With "Days of Our Lives" turning 50 this year (how old does that make me feel?), the show continues to bring back gone-but-not-forgotten characters and the actors who play them.

The latest on the "welcome home" list is Ava Vitali (Tamara Braun). Braun, who previously won a daytime Emmy for her work, is already on set and taping. Due to "Days" being so far ahead with its taping schedule, she will not be seen on air until mid-December.

Ava headed out of Salem when she feared being framed for a plane crash that killed several Salemites. Crushing on John, she used her feminine wiles to try to create trouble in his already-strained marriage with Marlena. She and Nicole were best friends when Nicole was as bad as bad could get.

Braun also played Taylor on "Days." Her other soap credits include "General Hospital" (Carly) and "All My Children" (Reese).

When asked which of her characters meant the most to her, Braun diplomatically replied: "I identified with all of them on a human level. I must find a common human thread with all the characters I play; otherwise, I fear I would be playing a caricature. Carly and Ava were the most dynamic and colorful. Reese was the most normal, yet she had the most historic impact. The storyline I was in with Eden Riegel (who played Bianca Montgomery) was nominated for a GLAAD Award, and I feel very proud of the work that Eden and I did portraying the first same-sex married and parenting couple. We tried to bring honesty and integrity to the story we were given. I was so proud of the show for bringing the issue to the forefront and for being a part of it."

Other actors retuning to "Days" include: Stephen Nichols (Steve Johnson), Peter Reckell (Bo Brady), Alison Sweeney (Sami Brady), Jason Cook (Shawn Brady) and Martha Madison (Belle Black).

No word on how long the characters will stay in Salem or what event brings them back to town. The show's executive producer, Ken Corday, decided that the show needed to rewind.

Although it is not official, set-side rumors have the characters of Clyde, Paige and Aiden saying good-bye. Also leaving is Sonny, a wildly popular character. Freddie Smith, who won a daytime Emmy for his work, decided to exit. It seems highly unlikely the role will be recast.

In the past few years, many new folks came to town but for the most part were rejected by fans. "Days" ratings have been up and down in recent times. The show is the last remaining soap on NBC. Corday, who considers the show his parents' legacy, wants to be certain the show gets another milestone anniversary.

Corday says some characters will return from the dead. Please, let it be Jack. Corday promises any characters who die after this September will not get a second chance at life.

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.