring set I've ever been in! But perhaps that works for Jenna's character!....

Catznip: Would you consider the chemistry between Jenna and Buzz to be attributed to that old adage "opposites attract"?

Fiona Hutchison: Yes. Although strangely enough, I'm not sure how opposite we really  are in real life. But yes, the characters are quite clearly complete opposites.

Marty2634: Hello Fiona, did you always want to be an actress when you were growing up?

Fiona Hutchison:No. I wanted to be a ballerina. But as fate would have it, I fractured my spine. And I just wanted to continue to perform in any way, shape or form that I could. And that's when I discovered I could use my voice, which in classical ballet obviously you don't.

Nash93: Would you ever consider leaving GL to become a full-time mom?

Fiona Hutchison:Well, I am a full-time mom anyway! I don't think that just because you work that makes you any less than a full-time mom. They're with me all day long at the studio and all night long at home. I feel very, very lucky. I'm very fortunate. The show is very welcoming. It won't go on like this obviously, the children will grow and go to school at some point. But for now, it's tremendous.

Topaz2_97:Do you want to see Jeffrey return to the show to move on with the baby storyline?

Fiona Hutchison:Yes, yes, yes. YES. Did I make myself clear? 'Cause I don't really know how we can carry on the baby storyline without him showing up. We've got to have some conflict in there somewhere, otherwise, here comes the midday nap!

Marty2634:Hello Fiona, how much of your real-life experiences have you brought to your roles on daytime TV?

Fiona Hutchison:LOL! Ummm. I think it's the other way around. It's what all these brilliant writers have created for my characters to do that has given me rehearsal time for what then hits me in real life.

RenaSF: Justin is such a private person, and you seem so willing to do publicity, talk to the fans, etc. Do you enjoy the celebrity part of being a soap star?

Fiona Hutchison: Yeah, I have no problem with it. I think it's marvelous to have a job where one gets paid to go to work and be pulled together (i.e., hair, makeup) by other people, and have people care about you being there. I feel that publicity is a necessary part of being a performer. Although I respect and understand performers like Justin who are shy, basically. The truth is that he's very shy and they don't feel comfortable with it. I think one should only do what one feels comfortable with. So I do all the jabbering for both of us!

Pakizahn23_44: Do you, or any of your castmates ever improvise scenes or do you stick to what's written?

Fiona Hutchison:Justin and I improvise all the time, with due respect to the writing.  We try not to go too far afield, but sometimes it's organic and it just happens.

VivianHsu:Did you ever consider acting in movies?

Fiona Hutchison:Yes, I've done probably seven films. And most of them have played on HBO or Cinemax, after short releases in the theater.

Lemonlime2000:You're really pretty. Have you ever thought of going into  modeling?

Fiona Hutchison:Too old for that, dear. You've got to be 19. But thank you for the compliment.

Wintery_storm: Have there ever been cast fights over the script?

Fiona Hutchison:Yes, yes. Well, there's a lot of bellyaching from time to time. But that's a very necessary part of the process. And in my opinion should never be taken too personally by anyone. You have to vent when you're getting ready to perform sometimes. Sometimes you need to air everything out. And what better place than complaining about the writing. Because it's easy and it's there. Not because it's fair.

Deenee_98: Were you in a movie called American Gothic with Yvonne de  Carlo ? That movie freaked me out. Was it fun to do a thriller?

Fiona Hutchison:  And Rod Steiger. It was fun amazingly fun to work with Rod Steiger. And Yvonne de Carlo is a trip. And Michael J. Pollard is an even bigger trip. It was quite an experience.

Marty2634:Hello Fiona. What motivates you to give a good performance on daytime TV?

Fiona Hutchison:The same thing that motivates me to give the best performance no matter where I am, daytime, prime time, film, somebody's living room. I just want it to be good, worth watching. Otherwise, I better get out of the business and start arranging flowers in a flower shop. Which by the way I would love to do as a hobby. Nothing wrong with arranging flowers in a flower shop!

DreaV74: You seem so confident and self-assured, have you always been like that, or does that come with life and experience, and with being an incredibly beautiful actress?

Fiona Hutchison:  Oh wow! No, I've not always been confident or self-assured. ButI've always strived to become confident and self-assured. And yes, the longer I live, the longer I manage to hang in here, I suppose the easier it gets, because Idon't care anymore what people think of me personally. I care about what they think of my product or my performances I'm giving out. With age, if we're lucky, we care less and less about what people's opinions are of us at the end of theday. At the end of the day the only person you have to satisfy is yourself.

And that sounds so easy, but for me, it's been one of the hardest things to
accomplish because I'm very hard on myself. So I continue to learn to lighten up a bit. On myself. I don't know if that answers your question, but it was from the heart. And thank you for the very lovely compliment.

TVGEN: Fiona, thanks for joining us tonight.

Fiona Hutchison: So, you know, be happy, be safe, be well.

TVGEN: We will. We'd also like to thank all of you for joining us tonight and sending in your questions.