Liza Huber is back! When Passions debuted on July 5, 1999 Liza Huber created the role of socialite Gwen Hotchkiss. In the fall of 2000, Liza decided to vacate the role when she moved back home to New York. Now, Liza is back at her old stomping grounds and she couldn't be more thrilled. We caught up with Liza and found out why she left "Passions," why she's back, and why everything is different this time around! And make sure to mark your calendars for Wednesday, October 16 when Liza makes her grand return as Gwen?

You've been away from "Passions" for about two years. How did you spend this time?

When I first got back to New York, I got engaged relatively quickly. I had decided to put my career on hold and was very happy with that decision. I went down to Florida and rode horses for a while, but then I decided that wasn't what I wanted to do. I came back home and decided to get back into acting classes. I began studying with Alan Savage, who is one of the top coaches in the country. I loved it-it was amazing. And then unfortunately, we all went through September 11, in which I lost a good friend. Not long after that, we called off our wedding. That was a true blessing. And then I was fortunate enough to sign with Ford Models in their commercial and print division. In January, Jackie Briskey (Passions' Casting Director) called and asked if I wanted to come back. I thought about it for a while and then the ball got rolling a few months after that. So, it was a really busy time. It was a big growth time for me. And now I'm really excited to pick up where I left off.

How have you grown and changed in the last few years?

I was really young, and certainly always very grateful for my opportunities, but now even more so. You realize how important it is to be true to yourself-and to not give up things for other people. In a relationship you need to blend your lives together, but you never want to compromise yourself. That's what I had done and it was wrong. This past year has been a complete rediscovery. My friendships are very solid, my relationship with my family is stronger than ever, my work has grown tremendously, and I'm a much better person. I would go through it all a hundred times over. You have to go through hard times to get stronger.

What was your reaction when you got the call from "Passions"?

Ironically, it was just one of those days when you're walking on cloud nine. Ford Models had signed me that same day. I was on my way home from a photo shoot with Ford, and Jackie called me on my cell phone. I met my parents for dinner and said I had quite a day! I was so excited that they asked me back. I had to think about it for a little bit, but I was thrilled at the opportunity to pick up where I left off.

What are you most looking forward to about being back on "Passions"?

First of all, just working-to be able to do what I love to do. And now more than ever, I know that I'm doing it for myself. Having taken some time off and tried some other things, I'm looking forward to starting off on my own terms and doing things my way.

When you came back onto the set, what was it like to be back?

I had to go for a wardrobe fitting before I started taping. As I was driving down the street the studio is on, I started getting butterflies in my stomach. I was nervous, but then I ran into Dana Sparks (Grace) in the parking garage and she gave me a big hug and welcomed me back. Everyone was that way. I really felt like no time had passed. It's a very fortunate situation in this business to be somewhere that you're welcome and wanted. It's such a blessing. I appreciate that more than ever.

When you left, Travis Schuldt was playing the role of Ethan. Now Eric Martsolf has assumed the role. How does it feel to be coming back to a new Ethan?

I think it's going to be great-it presents a new challenge. Eric and I hit it off right away. And I think he's doing a fantastic job.

Are you excited about getting to work with Andrea Evans (Rebecca) again?

I'm so excited. She and I hit it off so well, and we have great chemistry. She's a blast to work with.

Have you gotten any reaction from fans that are excited about your return?

It's really amazing. Since I left, people have stopped me more than ever and told me that they missed me! The response has been very positive and wonderful.

What do you hope the future holds for Gwen?

I want to see her reclaim her strengths and her smarts. I want to make sure she keeps a sense of intelligence, in whatever situations she's drawn into. I'd love to see her at work more and dealing with her job. I'd also love to see another love interest for Gwen-to make Ethan jealous! It's funny; the audience always wanted Hank and Gwen to be together. So who knows? But most of all, I'd like her to uphold her strength and intelligence.

What do you hope the future holds for Liza Huber?

Rather than trying to plan things out, I think I would just like to follow my heart. I want to let life surprise me.