Actress Fiona Hutchison is perhaps best known for her critically acclaimed roles on the dramatic popular ABC serial, 'One Life To Live', as the terribly misunderstood villainous "Gabrielle Medina" and of course, her Emmy-nominated portrayal of “Jenna Bradshaw” on The CBS serial  'Guiding Light'. Hutchison is also an accomplished actress who has appeared in numerous feature films and theater productions. She is currently living with her husband, playwright John Viscardi, and their two sons Trevor and Hutch, in New York City. Romance Classics provides an oasis of entertainment for women 24 hours a day. It is “Time Out TV” that helps women reconnect, refocus and rediscover the issues that are most important to them: family, relationships, romance, well-being and new experiences. We sat down with Fiona recently, over some richly smooth Earl Grey, and chatted candidly about her latest endeavor.

UPBEAT:So how did 'Tea With Fi' come about?
Fiona Hutchison: "Actually it was rather interesting. I recently hosted a program called 'Royal Families Of The World' for Romance Classics about a year ago and it was very well-received. I was asked to promote the show in Chicago for some of the affiliates. While I was there I pitched an idea that I had been developing for quite some time called now, 'Tea With Fi'. And they absolutely loved it."

UPBEAT:Describe 'Tea With Fi' for us.
Fiona Hutchison: "It's like 'Sex In The City' meets afternoon tea. (laughs) Actually, it's an oasis of sorts. A place to take your shoes off, let down your hair and feel comforted in the knowledge that you are certainly not alone. Amidst Darjeeling and Earl Grey, one can allow one’s self to bathe in the knowledge that women do have several needs and desires. I think there's an American perception about having tea that's perhaps a bit off. The British version of afternoon tea is not this aristocratic rather stuffy atmosphere where one must adhere to a strict moral code and don frilly white gloves. Tea is really meant to invoke stimulating conversations and fascinating musings. One unwinds a bit during tea. It's really much more fun than one might assume based on the stereotype."

UPBEAT:So having tea is more like having coffee?
Fiona Hutchison: "Exactly. But I personally find tea to be far more soothing than coffee."

UPBEAT:You really seem to enjoy being a host.
Fiona Hutchison: "Oh yes, it's something that I have always enjoyed. I filled as a host on the now defunct Fox morning show, 'Fox After Breakfast' with Tom Bergeron (Hollywood Squares) for an entire week. I got to work out with Jean Claude Van Damme, laugh, tell jokes... it was truly a wonderful experience. I had such fun. And I can honestly say that I've always been rather intrigued by talk show hosts and whole the process of hosting in general. They really do have the best jobs. To be able to chat with all types of engaging people and create a sort of "comfort zone" is such a gift. Take Jay Leno for example. I think he's done so well on late night because he's such a warm, witty person. Jay makes it all seem so effortless. He's really just enjoying himself immensely, and you can easily pick up on that. He loves his work and of course his guests can sense that as well, and they in turn relax and enjoy the interview. I find that to be such a rare talent. David Letterman is like a mischievous "little boy" to me, but in a charming way. He's also very handsome and intelligent and his sense of humor is exceptional. I love it when Letterman brings his mom on the show and sends her off on assignment. She's such a sweet woman."

UPBEAT:Okay so let's take a flying leap into left field here, which late night talk show host is your all-time favorite, hands down? 
Fiona Hutchison: (laughs) "Wow. That is a leap into left field... not! (laughs) That's a tough one but even though I adore both Jay Leno and David Letterman, I'd still have to go with Conan O'Brien. I think he's absolutely hysterical. That show is so brilliantly written. And Andy is such a Teddy Bear, he's the perfect side kick. Again, they make it all such fun. I think we accomplish that on 'Tea With Fi' as well. I like to mix things up a bit and keep it all interesting (laughs). It's actually a bit juicier than what daytime audiences have grown accustomed to. I want the show to reflect a unique style and elegance, with a touch of good old-fashioned wit and charm with a bit of fun thrown in for good measure. This isn't your average "talk show". We're going to teach our audience the fine art of taking tea. The conversation comes naturally once you've had a spot of tea. We're going to be shooting throughout New York city in various "Tea Houses", which have, quite frankly, become just as popular as "Coffee Houses". I want my audience to embrace the idea of taking tea, and in the process perhaps discover a common bond with my guests. I really think that 'Tea With Fi' with strike a universal chord."

UPBEAT:Any other projects in the works? Perhaps a trip back to daytime? The fans would love to see you return as Jenna? 
Fiona Hutchison: (laughs) "My but I am the busy one these days, aren't I? Well, as I have always said, I would never say never to daytime, how could I? I love the medium and I absolutely adore the fans. They are so very supportive and giving. Jenna Bradshaw of course is dead, but as we all know, no one ever really dies in daytime (laughs). So, yes, I would love to someday return and work with Paul Rauch, who has been amazing to work with over the years, as you know we worked together on 'One Life To Live' as well as 'Guiding Light', my dear friend Justin Deas (Buzz Cooper), who is such a crack up. Or perhaps I could stir the pot a bit at 'One Life To Live' as Gabrielle. I think Jill (Farren Phelps) has done so much for that show and I loved working with her at 'Guiding Light'. There are so many interesting possibilities on the horizon for me. Perhaps even a stint on prime time. I'm certainly leaving my options open. But for now, I'm focusing on my beautiful children, Trevor and Hutchie, my incredibly supportive husband John and of course, 'Tea With Fi'. As I always say, 'Stay tuned everyone, one never knows." UB