Grant Aleksander (Phillip Spaulding) of "Guiding Light" is set to return to the show in 2009. Before leaving in 2004, the actor had played the role of Phillip for nearly 15 years. Phillip was murdered in November 2004. Two years later it was revealed that Phillip wasn't really dead; his best friend, Rick Bauer (Michael O'Leary), had kept the emotionally ill Phillip in a sanatorium. Aleksander and O'Leary are best friends in real life. After exiting the show Aleksander directed a few episodes of "As the World Turns" and did a turn on "All My Children."

"I love the show very much. I always have, and when I left I tried to make it clear that there were no hard feelings," Aleksander said in an interview with Soap Opera Weekly. Look for the character to return in January.

http://www.nationalledger.com/artman/publish/article_272623782.shtml

This is wonderful news... Grant is such a gifted, amazing actor who brings so much to the role of Philip Spaulding. With the exit of actors such as the amazing Beth Ehlers and Ricky Paull Goldin, the show really needs to have an actor like Grant return to the canvas to try and get the show back on its original focus. :clap:

GL is a mere shadow of what it used to be. Maybe with Alexsander's return they can get their focus back. Hopefully his return is permanent.

I am looking forward to Phillip's return--it is just what is needed to shake things up in Springfield! Esp Beth and her clingy obsession to be with Alan for his power, but other men for their beds!! :lol:

Tomorrow's the day, isn't it? I heard that Krista Tesreau will be making a few appearances as Mindy Lewis, too. :cool:

So far GL is starting to get a little better, but they still need some work. Maybe with Grant Alexsander back, we'll see more of Mike O'Leary.

Today was a good start, right amount of suspense and tease.....haven't felt that about GL in a LOOOOOOOOOOOONG time