A Tale of Two Todds? Roger Howarth Returning To 'One Life to Live'

Will Roger Howarth Reclaim the Role of Todd Manning?

After months of speculation often denied by ABC reps, it was confirmed today that Roger Howarth will return to One Life to Live reports Soap Opera Digest. The Emmy-winning actor begins filming in May. “I am looking forward to returning to OLTL,” says Howarth. “We are going to have a lot of fun telling this story and I am excited to see how it will unfold.”

Last summer, rumors of the actor’s return to OLTL began after production wrapped on CBS’ As the World Turns, where Howarth spent seven years playing Paul Stenbeck. Though reports put the actor as actually on set taping ready for a fall 2010 return, such rumors were denied by ABC. In September, an ABC rep was quoted as saying, “There are no plans for Roger to return to OLTL.”

Last month, ABC Soaps In Depth delved deeper into the story as the rumor mill continued to swirl about a possible Howarth return. According to their sources, as reported in the March 7 edition of Soaps In Depth, Howarth would in fact be returning to the soap, and that current portrayer Trevor St. John would not renew his contract upon its expiration in April. SID asked Erika Slezak (Vicki) her thoughts on Howarth’s rumored return. “I’d love it. I think it would be brilliant. Roger brings a whole different dimension to the character. It would be fascinating to see Howarth and St. John together and have Viki in the middle.”

Details regarding the actor’s return are still being worked out. It’s also unknown whether Howarth will reprise the role of Todd or if something more crafty is in store for fans. One Life executive producer Frank Valentini is “thrilled” to have the actor back, and teases fans with what’s to come. “As viewers know, Trevor St. John has been playing the role of Todd Manning since 2003. We have a great story planned that will involve both actors.”

Howarth originated the role of the dark and dastardly Todd Manning back in 1992, playing the catalyst to the show’s groundbreaking (and controversial) rape storyline involving the character of Marty Saybrooke (played by Susan Haskell). Over the next decade, Howarth would come and go from OLTL before eventually departing the series for good in 2003, joining As the World Turns.

Howarth earned one Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Younger Actor in 1994, and two nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in 2004 and 2005 while on ATWT.