Two soap characters of the past are returning to daytime in the coming weeks.

Over on "Bold and the Beautiful," the character of Karen Spencer (Joanna Johnson) is going to bring along her daughter Caroline to the show. Longtime fans of "B&B" may remember that when Johnson first came on the show, she played the role of Caroline, Ridge's first love. Sadly, Caroline succumbed to cancer. Several years later, her surprised identical twin sister returned. Once again, Ridge romanced the character, but of course returned to Brooke or Taylor, or whichever one he was seeing on the side at the time. The new Caroline, Karen's daughter, is named after her late aunt. New Caroline will be a fashion design student that creates problems for the Foresters.

By the way, Johnson has been very busy since leaving "B&B." She created the ABC primetime comedy "Hope and Faith," which starred Kelly Ripa. Johnson has also written several movies and for the most part has done very little acting since her last stop on "B&B" in 2006.

Over on "General Hospital," Heather Weber (Robin Mattson) returns early next month. Heather is a linchpin character. Literally crazy as a loon, Heather will come back to create problems for her biological son, Dr. Steven Weber. Mattson has appeared as "Janet" from another planet on "All My Children." She has also been seen on "Santa Barbara," "Guiding Light" and "Loving." This time around, Heather will have to deal with what she did to her son when he was an infant. W

Working as a nanny for Peter Tailor and his wife Diana, Heather claimed her child by Jeff Weber had died. In fact, she sold the baby to a black market adoption ring. The baby was adopted by the Taylors. For a very long time, no one knew that Heather was the mom of the child the Taylors had adopted. When the secret was revealed, it led to murder and mayhem.

Eventually, like Johnson, Mattson has pursued an interesting career alternative to acting. Mattson truly believed her days as a working actress might be over. She decided to get a culinary degree. Mattson is a marvelous cook, has written two cookbooks an done many television cooking demonstrations, and hosts many a fancy dinner party for friends and family.

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"Young and Restless" is going to do a major Valentine's Day storyline for the characters of Cane and Lily, who are going to remarry in Paris. It will truly be a romantic setting when Katherine decides to foot the bill and bring all their friends for the festivities.

All is not well on the romantic front when it comes to Nikki and Victor, however. Yes, for the 80 millionth time, Nikki and Victor are going to break up. This time, Nikki realizes Victor was behind Chelsea and Anita coming to town.

Nikki is horrified when she realizes how Victor has created havoc in her daughter's life. Chances are you might see a repairing of Nikki and Jack. With Jack in the hospital after being shot by Patty, Nikki has been the only thing that has kept Jack's spirits up. Speaking of Jack, on Feb. 27 Darnell Williams starts his role as Sarge. Sarge is Jack's tough-as-nails physical therapist.

To find out more about Lynda Hirsch and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com.