Later this week A Martinez returns to daytime television with a stint on One Life to Live.

The actor recently chatted with soap opera expert Michael Fairman about the role:

What prompted your decision to come back to daytime and to One Life to Live?
It’s really an interesting show, and so many of the actors on there are actors that I have loved. When I was doing “GH”, I had met most of those actors around ABC functions and the Daytime Emmys. I got to go to a party once for Erika Slezak (Viki), who I think is the most remarkable actress. I have had such a high regard for her and the show. I had met Frank Valentini (executive producer, One Life to Live) back in the day, and when you are in daytime, it’s really a small community.

Even the people I worked with going way back to, “Santa Barbara” they are still working, and you feel like a connection to them even though months and often years go by, without any real conversations. It’s an interesting feeling to walk back into it. Going back to the set of a daytime soap felt so immediately comfortable. It was actually quite surprising.

How long can fans expect your stay in Llanview to be?
I signed a five-week deal and I just finished my last tape day. I think the stories and the scenes will play out over 8 weeks.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.